Tavernetta: Denver Restaurant Spotlight
Located on the bustling platform at Union Station, Tavernetta is an ideal choice for special occasion dining in downtown Denver.
As a commercial real estate broker, it’s my mission to help Denverites open their businesses, but I also want to see them stay open. Drinking and dining establishments experience extremely high rates of turn over and closures compared to other business types. So, what makes a restaurant concept work in this market? In any market? How does a dining establishment stay in business for years and years?
Understanding of our city’s restaurant scene means exploring the existing “greats”. Today, we’ll take a peek at one of Denver’s best loved restaurants: Tavernetta. We’ll explore the menu, architecture and design, and the top-notch service standards that make it one of Denver’s favorite dining establishments since opening in 2017.
If you’re a restauranteur looking to get started here in Denver, this is a place to visit. Sit at the bar and observe the flow, the communication, the service. It’s inspirational.
Service
Whether you’ve worked in hospitality or simply appreciate excellent service, you’ll enjoy the care and attention the staff at Tavernetta provides to each guest. They deliver consistent, detailed service that meets the highest standards of fine dining with an updated approach that invites guests to relax and feel pampered. As a patron, you’re there to be taken care of and that’s a wonderful feeling.
The team works together in a seamless approach to service. It’s not unusual to see a lead Sommelier slicing bread for a table, or a hostess clearing an empty plate as they glide past. The staff communicates and collaborates to produce the best experience possible.
Behind the scenes, continuing education is a huge part of what makes the staff so capable. Everyone on the team gets regular opportunities to learn and grow through classes, trainings, and tastings. No matter who you ask, you’re going to get heartfelt guidance and recommendations.
Menu
In addition to amazing service, Tavernetta has an outstanding menu featuring seasonal dishes and Italian classics such as vitello tonnato and my favorite: Tagliatelle with Maine Lobster.
The wine program is stellar with an incredible Champagne selection and bottles from every corner of Italy. The list changes constantly as new items become available. Restaurants like this get first pick of limited-availability wines from small producers and they do a great job of introducing guests to unkown styles and varieties.
Can’t miss food and wine pairing at Tavernetta
You’ve got to try the Tagliatelle and Maine Lobster with Calabrian chile, preserved tomato, and celery paired with a glass (or bottle) of Graci (Gra-Chi) Etna Bianco. This delicious white wine from Sicily is a blend of Carricante and Catarratto grapes grown in the volcanic soils Mount Etna. The pairing with the red sauce and lobster on this pasta dish is outstanding!
If you prefer something a bit more meaty and robust, you cannot fail ordering the rigatoni with lamb ragu with the Chianti Classico. It’s a match made in Italian food and wine heaven.
Looking for a versatile wine that pairs with everything? Ask the team to recommend a ‘rosato’, or Italian rosé. I loved the La Spinetta ‘Il Rosé di Casanova’ from Tuscany last time I was in.
When it comes to cocktails, the espresso martini and Queen’s Ransom are not to be missed! If you like Italian amaro, or bitter Italian herbal liqueur, make sure you try Cardamaro for a post-meal digestif next time you visit.
If you’re a coffee lover, do as the Italians do and finish your meal with a double espresso with a lemon twist. Delizioso!
Design
Tavernetta’s design is as much about what’s happening outside as in. The entry sits just steps from the train tracks at Union Station and the setting is a blend of urban hustle and oasis.
The restaurant was designed by top Denver architecture firm, Semple-Brown, also known for their work at LeRoux, The Kitchen, and Steuben’s in Denver, Mountain Standard in Vail, and others.
The 4,900 square foot space was inspired by a European mountain chalet aesthetic. With fire places and cozy nooks throughout, it’s all about comfort, elegance, and authenticity.
On the exterior facade, the limestone is meant to showcase a classic, traditional material being used in a modern application. Inside, more limestone and wood finishes with layered glass speak to the Colorado setting while simultaneously transporting us to the heart of Italy.
Visit Tavernetta
Whether you live in Denver or you are just passing through Union Station, you’ve got to drop in.
Happy Hour happens every day, even weekends, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by dinner service. Lunch, one of the best in town, is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Be sure to make reservations online well in advance and get there early if you’re dropping in for bar service or Happy Hour.
Tavernetta also offers options for private dining for groups of 12 to 125 with plenty of ways to make your special occasion exceptional.
The menu may change often, but the experience at Tavernetta is consistent and I know you’re going to love it! When you visit, be sure to let them know that Montana Rae, Real Estate Somm, sent you.
Looking for more like this?
Tavernetta is part of Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey’s James Beard Award Winning Frasca Hospitality Group, which also includes flagship restaurant, Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, Sunday Vinyl (also on the platform at Union Station), and their fast-casual concept, PIzzeria Locale, which is slated for a brand refresh in 2023.
Address: 1889 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (720) 605-1889
Website: tavernettadenver.com
Happy Hour: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Hours: Lunch (Monday - Friday) 11:30 - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
