Finding a truly unique dining experience in a bustling city like Denver can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. Nestled in the charming crook of Writer Square, Red Square Euro Bistro Denver is exactly that – a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Tucked away from the main thoroughfares of Larimer Square and the 16th Street Mall, this delightful bistro requires a little intentionality to find, but the reward is well worth the effort. For those seeking an authentic European ambiance and cuisine in Denver, Red Square Euro Bistro is an unmissable destination.
A Denver Bistro with European Heart
Red Square Euro Bistro boasts one of Denver’s most enchanting restaurant patios, especially when adorned with blooming flower baskets in the warmer months. This beloved spot is the successor to the fondly remembered Little Russian Cafe, which closed its doors in 2003. Owner Steve Ryan and his team then reimagined the space as the Euro Cafe, establishing a vibrant and inviting atmosphere with a signature red interior. While celebrated for their impressive array of house-made vodka infusions and innovative cocktails, the culinary offerings at Red Square Euro Bistro, masterminded by Executive Chef Brandon Becker, deserve equal acclaim. What sets this bistro apart is its commitment to freshness and creativity; menus are printed in-house, allowing Chef Becker the freedom to update dishes spontaneously based on the freshest available ingredients and his culinary inspiration. This means that while certain dishes might evolve, diners can always anticipate a menu filled with wonderful and thoughtfully prepared European-inspired cuisine.
Assortment of flavored vodkas in clear bottles, including dill and horseradish infusions, showcasing Red Square Euro Bistro Denver's unique drink selection
While its extensive vodka selection might lead some to categorize Red Square Euro Bistro as solely a Russian restaurant, this is a delightful oversimplification. Although classic Russian dishes do grace the menu, the bistro’s culinary scope extends broadly across Europe. This results in a diverse and exciting menu that caters to a wide range of palates, offering both familiar favorites and intriguing new tastes.
Hearts of palm prepared like calamari with lemon-caper aioli and cocktail sauce, highlighting the creative seafood-inspired dishes at Red Square Euro Bistro Denver
One such example of this creative approach is their unique take on seafood – the Hearts of Palm. Prepared and presented to resemble calamari, this dish is given a seafood-style treatment with a nori marinade and dusting, accompanied by a zesty cocktail sauce and lemon-caper aioli. It’s a testament to the bistro’s ability to surprise and delight with unexpected culinary twists. For those seeking more traditional European fare, the pierogies at Red Square Euro Bistro will not disappoint.
Close-up of warm and crispy pierogies filled with fava bean, mushroom, and ricotta cheese, showcasing Red Square Euro Bistro Denver's comforting European cuisine
These pierogies are filled with a savory blend of fava bean, mushroom, and ricotta cheese, offering a comforting and perfectly executed classic. Another dish that exemplifies the Red Square touch is their “Stroganoff.” The Red Square “Stroganoff” features tender New York Strip steak combined with whipped Yukon Gold potatoes, cremini mushrooms, and cipollini onions, all for $30. This dish provides a rich and satisfying experience, demonstrating the bistro’s commitment to quality ingredients and flavorful combinations.
Red Square Euro Bistro Denver's Stroganoff dish featuring New York Strip steak, mushrooms, and potatoes, a hearty European classic with a bistro twist
Meat lovers will also find themselves drawn to the Roasted Rack of Lamb. Priced at $32, this dish features succulent lamb paired with sun chokes, spring onion, Swiss chard, and confit fingerling potatoes. The combination of flavors and textures in the Roasted Rack of Lamb is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.
Roasted rack of lamb with sun chokes and potatoes, highlighting the refined meat dishes at Red Square Euro Bistro Denver
One of the most surprising and delightful dishes on the menu is the Steak Tartare. Priced at $12, the Tartare is expertly prepared with black garlic aioli, asparagus, paper-thin radish, spring pickles, and a quail egg. The freshness and balance of flavors in the Steak Tartare make it truly addictive and a must-try for adventurous diners.
Steak Tartare with black garlic aioli and quail egg, showcasing the surprising and flavorful appetizer options at Red Square Euro Bistro Denver
Another standout dish is the Pan Seared Grouper. Chef Becker’s skillful preparation of the grouper includes lobster dumplings, a delicate lobster emulsion, vibrant romanesco broccoli, and chervil. The Pan Seared Grouper is a testament to the bistro’s ability to execute seafood dishes with finesse and creativity.
Pan-seared grouper with lobster dumplings and romanesco broccoli, highlighting the refined seafood entrees at Red Square Euro Bistro Denver
Your European Escape Awaits in Denver
Stepping into Red Square Euro Bistro, with its charming décor, European-inspired menu, and flower-filled patio, truly feels like stepping into a bistro in Europe. The surrounding ambiance of Writer Square, with its narrow walkways and cobblestone feel, further enhances this illusion. While Red Square Euro Bistro Denver might require a little extra effort to locate, the experience it offers is undeniably worth seeking out. Located at 1512 Larimer Street, Unit R38, Red Square Euro Bistro is ready to transport you to a European culinary haven right in Denver.
