Bar Red

437 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204, United States
$$$ Italian restaurant
(453 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you find yourself in Denver and are craving authentic Italian cuisine, look no further than Bar Red, a hidden gem situated at 437 W Colfax Ave. This charming eatery combines a warm, inviting atmosphere with a delightful menu that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Bar Red specializes in classic Italian dishes that are both comforting and satisfying. Indulge in their Seared Salmon with Risotto, where wild-caught salmon is cooked to perfection and elegantly presented atop a creamy bed of risotto and asparagus, drizzled with a luscious lemon beurre blanc sauce for just $27. Or you might be tempted by their Shrimp Scampi, swimming in a rich vodka cream sauce over perfectly cooked pappardelle pasta—a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

For something with a bit more kick, the Shrimp Scampi Diablo packs a punch with its blackened shrimp and spicy vodka cream sauce, while the crowd-pleasing Chicken Alfredo features tender grilled chicken enveloped in a traditional creamy Alfredo sauce. If you’re in the mood for pizza, Bar Red’s flatbreads, like the Diavolo Pizza or the fresh Margherita Pizza, are sure to satisfy any pizza lover's cravings, all priced at $23.

The atmosphere at Bar Red is as engaging as the food. Picture this: a cozy space, adorned with nostalgic décor, where the soft strains of '90s hip-hop intermingle with the laughter of satisfied diners. A favorite among patrons is the inviting ambiance enhanced by friendly staff who are more than happy to recommend custom craft cocktails. Don’t miss out on the Jalapeno Sour—spicy yet refreshing, it promises a flavor profile that is just as thrilling as the surroundings.

Customer reviews echo a recurring theme of satisfaction, with Valerie Cardenas raving about the restaurant's late-night service, saying, "Bar Red was an awesome spot! Very cool vibe that served authentic, made to order Italian food.” Christine Segrest adds to this sentiment, proclaiming it as home to “THE BEST chicken Alfredo I've ever had!! Delicious!!!” The bustling yet cozy setting creates a perfect backdrop for enjoying quality time with friends and family while relishing the thoughtfully crafted dishes.

Whether you’re unwinding after a show at a nearby venue or simply looking for a relaxed night out, Bar Red stands ready to take you on a culinary journey through Italy, all while embracing the vibrant spirit of Denver. Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a smile—and perhaps a craving for more.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has great wine list
Has live music
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
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Monday

Closed

Tuesday

5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

5:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Saturday

5:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Sunday

Closed

453 Reviews
valerie cardenas

14 Sep 2025

Bar Red was an awesome spot! Very cool vibe that served authentic, made to order Italian food, late night! We visited after a concert and arrived about 11:30pm and ate like kings! Lasagna was amazing as was the carbonara! Nostalgic all around from the 90s hip hop songs playing lightly in the background to the Saturday morning cartoons playing behind the bar.... we enjoyed reminicing! Great place, excellent service and amazing food. Zach made us feel welcome and took care of us very well!

Lizzie Sharp

06 Sep 2025

The fried ravioli is incredible. Great staff, great atmosphere, great cocktails - the jalapeno whisky sour is unreal. Also great to see period products in the restroom

Christine Segrest

04 Sep 2025

This place had THE BEST chicken Alfredo I've ever had!! Delicious!!! All members of our party raved about the food quality. Staff is super nice and atmosphere is laid back and comfortable. Would definitely recommend!!!

Andrea Beck

01 Jul 2025

I found this place when browsing for something different. What a find <3 Cool vibe around dinner time with lofi beats and mood lighting. The server man was so kind and efficient and the food was spectacular! We shared lasagna and the artichoke dip to save room for dessert. Good secret little spot!

August Mikkelsen

30 Jun 2025

Behind this unassuming exterior lies a truly wonderful little restaurant and bar - I'll be coming back here as frequently as possible! From the moment we walked in, the staff were friendly and welcoming, and our host suggested a custom cocktail he crafted himself - and it was *awesome*. For dinner we split an artichoke dip appetizer (which I cannot recommend highly enough) and my entree, the shrimp scampi diablo, was just perfect. Can't wait to come back. So good!!

Lady Margaret

25 Jun 2025

Cozy little place in the building tucked next to Diamond Cabaret. We enjoyed a nice meal here after visiting Meow Wolf. We shared a Caesar salad for 2 which was crispy but surprisingly staff said dressing was not housemade due to space limits in the kitchen. It was very good regardless. My dining partner had the gnocchi from the appetizer menu and I had the salmon with spinach risotto. Both were very good, but my favorite was the spinach risotto. Chef obviously knows what they are doing to get the risotto as creamy as it was. Interesting cocktail variations as well.

vanessa osorio

19 Jun 2025

The chicken Alfredo pasta is absolutely delicious—a true dream! I’m already craving it again as I write this. I visited on a Friday night around 6 pm, and there were only a few people, so the atmosphere was calm and pleasant, which it’s what I was looking for. The venue has a stage, so I imagine it becomes much livelier and more vibrant when there’s live music. The service was also amazing; the staff treated us wonderfully and made the experience even better. My friend is vegetarian and they gave her plenty of options! I’m definitely looking forward to returning when there’s a performance!

Holly Beck

05 Jun 2025

Stopped in for dinner. It was wonderful! The spinach artichoke dip was so good! Lasagna followed by Chocolate Temptation was exquisite! Cheers to Chef Luke!!! We’ll be back!! Atmosphere and music were so inviting!

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