Having just arrived earlier that day via airplane and needing to get up early for a meeting the next morning, I was not in the mood to venture too far from the Tru by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center hotel property where I was staying. Among the restaurants which were within a short walking distance was Stout Street Social in Denver.
Stout Street Social in Denver. Restaurant Review.
Stout Street Social in Denver is touted as “your neighborhood headquarters for social hangouts with great food, craft beer, and delicious drinks. Join us for lunch, dinner & weekend brunch, or stop by for small plates, cocktails, beer, and wine specials during happy hour.”
The table at which I was seated is on the left in the above photograph. Although the booth was a cozy place to sit…
…it was far from quiet, as it was located adjacent to the bar. Three inebriated women were loudly voicing their opinions on their sexual exploits with various men. The conversation was not exactly one which I wanted to hear.
As I waited at least 25 minutes for someone to come over to the table and take the food order, I noticed an interesting “wall” which was comprised of empty colored glass bottles. They were obviously caked with dust. Apparently, they had not been cleaned in a long time. Interestingly, someone came by and wiped the dust off of the glass bottles not long after I took the photograph shown above.
A person finally came and asked if anyone came by to take the order yet. “No”, I replied. She immediately took the order in place of the person who was assigned to serve the table at which I was seated. He finally showed up approximately five minutes later and apologized.
As an appetizer, the Crispy Brussels sprouts with mint, cilantro, truffle-chile glaze, toasted sesame seeds, snap, crackle, pop — crisped rice as in Rice Krispies — was anything but crispy. The crisped rice added no texture or flavor to the dish, which was not the best Brussels sprouts which I have ever had. The flavor of the Brussels sprouts was okay but certainly not outstanding. This dish is labeled vegetarian. $12.00.
The Giant Baked Soft Pretzel looked almost like it was smiling back at me, which seemed more creepy than cute. It was served oddly wet instead of dry, with queso and beer mustard in metal ramekins. I truly enjoy soft pretzels; but in addition to being wet, too much salt was on the pretzel for my taste. I did eventually finish this dish, which is also labeled vegetarian. $15.00.
The Social Beer Battered Fish & Chips consisted of hand-cut Atlantic cod. Social Lager is a beer that was part of the batter. In addition to French fries, metal ramekins of both tartar sauce and ketchup were served with this dish — as well as a wedge of lemon. Cole slaw was also supposed to accompany the fish; but it was missing. The French fries were quite good; and three generous portions of fish were served — but slightly less batter on the fish would have elevated the dish to another level, in my opinion. $19.00.
Three Blackened Fish Tacos were comprised of grilled cod, chipotle slaw, and flour tortillas. Both pineapple salsa and avocado crema were served in metal ramekins. A Simple House Salad — which included mixed greens, carrots, cucumbers, red onions, diced tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon in a white balsamic vinaigrette — was chosen as a side dish, of which the customer can choose. $18.00.
Final Boarding Call
Although I do recommend dining at Stout Street Social in Denver and would consider returning to dine again, I left the restaurant full but not completely satisfied. The food was quite good but not great. The experience was underwhelming overall. Stout Street Social is not a bad choice of a place to dine on a meal; but I would not be surprised if better options were available nearby — especially as many restaurants are located within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center.
Despite all of that, the experience barely fit the bill. It sufficed.
I did not have dessert or any alcoholic beverages; so I cannot comment on them.
Stout Street Social
1400 Stout Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
United States
1-720-214-9100
info@stoutstsocial.com
Operating Hours
11:00 in the morning through 11:00 in the evening Sunday through Thursday.
11:00 in the morning through midnight Friday through Saturday.
Kitchen service ends one hour before close.
$12.00 Validated valet parking at Embassy Suites for two hours or all evening with theater tickets.
All photographs ©2023 by Brian Cohen.
