I am still dreaming about the frites and it has been a couple months since I ate there. If I just called and ordered frites to go...would that be weird?
(4)
Kate F.
We enjoyed this spot - a different spot for Denver. We had the Coquilles St Jacques with vanilla beurre blanc, and they were awesome. The haricots verts were true haricots verts. We also had the Elk stew and it was ok. The flavor was great, as was the dish as a whole - but the elk was a bit tough and stringy (maybe all elk is that way?). The baguette was perfect - true French bread. We would go again or recommend. Great atmosphere.
(4)
Angelica R.
We had a wonderful meal as always. Shawn was our waiter and his service was impeccable! Kimberly is our most favorite waitress of all time there. Her warm service makes Bistro Vendome always feel like home. You can't miss on the pomme frites, moules and salade campagnarde. BV is a great choice for weekend brunch in LODO.
(5)
Amy F.
Amazing service...ditto on the creative plates! If you have not gone, make a date and go down to Larimer Square.
(5)
Amanda W.
Love this cute little French bistro, tucked away in a serene, treed courtyard off of Larimer. It is quaint, quiet, and refreshing, a perfect treat to escape the hustle and bustle of life, if even for an hour or two. I had a marvelous croque madame (or monsieur, I can't quite recall the gender of my meal) accompanied by the best french fries I may have ever had. Thinly cut, perfectly fried and drizzled with an herbs de'Provence simple syrup... oh my lord they were good!
(5)
Jessica M.
Oh my goodness gracious. This might be a new all-time favorite! I loved everything about this place from start to finish: decor, ambiance, service, wine, and food! We had reservations for a birthday dinner, and even though we arrived a little bit early - we were seated almost immediately and everything was flawless from there. The servers were at the table right away to bring water and get our drink orders, and gave us some time to peruse the menu before coming back to explain the menu, answer any questions we had, etc. Everything we had on the menu was amazeballs, but here's the list: onion soup, salad verte, pommes frites, steak tartare, crepes, lamb, and steak frites...don't judge - there were four of us! Surprisingly, I think my favorite was the crepe! It was so good! The pommes frites were also really yummy. They had a sweetness to them that was a nice addition to the saltiness. Wine wise - we had a bottle of the White Bordeaux. While I don't remember the exact name - I remember the waitress saying something about entre de meres. My dad also ordered a Bordeaux for dinner and I can't remember that one either. That's probably the most helpful aspect of this review, I know. Also, dark chocolate sourdough tart for dessert. Om nom nom.
(5)
Ashley B.
Right downtown off 15th & larimer square Hidden near a romantic courtyard which helps buffer the street noise while offering a cozy outdoor dining option....if you crave some fresh air and twinkle lighting check them out. Yummy dinner options and amazing fries..yes try the fries. My man was impressed with their bourbon selection. Inside feels very small but still cute.
(4)
Dee K.
I liked food here- lovely wine choices. Had escargot for appetizer along with Onion Soup. Perfect combination of cheese bread and onion taste. A bit thinly sliced bread would have been preferred. Of course- Duck Confit was melt in your mouth, but would have preferred if skin was either removed or not as mushy due to sauce. Desert was Macaroon which was good- on All in all it was good dinner. But I have had better French food before.
(4)
Loni K.
Only had the wine and cheese tray here and it was amazing. The French surely do cheese well and this Bistro does the French justice. Service was a bit slow but super friendly. Outdoor area is lovely. Overall a perfect afternoon snack after some shopping!
(4)
Hng M.
First time trying Frencj food. The food was ok but it would have to say tjis is my favorite creme Brule place to go too! Service was great. The location is hidden so you have to look carefully or else you will miss it.
(4)
D C.
Visiting friends in Denver, we were excited to try Bistro Vendome in Larimer Square as it had been recommended by friends who, unfortunately, were out of town on August 22nd, the weekend we visited. Based on their recommendation we had high hopes, but our hopes were dashed shortly after arrival. When we got to the hostess we explained we were from out of town and that their establishment had been recommended by friends who dine there. I requested a table for four on the patio and were told there was only seating inside. When I commented that I could see two 4-tops empty, the hostess replied with a bit of an attitude (perhaps she thinks she really is in Paris) that they were being held for reservations, so we took a table inside. FYI, during our entire lunch, one of the outside 4-top tables remained empty, and additional tables opened up so instead of disappointing a customer that was a no show, the hostess chose to disappoint four new customers who were there on a regular's recommendation. After being seated and reviewing the menu, we had second thoughts about remaining as there was nothing on the menu that stood out as an "Oh, I have to try that, it sounds yummy". We regret to say we agreed to stay specifically because our friends had recommended the place. Next time we'll follow our instincts and walk out. Our server arrived promptly and was friendly, but didn't really seem into what she was doing. We asked for recommendations since we'd never been there and the only thing that she seemed enthused about were the pastries. We inquired about a couple other menu items, but didn't receive much feedback, so asked for a few minutes to make our decision. Since were all sharing, we finally opted for one Maison Pastry plate, 4 mini pastries at $10.00 and the only item we chose that left us all smiling. Our second choice was one Cheese plate (see photo), an embarrassingly meager selection of three ~1" square pieces, a small bit of honeycomb and some preserves at $14.50! Seriously?? Haven't these guys ever been to POSTINO? Our final food selection was one Au Poivre Burger, also $14.50 which was decent, but inferior to what you can find from any "upscale" chain like Zinburger or Smashburger. And by the way, since there is no indication on the menu, the staff should explain BEFORE anyone orders the Pomme Frites that they are coated in a vinegar/sugar/tarragon gastrique... that way you won't be surprised at the sticky sweetness. Three yuks and one so-so on this item. NOT a good complement to the burger. For beverages, 3 Bloody Mary's and one water. Total paid before tip $68.73 All this in a place that bills itself as replicating Place Vendôme, a renowned historic square located in the heart of Paris. Sorry to disappoint, but you'd get a far more authentic feeling (and less attitude) at Le Cafe Ile St. Louis, in Paris Hotel, Las Vegas. We can't help but think our experience would have been better if our friends who recommended this place were with us... but then a restaurant that commands these prices should always be "ON", regardless of whether you're a regular or a newbie... perhaps working even harder to impress if you're the latter. Mind you, we are not adverse to paying top dollar for exceptional food and service and have frequently done so, Capital Grill down the street being one example. After leaving Bistro Vendome however, we felt like we got ripped off as we received only fair service, lackluster food, and below par value. The only thing in abundance was the attitude when we first arrived. Before choosing this establishment we highly recommend you check out other establishments in Larimer Square... or elsewhere.
(2)
Alice G.
Welcome to Paris on the Platte! Ok, honestly- I think this is one of Denver's better restaurants. First of all, you really do get the "I am in Paris" feel in this restaurant. Perhaps it is that it is tucked in a weird little passageway off of Larimer. Tres Parisienne! Perhaps it is the Edith Pilaf music on the speakers, maybe it is the rabbit or snails or Duck Confit, or even just sitting on the patio on a cool summer evening... This place just exudes a certain je ne sais quoi. Most recently, our group of hooligans went for brunch. Our reservations were ready and waiting for a larger party of 8- no problem! Our server split the checks, no problem! I even ordered in French, feeling all sassy on a Sunday, and the waitress got it, no problem! I tried the Duck Confit Oeufs Benedictes, others tried the waffle, the omelet, and the burger. There was NOT ONE complaint.. That rarely happens with this group. What a pleasant pleasant morning! Thank you Bistro V!
(5)
Tony S.
Incredible restaurant at every encounter... Professional confirmation of reservation, awesome arrival cocktails with the knowledgable and fun bartender, amazing crepe appetizer, killer trout entree, then thoughtful and delicious complimentary birthday dessert! To top it all off, we enjoyed their incredible outdoor patio under a beautifully lit tree!
(5)
Kolleen W.
A wonderful surprise hidden down an alley on Larimer Street, Bistro Vendome is a cozy, authentic French Restaurant seemingly plucked right out of a rue de Paris. In the courtyard sits a wonderful outdoor dining area, while inside is a traditional bistro. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the food here is among the best I've tasted in my life and still serves as a barometer for quality elsewhere. I had the Au Poivre Burger, which was cooked perfectly with the freshest ingredients and bacon...mmm bacon. My boyfriend ordered the Croque Vendome, a very simple ham and egg sandwhich but one that was so perfect and delicious, he says that he will go to his grave still dreaming of it. Whenever we return to Denver this will be on our must-do list.
(5)
Debra D.
The food at our table was perfect. The service was also perfect. Everyone on staff was willing to please the guests. I have a food allergy and they were knowledgeable and accommodating. No disappointments here. Great job everyone. You made our first James beard vacation dinner a great memory!
(5)
Ronald A.
I am in Denver for a conference. Met colleagues and ended up here for dinner. This is a very nice French restaurant and the prices on the wine list attest to that. It is a good list and we found a good wine for dinner. We were eating light, so just ordered an entree. Two ducks, a trout and beef tornados rounded the meal. My duck was great; loved the peas. Everyone was happy. We ordered the cheese plate for dessert. Three cheeses, pepper bread and Marconi almonds were a good combination. Of course, we had brandy with. Excellent service. Our server was very knowledgeable. Glad we came.
(4)
Stephanie O.
I've walked past and lusted after the ambiance of Bistro Vendome for quite a while, and was able to try it for the first time a few days ago. Our group sat on the patio which was a great decision. It was a warm evening so we all enjoyed being outside among the hanging lights and flowers. The staff was very attentive and accommodating answering lots of questions we had about the menu. The food was timed perfectly! We didn't have to wait too long for anything but also never felt rushed. Our group split a charcuterie platter that had various kinds of pate and salami with a house made mustard and aioli. I personally ordered the mussles which came in a warm garlicky sauce that was awesome. It was served with grilled bread which was super yum and perfect for dipping. Others in our group had the steak frites, cauliflower gratin, and shrimp salad. Everyone enjoyed their food and were almost too full for dessert. But of course we found room in our full tummies and ordered the sourdough dark chocolate tart. It came with ice cream and crumbled pieces of peanut brittle on the side. I definitely recommend saving room for dessert because everything on the menu sounded delicious!
(4)
Steph B.
I was very excited to try this place. I love Euclid Hall and Rioja, so I expected to love it here as well. I was disappointed. The service was so slow, they even came by to apologize. The foie gras appetizer was not great - the foie gras had very little flavor. I also got the Steak Frites with the bleu cheese and port reduction and the port reduction was so sickeningly sweet. And then the blue cheese with the overly sweet reduction - oh man it was too much. Luckily I asked for my frites to be plain - they come with a sugar and champagne concoction on them and that would have been a sweet-overload.
(3)
Rodney H.
One of my favorite french spots anywhere. Came here three nights and tried about 6 different dishes. If you come on the right night, you might find some new french-themed creation. Everything is a winner here - it only looses one star for being too crowded, and for inspiring me to have a terrible french accent all evening.
(4)
R Y.
3.5 Stars.. Nice "Frenchisque" bistro. Atmosphere and service put it over the 3 hump. Appetizers were OK; Onion soup and Escargot were traditional with no flare. Entrees were good. Scallop Risotto was creamy but bland. Pistachio trout was very good. Chocolate tart dessert was OK but again nothing special. Brasserie 1010 in Boulder does a much better job..
(3)
Khoa V.
A truly frenchy place. I went here by myself and had to sit at the bar due to no reservation. The waiter was very helpful and friendly. Despite being extremely busy, he managed to check on all customers around the counter. Best scallop I've ever had. I would ask for an extra slice of dried orange next time. Nice romantic ambiance; exceptional service; speedy delivery; good value: dishes are delicious and presented fancily while still in the 2 dollar signs range.
(5)
Alice W.
I expected more from the restaurant. It had very cute decor and felt like a family ran place in Paris. Unfortunately, the food did not live up to the atmosphere. We shared the steak tartar, the foie gras salad, the steak and frits with the Gorgonzola sauce and the squab. The steak tartar was actually pretty good, but there's a ring of really strong pesto sauce on the bottom, it just overpowers all other flavors on the plate. If they didn't put that sauce, it would have been a much better dish. Also, the quail egg on top was sunny side up instead of the raw egg so we couldn't mix it into the beef to give it more richness. The foie gras was very disappointing. I live in San Francisco, where the delicacy is banned, so I will try to get foie every time I travel out of state. This time around, the liver was somehow, I think, overcooked. It wasn't the pocket of fat that I expect and just lacking in that unctuous flavor that I expect from the dish. I was so sad because I really look forward to a nice sear foie. I even ordered the Sauternes that usually go with it. The fried shredded duck confit on top of the salad was also very confusing. It was flavorless. Why ruin a nice piece of duck confit and fry it to a crisp? What a waste. The steak was good. My husband didn't enjoy the syrup that they drizzle on the fries, but I liked it. I'm not a fan of heavy cheese on top of the meat but the hubby liked it. The meal was perfectly medium rare as we requested. The aioli was good, too, with a nice garlic-y kick. The squab was also good. My husband wasn't too much of a fan, but I don't think he could appreciate something that's not a big slab of meat as much as me. They really did an amazing job butchering the bird, all the bone that was left were the wing and the thigh bone. I thought the meat was pretty tender and not too gamey. The nest of fried potatoes added a nice crunch and the sauce was good, too. We also got their banana fosters macaroon dessert. The macaroon was sweeter than I would have liked. I'm impressed that they could make such a delicate pastry with the high elevation. I liked the cream and the caramelized banana slice on top. They also serve very good coffee. All in all, I was disappointed with the food. I thought the menu looked very promising, but some of the dishes weren't properly executed. I was hoping for a traditional bistro style restaurant and I think they just tried too hard.
(3)
Terese M.
Overall, ok. Salmon was bland, trout superb, creme Brule could have been a little warmer, for a french restaurant it would be nice to hear french music played...a little Django perhaps.
(3)
Brad M.
Good spot I love the charm of it and the feel. We sat outside and it was great. Appetizers were really good, loved the tartar. My steak and fries was very French and good. Chicken is also delicious. Service good and wine reasonable
(5)
Jennifer H.
I went here for the first time last night for my birthday and I was thoroughly impressed! The staff was very friendly despite it being pretty busy for it being a Wednesday night. The food was great. We had the muscels/frites to start off along with some wine and beer then had the trout and salmon dish. Everything was fantastic! I was offered a free dessert for my birthday but we declined to go get some ice cream later and the staff were so kind! They gave me a "happy birthday" card with all of their signatures along with a voucher for a free dessert inside. Overall, a fabulous experience. I would highly recommend this place. Good service can make or break a place but everything here was amazing! Thanks guys!
(5)
Nicole B.
A perfect treat for a anniversary date or any time Romantic yet not fussy and the service was top class and made me feel at home. The bread was lovely especially with the house whipped butter. I was hesitant to order the chicken , because it was chicken and to my surprise it was the most delightful chicken dish I've ever had. Crispy, perfection of salt and juicy all in the same bite. The bacon mushroom and park onion whisked me away to a farm table and the grilled romaine blew my taste buds away. Who knew grilled romaine would make me think about it the next day. Eager to go back and enjoy more of the menu and I heard the happy hour is very yummy too! As for that extra special feeling, we briefly mentioned it was our anniversary and they offered is a free dessert.. What a treat to remember! Can't wait to go back and enjoy!
(5)
Jason G.
One of the very best in Denver!!! First off this place is adorable, charming, romantic, and just all around fantastic from the moment you enter the beautiful courtyard. The service is professional, high quality, and very attentive. The servers knowledge of the menu, wine included is impressive. The bar is quaint and charming as well. For the food I could just go on and on... You will be dreaming of trips to Paris during and long after your experience. Eating here is a dining experience to savor. Go with an open schedule. Please don't rush so you can taste your way through the stellar menu, which is cover to to cover perfection. Having eaten here several times so far here's what's amazing: Mussels are delish!! The grilled asparagus salad was Devine. Their leg of duck is melt in your mouth. The steamed halibut is near perfection. And my favorite of all has been their leg of Lamb... Wow!!! For desert you can't go wrong here. And try a small batch cognac for a lil after dinner bliss. Seriously. This place is amazeballs!!!
(5)
Tony I.
Have been here a few times. Waiters are always helpful with good service . Good beer and wine list. I always get a steak and it is always great. The food isn't life changing and the place is not hip or trendy. Just your basic place to eat with a romantic setting if you're lucky enough to be seated in the cellar room
(4)
Hanh P.
I love going around happy hour. Sit on the hidden courtyard style patio, have a glass of wine, order the mussels and frites. Interior is small, should consider reservations for dinner.
(4)
Talia H.
I can't actually believe I am leaving this review. Rarely do I get home and immediately review a place but our experience tonight was awful. We arrived feeling great. We had a free hotel night and decided on a "staycation" downtown. As part of our special night, we stopped by Green Russell for a drink and made a reservation at Bistro Vendome for their first available, 9pm. We got there on time but there wasn't a table for us so we waited at their small bar. My husband got a great drink (large for the price and well made). It took a while to be seated and when we finally were, it was right next to a large-ish party of super loud people. We couldn't hear each other speak. It was annoying but they finally left halfway through our meal which made the ambiance much better. Frankly, one loud party wrecked the sound in the whole room. Now to the meal. This meal ranks in the top three worst meals I have ever had in a restaurant. I can't even remember a worse meal off the top of my head. The menu looks incredible online and we were excited for the evening. We got bread for our table in a cute paper bag, very nice presentation... However the baguette was so crusty that it cut my mouth when I tried to chew and the butter was extremely over salted. This should have been our first clue. We ordered: Foie gras salad with duck confit Chicken pate mousse Gnocchi Half chicken dish We love pate/foie gras. This foie gras salad was so salty I thought I must have gotten a chunk of salt or something in the first bite. But every subsequent bite was just as terribly salty. The foie gras was mediocre and the confit wasn't tender leaving the duck a bit tough. The greens were warm and there were three radish slices on the salad. In addition to being akin to licking a salt lick, it was just a weird construction... The liver mousse was also awfully salty. It was whipped incredibly light but the salt was overpowering. The slices of bread were burnt around the edges and there were only three slices. We ate maybe half the mousse and then couldn't continue. My husband never leaves food on the table but he just couldn't do it. We both started chugging water because we felt pickled. The main courses arrived and we were thankful for the opportunity to get some protein in us. MORE. SALT. The chicken was unbearably salty. It seemed like a decent presentation but my husband could barely eat one of the pieces. Again, this man doesn't leave food on the table. Ever. The gnocchi was tasty but again... Salty. (Are you noticing a theme?) I could clearly see the pieces coated with salt. Evidently they salted during the cooking and then finished with salt. And maybe tossed some salt in for good measure. I got maybe half of it down before we just looked at each other with pained expressions and decided it was time to go home. So much for our once a year ish fancy dinner out in Denver date... The meal left us both feeling sick, salty and we went back to the hotel to chug water. We finished two and a half of the wine bottles of water they put on our table. This evening was so promising. We dressed up, we took a cab, we went out for a fancy dinner but in the end... Dinner left us both feeling pretty sick and gross and we jetted back to the hotel to recover. We couldn't even look at a dessert menu. Pros: the service was fine and people were friendly.
(1)
Abby Q.
I came here for a family ladies night the day after Thanksgiving and was SO excited because I've been dying to try this place for years. I loved the quirky layout of the restaurant and we had a nice table right inside from the alleyway area (right behind one of the shops on Larimer). Our table of five shared two of the salads to start and they were delicious. We ordered one Salade du Marche and one Salade au Foie Gras and they were lovely. I had studied the menu throughout the day and had set my mind on the Caille aux Pomme, a brioche stuffed quail atop a nest of potatoes. When it came out, the potato nest was quite literally a nest, it appeared to be thinly shredded, fried potatoes with the quail on top of it. Quite creative, my biggest quip was that it was pretty difficult to eat in any sort of respectable fashion. There didn't seem to be all that much meat on the quail, and it was also quite difficult to eat. I felt awkward just trying to get a bite out of my meal. I think I may have just hyped this place up in my head, because I was pretty disappointed. Truthfully, I kind of wanted to head over to Le Central after dinner here. When the prices are what they are, I would hope to leave at least slightly happier and fuller.
(3)
Lucretia P.
This is one of those places that you always feel like you're taking friends to the best kept secret in Denver. I've never had a bad meal here. Never. They are also terribly good about getting you served and out in time if you have theater tickets if you tell them. After years, I remain a lifelong fan.
(5)
Tanya P.
Love Bistro Vendome. Every time I've visited this place I've had nothing but awesome service and amazing food. Try the mussels and frites, or the trout, or one of the daily specials - you can't go wrong. Don't forget to order dessert... even if you have to take it home.
(5)
Heidi F.
The service and food was excellent. I felt as if I was at a small bistro in Paris. In fact, it even down poured. Very Paris! Several items are very commonly French like Escargot. It's a delight. I really enjoyed and planned to return. This is not a 'cheap' place. Maybe a bit more of a special occasion. I went for my birthday.
(5)
Kevin C.
Update. Had to go back to try to steak frites and they were awesome! You can order rare without worrying about chewy meat. The fries were very tasty as well. They had some sort of maple-vinaigrette drizzled on top, sort of like the drizzle on the chips at Argyll. Very good! (and I usually avoid fries!) Also had the rilette de canard, which was very tasty as well. Bumping them up a star!
(4)
Nathanael L.
Excellent French food. For what it is, it is fairly inexpensive too. The chef is great, and offered us complimentary appetizers. They have specials on wine by the bottle, so for a group of 3-4, it's an excellent idea. The mussels were excellent. I had the pan frits and the veal as well. The main course was a very generous portion - too much to eat, in fact.
(5)
Jinyen Y.
I came here for my birthday. While it was sweet that they gave me a birthday card with complimentary wine and dessert, I am Yelping solely based on the food. (Our server didn't provide exceptional service to bump it up to 4 stars) I ordered a Poulet aux Herbes - Chicken with herbs--traditional and for me, rather lacking in flavor. I have tasted better ones back in other French restaurants in San Francisco and this dish left me disappointed. The meat wasn't flavorful and was bland, somehow feels like they marinated the chicken or put herbs on it a minute before it was put into the oven. My date ordered a Crepe Lasagna, this is their Tuesday special where the chef replicates a dish from his favorite cookbook/chef. The dish that Tuesday is Crepe Lasagna, so instead of normal lasagna pasta, the chef substituted crepe instead. This dish was special and something I have never seen since it felt lighter with crepe rather than pasta. It was a good dish, special, and is a beautiful idea, buuuuutttt....like my date said, "We are just paying to eat art" Maybe we didn't order the right dishes since the other reviews were raving, but the two dishes that we ordered was not exceptional in any way. For the bill that we paid, service that we received, food that we ate - I can only give it 3 stars.
(3)
Kevin M.
I have never been to France, but when I am at Bistro Vendome I feel like I have been in a tiny corner of the country. The service has always been great and the food is excellent. I came to this conclusion at my last visit. While other restaurants are trying to impress the client with their cooking skills Bistro Vendome is not. They are not trying to make the best food in town, they simply are cooking meals for their local clientele. Their food simply tastes as if they cook with passion and love for the diners and the result is classy, homely French cooking at the highest of standards.
(4)
Heidi T.
Really bad form. We phoned over two months ago for a reservatioon, dining on Larimer under the stars. Spoke to someone in house over the phone in fact to make the reservation. Here we are less than a week before the Saturday and I get a phone call that they are overbooked due to online reservations. Shouldn't they know this before now? I feel like I've been lied to And don't appreciate this.
(2)
Christina M.
Had the French toast and the burger. The French toast was just ok. The burger was really good, but the fries were a little too sweet. The server seemed annoyed with us. Overall mediocre experience.
The meal was perfection! We sat on the gorgeous patio enjoying a warm October evening. The waitress was wonderful, also! We had escargot to begin, my sister had roast chicken, & I had roast duck (superb). We had a plum tart & lavender macarons for dessert....heavenly!! I would definitely eat here again if I was in the Denver area.
(5)
Marie H.
What a delightful bistro in LoDo! The staff was fabulous! We had travelled to Paris and have been trying to find someplace to get our French food fix and found it at Bistro Vendome. The fois gras was incredible! Especially with the mushrooms, pearl onions, carrots, green beans and brioche loaf! Absolutely lovely! We stuck to the traditional steak frites (one with bernaise and the other peppercorn sauce). The steak was tender and the fries extra yummy with the champagne dressing. We finished with the crème brulee and tart levkar. Both desserts were the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. Great affordable French bistro outside of Paris!
(5)
Chris H.
I ate here last night, and for it's price, this is the best restaurant around. I'm no coffee expert, but my girlfriend said the French pressed coffee was amazing. The chef sampler of soup was a cold red pepper bisque of some sort, and I've never liked a cold soup more. For our appetizer, we had the chicken crepe, and once again, it was delicious. We thought we'd have to pick off the olives, but the dish was so good, we completely forgot it even had foods we don't normally like. Then for an entree, I had the special for the night which was halibut served with zucchini I think, sweet corn, tomatoes, bacon, red peppers, and a (red?) wine and butter sauce. Normally I hate it when people try to dress bacon up and make it fit in a fancy dish, but in this case it fit in perfectly. I honestly can't think of a problem with this dish, everything went together perfectly. My girlfriend had the ratatouille and says it was delicious, though I didn't have a bite of anything but her zucchini. Dessert was a chocolate mousse cake, and it was also good, but a bit too rich for us to devour it like everything else we ate. Overall, this restaurant is one of the classiest, most romantic, and tastiest places in this price range. Even though our final bill was only 75 dollars, it felt like we had to be paying at least 100 based on the feel of the place.
(5)
Mike Z.
What a rip off! The tiny portions they served were good, but I left hungry. This place might be cozy and elegant, but it's not a good value.
(2)
Christopher A.
Love everything about Bistro Vendome. It is my go to choice for Sunday brunch in Denver. Totally in love with their fries. If the weather is nice sit out on the patio, it's like taking a mini vacation.
(5)
Kristof V.
Nobody speaks French, a pity and not really acceptable for a French brasserie
(2)
Kristen W.
This is my all time most revered outdoor patio in Denver. Dining under the stars and the twinkle lights set the mood for a special evening. The wine list and the elegant food complete the fantasy! My preference is to enjoy a slow dinner here as opposed to a rushed pre-theater bite. The place just demands that you slow down and smell the roses! My husband just adores the steak & frites au poivre. And me ....I love the specials and Vol au Vent de Homard which is insanely decadent & delicious! MMMmm. This place exudes romance. A must try for french food lovers in Denver.
(5)
Matt P.
Incredible atmosphere, great staff, and phenomenal food. We were a little intimidated by the menu, but the waitress broke it down for I'd very well. Her recommendations were spot on. The frites were amazing! Definitely make a reservation though.
(5)
Chad D.
A truly phenomenal experience for a French restaurant in Larimer. If the weather is nice, sit outside in their courtyard. The service was truly enjoyable and provided excellent recommendations. Recommend: Appetizer - Steak Tartare Meals - Filet d'Agneau or Confit de Lapin Dessert - Chocolate Pot de Crème Brioche Bread Pudding Wine - Château Le Peyrat, Castillon Cotes De Bordeaux Enjoy!
This restaurant is my favorite. I tried it for the first time during restaurant week and loved it. I went there again for a special occasion this week and was pleasantly surprised to find that they have the $52.80 deal on Tuesdays. The crêpe with chicken is unbeatable... I highly suggest this place!
(5)
Mansi A.
Not impressed. Sad, because Bistro Vendome is owned by the great culinary experts of Rioja, which is now a favorite of mine! I ordered the Poulet Rôti aux Herbes, which was the herbed chicken dish served with a cauliflower gratin. Meh. The chicken was just okay, but didn't have much of a flavor at all. I feel like they could've done a standard coq au vin, which may have been a more flavorful option. I had high hopes for the cauliflower gratin, but it was definitely soaked in a curried cream, which made it so rich and overpowering that it wasn't appetizing to eat more than a few bites. I do have to say that the outdoor patio area had a very Parisian feel to it, which was probably my favorite part of the restaurant! The owners really need to take this restaurant up a notch though. Rioja is amazing with far superior food!
(2)
Jessica S.
Brunch, brunch, brunch! I have been coming here since this place opened (heck, I even got engaged here) and I must say that although their dinner is awesome, brunch is what has always kept me coming back! To start, the ambiance is perfect for a late Sunday brunch. Outdoor patio seating in a little garden is perfect on Spring or Fall days, and if it is too hot (or cold) you can always dine inside for the picture perfect French bistro atmosphere. They offer a wide selection of mimosas, bloody marys and of course french press coffee. I like to start with their homemade croissants with french jam--they serve them warm out of the over and they literally melt in your mouth. Their mussels, omelets, and crepes and always on point, but my favorite is their Croque Madame sandwich (brioche toast, egg, ham and cheese) served with the most amazing pomme frites. This thing is so good it has earned the top spot of my "last meal(s) on earth" list. Whenever I am in Denver I come back for my Croque "fix"--this time I was horrified (yes, horrified) to see that the sandwich had changed. Crusty burnt toast with a hole in the middle for the drippy egg...sad and disgusting at the same time...couldn't even eat it! The server was awesome and said that next time, I can order it the "old fashioned way" but I have to plead with Jennifer J. to fix this error so that no more unknowing patrons have to experience what I went through today! BV is must for brunch--just skip the Croque until things have been righted! :)
(4)
Kelli M.
Had a pleasant anniversary brunch at Bistro Vendome. We did not make reservations, but we were able to snag a patio table. The decor is charming and you do feel that you're in a French bistro, but I cannot understand their choice of background music? Joan Jett does not scream French dining to me? Even the table next to ours took notice! Aside from the lousy music everything else was very nice. I'm a big brunch fan and my husband not so much. He was very satisfied with his Croque Madam and pommes frites, which were to die for! I was thankful he was kind enough to share. I couldn't decide what to order since there were too many tasty options. I was very happy with my decision to go with the quiche. I had a flavorful Duvet de Pêche to drink. I thought it was pricey, but I enjoyed it so. We had a lovey brunch. Al fresco dining in larimer square is always nice. If only they would have been playing Edith Piaf it would have felt like we were dining on sidewalks of Paris.
(4)
Liz T.
Wonderful Brunch. They have a fantastic cheese plate, (although slightly over-priced $12 for 3 cheeses), everything tasted amazing. I enjoyed to bleu cheese paired with the poached pear the most. The floral jam was also great. Good french press coffee. Delicious warm fresh baguette- crusty on the outside, soft on the inside with butter. We tried the Omelette a l'Avocat et Triple Crème: avocado and scallion cream cheese omelet, choice of: Dungeness crab salad or marinated mushroom salad (we chose the crab). Kudos to the French and the Chef/ cooks for their ability to make something so wonderfully creamy, yet fluffy and light. The Galette de Confit de Canard Lyonnaise potato galette, caramelized onion, lavender crème fraîche, two sunny side up eggs, warmed duck confit, pickled red onion, orange basil salad had great bold flavors and textures. I would love to come back and try their other meals and have bunch on the cute patio when the weather is nicer.
(4)
Tiffany T.
I so wanted to love this place. I am a confirmed Francophile and have counted Rioja as one of the best meals I ever had had while visiting Denver. Alas, Bistro Vendome did not give me much to love except a beautiful space in a nice courtyard in Larimer Square. I think part of the problem is that I love "traditional" French Bistro dishes - especially homemade charcuterie and the staple dish of steak frites. I ordered both and unfortunately, neither did much for me. The Charcuterie Plate had a pork rillette, some sort of prosciutto-like slices and another unmemorable sausage. The prosciutto was overly dry and chewy and seemed very salty. I don't remember much about the sausage so I can't comment on it. The rillette looked the most promising, but the surprise, overwhelming orange flavored liquid on top of the rillette crock (grand marnier or cointreau is my guess) ruined the complex subtlety of what is usually one of my favorite dishes. There were also just a few plain old martini olives grabbed from the bar as a garnish instead of the traditional cornichons or dijon mustard. All in all, the whole plate seemed kind of uninspired. My Steak Frites with Bearnaise also seemed a bit uninspired. The steak (I think it may have been a hanger steak, but nowhere on the menu does it mention what kind of steak it is, nor did anyone tell me) was cooked the way I asked at Medium Rare, but it was still somehow very tough and chewy on the outside. The Bearnaise was in a tiny little thimble on the side and reminded me of those awful bottles in the grocery store. I did not finish either. Now on to the most basic staple of any French Bistro menu - the frites. Yes, they are just fries, but when done correctly they are the most amazing thing on the planet. The shame here is that the fries were actually cooked wonderfully - they had the right texture and taste - except for whatever the heck was poured all over the top of them. It was something sweet - very sweet - almost like honey, and it, too completely ruined what could have been great frites. Why? What is the point of pouring a super sweet topping on crunchy, salty fries? French Bistro food is good because it is mad of tried and true dishes that are delicious and comforting when you use the correct ingredients and the freshest ingredients. It is not fancy or crazy - just good. I'm all for a chef trying to put a flair on traditional food - if it makes the dish better somehow. But, to add weird ingredients and flavors just to be "different" and when it doesn't work - well, then it is not a good meal in my opinion.
(2)
David F.
Bistro Vendome has to be one of the best places my wife and I have ever eaten! Good wine pairing and delicious appetizers and entrees teamed into a fantastic meal. I had the steak frites with peppercorns, and my wife had the lamb. Delicious! We finished our meal with Cappuccinos (which they actually knew how to make). Overall, we were probably there for 2-3 hours and they let us sit like one would in France to slowly move through the delicious meal. The ambiance was very intimate and romantic. Most definitely worth saving up to blow on a fancy night here!
Dinner for four in January, first visit. I have to say we all loved it. Sat in the small room off to the left with the wine rack on the wall. I had a view of the bar area and the funniest moment was watching a couple with a three year old at about 9 pm....why bother I am thinking... However the meal was very adult, our friend selected a wonderful white bordeaux (my favorite) which highlighted a very good meal. We had the Charcuterie (smoked meats and pate), Salads, and the highlight, Cuisses de Grenouilles-frogs' legs. I grew up in an area where frogs' legs were prepared, and I had forgotten how delicious and delicate they could be. Really, perfect. For les plats principaux, we had the Duck Confit, a Trout special, and the Cassoulet Deconstructed ("Deconstruite Cassoulet"--and I know I am missing the Grave accent but don't know how to do it on here). The Cassoulet, both of us agreed, was delicious. The duck-eater approved totally of the confit and the cautious eater really enjoyed the trout which had delightful and unusual additions to the sauce, which I can't now recall! For the finish we had the Assiette de Fromages and the Crepes, coffee, etc. All in all it was a very satisfying meal to share with close friends and we agreed to repeat the experience.
(4)
Dave T.
I have noticed Bistro Vendome a few times, but have had great success with Le Central. A few nights ago my faith in Le Central was reinforced by a trip to Bistro Vendome. The only reason we ended up there was because Vendome was open later than Le Central. Overall the atmosphere was nice, tucked into an alley, and classy on the inside. The food was good but not great. The service good, but not great. I give it an A-OK, but in comparison to Le Central...there is no comparison. DT
(3)
Margaret L.
My boyfriend and I stumbled in here, famished, on a chilly New Years' Eve. As we were on the second leg of our cross-country road trip (in the middle of winter. with all of my earthly belongings packed into my small car), we figured we were entitled to a little splurge and so we headed down to the LoDo to see what was available on such a short notice. While Rioja was totally packed, they recommended us to Bistro Vendome. GOOD CALL RIOJA, I knew I loved you. Bistro Vendome is pretty authentic as far as French-style dining experiences go. We had scallops, mussels, fries (frites, if you must), escargot, and for some reason I recall eating bone marrow... I'm not sure what the context of that one was. OH, and we drank lots of beer. In any case, everything was perfect. Totally saturated in flavor, served beautifully, and definitely exceeding my expectations. The waitstaff was very helpful and nice; they were formal while still being friendly and approachable. If you're in the Denver area and your pocketbook allows it, splurge and take a date here. I think the best way to eat here is SLOWLY, enjoying the rich flavors and pairing each course with the appropriate libation (or you could do it my way and just slam beers in between bites of escargot. THE CHOICE IS YOURS!).
(5)
David C.
Not a huge fan of LODO however when you are in this place you really could be anywhere in Europe. Went here for a Sunday brunch and our party of four got seated pretty quickly without having a reservation. The patio was full but we got seated just inside so there was a nice breeze. Started off with coffee for two and they bring you a nice carafe. You have to request the free bread which we did and it was crusty and warm. I had the crab omelette which was awesome. I got to try the mussels and after three different times now, I just don't like the smell of the little buggers :o( They cater more to wine and mixed drinks over beer so I had limited choices of some pricey bottled beer but I liked what I chose, just don't remember the name.
(3)
Jeffrey E.
What I had? Poulet Rôti aux Herbes (herb roasted half chicken, cauliflower gratin, mâche salad, chicken jus) Food review: I get a little concerned when going to a French restaurant because I'm not all too certain of what to order. I found a dish that looked pretty good although I'm not all too certain how "French" it is. :-s Regardless, the roasted chicken was really good. It was seasoned very nicely, juicy, and crisp on the outside. The cauliflower gratin was good but didn't really wow me as much as the chicken. They main entree was certainly good overall but what came before unfortunately was not. The bread that was served was rock hard. We were also served a cold soup that you pretty much just drink (sip?). That was ok (kind of tasted like cottage cheese (some sour cream-ish soup??)) Service? The bread came out a little late but other than that no complaints
(4)
Christine C.
This is my go to place for a nice dinner with out of towners. Larimer Square is beautiful at night, and Bistro Vendrome is perfectly in it's own hidden nook of the square with garden seating outside. Drinks, service, food is awesome. I LOVE the scallops.. they are my new standard of how scallops should be made (strange since we are in the middle of the country!) I would recommend making a reservation being that making one, I have never waited even a minute. I've also heard the brunch is great, which is on my to do list!
(5)
Elizabeth H.
What a charming restaurant! The setting is intimate and the staff is warm and knowledgeable. The food is so good! Every course just kept getting better. Their frites (french fries) were the best I've ever had. Also, the mussels were great and the scallops were amazing, again the best I've ever had. Can't wait to go back again next time I visit Denver!
(5)
Lisa C.
This was my BEST meal in Denver! And I am pretty sure that my fellow diners from NY and Chicago last night would agree. Vendome is on a nice walking street with cute shops and restaurants. The patio seemed very romantic, but we were 3 hungry work travelers that sat inside. Roger, our server was knowledgeable, attentive, and promptly fulfilled our all of our special requests. He suggested the perfect wine and made excellent menu recommendations. This was not just a good meal, but a wonderful dining experience. My salad was fresh and did NOT contain a shred of iceberg lettuce (Yippee!). The moules frites special was also amazingly yummy. The sugar on the fries was a great touch.
(5)
Christine G.
In a word, lovely. I've been here a few times now, and my most recent visit reminded me that I owed them some online love. One of my favorite things about this cozy little restaurant is that the ambiance is wonderfully Parisian. You can walk down the little alleyway off of Larimer and pretend, for a short while, that you're in Europe. Their spring menu offers some nice selections. My husband and I ordered a number of small plates and then selected an entree to share: the gnocchi with English peas and pea shoots. It was a little on the salty side, but delicious nonetheless. My favorite dish, however, are the mussels. I've eaten mussels in a lot of places across the U.S. and so far, I've enjoyed Bistro Vendome's the best. They were large, sweet, and succulent. *Drool, drool, drool...* We couldn't resist dessert (even after all that rich French food), so we opted for the blueberry Napolean. It was a light, crispy and refreshing end to a wonderful dinner. Tres magnifique!
(5)
Angela C.
The Bistro is tucked away in a cute brick courtyard away from the busy Larimer Square bustle. Sit out on the patio and enjoy the various flowers and planters (from a local garden store), or cozy up inside for an intimate meal. Eric and I hadn't been back for about a year, so I could only remember we enjoyed what we had last time (scallops... cheese plate... something else...). We went for my birthday the other day and started with their wine flight/cheese plate special. Delicious and so affordable! I also enjoyed the little vintage-looking cheese plates. I had the vegetarian plate, which was rich and had a lot of great flavors going on, and Eric had the trout (crispy, salty goodness) The service was great (they were very kind when I knocked over my water), and it's the perfect spot for a quiet date or a nice group dinner.
(5)
Amy C.
Holy wow! This place knocked my socks off. The escargot was decadent....rich....buttery....succulent....and perfect to share. I caught my friend licking the sauce off a spoon. And the bartender was really knowledgable and happy make recommendations. She paired a lovely French white with our meal which was much appreciated as I'm not exactly an expert in French wines. The atmosphere was cozy and unpretentious and it was very affordable. We sat at the bar but there is a beautiful outdoor courtyard as well. My best dining experience in Denver!!
(5)
Eliza M.
Yet another amazing meal at Bistro Vendome. We took my mother in law there for her birthday while she's visiting from Maine. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed..... again. And, more importantly, so were the in laws. I got the escargot and the trout this time. Honestly, like most places I've been to lately, the trout was over salted. It took away from the delicate flavor of the pistachio encrusted fish, but was still great. Great wine, great ice cream (blood orange sorbet, carmel + creme freche, and fresh strawberry). My dad-in-law got the duck confit, also delish. My hubbie and ma-in-law got the steak frite, although they brought out the au poivre for my husband even though he ordered the classique. No big deal, we still loved it. Highly recommended.
(5)
Dan D.
The wife and I had an amazing dinner. Chef was in the house too!
(4)
Emilee C.
I want so badly to give this place a 5 star. But unfortunately our server was pretty off. By that I mean I love it when a server is excited about food, wine and us being there. It seemed this guy was having an off day, I did find out their holiday party was the night before. But still!! He wasn't excited or into our wine and food pairings which we are all about. Thankfully my BF is in the wine industry and does well without suggestions, but he always looks forward to the servers suggestions and opinions. Lets get to the food... Amazing. For the price it was right on. I think this is a pretty affordable restaurant on Lairmer and has a romantic French setting. I LOVE that they brought out an amuse-bouche!!! Such a tastey suprise:D The mussels were great, a fresh baguette served warm in a paper bag was a nice touch. I ordered the pistachio crusted trout... hello I licked my plate. My man friend got the veal cheeks that he still talks about. I would take that as a good ole 5 star rating if I say so myself. It was his birthday and the staff all signed a birthday card that had 2 complementary drink cards. We thought that was so sweet. We love French wines and they have a 100% French list. Can't wait to visit in the summer. It looked like they had a nice outdoor patio.
(4)
Don P.
I don't know how to say any of the words on the menu, but I know how to say delicious and savory. Vendome is a 20 mile drive for us, but it's worth it for brunch! Croque Madame with a French 75, with those pommes frites ....done and done! Hangover cured and ready for a day!
(5)
Matthew D.
Excellent french food, love the outdoor patio as well.
(4)
Suzanna L.
Really cute, quaint ambiance. I sat at the bar and ordered the mussels and fries... fries were deliciously thin and mussels were cooked well. The bartender was a nice guy; when a girl needed me and the girl next to me (who I had been chatting with) to move a bit so she could fit in at the bar, he assured us that we'd all be best friends within 5 minutes. And while 'best' is a strong word for people met at the bar, they certainly made nice dining companions which just goes to show that people who live in and visit Denver are good times.
(4)
Dom L.
Everything we had was excellent. From the amuse bouche to the mushroom bisque to the elk stew to the steak frites to the pear tart tatin to the pressed coffee. All that with wine for under $100. No reason not to love it.
(5)
D E.
Really excellent! My wife and I have never been disappointed! Food, atmosphere and service are top notch. One of our favorite restaurants.
(5)
Stephanie S.
Feels like you are in france! Cute french bistro with a great brunch. Yummy brunch cocktails to choose from and LOVED their mussels. Only reason I gave 4 stars is because they are a little pricy but a great place to visit every once and a while.
(4)
Jerry N.
Service was wonderful, food was great, and prices were unbelievable! My Wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary dinner there( I didn't specify that when I made our reservation), I made reservations so we could be seated quickly. The place is on the small side, but the food made up for it. The french bread was fresh and warm, the amuse bouche was a perfect start from the chef in the kitchen(I believe it was a truffle squash soup shooter of some sort). To start, my Wife ordered the French Onion soup and I ordered the mussels; both starters were so large that they could've been our main entrees. For the main dishes, I had the steak au poivre, and my Wife had the Crepes Vendome; both were excellent. Being from California, my Wife and I are spoiled with many great food establishments. We are foodies, I can't lie about that anymore. Lol, if anyone has been to Bouchon Napa in Yountville, California, that's what I would compare Bistro Vendome to. The difference between both fine restaurants is that Bistro Vendome costs about half as much without dropping the quality of the food. I would say if anyone is in the city of Denver, please make time to try this place out!
(5)
Aliya J.
I died and went to heaven when I sat down and looked at the menu. Everything I love about food was served here. I was here for brunch. I ordered the steak and potato gratin. It was divine! I want to use curse words to convey how yummy the food was, but I refrain. The "fruit and cream" was disappointing. The cream was good, but the fruit was a bunch of cut up melon, not berries, as I had imagined. Doesn't matter. The frites were amazing, and the triple cream omelet (which my friends ordered) was so good! I will go back when I am in Denver!
(4)
Jesse A.
We had an 8:30 appointment, and as soon as we walked up at 8:29, they were ready to seat us. It was pretty warm out, so we were happy to sit inside. The ambiance was very nice, it was later but the restaurant was full. We were seated against one of the glass walls, so it felt like we had some privacy and were not crowded. We were celebrating our anniversary, and the servers were sure to congratulate us and provide complementary bubbling wine, a nice touch in addition to the signed anniversary card at the end of the meal. The food was fantastic, not inexpensive, but very much worth it. The portions were perfect, and the overall wait time for the food was very acceptable. I wish I could remember the name of our server, but he did a fantastic job with the food recommendations and wine list. We will definitely be going back in the future.
(5)
Megan D.
This is an amazing experience tucked into downtown Denver. This is a very intimate setting with amazing food (gnocchi and steak) and the wine is top notch. Perfect balance between the size of the appetizers and the entrees. Service was very good and the server was very knowledgeable about the menu and wine list. They were also great enough to find a vase for the flowers I brought with me from my date so I didn't have to let them wilt in the car. They also got me a bag to put them back into when we left. Total experience that made a special evening one to remember always.
(5)
Virginia T.
I was in town for the Great American Beer Festival...... It is a little known secret that if you are in the beer world, after a week like that- you don't want anymore beer. :) So my boss, coworker & her boyfriend and I met up with some friends in the industry for a late dinner at Bistro Vendome. It was really great, long story short. We sat in the back, under the lights and it was beautiful, albiet a little chilly. The table started with a smattering of appetizers-including the escargot, mussels and steak tartare. They were all very good. Lots of garlic butter abound. Dunking and soaking up with bread was a common sight at our table. I had a charlamange cocktail, which I have been lusting over since. I highly recommend it. I ordered the chicken with cauliflower as my main. It was very good. The table also ordered the butter poached lobster risotto, salmon and trout- which luckily I got to try all of, and there wasn't a complaint at the table. For dessert we decided to split the creme brulee, banana carpaccio and fig tart, as well as a cheese plate. I consider myself a creme brulee aficionado and this was to die for creme brulee. The banana carpaccio was good but out shined by the accompanying gelato. I paired all that with a pear brandy which was also very good. The service was good, the server knowledgable. She was attentive without being hovering. The only thing I found off-putting was that we were a large group, and obviously not on a budget, but when we tried to order a final round of drinks....the waitress took our order, but then came out to tell us 'the bar is closed'. Nearly felt like we were being kicked out. Not quiet the end I was hoping for after the spectacular meal. (hence 4 not 5 stars) Our bill for the night (7 people) came to just around $600. I will most definitely be back on future trips to Denver.
(4)
Marc D.
Oh Bistro. You have the best cheese that was cultured in a cave I have ever tasted. Probably the only cave cheese I have ever tasted. Your wine selection breaks my wallet, but I love it. You made me try those silly little snails, and while I hated their flavor, I still thank you for making me try it. I have had many fantastic dates at you, bistro. Even though I had the conversation which ultimately led to the dissolution of my marriage on your beautiful garden patio, drinking a wonderful Bordeaux, I still adore you. The food here is always fantastic. Always the perfect portions. The chef will surprise you if you ask. You simply cannot go wrong with the cuisine and wine selection. You are bittersweet, bistro. Love, Marximus.
(5)
Rits M.
Great venue, well presented and laid out. Beautiful outdoor seating arrangement with baskets of flowers - very french indeed! My friend (cheers, Jess!) loves french onion soup, and thats what she got. She wouldnt say its as great as others that shes had, but for me, it was pretty good! I had the croque maman and it was well made. Portions are small for the American, and the right size for the french. All the food is delectable and its one of my favourite memories of Denver. The waiters are good with recommending wines to go with your meal, and you are usually seated pretty quickly - within 15 minutes of going there.
(5)
Zach G.
This might be a case of coming in with too many expectations, but Bistro Vendome didn't do anything special for me. I came in as part of a large group of around 12, and their team-serving of us was a little disjoint, requests were relayed very sloppily (I had to ask three different servers before getting a coffee cup). They had to auction off a couple of entrees, which is forgivable for large parties, but I expected more from an upscale place like Bistro. My biggest disappointment was with the food. I had the lamb loin with a white bean croquette and "tomato pan jus". The lamb was cooked well but seasoned terribly (it may have missed being seasoned at all). The tomato jus sauce consisted of two halves of a cherry tomato thrown under the lamb loin with a bit of sauce, not nearly enough to go around (and I don't like a whole lot of sauce to begin with...). I tried several of the other dishes, and honestly, the best food was the parmesan fries. This is a problem. I really WANTED to like this place, and I would probably go back to let Bistro attempt at redemption, but my initial impression was not favorable. Two stars.
(2)
Daniel R.
Ate brunch here with a group of friends. Food = very good. Service = not too impressed. The atmosphere was stuffy for brunch, and the servers also exuded the same. If it wasn't for the food, I probably wouldn't go back.
(3)
Stephanie S.
Great atmosphere - very cute little space with outdoor seating as well as indoor. My food was very good, not amazing, but still a good meal. Our waiter was the only reason I didn't give it four stars. He was not very friendly and almost had an attitude the whole night. We were a talkative table - out with friends and lots of catching up going on- but nothing that deserved a grumpy waiter all night.
(3)
Neysa S.
Horrible! I can only attest to the service and not the food as we were never sat. My boyfriend and I had researched and saw the great reviews for this restaurant. We were visiting Denver and wanted a special night. It was 6pm and the restaurant was practically empty when we arrived - possibly only 4 tables were occupied. We weren't dressed fancy but had on dark jeans and heels. There is no attire requirement. We are in our mid to late 20s. The hostess said sorry, no tables are available and it would be over an hour wait. What?!? This restaurant has a capacity of over 120 people and we have to wait an hour when it's empty?!? It was a Wednesday night not on a weekend. Made me wonder were we not welcomed cause we weren't older or up to her standard?!?
(1)
Craig Z.
Classic french. Good, but a little heavy, with extra fat and salt on everything I thought. Not as stuffy as I thought it would be looking at the menu. Good service. Good value.
(4)
P M.
Yum and amazing! Food, ambiance, service, etc. Mussels are to die for.
(5)
John K.
'Étonnamment Rafraîchissant!' What can I say about this one. We got lucky. My lovely lady and I had decided to go to a different restaurant for dinner. When we got there... 'Do you have a reservation?'...I hate those dreadful words. We went in for a drink at the bar and in moments realized we wanted to try Vendome, which we knew was right across the street, in a very inviting nook of Larimer Square. they seated us right away and we didn't hesitate to order wine. Her the white, me the red. Both VERY good glasses. So, we're off to a good start. The mood is fantastic and the wine is great. The place is bustling and we forgot for a moment, that we were in Denver. The salad was perfect and the bread was warm and fresh. By the time we got our plates, were were into heavy conversation and our moods were good. The food....MAN, the food was EPIC! More than were were hoping for. At least for me. My last French meal was the worst I have EVER had. Le Central blew it on that visit! This was a perfect portion of veal cooked to perfection with some large chilled peas in great, but subtle creamy sauce. It also came with small stewed tomatoes, filled with goat cheese that was really, very good. Mandi had the Lobster with Risotto, that was incredible. The portions were French, not American, which was exactly what we wanted. Good, not BOUNTIFUL!! A small desert and wonderful coffee to end the night. I can not wait to go back~
(5)
Dave T.
Bistro Vendome is the best brunch I have ever had in Denver ... probably one of the best brunches I've had anywhere. The patio is great, the service is great, and the food (especially the Croque Madame and french fries) are incredible.
(5)
Leah R.
I took a girlfriend of mine here for her birthday brunch, and they didn't disappoint. The service was really friendly - the waitress allowed us to take our time, and brought out a birthday dessert and a card from the staff, which was a nice touch. But the food was what made it a great experience. I had the Porc Braise et Epinards Cremes. The pork was extremely tender and the dish was really flavorful. And the potatoes were nicely done too. Everything was just nicely done. We just had a great time enjoying our food with our mimosas. I couldn't have asked for a better brunch.
(5)
Holly G.
I have been here a few times for dinner and have not been disappointed. My favorite dish to date though is the "Poulet Roti aux Herbes" which is a half roasted chicken served with au gratin potatoes. Those potatoes are the best part of the meal! So cheesy and delicious. Wow. Cozy, low lit, romantic atomosphere, which is perfect for a date night. Also, a beautiful patio option during the warm months of the year. I recommend a reservation for dinner (which you can make online), it has always been very busy with a very long wait when I have been here. But even if you have to wait, it is well worth it!
(5)
Dulcie F.
I have been on the hunt for really good French food in Denver... well, anywhere in Northern Colorado, really. I've found some good French-inspired food here and there, but no great French food. I had high hopes for Bistro Vendome after reading the great reviews here, but my experience was just okay. We tried Bistro Vendome during Denver Restaurant Week, and Vendome made their normal menu available with surcharges for the pricier selections. At first I was glad to know I was experiencing their normal fare, but later I wondered if it is better to have the pared down Restaurant Week menu which the chef can use to really showcase the food. Neither here nor there for this outing. We were seated in the hallway outside of the restaurant where there were quite a few tables. There was a great deal of foot traffic rushing by us, which was too bad, and something about the hallway had a Disney World vibe to it. It looked much more romantic and peaceful within the restaurant. The bread came out quickly -- a generous and toasty warm baguette with butter. Yum! The service -- both waiter and bussers -- was very attentive throughout. Our waiter was quick and informative. The food, while good, just wasn't great. I was really looking forward to the escargots, but I found them a bit ho-hum. My husband had the Crepes Vendome as his appetizer and I think that he found them a bit more exciting. My entree was the trout -- tasty, but not mind-blowing. My husband had the venison two ways. He enjoyed it, but as he said, it did not "convert him to venisonism." One "way" of the venison "two ways" was quite rare, just as a head's up. Our dessert, the Pineapple Tarte Tatin, was the most disappointing to me. The flavors just didn't come together in the right way. I have heard good things about the brunch, so I may return to try that, but I likely will not return for dinner.
Ate there last night. Delicious food, great atmosphere, and friendly yet attentive service. It's a small but nice point that they leave a bottle of water on the table so you can refill your own water glasses, yet they come around and top off your own water glass so you'll never need to. Of course, if you have some nice wine, you won't care about the water... I had the duck confit (our waiter helped me pronounce it correctly after I asked) and it was superb; the outside had a slight crispy texture to it that superbly complimented the tender meat underneath. We made reservations for 6:30 on a Tuesday night, but the place was not too busy. Take advantage of it and go to this place while tables are still easy to come by!
(5)
Alia Z.
Had a great elk bourguignon there. The place was packed, but the service was fast and friendly. The atmosphere is really cozy.
(5)
John G.
What a treasure in the Larimer Square area of Denver. Quaint restaurant off the main street down a little corridor. Lovely interior. True French cuisine. Came for lunch on a Saturday. Nice menu of many choices. We had the Salad Maison, the chicken salad croissant and the croque monsieur. The food was so very tasty. Salads made of fresh greens and wonderful light dressing. The croissant was flaky and chicken salad was one of the best I have ever tasted. The croque was marvelous as the bread was thicker than normal and a great mix of cheese and ham inside. Both greeters and servers were very polite and professional. What a nice stop in the Denver restaurant scene. The owners are the same chefs that have the Mediterranean place across the street: Rioja. Just a lovely French restaurant with very savory cuisine.
(4)
Zina S.
This is one of my favorite places in Denver, and not just because of the ambiance, it is also the food. It is a very complete restaurant with small tables for a more intimate interaction. I never really understood the reason behind big tables, as it is too difficult to hold conversations when the a restaurant is crowded. Not sure if it has to do with the typical mainstream mentality "bigger is better." I ordered the steak frites, which was a good choice for me having spent the evening drinking at a nearby bar. The meat was tender and well-seasoned, the fries were crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, all in all delicious! The service was excellent and not overbearing. The waitress brought the check only after I had requested. For me that's a great sign of a good restaurant, as most restaurants are quick to hand you the bill as soon as your plate is empty, why is that? My feeling is that they want you out as soon as possible! Not this place. I was the last person in the restaurant, and I never felt rushed. The personnel respected my space and my time. I will definitely be back for more! Brunch perhaps.
(5)
Kate G.
Bistro Vendome has a lot of 5-star characteristics and I'll start with those. My group of five had an early 5pm reservation last night, and the restaurant didn't even have another seated table for almost two hours, so we enjoyed fast, attentive service. We started with a bottle of champagne, moules et frites and the cheese plate. The warm, fresh demi baguettes served with butter were probably the VIPs of the meal because we slathered them with butter, three different cheeses, olive tapenade, lavendar jam and finally dipped them into the bowl of garlicky broth after the mussels were gone. Absolute heaven. We even dipped hunks of bread into our amuse bouche, an espresso cup filled with creamy asparagus spinach soup and topped with what tasted like fried almond flakes. Divine. We all sipped the 5th cup that our vegan friend couldn't eat. Next we shared salads, the nicoise and verte. The verte was served alongside a big hunk of fried speck topped with bacon crumbles - it was a seriously meaty salad topped with blue cheese. Again, heaven. Again, we all attacked the last salad after a friend had to leave early. My entree, the trout, was cooked to perfection and again topped with bacon crumbles as well as diced veggies like asparagus, peppers and onion. I loved the crushed pistachios but the spice crust tasted too sweet for my liking - just like the herbed but sugary fries served with the mussels. While I knew to expect that from the fries after reading the menu description plus all the reviews, I didn't think the trout would have a sweet aftertaste. I didn't order the dish I most wanted - the scallops over risotto - because of the vanilla beurre blanc in the description. Nonetheless, it was a large piece of trout and presented beautifully on the skin. Our server recommended a delicious and inexpensive bottle of chardonnay that I would definitely order again. The desserts blew me away in spite of 1) not being a huge sweets person and 2) already painfully stuffed to the gills. But I can't imagine coming here and not ordering the pear tarte tatin. It looked like a fan of plain old pear slices but it sat on top of delicious puff pastry and tasted like a bite of light, crunchy candy. The banana walnut crisp was delicious too with big chunks of sugary crumbles and tender warm banana. Our sorbet trio was also devoured, my favorite being the cucumber which no one else liked! It tasted fresh, green and barely sweetened and reminded me of green tea ice cream. And of course, ending my night with a track from Moby's Play will always ensure a return visit. The painted glass walls and doors are totally charming and reminded me of being inside a tiny cafe in New Orleans. As the place filled and candles were lit, the ambiance just grew. I would definitely come back here for cocktails, mussels, the cheese plate, fresh baguettes and dessert. I think my favorite thing in the whole place was the sign that read "Mondays are for oysters and champagne." Yep!
(4)
Ben L.
Food as always, excellent. But Front of House needs a lot of work. Unwelcoming host, told me to sit and wait for my table which turned out to be 20 minutes later than my reservation. I'm ok with this, it was a busy night, but I was totally ignored. No offer of a drink, an early review of the menu, etc.
(3)
Cherie C.
Bistro Vendome is a charming place. The service was good: not overbearing but always available. I had an excellent pork chop that was the envy of my dining companions. The potatoes that came with it were delicious as well. We all enjoyed the plat de provencal. The pate was especially good, and we loved their cheese selections. Oh, and the pickles! So good. One thing I did not enjoy (and this is based on my personal tastes, not quality) were the frites that a friend ordered. The dusting of sugar is not to my taste, so I'd steer clear of them on my next visit. And I'm sure there will be a next visit! 3.5 stars for now, with a good chance that it will bump up to 4 next time.
(3)
Michael S.
The ambiance is great in the restaurant...lots of cozy little rooms to be seated in...nice art around...etc. The drinks were also good, I had the citron presse, very yummy! Service was OK, and the food was good as well. Worth 100$ for a split mussels app, 2 drinks and a glass of wine, and 2 entrees.....not entirely sure. But still, very good. I actually prefer brunch there.
(4)
Ali H.
The food here is outstanding. I've been here twice now and was blown away both times. My only complaint was that the hostesses took way too long to acknowledge our presence; this happened both times. But after that, our waitress was wonderful, friendly, and helpful and the food was mind blowing.
(5)
Ziyu W.
Yay for Denver's Restaurant week! The place was full when i walked in, reservations were not available till 10pm.. Since I was just by myself, the hostess was nice to tell me that just go stand next to the bar and take a seat when someone leaves...It's a small bar with maybe 6 seats? But I was able to take a seat in 10 mins. Sit down at 8:30ish... Erin, the bartender was so nice to introduce me with the special offer for restaurant week, and within a few minutes, I was certain on what I want, and I was very hungry. Appetizer: Escargots de Bourgogne - a bit different than I expected, but good! the escargots were big, and baked individually in the special dish (holes that can fit only one escargot), and not mushroom or pastry on top it, it's all by itself! Love the extra herb taste! Entree: Canard à l Érable - maple glazed duck leg confit, came with some greens and the butternut bacon fritter. OMG. this was delicious!! The meat was very soft and flavorful, and the butternut bacon fritter was such a great add-in. Can I have some more?? Dessert: Blood Orange Chocolate Crepe - DELICIOUS!!! Cocktail: don't really remember this one, Erin had just made one for me with orange vodka? It was a sweet and citrus-ish drink, I liked it! And a little side note, the warm bread came in a brown bag, yes, like our lunch brown bag, I thought it was very interesting. Service was simply wonderful! Everyone was just so nice!! I wanna go back to Denver!!
(5)
N D.
3.5 stars. Very good food and decent price. Food for 3 was $115 not including drinks. Service was excellent. Nice atmosphere. Foie Gras and tartare was average but mussels and tomato bisque were very good.
(3)
Nicole W.
Dined here last night with a gaggle of women, prior to seeing Girl's Only performance. Michael - our waiter was amazing. We were all gabbing and blathering while he was attempting to get us settled, and specials rattled off, and wine, ah the wine! We all went with the "theater special" menu. I went with the french onion soup - i figured - it should probably be pretty good, right? Most everyone else went with the salad and said the champagne dressing was great! I really liked the soup?! Mmmmm! For the main course most of us went with the pistachio encrusted trout - woah! Amazing! Only a couple bones that i was able to subvert - if i so much as feel a bone on my tongue, the meal is over, so that was great! One person at the table did the vegitarian choice and it came with amazing risotto. And the streak with fried was had by another and it looked fabulous! Desert I chose the crepe with strawberries and rhubarb - i love rhubarb - i don't think there was any in my crepe! Still super yummy and the smidge of ice cream was amazing! Half the table went with the sherberts - woah! I got a smidge of the strabverry basil - amazing! The wine and water flowed freely and wonderfully! Both of those glasses stayed filled! Yeah! They asked our plans for the night before dinner started and had us fed and paid with enough time to walk out of there and into the show and sit. Amazing! I'll definitely be back to try the mussel special and the scallops! Mmmmmm! And i hear brunch is yummy too! Not as pricey as i had thought and the patio should be fabulous in a couple weeks!
(4)
Sadie P.
Love the feeling of this spot!! A tucked away treasure!! We had a wonderful meal...The service was very french...slow and but pleasant. The French like to take their time with the food...that was expressed here. They did have a before the Theater menu which was a great idea. The servers also asked if you were attending a show so they could quicken your serivce. Everyone really like the food and the homemade ice cream was amazing!! We will for sure be returning!
(4)
Lisa O.
I didn't get to celebrate V-Day with my valentine, so he surprised me with dinner reservations at Bistro Vendome two days later. One of the hints he gave me was that I wouldn't expect him to have picked that place. And he was right! The BF is not typically a fan of French restaurants, but we were both THRILLED with his choice. Bistro Vendome is tucked back in an adorable little courtyard just off Larimer. It's a little magical actually. We were seated and greeted promptly, picked out a bottle of red with the assistance of our lovely server and her assistant for the night. We decided to get crazy and order escargot as an appetizer because neither of us have ever tried them. Bistro Vendome made the mildly unappetizing dish DELICIOUS by serving the snails in pools of butter and garlic. That can't be bad, right? I ordered the Classique Steak Frites and pretty much wanted to bathe in the bearnaise (after all, it is a close relative of my great love, hollandaise). The fries were so good too, but I could only eat a few after indulging in my perfectly-cooked steak. BF got the duck and cleaned his plate. We chose to spilt the chocolate tart and the pear tarte tatin for dessert. BF decided the tarte tatin was the best dessert he'd ever had and I was partial to the chocolate. Perfect! Bistro Vendome is adorable. It's romantic. The food is delicious. And now my boyfriend doesn't hate French restaurants any more. Hurray!
(5)
Laurie W.
Bistro Vendome keeps getting better and better. Last night, it kept me sane. That in itself gets five stars. Now, how can a restaurant keep one sane, you ask? Good question. I'll elaborate. I was downtown working late on a huge project when I realized that I had house guests in. Mr. Mixer was keeping them entertained, but I was in no mood for friendly chatter. So I left work for a quick bite and some quiet before I went home. Enter Bistro Vendome. Actually, I entered it, but whatever. I found a nice table in the corner, kind of out of the way. The server was so nice, she took my order for steak tartare (of course) and champagne and then just let me relax and read. And it was very cool, because the server realized that I was in need of quiet, and after checking that the tartare came out and tasted good, she just left me alone until I pushed my plate away. Realizing that I was still hungry, I ordered the onion soup. Again, the server was friendly and polite. I finished my book and my soup, and was able to go home and be friendly and polite to my guests. The wonderful service and happy atmosphere made me feel peaceful. Sane. In the membrane. I love the food at Bistro Vendome, although the onion soup was a little sweet for my tastes. But the service just puts it over the top. Bistro Vendome is definitely one of my favorite places!
A great birthday or anniversary night out. The courtyard patio has european charm, and the interior space is quaint, just as you would expect in Paris. The wine selection is spot on, and I would highly recommend the cheese platter.
(4)
Jared L.
Wonderful food. Everything I have eaten here has been amazing, it is worth the tough parking situation you may encounter.
(5)
Ana B.
My boyfriend and I celebrated my birthday here and I couldn't have asked for a better night! The restaurant has a very authentic French feel (great music!), the food was absolutely outstanding and the service was top notch. Highly suggest starting with the Escargots à la Moëlle, the flavors were perfection. My boyfriend had a classic dish - Roquefort Steak Frites, absolutely delicious. I ordered the Gnocchis à la Truffe. The gnocchis is made with filo dough to create a less dense texture, and you cannot go wrong with Truffle anything... it was simply amazing. They ended my birthday celebration with a signed card from everyone working that night, something small that went a long way with us. We will absolutely be back... many, many times!
(5)
Andy J.
Upon entering Bistro Vendome, I was pretty hesitant and apprehensive as I was trying to squeeze out the best culinary experiences I could in my short time here. The waitress that seated me was extremely courteous and gave me an opportunity to review the menu prior to seating without any issues or problems. In fact, she even gave a small introduction to the restaurant and I was sold. Bistro Vendome is a french style restaurant with local seasonal influences. Their menu changes according ot the season but they do have a few items that are definitely staples. I tried as many items as I could without blowing a budget and settled on these three: Escargot, Pomme Frites, and the special of the day - Pork belly cooked in two ways. Honestly, the build up was incredible. I asked for the Pomme Frites to come first with the Escargot. Let's start with the Escargot first: I've had many chances to eat Escargot a many restaurants and Bistro Vendome definitely has some of the best. It could be a little TOO heavy on the garlic, but I believe it's a preference. The olive oil used has immense flavor when you dip the accompanied bread into it. If you were to eat the escargot without any bread to suppress some of the salt, it can be overwhelming. Second, the Pomme Frites; simply incredible. There's a slight sugary truffle glaze on the fries and the accompanied mayo dip (ala French style) is simply to die for. It's definitely something to come here for. Now to the not so elegant portions: the main course and dessert. The pork belly... is not pork belly than an Asian person would be accustomed to. To be frank, it tasted a lot like ham that's been charred. The first style of pork belly is served broiled on top of shitake mushrooms and truffle garlic mash potatoes. Solid dish, but there's something to be said about taking it easy on the seasoning and allowing the natural flavors of your dish come out. Case in point: I tasted NONE of the shitakes. The second dish was pork belly on pickled seasonal vegetables. I honestly can't say that I like this too much. It could just be I'm not used to European food, but I expected a lot more. I felt like I can make this using Costco pickled vegetables and ham bought from the grocery store. Finally dessert, I decided to order the Pistachio Souffle and... I've had better. It was interesting, but definitely not as refined as I had hoped. It wasn't too sweet, but then again, the souffle was stiff and not tasty at all. In conclusion, it was one of those places where you really need to pick and choose the dishes you order. Caveat Emptor everyone. If you're new to the area like me, definitely give it a shot, but just order the items that are proven to be good.
(4)
Adrienne L.
I wasn't blown away, but maybe that's because I didn't get the steak or lamb or any other cool thing like my friends did. We were there for a VERY large birthday dinner, and I have to give our waiter big props for handling the situation exceedingly well. Our food was out fast, no one's glasses were empty ... very good service indeed. He even requested that no olives be put into my crepe -- good work. But I didn't find my crepe fabulous, nor the French fries or the pineapple tart I had for dessert. I definitely don't think it was worth the money, anyway. My friends all seemed to really enjoy their meals, but just now when I asked my husband if he liked it ... he couldn't remember what he ate. That's not good.
(3)
Dorian H.
It was long overdue... And by that I mean - brunch with the girls and finally experiencing Bistro Vendome. Bistro Vendome was pretty much how I thought it would be. It is a very charming and beautiful restaurant. This would be a place to hit up on a summer afternoon if you are looking for a nice patio to sit on. The dining area is a little cramped, but not too bad. Actually the cramped and bustling nature of the place added a more Parisian feel. As to comply with the brunch rules, we all ordered something different. I was lucky enough to sample the Pain Purdue ~ amazing. The bread was sweet and soft, but not soggy. The syrup and banana melted in my mouth. If you have a sweet tooth, that would be your thing. My next taste test was with the omelette ~ again, wonderful. I was surprised that the omelette was so fluffy and light considering all of the heaving ingredients inside. Everyone seemed quite happy with their choices. As to stroll down memory lane of my times in France, I ordered the Croque Monsieur. It was wonderful. The pomme frites are great - sweet, salty and savory. The only disappointing part of the meal was the temperature of my food. The sandwich and fries were lukewarm at best. Our server was good. I don't remember her coming by to check on us very often, but I could've just been immersed in conversation at the table. Just a Note: We noticed a problem with the napkins. I don't know if they are the same from brunch to dinner, but the material from our napkins at brunch was flaking off onto our clothes. We all looked like we had a serious lint problem! Maybe it was our luck, or maybe people should know to not wear black to brunch here. ;)
(4)
Neena W.
First impression: Very cozy romantic environment Came here for their specialty: 10 bottles from their wine list for $20 on Mondays, but found out they have moved this event to Tuesday instead. We ordered the steak tartare and the molasses glazed duck, both were delicious. Definitely will go back.
(4)
Michelle B.
I liked this place. The wine list was nice and very fairly priced. It is also tucked back so you don't hear street traffic like the other dining establishments in the area. If the weather is nice, sit on the patio - it's really tranquil and lovely. The inside of the restaurant is too loud and tight for me. I liked my husband's duck confit and I had steak frites and was not a fan of the sugared fries - the steak was quite nice. Cons: the bread was a baquette with grains - not very french, loud inside and the desert menu was blah. Pros: the service, the wine list, the patio and the food - were all very pleasant. I would go back but no fries for me - other people love them so it's me!
(4)
elena j.
I was expecting to like this place a lot. My bf and I really wanted to eat here the first time we were in Denver, but we didn't get the chance to. So on our second trip we made sure to try it. The restaurant is nice and cozy, but the service sucked. The hostess was curt and during our entire meal our server barely spoke 2 words to us. I was really surprised because one of the things I LOVE about Denver is how nice and friendly everyone is. The food was good, but nothing worth writing home about. This experience was disappointing.
(2)
Monica I.
This is one of the best spaces on or around Larimer Square, in my opinion. The atmosphere is casual elegance and the patio is one of my favorites. The service is always good, knowledgeable without being snooty. It's a great place for a glass of wine and a quiet conversation. The food is usually good but it's not usually fabulous. I just had some of the best sweetbreads I've ever had (and it's one of my favorites) but the lamb and the rabbit entrees were only fine. The rabbit was overcooked and a bit too salty and the lamb came out medium to medium well instead of the rare to medium rare that was ordered. The sides were okay but nothing special. However, the prices are very reasonable so it somehow makes it okay not to be blown away. It's one of the best places to hang out -- you feel like you're away from it all while being directly in the middle of it all. It's why I'll always come back to this place. I can't think of a better spot.
(4)
Hilary M.
Bistro Vendome is always a good pick for dinner. Date, friends, you name it. Wonderful menu, incredible service and a wonderful wine list.
(4)
Marcel B.
This is a wonderful place. The overall ambiance and experience was great, and the lamb was the best lamb I've ever had. I'd definitely go back the next time I'm in Denver.
(5)
Josh P.
I must admit, I don't know much French food, which is surprising for being such a foodie. This clever spot in the theater district serves an excellent brunch. Take my advice and sit out on the patio. I recommend the croque madame. Pay attention, cause you just might miss this place. You'll be glad you stopped in though. If the waiters had an accent, you'd swear you were in France. In fact, I think my waiter even corrected my pronunciation of my dish.
(4)
Chloe H.
This place is literally probably my favorite place in denver. The food is absolutely always excellent and perfectly prepared. Service is friendly and knowledgeable. Sometimes I actually steal the bread they bring out, it is that good (too honest?). Prices are surprisingly affordable and the food is truly French, innovative, local and fresh. Incredible atmosphere too! For the price, it just can't be beat.
This place definitely is a pick me up after a tiring work day. I came here with two of my colleagues to venture outside of the DTC. We went for dinner on a hot day but we still chose to sit outside. The patio was quaint -- but I was getting uncomfortable because it was so hot outside and they don't have fans... So just keep that in mind for those warm nights. Atmosphere: Great. Cute patio surrounded by red bricked buildings. The staff seemed down to earth and not pretentious. Entrees: Delicious. My colleague and I ordered the lamb and just loved it. He said it was some of the best lamb he has ever had and ranked it high on his list. My other colleague ordered the duck confit and enjoyed it as well. We got different glasses of wine -- I am no sommelier but I ordered a the pinot noir to accompany my lamb and I enjoyed it. Dessert: Unfortunately, my banana torte wasn't as good as I expected. I loved the rum in the sauce but... there was a slight refrigerated taste to the custard (could be just me... so I won't knock a star off). My coworkers both loved what they ordered -- ice scream/sorbet (port ice cream, pineapple sorbet, and lycee sorbet) and chocolate velvet tart. I had a taste of the port ice cream and it was delicious! All in all, a wonderful dining experience at Larimer Square without breaking the bank. My bill came out to be less than $50 and I order a glass of wine, entree, and dessert. Portions were spot on -- not too much so you are overstuff but enough to satisfied.
(5)
Natalie B.
I've only been for brunch but this place has never let me down.
(4)
Lauren D.
Been wanting to go here for a date night for awhile! So we nailed down a Valentine's Day reservation, unfortunately we could only get 9:30pm due to a lag on our part....but we were happy to have a reservation. Here's my issue, we had barely psyched ourselves up for a reservation after 9 on a Monday work night, but then we had to wait at least 15 min at a crowded bar for our table too. Clearly a sign of them over-booking on a holiday and kind-of annoying. And despite the fact that we ate a snack at like 5/6 we were still ravenous by the time 9 rolled around. The ambiance is dimly lit and romantic. Cozy if you will. And the service we had was very good as well. The only thing truly mind-blowing about my steak & frites were the fries quite honestly. The blend of herbs and sweetness they add is completely amazing. My steak came out under-cooked, which is much better than over-cooked to me so I chose not to make any kind of fuss really. I just wish more of the pricey high caliber restaurants in Denver tried harder. I mean if we are going out to throw down at least $40 per person on a meal, can't you at least pretend that you love us and would want us to come back again? Can't say for certain if we'd come back or not, but it was a good meal and a nice Valentine's Day.
The food is average or once in awhile above average and expensive. The patio is nice - just chill. Inside the restaurant is way too crowded. You are constantly being bumped. Ridiculous! We had a reservation (and confirmation via email that we had one) yet we were continually told we didn't (even with evidence). There were open tables, but we were halfway tempted to leave after the host was so rude to us. Our meals were just okay - nothing I couldn't easily cook. The waiter was good. We won't return.
(3)
Mr. D.
We stopped in for brunch this morning. Rioja is our standard brunch but we wanted to try something new, glad we did! Baby and I split: French press coffee, assorted pastries, and galette de confit de canard. The pastries were flaky and not sugary sweet. The orange slices and pickled onions were just the right balance for the strong duck flavor and the fried potato thingy. The space was a bit cramped but charming. The ambiance did not benefit at all from the 80's pop music playing. We're looking forward to trying the rest of the brunch menu. Maybe tomorrow...
(4)
Andreas H.
What a great place. The Fantastic: The garden dining. The fresh bread. The appetizers are wonderful, and this is a great place to brunch. The chicken dish with cauliflower gratin was AMAZING! The Average: Prices are your typical Larimer St. prices, and some of their entrees can be over salted. The Horrid: Their frites are covered in sugar. Seriously. BLECH! Bistro Vendome is a great place for brunch, lunch, OR dinner, and we've never had a bad experience there. There are definitely items I have preferred over the other, but the atmosphere, servers, and drinks have always made us happy we had gone there that evening.
(4)
Will H.
Always have a great experience in this restaurant... It never disappoints, friendly non pretentious servers, very good food, good wine menu, also I appreciate the little things... baguette in a brown bag...etc. just the right amount of casual, Great patio in the summer.
My wife and I decided to try this Bistro for our one year anniversary and were very happy that we did. When making our reservations over the phone, the hostess made it a point to ask if we would be celebrating a special occasion. I informed her that we would be celebrating our anniversary and she said she would make a note of that. When we arrived for dinner the next night, our server greeted us promptly and gave us a nice card congratulating us and thanking us for choosing them to share our special day with. They also included a couple of coupons for us to use on our next visit for some free glasses of wine. The card was also signed b y the members of the staff. As if that wasn't enough already, they brought us a complimentary creme brulee for dessert. Aside from all of the extras for our anniversary, the service was prompt, a member of the wait-staff was constantly checking to see if we needed more water or anything else. The food was excellent as well, I ordered one of their Steak Frites and my wife had a special cod dish that had been created that day as a result of an extra supply of cod coming in. Overall this is a great place to celebrate a special event or even just to have a nice quiet date night. I highly recommend if the weather permits to sit on their patio. The patio is situated in a way that makes you feel like you are removed from the rest of Larimer Square in your own special courtyard.
(5)
James B.
I brought my friend here for her birthday and Bistro Vendome delivered on all fronts. Overall, A+ experiences so do not hesitate to go here. I would give this restaurant more than five stars if I could. Please continue reading for details of why you should go to Bistro Vendome. I made a reservation and told the restaurant I was celebrating my friend's birthday. We arrived early and promptly were seated. We began with the Steak Tartare, which was excellent, and our main courses were great as well (gnocchi and duck confit). By this time we both were full and were unsure if we wanted dessert. Finally, after we were almost done Bistro Vendome went the extra mile, and more, to make sure that my friend had a special birthday. Bistro Vendome gave my friend a dessert, of her choosing, on the house. She ordered the ice cream and sorbet for dessert, that were superb, and our waiter told us they were made in house. We were both extremely impressed by this point but Bistro Vendome went one step further by giving her two cards, one for a glass of wine and another for a dessert, for her to use when she visits Bistro Vendome again courtesy of the restaurant. Needless to say, we will both be back. Also, be sure to try Fernet Branca or Chartreuse Green for a unique after dinner digestif to properly finish a great dinner and evening with company. Thank you again Bistro Vendome for the phenomenal experience! We are already planning on when to go back to so she can use her cards. If you by chance possibly see us sitting at the bar or at a table when we return, I may happily be sipping on a glass of Chartreuse Green or Fernet Branca!
(5)
henry w.
Anybody that didn't give this place 5 stars should be ignored! This is a WOW! Nice location in a courtyard, great decor. Staff was outstanding. The food, amazing! Bread comes in a brown paper bag ( Warm) Sourdough, crispy. Free starter of Gazpacho served in an expresso cup to sip on with a dab of creme fraiche( Best I ever had) Had the appy special of oysters on the half shell. $12.50 but came with a glass of Champagne. ( I passed on the bubbly) I had the Steak Frites. Not the traditional it came sliced but it was rare as ordered to perfection. Great flavor! Guest had the Veal and they loved it ate it all. The frites were double fried and came with a very tasty garlic aoli. Wine list was well done and prices nicely. Had a Saint Emillion Grand cru for $90 , a great value! Dessert just killed. we could not decide between the sorbet trio ( Hoemade) or the Mango Cheesecake crepes. So we had both. Just killer. I cant say enough good about this tiny gem. Don't get to Denver often but when I do I'll be there!
(5)
Dorothy V.
Amazing Mussels...huge and divine. Service is impeccable. Wine list has some super values or if you want to splurge, there are high-end options. If you think French food is saucy and fattening, you're wrong. There are many options on the menu. If you are on a budget then order low on the menu or stick to the sizable appetizers. The ambiance is peaceful but not BORING! It's nearly perfect. There is not a rookie in the place. The service doesn't hover but is attentive. We felt welcome and not rushed. Only piece of criticism is the patio has some very odd weed looking foliage in their planters. I know...forget about it. Romantic for a special dinner.
(4)
Britney R.
I love this cute little French bistro! I knew I'd like it right as I walked in, and as I walked up, I felt like I was strolling down the Champs-Elysees in Paris. There's cute little round tables, white linens, and French menu items written on the window that reminded me of the 'cuisine' lesson plan from my 8th grade french class. Croque Monsieur, Moules Frites, Thon au Poivre- all the classics. The staff seems to have great food and wine knowledge, which I've come to appreciate, seeing as it's so rare in Denver restaurants. The food- oh wow, the food is delicious. Their moules frites are incredible. The mussels are succulent and flavorful, and the fries? I can't even start talking about them for fear of an unplanned emergency Bistro Vendome Fry Run. We also ordered the steak tartar, which had a gorgeous presentation, and a quail egg on top! So delish. We had decided to order more modestly than usual, so we split one entree- Steak Frites Roquefort. Perfectly cooked tender steak-covered with blue cheese in a red wine sauce- and more of those incredible fries. Heaven. After two great dinners here, I can't wait to check out their brunch. Oh, and more of those fries.
(4)
Kenny N.
Bistro Vendome satisfied my brunch craving quite well. I was 20 minutes late for my reservation, so had to wait a bit once I arrived. We were seated next to a window overlooking the brick courtyard (really would like to be there again when it's snowing or after a fresh snowfall). The service is quite friendly and attentive there. Food and service seemed well paced. There was no hovering and our every need was taken care of. I've been lusting over the Gallete since eyeing their online menu. My companion tried their omelet. Before our items arrived, we were welcomed with a fresh hot baguette with butter. So good, but of course I'm an easy target. Good bread = satisfaction. Our food was excellent. My item had many flavors, but they never seemed conflicting. Whatever remained was sopped up with the baguette. Dessert (for breakfast??) was an ice cream/sorbet trio (blueberry lavender, guava, apricot) and for her, a creme brulee topped with fresh blueberries. Both were satisfying. My only wish was to have a non-chocolate selection that contrasted with the sweet fruit, but their menu states those flavors rotate daily as they are made in-house. It's a comfortable spot, dressy yet casual, elegant without being stuffy. I welcome going here again.
(4)
Ali W.
Without repeating what has already been said in previous reviews, I must add that I did not like their mint soda. I thought it was going to be a refreshing drink similar to a virgin mojito, but... It was like a cup of carbonated water galvanized with cheap peppermint syrup. It was like a peppermint candy cane left in water and sunlight for too long. It was as if lepruchun-green food coloring exploded at Bistro Vendome and dyed this drink. It was like...well, you get the idea. 1 star off: mint soda
(4)
Mo Z.
Their food is tres magnifique! For appetizers, we had the Crepes Vendome (scrumptious), Moules, and Pommes Frites (to die for!). Two of us had the Fletan et Raviolo de Feves (halibut with fava bean ravioli and carot orange puree)-mouth watering! The other two had Confit de Canard Pommes de Terre au Foie Gras (duck leg) and St Jacques, Pois de Champignons (french for pan seared scallops). Dessert: creamy Creme Brulee. Sitting on the patio on a late spring evening was delightful. Our server Ian was excellent and very handsome.
(5)
Erin H.
LOVE. We were visiting from out of town and were kinda bummed that we didn't get in to Z Cuisine. But Bistro Vendome saved the evening. They were able to seat us within 15 minutes without a reservation on a Saturday. Service was pleasant, decor charming and food definitely above-average. I had a mushroom soup with truffle oil that was amazing. We also had/thoroughly enjoyed the steak tartare, the chicken crepe appetizer and the duck entree. Yum all around and I thought prices were quite reasonable. Only downside for us: a quaint dining space = a small dining space and we did spend an hour and a half trying not to listen to the sob-story of the diner next to us. Small price to pay, though, for an overall good experience.
(4)
Brandon Y.
Excellent food. It is too cramped and loud, but the food makes it worth it. I had the Croque-Madame and it was great. The rest of the group were very happy with their meals too, and our server was excellent! Will come back.
(4)
Arlyn C.
I hate the LoDo area. Hate it hate it hate it, but, no other french restaurant (with good reviews) was open on sunday. We were there to celebrate the big 3-0 & decided to try it out for brunch. It's a quaint cafe nestled in an alley off of Larimer & 15th. Cute parisian decor & small, but intimate setting. Started off with a glass of bubbly & the mussles. Yes! They got the broth right! 4/5 Rich, buttery, onion-y, garlic-y wine broth that you wanted to keep dipping endless loaves of bread in. Triple cream omelette: 4/5 They were out of the dungeness crab topping, so had the mushroom salad instead. Mushrooms were still fresh & prepped accordingly. Eggs were slow cooked to perfection- very creamy & not over done at all. Steak & Oufs: meat was also executed well. Ordered medium rare, and medium rare is what he got. When you can cut with a butter knife, you know that's damn good. Potatoes were delicate & had a great sear to it. 3.5/5 Service was a delight & will definitely come back, even though I do not fancy the area. Oh yah- price is a plus. Totally fair for the quality & quantity.
(4)
Shane L.
What an unbelievable experience. My wife and I wanted to try out something new in the theater district and figured, why not? We had reservations for 9:00 and when we arrived at 8:50, we were told it would be a wait. We went to their bar and waited for 30 minutes before another couple came in and sat down next to us. The manager of the restaurant knew the couple and made sure to greet them and apologize for the wait. Meanwhile we were ignored. After about 10 more minutes the manager came back and grabbed the couple he knew and brought them to a table. After another 10 minutes the hostess finally grabbed us and gave us a table. We had mussels for and appetizer and they were very tasty. Our table was sitting next to a temporary screen that his the register from the diners. Throughout our meal we could hear the waitstaff complaining about the patrons all night long. My wife ordered steak, which came out purple in the middle, and wasn't even a good cut of steak! I got the rabbit leg. It was extremely greasy and had no flavor whatsoever. I am never going back and I'm telling all my friends not to.
(2)
Lea C.
Awww, Bistro Vendome I will heart you forever. Once upon a time I dated a scumbag in Denver, and thus spent a ton of time there. I will always love Denver. What a beautiful place. This place was my fav restaurant, and we spent so many nights here I'm surprised they didn't know us by name. First, the location is amazing. Who doesn't love Lodo, especially at night? Inside makes me feel like I'm back in Paris. Outside in the courtyard, it's always beautiful like an English garden. Regardless, it's super romantic. I've been here mostly for dinner, but once for brunch. And I gotta tell you, I always ordered the same thing: moules-frites. The mussels were always excellent: big and juicy. The broth was perfectly seasoned and I invariably drank it like soup. The frites are the best thing on the menu and the best I have ever had, anywhere in the world, period. They are finished with gastrique and herbs and are so crunchy, salty, sticky, sweet that it makes me want to cry just thinking about how phenomenal they taste. Seriously. The macaroni and cheese is also delicious. The French soda, especially the almond flavor, is a treat. Like a marzipan dessert in a glass. They used to do an amazing dessert: a napoleon of lemon cream, blueberries, and phyllo layers. It was absolutely out-of-this-world scrumptious. They also have a great wine list. We took many a delicious, half-full bottle of wine home from dinner here. And the best part is that everything on the menu is pretty cheap. So you can have an amazing French dinner here and not break the bank. I'm hoping that this place never closes because I want it to be there the next time I visit, and who knows when that will be. If you live in the Denver metro, I am jealous, and what are you waiting for??? GO!
(5)
Craig S.
Went to Bistro Vendome with my fiancee. We sat outside. It was a nice fenced in patio with a large tree covered with lights. Great late summer dinning weather. The wait staff is incredibly friendly and professional. We ordered bubbly, and the soup. Before our French onion soup arrive we were treated to a free (Chefs choice) soup that was spicy and creamy. The complimentary soup and our French onion soup were both delicious. We then both got the Steak Frites. A juicy and tender steak, and sticky-sweet fries which were served, as my fiancee said, like they were in France, standing up in an aluminum cup lined with paper. We both enjoyed our meals, but I was occasionally looking for more on my plate.
(4)
Stephanie J.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. I love, love, love it. Location - nestled behind Larimer Square in setting that does make you feel like your are a little closer to France. Decor - ooh la la. Warm colors, fun bar that is cozy and cool. I have not dined outside but in the dining room many times and once w/a group of friendsin the side special room. Romantic for a date or chic and comfy w/a friend. Staff - friendly and knowledgable w/out being on top of you. Food - Delish! IItems I recommend: bibb leaf salad, steak frites (either the Au Poivre or Classique - the bernaise sauce is yummy). The frites have a drizzle of honey or some sort of light sugar on top. It is just a hint and they are addicting. I love them. J'dore. Their mussels are yummy and classic, Chicken dish is divine and brunch items are so wonderful - Croque Monsieur, Almond french toast and some hangover drinks that are WORTHY! And yes Croissants for Brunchtime and drink is enough. They have me every time w/crunchy french bread and beure. Bistro Vendome is a must on your list for special nights out, a brunch with friend or sweet aunt and always perfect time.
(5)
Cecilia L.
5 stars for the patio ambiance, 0 stars for the food. Since food is what I'm really interested in, it somehow averages to 1 star in my mind. Perhaps the nights that I dined there were just off nights for the restaurant? After reading all the FAB reviews, I was super super excited to try the place. I've spent a lot of time in France, so maybe my standards were also too high? I'm not sure what the problem was, but the food was very very subpar. I think that my expectations were too high after reading other yelpers rave endlessly about this place. 1) Pommes Frites - interesting spices and vinaigrette. The fries themselves were terrible. I could have gotten fresher fries at Arby's. Everyone knows that fries are only good when they're FRESH out of the oil; the ones that I got tasted like they had been made about 2 hours ago, and since then, had been sitting under a heat lamp waiting for the next unlucky customer (i.e ME) to order them. OLD FRIES are not yummy at all, no matter how fancy they're dressed up to be with vinaigrette. 2) steak tartare. Another dish that I had high expectations for, since a few other yelpers have mentioned it. Nowhere on the menu does it say that the tartare is cooked!! Steak tartare is normally served rawed, and if it is cooked it's called tartare poêle. Even then, it's only lightly cooked on the outside, with the inside being raw. The tartare that I was served was a bit too cooked to be classified as "tartare" in my book, which also allowed the chefs to get away with using a lower grade of meat!! Raw tartare literally melts in your mouth. This tartare, well, it was a bit more chewy. 3) cotelettes de veau. The breaded veal was overcooked and alas, chewy. Chewy food seems to have been the theme of the night. 4) sorbet. Ah, sorbet. I thought that sorbet was pretty impossible to mess up, since it comes straight out of a tub in the freezer, right?? Well, I was dead wrong on this one. My sorbet had the worst kind of freezer burn on it, which totally changed the texture. It had these ice crystals which mean the sorbet crunchy. Yes, crunch. To be fair, I'm not sure if it was freezer burn or if the sorbet had been slightly melted and then refrozen, hence leaving the ice crystals. For the benefit of the restaurant, I'd like to say that it was freezer burn. The latter scenario (unfrozen and then refrozen) is truly unsanitary because it can lead to uncleanly bacteria festering in the food while it was melted. Oh dear, how could the food have been THIS POOR on nights that I visited Bistro Vendome?? I didn't try my dinner companion's food, but after the disappointment with my own food, I wasn't interested in much else.
(1)
Spike E.
We had a reservation here on Monday night for a little birthday celebration. They were a bit understaffed but the bar service was stellar despite being slammed. she had great recommendations! i had a YUMMY magellan gin/st germaine/white bordeaux martini. i would go back for that alone. we waited for a table on the patio... really beautiful and the ambience was perfect. we were really excited to get some oysters, but they were already out. =( All food was good, but we got a little carried away so that my trout entree was an afterthought by the time it arrived. we tried mussels, escargot, and duck rillette. rillette was by far my fav. it is a must try! i will definitely be going back!
(4)
Sherri K.
Rich French Goodness. We had the mussels to start and paired with the warm French bread which was served promptly with the water when we were seated, it was a terrific start to a great meal. The mussels were in a garlic, buttery saucebowl and super tasty. We ordered the Vegetarian Assiette, which was the flakiest (in a good way) pastry served with an assortment of vegetables, including asparagus and tomatoes; and heavy on the garlic. There was melty cheese within the pastry, but only a small hint; not over-cheesed. We also had the Scallops which were served over a potato and carrot stack with the most succulent spinach sandwiched between the vegetable bottom and the scallop top. More buttery, garlic goodness. Note: the presentation was beautiful. The location is prime, and the atmosphere is very mature yet not stuffy. The service was good, not over-solicitous, but available. The prices were very reasonable for the amount of food and quality of restaurant. They even had a $5 house wine. Granted, it was Le coq rouge, but ...I mean...come on! It was a top choice for my pre-valentine/ anti valentine dinner. The only downside was the bar area. TOO SMALL. If you are meeting more than 3 friends, go downstairs to LIME. I liked the indoor/ outdoor seating arrangement, but when it's winter, and you can't sit outside, don't be fooled into thinking this is a good place to grab a drink.
We went on a Sunday night which was perfect for us with 3 kids. The staff was so friendly and accommodating with everything. As far as the meal. They first brought us a tomato bisque that was amazing. The cheese plate was great. The foie gras was ok and I have never tried it before. My husband has and said it was ok also. I had the trout and it was probably the best of the three dinners we ordered. The desserts were to die for. Also they fries were amazing.
(4)
Petros H.
Not the best Bistro in the world but the best i could find in Denver... Been there about a dozen times from 2006-09. Food, ambiance, service, wines, prices, all up to par... I will definitely go back next time I am in Denver.
(4)
Tony S.
My dining experience at Bistro Vendome was TOP NOTCH from start to finish. What more can I say? This place is wonderful!!
(5)
Juan V.
Had the Saturday morning brunch. Well prepared and service impeccable. Food: Charcuterie and Galette de Confit de Canard Charcuterie - Pate was light and had a mild flavor compared to others I've had. Pork Belly was absolutely amazing - I love "sticky" fat Bresaola - Not my favorite but worked well with the macerated figs it was better. Staff: Extremely competent and was excited to see staff that cared about the simple things like noticing I needed more flatware. Will go back again for full menu.
(4)
Young D.
The food last night was fine. I had the escargot, Classic Steak and Frites with the Bernaise, which was good. The fries were unexpected, but we ate them all. My eating partner, a vegetarian, ordered the Vegetarian dish and really enjoyed it. The bread was good. The amuse bouche sent out from the kitchen was a cold tomato soup which was probably the best soup I've ever had - really extraordinary. Why 3 stars? Our waitress was visibly wasted. Not just a little drunk, but slurring her words, tripping over her feet drunk. Because I was with a vegetarian and we are always wary of portion sizes with that, we ordered a salad. Never came - we weren't charged for it, but I'm assuming it just went in one ear and out the other. Granted, we were one of the last tables seated on a Friday night, but come on. Your restaurant closes at midnight and bars are open til 2. Can't you wait to get wasted until you're done serving people their food?
(3)
Ryan S.
It's in the best location in Denver... Brilliant appetizers... Large, extensive contemporary french menu... Nice wine selection.... Excellent service.... Private room available... Easy drunk walk back to conference hotels... Thank God for corporate wining and dining. How else could we live like this?
My favorite restaurant right now, romantic patio and cheese/meat/wine pairings that make me want to come here everyday. Darling bar, good brunch.... yum.
(5)
Sunana B.
Admittedly, when it comes to restaurants in Denver, I suffer from a wandering eye, flipping through them for something that sparkles and tempts, something unexpected that catches my eye. This has never happened with Bistro Vendome. While many chefs seem content mostly recycling recipes from the latest food channel trend, Bistro Vendome does not dance the latest culinary cha cha cha. The latest gastronomical craze would never sully the unpredictable world of BV. In a very unassuming yet tempting nook of Larimer Square, Bistro Vendome projects the most romantic setting with small tables lovers can nestle together at, even on the same side, without feeling awkward. The wait staff is quite kind, thoughtful and hospitable without being over-bearing or always around. Their cooking embodies the imaginative possibilities of the best old world french recipes I have ever eaten, and I swoon over so many of the tasty treats they conjure up. There was a moment, such as the surprise of a delightful amuse-bouche of roasted red pepper soup that was like a steamy little kiss of dreamy creamy goodness providing a comforting, warm start to dining on a chilly night. The mussels appetizer were glistening in their sexy saltiness of preposterous possibility, with tender flesh cooked in the garlicy savoryness, equal parts musky and sweet. We sopped up the beautiful juices with warm fresh baguette served in a scandalous paper bag. Their pomme frites are cut with precision, deliciously thin, crispy on the outside and soft and steamy on the inside. Then there was another moment when my paramour had the filet mignon, which was a house special. It was seasoned and cooked flawlessly, topped with a fragrant truffle sauce that was steeped in subtleties that were uncannily unique, clever and delicious. Then there was a third moment when my very own herbed chicken was beautifully crisp on the outside and deliciously moist on the inside, seasoned superbly, paired with a cauliflower gratin that was light and fluffy. These moments stack on top of one another in my memory like a woman's pink-flounced pillows. Another red hot glowing feature of Bistro Vendome is their willingness to allow the unequaled luxury of uninterrupted time. Time for the long and languorous running sentences of seduction and sensuality, while savoring perfectly prepared food such as their sultry crème brulee as we curled closer and closer together resembling quotation marks to the casual observer. They don't rush you out of there as soon as they've cleared your dinner plates. It's difficult to marshal some response as to why this place is so special, but it's likely something about the importance of journeys and destinations, the totality of the experience and not its end, even if that end is punctuated by the siren song of the last glass of Sirene Margaux and a delicate lychee sorbet you will continue to lust over for weeks. The artfulness of Bistro Vendome awakens a ray of sunshine slumbering way down deep in our memories of how food should taste, giving one pause, a slight inward hush of my breath, and every dining experience I have ever had there touches me on the inside from nip to tip, top to bottom and all the naughty crevices in between.
(5)
Ron B.
We went there for dinner on Christmas Eve. The staff was friendly and courteous. The food had good flavor and consistency. The waitress knew everything about the menu and the appropriate wines. The beer selection is very good and has some less common options as well. We paid about $150 incl tip and while high end restaurants provide a nicer atmosphere I do not think that it had to be quite that much. I go to plenty of places in Boulder and Denver and we have (almost) the same quality and flavorful meal for half the price. Nevertheless it is a very nice place and location and we will go there again for a special occasion. If you come with a group of four or more I would call ahead of time. The restaurant is rather small and they do work with a reservation system, coming spontaneously with a group might not be possible.
(4)
Al C.
I visited here recently with a colleague. It was worth every. single. bite. The asparagus bisque was amazing. The onion soup was the "worst" part as it was just above average. The Roulade de Porc was perfect as was the polenta. The ice cream was flight was perfect -- particularly the watermelon sorbet. I'd go again in a heartbeat.
(5)
Tristan S.
Very good food! Service was great as well. I would recommend and will done there again.
(5)
Em W.
This is a nice, little French restaurant. It's a great place for a date night and the service has always been great. I have aways been very happy with the different dishes I have tried.
(4)
Elton W.
I think this place was okay, but nothing special. The French Onion soup appetizer was good, and the crunchy French bread served was excellent. The amuse bouche was good as well, a little cup of something with curry in it. The real letdown was the entree, I ordered the Steak Frites, which was not a great cut of meat, and the flavor wasn't very good. Underwhelmed is a good word to use for Bistro Vendome.
(3)
Liezl R.
I love that this place is not directly on Larimer and makes for an intimate setting. I sat on the patio and it was quiet and relaxing. The food was very tasteful. I recommend the mussel appetizer, it's enough for 2 people. I also enjoyed a Paris 44 for a refreshing cocktail.
(4)
William B.
The previous reviews cover the menu accurately. The food is not quite perfect enough for the price for this to be a true prize, but it is downtown Denver and I am not sure there is any place that will make you happier. I wrote to note that, at the moment at least, on Monday nights there is a special on wine-- 10 different (reasonably interesting) bottles are each on sale for only $20. That pushed this place over the edge to four stars.
(4)
Jennifer M.
Cheaper than a trip to Par-ree! Went to BV on New Year's Eve and had a splendid meal. Started with a warm honey/apple cocktail that was so good I had to get another. Hubs and I shared the Provencal platter appetizer, which was a funhouse of yummy little things, like cheeses, meats, homemade mustards, marinated mushrooms, etc. Perfect with the warm baguette they give you in a cute paper bag. I was very pleased to see a vegetarian risotto on the menu - most risottos are made with chicken stock and off limits. And most vegetarian plates at restaurants are the sloppy seconds from the "real meals." Not at Vendome - they clearly took great care to provide a thoughtful meatless meal. The risotto had butternut squash, parsnips, apples. It was divine. The hubs loved his steak frites - even with sugar on the fries. Dessert was perfect - a little chocolate tart with salty caramel. What's not to love?
(5)
Alex R.
Went here with my boyfriend for Valentine's Day and it was the perfect choice! The environment was romantic with dimly lit candles and great decor. We decided to order off the regular menu and had the Foie Gras Saisi for our appetizer. It was the first time either of us had tried it and it was delicious. It came with lightly fried mushrooms and a sweet sauce. For the entree, I had the Steak Frites port reduction and my boyfriend got the duck. Both were really good, my steak was very tender and the bleu cheese was great. The waiter was very kind and stopped by to see how we were doing without overdoing it. I would definitely come here again and recommend it for a romantic night out.
(5)
Andrew O.
Perhaps I'm holding this restaurant against my favorite French restaurant in L.A. (Figaro Bistrot), which is unfair, but I was pretty underwhelmed with this spot. We sat on the patio for brunch and the first thing that struck me was the classic rock they were playing over the sound system. The little downtown Denver courtyard isn't the most French place, but you throw some Aerosmith over the ambiance and it's REALLY not French. I don't need the waiter to wear a beret and curly mustache, but a little mood music wouldn't hurt the atmosphere. I had the crepes fromage blanc, and I know the white cheese was infused with real vanilla bean because there was a large chunk of inedible vanilla bean pod in one crepe. So, point for authenticity there if not execution. I also ordered the plate of mini French pastries, and while they were tasty, in their sweet, buttery way, they reminded me a little too much of a fruit pastry you might buy at King Soopers. That sounds like a jerky thing to say but it's true. I'm not saying they weren't good, though. I would probably try this restaurant again; perhaps the music was just different that day, and I'd like to try some other menu items.
(3)
Tim M.
Classy. We went here before the symphony & sat at the bar. The bartender was really busy yet provided us with great service. Everything we had was amazing: charcuterie, cheese plate, steak frites, scallops. The ramps on the scallop dish were perfect, it is details like this when done to perfection elevate the experience for me. true professionals. Will definitely return.
(4)
Michelle S.
French Fries. By far the absolute BEST ones I've ever had. Whatever it is that coats these glorious morsels of french fry is amazing. I could go here and eat them and drink a glass of wine and be a happy girl. But seriously, I've been wanting to try this place for a long time and tonight was the night! I met my friend down there for dinner while she was on a dinner break from work. We sat at the bar and the bartender was great, brought us out a little tasting cup of this apple, spiced pear, cinnamon, chai deliciousness soup that I wanted to bathe in. Seriously. It was heavenly and I want more now that I'm sitting on my couch at home freezing. We had the cheese and wine tasting to share plus the mussels and french fries and the salad with the beets. Everything was SO good, I'm actually drooling just a little bit when thinking of it. I could probably do with a little more food now but at the time when we finished I was stuffed. The cheese and wine pairings were really good-I'm not a fan of stinky cheeses AT ALL but I was a trooper and tried all three that they were serving tonight and they were all superb. Wine was good, just the right amount to share on a night when drinking isn't really on call but wine sounds good. The salad was SO good, the fact that I'm obsessed with beets might have something to do with it :) But seriously there was even fennel in the salad and I don't like fennel but I ate it and couldn't even taste it. Delicious! Plus they were roasted yellow beets and those are my absolute favorite. Muscles were really good as well, the french fries were the perfect combo for them and the crispy french bread to dip in the sauce was awesome. I need to go back and try some more off the menu and shovel some more deliciousness into my mouth. Can't wait!
(5)
Banafsheh P.
This little place will blow you away...their little court yard area in the back is fantastic for a Sunday brunch! Their 'Specials Du Jour' are fab. deals too! i am a huge fan of mussels... and here is the treat of the week: SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHTS Mussels & Frites $9 Fischer Amber Ale $3
(4)
Jamie L.
I love the feeling of sitting at a bistro on windswept, busy Parisian boulevards. Bistro Vendome is the closest I'll get in Denver. The outdoor setting is a little courtyard, partially walled-in, quieter and more isolated than the original, but still a nice way to spend a morning lingering over brunch. Whether it's satisfying our sweet tooth with the Pain Purdue, savoring their savory smoked salmon benedict, nibbling on an iconic Croque Madame, or sampling their Crepe du Jour, Vendome has not disappointed. Feeling more Lunch-y? Their Onion Soup, naturally, is fabulous. It's a sentimental fave of mine, and they do it justice. Mussels, Salads, and even a Burger round out the offerings. The service is very Parisian as well, attentive but not overbearing, definitely peddling their wines and drinks, and helpful with suggestions, too. Bistro Vendome is a great escape from the busy, everyday hustle, with good eats upon which to feast while doing so.
(4)
Jacyn M.
The meal was incredible. The wait staff very attentive. The only downside was the tables are tightly arranged and it feels crowded.
I absolutely love French food. This place is perfect for your palate and your wallet. Which is always a good thing. We went here for my birthday, and it didn't disappoint the birthday girl. The frites are delicious. They have a bit of a sweet taste to them, but the more you eat them, the more you want to shovel handfuls into your face. We had the mussels, which were perfectly garlicy, and tender. We both ordered the crepe of the day, and it was an actual crepe. Thin and light and delicate. They served me a complimentary dessert for my birthday, and it was a pistachio souffle. Loved it!! We were there during brunch, and we sat out on the patio. It was like being whisked to Paris. Great place, can't wait to go back.
(5)
Christine L.
Ok, still 3 stars, but what happened to the Blueberry Napoleon?!? I was utterly disappointed this time. The blueberry was overpowering and the lemon flavor was pretty much lost. None of it tasted right! Well onto the other dishes... the mussels are solid and we completely cleaned up the juices with bread. The tomato salad was interesting because of the curry in the vinaigrette-- they don't advertise the curry so be warned if you're not a fan. The duck rillette was nothing special, just your typical pate.
(3)
Mardi T.
Best Brunch Ever!! Great service, Great food, large portions - can't wait to go back!!!
(5)
Erica A.
We decided to eat here at the last minute There were no tables available. So, they sat us at the cheifs bar area (whatever you want to call it). It was a very busy night and we were pressed on time due to theater tickets. We asked our waiter for his suggestions based on our time constraints. We ordered the lamb and ravioli and one other item I can't remember. The food was amazing and we didn't feel rushed. The restaurant manager came by and helped us pick a couple of wines to go with our dinner. Our experience was amazing.
(5)
Inez R.
We enjoyed fabulous service and delicious food when we dined at this lovely french bistro for our 10th wedding anniversary. The warm, crusty bread was delicious and immediately delivered to the table. The escargot in butter sauce was mouth-watering and my duck was done perfectly. My husband's gnocchi was tender and flavorful. The service was exceptional with the chef delivering a special chocolate tart to our table in celebration of our anniversary. We have dined at Bistro Vendome many times in the past few years and have always had a consistent, fabulous experience. I highly recommend this gem.
(5)
Casey S.
Wonderful place for French Food. The atmosphere is very intimate and quiet. The patio in the summer is some of the best outdoor dining in the city. Service is impeccable here and you have a plethora of choices of delicious things to choose from. The bartender is one of Bistro's hidden gems, they are very adept in making a killer Manhattan! Great for dates and groups!
(5)
Krisztina F.
If you are looking for fine french dining, Bistro Vendome is not the place to go. This is really what it is: "A bistro is a small restaurant serving moderately priced simple meals in a modest setting. Bistros are defined mostly by the foods they serve. Slow-cooked foods like braised meats are typical. Bistro patrons do not necessarily expect professional service or printed menus," (Stolen from wikipedia) Well then, this will be just the place for you. Now, you must further consider that you are dining in Denver, Colorado...and not in Paris, so temper your expectations accordingly. For those of you who have been to Paris, you'll be amazed that Bistro Vendome has recreated the amazing atmosphere genesis that allows you to dine in packed dining rooms, but feel as if you are still in an intimate setting with your other guests. The food is quite tasty...for $10 we had a delicious mounding bowl of buttery mussels. The escargot was served in the french style with a little twist of individual puff pastries over each little bowl of flavorful snail. The various entrees of the evening were all tasty, two of us choosing scallops and one choosing veal. The dessert list was adequate, and we selected the blueberry lavender napoleon...freshly rapturous. Not your best choice if your favorite dessert is molten chocolate cake, this is more light, airy, and fruity in the European manner. The only negatives were the bread (sourdough, a bit doughy) when I was hoping for a true baguette. I believe I may be the only person on the planet who really doesn't like sourdough. It's a very busy restaurant, so if you're going on Friday or Saturday make certain you make reservations. To top our evening off, our service was attentive and unobtrusive. I'm loath to give yet another 4-star since that's all I've been giving lately...but it really was a wonderful dining experience. Bon Apetit!
(4)
Jon H.
First visit for Sunday birthday brunch for 87 year old sweetie on their cozy patio. Overall, the food was uninspired, the service spotty and the prices in relation to the quality of the food were shocking. I had the french onion soup and a salad. The soup lacked that deep richness and the salad was boring. Croque Madame for my friend. It was dry and tasteless. The french fries with the sugar were horrible. Our group of seven left with little good to say. This place was a huge disappointment.
(2)
Julie C.
The meal was okay, but not great. We enjoyed the chicken crepe, but the rabbit was dry and tough and the risotto was inedible. Our server was nice enough to offer a free beer for the icky risotto. I really liked the atmosphere and decor, and didn't hate the place, but wouldn't go back. There are lots of better places at a similar price point in that area, that I would go to instead.
(3)
Dave M.
Location: This place is tucked away in a little nook in downtown Denver that you would never really spot if you didn't know where you are going. The outer design is awesome with a great little patio area and a lower level area outside as well. Inside the tables are spaced fairly well leaving plenty of room and allowing for a good quiet meal without any interruptions from the other customers around you. Food: The food here was exactly what you would expect for the price. Every aspect of each dish is specifically tailored to tease your pallet. From slight hints of mint, to subtle tickles of honey, this place knows how to make your taste buds dance. The Poulet Roti Aux Herbs was juicy and perfectly darkened. The desserts are another thing to definitely take a stab at. The Chocolate Velvet Tart was just right without being overbearing. Presentation: You couldnt ask for much more when it comes to the food prep and design in this place. It sits right up there with Rioja as far as deserving a standing ovation to the chefs. They do an outstanding job of putting together each dish and making it look unique. Service: The service was OK. I couldnt say that it was anything really special due to finding myself looking for the waiter from time to time for drink refills, and this was on a slower evening.... But when available the waiter was helpful and polite. Atmosphere: The atmosphere was fairly mellow. You could definitely have a relaxed conversation without any real issue. If there was music present, i didnt even notice. The lighting and decor definitely give it an old yet bright french quarter feel. My Final Opinion: Overall, I really enjoyed this place. It has great quality food and presentation. The quiet atmosphere was good for a change of pace considering the usual hussle and bussle of downtown Denver (please keep in mind we were there a little later than usual, somewhere around 8:30pm or later). The outside is absolutely amazing and would be well worth a stop during lunch or an early dinner. I'd say if you are interest in French food in Denver, this is a great start!
(4)
JJ N.
A wonderful little restaurant nestled in Larimer Square. You might feel as if you went back in time sitting in their dinning room. I had the mussels to start which were fantastic and ended up having the special which was a salmon dish on mash with asparagus. Everything was delicious including the wine list. I will be back!!!
(4)
Rick K.
Chapeau! Gran Magnifique! Bistro Vendome deserves 4 stars (come to think of it, I think considering the price and the quality of the dishes, it really is a 5 star place). This is a really good bistro at a very reasonable price. The meats are so well marinated and the starches so flavourful with the right spices. I think the chef has it right. I thought the atmosphere would be quite casual, but as I sat down I noticed most people were professionals (meaning no one wore anything resembling a t-shirt and shorts). The Escargot appetizer was delicious and the lamb was so good. I personally thought the pork chops, though very well grilled and well seasoned, was a wee bit dry. I'd opt for other entrees. The decor wasn't exactly top top of the line, but it's definetely what you call a white table cloth joint. Service was charming and always ask for the chocolate torte at the very end. Yeah...
Wanting a cute 'romantic' brunch setting in the Downtown Denver area, I turned to yelp to help me select a place since I've never been to the Downtown area, and this place indeed was a great pick! I highly recommend setting up a reservation online because even with our reservation we still had to wait 20 minutes, and overheard walk-ins having to wait 45 minutes to an hour! I have to say this was also the weekend after Christmas and a Sunday afternoon so that may factor in a wait. We waited at the bar and had a mimosa and enjoyed the atmosphere. The bartender was attentive and made sure our 20 minute wait feel like a breeze. The pomme frites were superb I must say, and my ham and cheese sandwich was more than enough food! My boyfriend got the bistro burger which was great as well. Our waitress was knowledgeable and gave us great customer service. We were helped by other waiters as well which made feel like they really do take the time to do customer service right- as a team. Whenever we are in Denver again, we want to try this place for dinner. Amazing job, Bistro Vendome, you did not disappoint.
(5)
Susan Z.
Sat at bar. Great bartender who knows her wines. Beet salad is a must. Frites and mussels were great. Closest I have felt to Paris since last we were last there in September.
(5)
Steven M.
This is a fantastic place to get great French cuisine. I won't repeat what has already been said, but great service, quality food prepared wonderfully, awesome wine selection and a cool vibe. Highly recommended!
(4)
Candace H.
Absolutely love this place! On tuesday I had a birthday dinner at Bistro Vendome and it was lovely. First, we were sat in the private dining area at no cost because we had a party of 10. The server was really friendly, attentive (but not overly so in the annoying way). Because it was my birthday she provided us with champagne for a toast. I was able to bring in a cake and she took care of everything, presenting the cake, cutting it for everyone etc... One time I mentioned that I wanted some of their delicious french fries and she brought me some free of charge. The food was awesome, I had the duck confit and it was perfectly cooked. Also, had bites of my friends dishes which were also divine. I am coming back here again for sure. if I ever remember my servers name I most def will talk to the manager about getting her a raise!
(5)
Bill V.
Unbelievable atmosphere. Wonderful service. The only reason it's not five stars is the over use of salt. wow. Other than that, every dish was a hand-crafted masterpiece. Location was perfect and the bar was friendly.
(4)
Steven H.
After dining here, I absolutely felt the need to echo everyone else's thought about this restaurant. Atmosphere is cosy, off of the bustling Larimer square. And the food is extraordinary for its price. I had the chicken crepe and the prosciutto wrapped rabbit loin and confit. Absolutely stunning. Food was seasoned perfectly, olives in the chicken crepe gave the whole dish a nice lift, and the tarragon mustard sauce for the rabbit was unbelievable, coupled with the presentation which was brilliant. It was one of those meals you wished it never ended. My server, Christine, was very efficient and friendly. Overall, one of my best dining experiences. Hence, the need to rate something on Yelp for the first time. I will definitely come back if I ever stop by Denver again.
(5)
Jennifer A.
Looking forward to trying the brunch here. Our crepe starter was great, but the trout was only okay. The sous vide pork was tasty but a bit too chewy. Will come back but wont make this a go-to destination for dinner when TAG is across the street.
(3)
Susan E.
One of my favorite stand-byes in Denver. Favorite dish is the encrusted trout which has been on the menu for years with a few variations. Great outdoor patio spot, quant bar and good wine selection. I don't have any complaints. For a nice restaurant, it's not too pricey. Don't forget to try the fries ... very good and great dipping sauce.
(4)
Tom S.
Bistro Vendome is a very good re-creation of a bistro one might find in the 16th Arrondissement in Paris. The atmosphere is casual and the outdoor seating is inviting. It struck me that Bistro Vendome was about the food, and not the "scene." We had a reservation and were told when we arrived that we could sit outside, but there would be a 45 minute wait. We opted to sit by a window with a nice view of the patio. The room was arranged well, allowing patrons to see all of it. (I don't like restaurants where you sit facing a wall in a corner and end up feel clautrophobic.) Only downside to the space was that it was too warm. The service was excellent. our waiter knew the menu and was able to make good recommendations. The food was very good. I had the pork chop. Very flavorful and tender. A bit overcooked for me, but still moist. I really like the leeks and the potatoes gratin that wen with the pork Both accentuated the aromatic flavors in the meat very well. Kris had the tomato salad -- large ripe heirloom tomatoes with cheese and just enough olive oil and balsamic vinegar to complement the sweetness of the tomatoes. She also had the quiche, which was ordinary. The waiter suggested wines for us and they were just right. The creme brulee was delicious. The biggest "con" at Bistro Vendome was the price tag. $100 bucks for that meal seems very steep. It was all good, but there are better meals to be had in town for half the price (and cheaper parking). ).
(4)
Max S.
Superb. The mussels are the best I have had in Denver. The chicken, lamb, and steak are also great. Also, they have a pre theatre dinner for about $30, you get soup or salad; steak, chicken or veggies, and a desert. Not too bad. The only problem I have is that the wines are all very expensive.
(4)
cali m.
Cozy, charming bar with top notch cocktails. Didn't have time to eat here, but would absolutely return for a meal.
(5)
Susan S.
Everything I had was excellent. I started with the escargot because I love it and this was the best I've ever had and I try to sample them all wherever I go. Next they brought a free sample of their Cream of Asparagus soup with white truffle oil on top. It was superb. I decided to order the soup special because it was a cream of mushroom and I love mushrooms. It was so wonderful and rich. I finished the dinner with the dessert special, made of peaches, and it reminded me of my mother's. I will go back every time I'm in Denver. I can't wait to sample more items!
(5)
Call_Me D.
Actually a quiet spot just off of Larimer, has a patio that seriously reminded me of Paris. The food was good, the service laid back. A no-pretense French restaurant in a hip part of town where you can step just off the beaten path and have a great meal for a reasonable (esp for French) price.
(5)
Preston D.
I had one of the best meals of my life here this weekend. My boyfriend and I were celebrating our one year anniversary on Saturday night. It was busy, but they got us a table within minutes after ordering a drink at the bar. There was a bit of a service glitch when we first set down. Somehow their was confusion over who was taking our table, so we sat for probably 10 or 15 minutes without seeing our server, tho they did bring water over. Our server, Christina, discovered the error and quickly came over to apologize. We ordered and didn't think much about it--as these things happen from time to time. This is where it gets good: Christina came over and let us know that all our food was on the house that night, which was far far more than we expected. The manager then came over and echoed the same. I was very impressed by this nice gesture, but it didn't stop there. They sent over an incredible half bottle of wine to celebrate our anniversary. Amazing bottle that I hadn't had before. We had the steak tartar for an appetizer. My boyfriend had the duck confit for his main course and I had the lamb. The food was incredible, especially the duck confit which had a great truffle side dish which I think was risotto or something tasty like that. And they kept going with the service. We couldn't decide on a dessert. He wanted the fig tart and I wanted the chocolate dish--so they brought out both and didn't charge us. I then had the best espresso I've had in Denver and my date had an incredible tawny port. Then came the bill. A whopping $30 bucks! They comped way more then just the food and to top it off, brought out a card signed by the staff with a free drink and dessert coupon. Honestly, this was the best service I can remember ever having--and I enthusiastically give the place 5 stars. They made a regular out of me, and all because of a mistake! Bravo, Vendome team, bravo.
(5)
sarah o.
This has always been on my list of places I'd like to go, but never get around to. This changed last night, thank goodness! The ambiance is great, the food is really good, and they are open on Mondays! Also their daily specials are worth checking out--including 10 bottles from their wine list for $20 on Mondays. Their food is pretty good--the other review hit the nail on the head with regard to the frites--amazing. We had venison and duck, both were very good. I would come back here for a good meal, would bring my parents here, or my friends visiting town.
(4)
Marty D.
Wow, this was a refreshing experience. Dined on a Sunday night and split two entrees at the bar with my wife. Mussels & frites followed by lamb. Dipping the warm baguette into the hot and plentiful mussel 'sauce' was a highlight. I rarely like green pees, but the ones served as a side on the lamb were amazing. It's nice to be served by a great bartender who takes pride in her work. The staff have a nice way about them and appear to have a good common sense combined with a passion for food.
(5)
Andrea H.
I went for a bike ride today with my friend, Eddie, and we were in search of a good brunch. We biked over to Larimer Square and discovered this cute little bistro patio packed with people. We decided to check it out and when I walked in it took me right back to my time in France. It was a cafe oasis and hustling with people. We started the meal with a mimosa which is always fun to do. I ordered the Oeufs Benedicte au Saumon which was delicious. It was smoked salmon, poached eggs, capers and a yummy sauce topped on sourdough baguette bread. Loved it! My friend had the hamburger which he enjoyed, however, he did say that it was a little overcooked for his medium rare request. We ended the meal with an espresso creme brulee which was rich and a perfect treat to end our meal. My experience today was just a teaser because I want to come back many times and try their mussels, crepes, trout, and everything else on the menu. Our server, John, took great care of us and was very knowledgeable with the menu items. The atmosphere is a five and the food is right up there too. Thanks Bistro Vendome for letting me start my Sunday right.
(5)
Lauren A.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! So much, in fact, that I went to NY and SF, and I found nothing that compares. For the price, you won't find better French cuisine or wine. The service is prompt, but not pushy. The ambiance is romantic and chic, but not stuffy, and is good for groups or couples. The location is central to an amazing downtown Denver experience. The wine is diverse and affordable. The food gets better every time I go. I always bring friends from out of town here, and they are always impressed. Whether you visit for brunch with the family, afternoon mussels and frites with friends, or dinner with your main squeeze, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Aaron S.
We were searching for a place to get Brunch at after a Nuggets game. Luckily we had timed it just right and were able to make it here for weekend brunch. Needless to say we were both pretty hungover after the basketball game. Brunch was the perfect cure though. We both had bloody marys. They were spot on. Having worked in a lot of different bars, I'm very critical of bloody marys. For our meals we ordered the Crepe du jour, the quiche and the waffle. All of which were perfectly executed and absolutely delicious. The Crepe was topped with an amazingly cooked egg, and filled with pork cheek and then drizzled with crispy bacon. I wish I had room for 8 of these, they were that good. The quiche was easily the best I have ever had in my life. Amazing pastry with a great egg filling, pork belly and wild mushrooms. We got the waffle to add a little bit of sweet to the mix and it hit the spot. Nutella whipped cream, dark chocolate and poached pear made this waffle amazing. Overall the service was spot on, food was incredible, drinks were great and the ambiance was very inviting as well. They played perfect breakfast music throughout our meal. Will definitely be coming back here to try dinner sometime.
(5)
Shane M.
My girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner here. The food was superb! Hands down the best quiche either of us had ever ordered. My steak au poivre was outstanding with the sweet french fries that accompanied it. Her duck confit was super tender and just as delicious. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because of the service. Our waitress served the group next to us a tasty looking amuse bouche which we were hoping to get as well. After a long wait for our main course our hopes disappeared. I mean come on, if you are going to serve them an amuse bouche right in front of us you should extend the courtesy to us as well. Just sayin... Otherwise, an exceptional meal!
(4)
Mack N.
After my night companion Amy's dalliance with the Blue Man Group (she claims it was the same Blue Man 13 times but I ain't swallowing that!) I was allowed to briefly renew my eHarmony membership to even things out. Usually I have a better chance of scoring with a chick in the parking lot of Planned Parenthood than off the dating sites but when Corinne walked in to Bistro Vendome I knew it would be different. On most occasions, the women I meet on eHarmony hold the promise of a good time but when I meet them they turn out to be chronic migraine sufferers who frown on shoplifting and finally admit over coffee to an 11 year old kid with Asberger's Syndrome. Check please! But Corinne was different. We worked our way through delicious morsels of foie gras with sauteed peaches and eating the veal with quail egg was exquisite and almost sexual, like shoving the Dalai Lama off a cliff. The room was charming and after our second bottle of bordeaux (that's wine) we went back to her place and watched stuff that is probably illegal in the Phillipines while breaking several laws still on the books in Georgia and giving each other multiple Tony Danzas. I am strictly monogamous but if Amy ever leaves me, I know right where I am going. Back to Bistro Vendome for the foie gras!!
(5)
Nancy A.
OK, I hate giving 5 stars to anything. It just seems like total surrender. But in my humble opinion, Bistro Vendome is the cat's meow. I am totally seduced by the atmosphere of the big palladium windows, the intimate wine bar and the charming treed patio. So French! So magnifique! and right in the middle of Denver! It was an early dinner after a matinee at the DCPA. We sipped white wine as the sun dappled like a Renior painting on our just right table under the branches. We had salads served by a very handsome waiter, who shall remain nameless, but forever etched in our girlish memories. Beet salad, salad nicoise...Oh how lovely. But the fries are the wonder. They are crispy and delicious kissed with champagne and sugar. Not too expensive either. Incredible! Bon Appetite! Denver does do French!
(5)
Ed S.
Another wonderful meal and enjoyable dining experience. Bistro Vendôme continues to serve delicious culinary creations and exceptional wine. The staff are friendly and attentive and add to the overall experience. This was my third visit and still plenty of menu choices yet to taste.
(5)
Tracy A.
Have been to Bistro Vendome several times. Fantastic fries (but be sure to order 'em plain, unless you like rosemary-ish syrup all over your fries). Though I still prefer the fries at Highland Pacific (3934 W 32nd Ave at Perry St). But I digress. Last year B.V. was off its game, bringing the wrong entrees, etc. This month, they've returned to their former quality. Our food was quite tasty, and it's a beautiful restaurant with good ambience. My one complaint from a recent visit was the service -- All four of us were annoyed by our smarmy waiter, who acted like he was serving tourists in Orlando: "Have we eaten here before?" (Who's "we"?) He read to us, verbatim, from the theater menu. After our entrees arrived, he disappeared for long stretches... definitely shifted a 5-star experience down to a 4.
(4)
Neversummer 8.
A quintessential French Bistro! We loved the atmosphere, the sidecars and scotch (Oban), and the steak frites was excellent. We overheard the server promoting the trout and he was spot on, its curry, coriander and cinnamon were subtle and elegant. Next time we go just for a drink, we'll enjoy the muscles in the bar area- also a great atmosphere.
(5)
jim m.
Good but not as good as its sister across the street Rioja. WOW the best FRENCH FRIES that I have ever had. I could have had 3 lbs of them and not feel guilty... well at least that night. Spicy and sweet. I ordered my steak medium and is was rare but that God our waitress told me to order it as the steaks looked slightly more rare that usual. Overall much better for a date than at Rioja and it was a perfect way to end our trip in Denver. Kim was our waitress and she was great.
(4)
Martha L.
While not comparable to real French bistros, Bistro Vendome was ok. Several aspects indicated its lack of authenticity: 1) The bread was definitely not baguette. There was no crust and it was mushy overall. 2) Their onion soup did not have enough cheese. 3) The potato gratin had chunks of potatoes, soupy. It was not thinly sliced potatoes layered nicely. It was also made with the wrong type of potato. It tasted like the sort used to make mashed potatoes very mushy. 4) Their crepe was not fresh. While the taste was correct, the texture indicated that they had been made earlier and perhaps refrigerated. Crepes ought be freshly made. Since steak tartare is one of my favorite French dishes, I've eaten a lot of tartares in restaurants both in Europe and the United States. Every restaurant have their own recipe. I would have to stay that the steak tartare at Bistro Vendome is soso. They chop the meat a bit too fine for my taste. Authenticity aside, the food was ok. It's not bad. Nothing to rave about. I wouldn't mind going there again.
(3)
Stacie S.
Our holiday dinner here was amazing. Multiple courses paired with fantastic wines, greeted with champagne at the door, passed appetizers before we were seated for dinner...and a fantastic atmosphere and beautiful food enjoyed with great people. A truly lovely evening, we will be back!
(5)
Aaron T.
A French restaurant that has romantic seating outside. Its tucked away so there's not as much bustle as the patios of resturants on Larimer or 14th st. The inside had seating as well but was quite small.. The food was delicious but the portions were pretty small. The service was fairly good; when my date couldn't a French dish on the menu the staff was very easy going about it and was not pretentious.
(4)
Suzanne P.
I would give 5 but 2 people in my party were disappointed with escargot appetizer. I love this place will come back whenever I can. Service was amazing we had a reservation...
(4)
David H.
I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoy this place. On both occasions (I live in Mpls), we have sat on the patio for brunch, and both times received outstanding service and food. During our last visit we had the daily crepe, which was of the savory variety and the steak tartar - both of which were great. Our cocktails and wine were also exactly as they should be.
(5)
Sandra D.
Divine steak frites with Roquefort. Our waiter Shelby was great. It didn't hurt that we found a decent Bordeaux for a decent price. Count me a fan.
What a hidden gem for happy hour. They make their own infused liquors. The nice bartender made suggestions of cocktails after we chose our desired liquor. I declined my fancy martini for a simple soda water and lavender lime gin. It was a delightful spritzer! I would love to drink every day out on a porch basking in the sun. We also ordered some happy hour appetizers. The duck confit deviled eggs were amazing. So amazing that we ordered another round of them. This place seemed really classy and I'd love to come back for dinner.
(4)
Sandrine H.
We arrived earlier than our reservations, and thought that we could have happy hours. However, they do not serve happy hours on the patio. You have to be at the bar or nothing. That was unfortunate. So we decided to be on the patio anyway and had a few drinks before having dinner. The drink menu is fairly limited and I thought the price of a can of beer was outrageous. As far, as dinner, it was wonderful. We started with the tartare, and I have to say, it was the best I ever had. For dinner, I had the tarte and the flavors and constituency of it was remarkable. The bread they served was wonderful as well (the one they bring in a little paper bag.). My friend had the special with the fish, and again, it was fantastic. As far as service, it was very well done too, except for the reception. After they realized that we were not going to sit at the bar, and ready to sit outside, The hostess made us come back at the reception, only to get the menus (why not just sit us down and bring the menus to us? that I don't know). It is indeed a bit pricey, but all worth it. I will highly recommend.
(4)
Eve C.
I don't think this meal could have been improved upon other than perhaps having it with the spouse instead of a work colleague. Setting-fantastic. Food-exceptional. The mussels were plump and luscious in a beautiful sauce. Wine was great and a generous pour by the glass. I had the salmon, which was perfectly seasoned and cooked and served with a delicate chorizo sauce and little curls of slightly charred chorizo, broccolini and onions. Just lovely.
(5)
Andy Y.
It's been years since I last dined at this lovely little gem. Our server was attentive and offered nice suggestions for wine pairing. The baguette arrived warm in its paper bag and it was hard not to slather it in the yummy butter. Mussels for an appetizer and Lamb shank for dinner. Both were wonderful! My husband had French onion soup and steak with frites. Yummy! I'm looking forward to going back.
(4)
Jen M.
Once again the bistro did not disappoint. Amazing service and food Thank you for your goodness
(5)
Stephanie D.
If you have never been to Bistro Vendome you should make it a point to go. Our reservation was for 1:45 and they close at 2pm; we were late and they seated us no problem and were happy to have us. We were there for three hours and they were amazing and attentive the whole time. The food and the ambience is amazing but nothing beats the first class service. Thank you Maryann and Casey for making our experience special. Even got a birthday card from the staff. I mean "who does that?!" It's awesome thanks guys.
(5)
Nick B.
The food here is excellent. The service was perfectly slow. LOL. Slow service is good when it comes to French food so we were happy. I heard Starbucks servers were told to mellow down and slack down the pace. They should send them to New Orleans or something.
(3)
Steve T.
We had a great dinner here. Mussels & Escargot appetizers were awesome. We had chicken, duck, scallop & vegetarian entrees. Everyone loved. Great atmosphere & great service.
(5)
Cliff T.
The best place for a romantic brunch. The food is well priced and the atmosphere is so romantic you might puke... in a good way. The service is great. They're pretty authentic so the people that say the service wasn't good are probably just not familiar with the French's sort-of hands-off approach to dining. They might not come over to you table unless you call them and they won't allow you to ask for ketchup. This is a good thing because the frites are the best EVER!!! I kind of wish they would set up a drive-thru where you could just get a basket of frites to-go. I will admit that the last time I went, the dishes were all lacking a little flavor, as if the cooks had misplaced their salt. I'm not holding it against them for now. I'll see what happens next time.
(4)
Jessica L.
This place is so overrated. Yes, it is cute, and French cafe style. But our service was terrible and my food was just ok. The mussel appetizer was quite good but my risotto with shrimp wasn't all that. Prices weren't too bad. There are so many other cool places in Larmier Square, why would anyone go here?
(3)
BJ D.
Denver folk are lucky to have this little bistro right in the heart of downtown. Being on the amazing landscaped outdoor patio, you completely lose any sense of being just steps from skyscrapers. The service was nice and the food well done, but in a world of "me-too" atmosphere experiences, this venue (both indoor and out) really captures the feeling of a French bistro. Bustling and intimate. I love the patio. The French classics fill the menu: mussels, steak tartare, cafe hamburgers, steak frites, onion soup, escargots, crepes, nicoise, crepes quiche, fromage, scallops St. Jacques, lamb, herb-roasted chicken. etc. You can't go wrong with any of it. This place is from the same people who have Rioja across the street in Larimer Square, but this is a more casual and less expensive alternative. Did I mention that I love the lovely landscaped patio? :-)
(4)
Justin W.
Created by the owners of Rioja, Bistro Vendome is another viable option for quality affordable french food (watch out, Le Central!). Everything already said about the quaint French cafe atmosphere and great service are absolutely true. While I wasn't blown away by our dinner selections (we also tried the marinated pork chop with those amazing bacon wrapped dates, as well as the grilled quail), brunch was spectacular (we had the pain perdu and the crepe de jour), and I had the most insane and inspiring strawberry port gelato-- it's a can't miss. Must-eats: Crepes Vendome, Bacon-wrapped dates (can they just make that into an appetizer by itself, please??), Strawberry Port Gelato, Sourdough french baguette (that comes in it's own paper bag!)
A very charming bistro with a wonderful "secret" farmer's market in their courtyard during the summer. The service here is attentive, and it was obvious that our server was enthusiastic about their food. Our starter was mussels in a simple broth. Well seasoned and perfectly cooked. My date loved using the lovely baguette they serve you as a starter to mop up the broth. Next we had lobster bisque, which was lovely, although I have had richer, more flavorful bisque elsewhere. I ordered the duck breast and was not disappointed. It was cooked perfectly for my taste (they do not have this currently on the menu). Our other entree was the grilled pork chop. My favorite component were the little potatoes. I found the pork itself to be slightly dry. This is a great place to take a date - it is quieter and more intimate than average.
(4)
Tammy N.
One of my absolute favorite places in Denver. I was captivated by the outdoor atmosphere walking by this restaurant on Larimer Street one day and told myself that I needed to stop by and have dinner here at least once. Luckily, Denver Restaurant Week was around the corner and gave me a great opportunity to try their menu at a great price! The service is impeccable; the staff is friendly and attentive with great knowledge of the menu. Truly a wonderful group of people who work there. The food is amazing. Perfectly seasoned, just the right temperature, dreamy flavors that are reminiscent of true French cuisine. Each dish was made with care and talent, hallmarks of a master chef. Wine choices were great pairings with our meal too. The atmosphere was the cherry on top. Breathtakingly beautiful patio with a wonderfully romantic and charming air about it. I adored the lighted tree and the apartments nearby that reminded me of Paris streets. I loved everything about it and would certainly come back for the overall experience from start to finish.
(5)
David H.
Man this place is great! Out of all the places on Larimer Square this one knocked it out of the ballpark for us.
(5)
Amanda M.
Goodness this was delicious (take it from a born and raised French woman). Beside the fact that our reservation must have been lost and we've waited +30 minute to be seated, everything else was a delight and the icing on the cake was the French-speaker waiter!
(4)
Martina D.
SO CUTE!! Whether you are on a date or with a friend, this place is just an adorable find. It has that manhattan west village / European feel, so it definitely depends on your mood. It's quiet and slightly hidden. The entrance is not directly on the street but instead tucked away a little giving it a cozy feel. It's like being in a backyard almost. I didn't get a chance to eat dinner here. I had a bottle of wine with bread and butter and ordered fried muscles. Wine was really good but I loved the atmosphere.
(4)
Mei W.
An Amazing restaurant with outstanding food and service. My husband and I eloped then came here for our wedding night dinner. We could not have asked for anything better! The ambiance of the outdoor patio where we sat was wonderful. The food was delicious. My husband ordered the Duck Confit which reminded him of being in Paris. I had the Salmon with Chorizo, which was cooked to perfection. We would like to thank the entire staff at Bistro Vendome, who made our day even more special. We cannot wait to return to the beautiful city of Denver and to come back to this wonderful gem!
(5)
J D.
Was looking forward to good French wine with this restaurant. Unfortunately they served our burgundy almost hot, and provided an ice cube for the wine. Typically pinots should be stored around 57 and brought up to serving around 65, so when this was served at what seemed like 85 it was a bit disappointing. Food was OK.
(2)
Kristin Winkler S.
Things started out poorly here. When we arrived for brunch on Valentine's Day at the time of our reservation, there was no one at the hostess stand. We wandered in and around until she finally showed up. There were numerous open tables but we were told to wait at the bar for 15 minutes. At the bar, the bartender said hello but didn't ask if we wanted anything. We watched her wipe down the bar and talk to servers. Two other couples subsequently sat down after us. Eventually she handed us all drink menus which appeared to focus on us having hangovers - which we didn't. Instead of asking what anyone wanted, the bartender just looked at each of us in order of most recent couple arriving, which meant we were addressed (in her weird way) last, even though we arrived first. We were then brought to our table in a small, dark anteroom that needed painting, and placed next to a family with two children. Wouldn't the hostess suspect that we might not like being sequestered with a family on Valentine's Day? We should have asked to be moved, but as parents we thought we could tolerate it; unfortunately one boy was bored out of his mind and was understandably fussy. We ordered croissants; when the first server brought them she dropped one on the table. I picked it up and put it on a plate and handed it to her. She asked if we wanted a replacement. Ummmm, yes please. From here, things looked up. Our second server was excellent - attentive and pleasant. And we began eating. The croissants were light and flaky, and the jalapeño laced berry jam was not too sweet. My husband had a daily special broccoli quiche and I had the omelette fromage. The portions were moderately sized - thankfully as both entrees were rich in flavorful cheese. The server easily made accommodations for vegetarian requests. The French press decaf coffee was excellent. Bottom line - the food was good, with some initial service issues. We would give this place a second try, avoid the bar, and request a better table in the main room or on the patio in summer.
(3)
Chris K.
One of my top 3 favorite restaurants in Denver! Best French fries in town, or maybe anywhere. My compliments to the chef!
(5)
Lynda M.
Average run of the mill French restaurant. Over-priced. This place is owned by the same people who own Rioja and Euclid Hall. When they first opened the restaurants, they set the standard for Denver, but now that millions of people have moved here because everyone can smoke weed, well let's just say that they no longer set that standard.
(2)
Kate L.
Tucked into Larimer Square, Bistro Vendome is the ideal spot for a luxurious, intimate dining experience. The menu is specific, seasonal and well curated and includes a well balanced wine list. Service is attentive, informed and unobtrusive. On warm nights, opt for courtyard seating and earn romance bonus points. And above all, plan to dine lightly enough to enjoy dessert.
(4)
Ben Y.
The atmosphere is certainly not as hip and vibrant as some other places in Denver, but the food was fantastic. I got the crepe of the day which was incredible and my wife's shrimp and grits was perfect. A little pricey but you get what you pay for. Maybe not the place to take your buddy from out of town but perfect for a chiller experience with family or something of that sort.
Wonderful! Amazing French food and drinks! Great ambiance! Great service! It is not the $$ dollar signs as seen here, but worth every penny! So, when you deserve to indulge, this is the place. Start with the cheese plate and ask for some wonderful French bread with it!
(5)
Carolyn P.
Like many others, I love Vendome. We often go for Sunday brunch. The food is spectacular and the price is so reasonable for what you get. We usually go for the Croque Madame/Monsieur or any of the galletes. The crepe daily specials have never disappointed either. If you're willing to splurge (both financially and calorically) get an order of the French pastries or croissants. They come with house-made jams which are always fun flavors (most recently grapefruit!). Plenty of delicious cocktails and french pressed coffee options. Make a reservation ahead to save yourself the wait time. This is a must for Sunday brunch!
(5)
Thomas P.
After an excellent Bloody Mary apiece--perhaps the best I've had--we ordered brunch. Four people eating 4 appetizers, 4 breakfast entrees, and coffee cost us $165 plus tip. If that sounds like $$ to you, you're better off than I am! Very good chicken liver pate, quite ordinary Croque, pretty good Bison Eggs Benedict was our fare, and that's a lot of cash for a Francophile breakfast! The atmosphere is nice, the staff is great, but I really go to a restaurant for the food, which was sufficiently ordinary to make me avoid it in the future. Go for the Bloody Mary.
Here is another awesome, reasonably priced French place. They used to and or occasionally have a lamb burger with herbed goat cheese. Dear Barbara is that amazing. Great drinks and fries too.
(4)
Gigi D.
This place was SMASHING... And not just because I broke a glass on my way out - WHOOPS! The food was delicious, and my stomach felt as if it took a flight to Paris. When my hungry dining companions and I sat down at our table, we immediately devoured the brunch menus handed to us. Yes, I would have taken a bite, however, I controlled myself because I had a HUNCH that some delicious grub would be served to us... Good things come to those who wait, right? I ordered the MUSSELS while two of my friends ordered the French Toast and my other friend ordered the Trout Omelette. When our dishes arrived, we hardly spoke a word to each other... All I heard were food gasms - It seriously sounded like a food porn video, AKA: The food was extremely "pleasurable". I really don't have anything negative to say about this restaurant, at all. It was classy and accepted me in my "un-classy" yoga "uniform"! I am NOT SURE why French people get a bad rap for being snooty, this place was NOT pretentious at all, just plain delicious! If you can, try and sit outside. My party was unable to sit outside because everyone was out there, but if we were to have been seated outside, I have a feeling this place would have gotten 5 stars!
(4)
Jose A.
The service was impeccable, our waitress Chelsea was attentive but not intrusive. The food was outstanding! That alone merits this restaurant a five star rating. Now cup that with a competent staff and you have a recipe for success. The vibe I received from this restaurant, is not like most. The staff was attentive and it was not just Chelsea who made the evening a success. But her team ensuring that our needs were met at a timely fashion truly have me coming back for more. For all of you midwesterners especially my Chicagoans this place is a must do! A big thank you to the maître d', the staff, and of course Chelsea!
(5)
Mary M.
Perfect until shooed from our table We went Friday night. We arrived at 5:45 for a 6pm reservation and were seated promptly. We ordered the first time our server came to the table. Neither of us ordered a "before dinner cocktail" but had drinks with dinner. I had the 5-course vegetarian tasting paired with wine. The server was great; very well-informed and polite. The food and wine pairing was perfection. It did take quite a while between courses-but we aren't in a hurry. We finished dessert then each of us used the restroom. I came back to the table and we were gathering our things to leave and an employee came over to ask how dinner was. I was gushing and then she asked to move us to the bar because they needed the table. What?! We were not eating slowly-I waited between courses, we arrived early and ordered immediately. There was absolutely no admission that they made mistake with the timing. I didn't want to stay another minute. I felt like a fool telling her how good the food was when all she wanted was for us to leave. My husband and I were still discussing it the next day. It was a disappointing end to our lovely meal.
(3)
Chris G.
So excited to find the gem! We had a wonderful Saturday family brunch at this charming French bistro. Excellent service, incredible food, quaint relaxing ambiance. You must have the daily crepe and do not miss the bananas foster macaroons. Seriously don't miss them--heavenly! Can't believe I haven't been to this place before! Fun for all ages-upscale without being pretentious .
(4)
Bruce F.
This was our third dinner experience and it was perfect. Neither my husband nor I have any complaints(a huge deal for anyone that knows us). The baguette rolled in "everything" was everything bread should be: crusty exterior, soft chewy inside and of course warm from the oven. I started with fantastic French onion soup. My entree steak with a green peppercorn sauce was a flawless piece of meat cooked exactly medium rare. The slightly crispy sear and sauce really elevated the entree. The frites had herbs and a champagne syrup drizzle which was perfectly balanced when dipped in the garlic aioli. The cinnamon macaron bananas foster was exceptionally delicious. This was the best macaron I've had since vacationing in Paris. Paired with the banana foster was brilliant. Tonight's experience is what restaurant week is all about: you save a little money and can't wait to go back.
(5)
Chuck S.
We stepped into this fine restaurant with only 40 minutes for dinner before a play started. We explained this to our waiter and he said they could do it. We had a fabulous dinner with salads and main courses. I had the scallops dish and my mother had the lamb shank. Both were cooked to perfection and accompanied by wonderful sauces. To have such a wonderful dinner and make it to the play was a great experience. I must come back when I can give this place the time it deserves!
(5)
Laura L.
I haven't visited BV for quite a while and I'm happy to say I'm as pleased as ever, especially for the people watching during weekend brunch at Le Jardin market. (Did I buy anything? No. Looks to be cash-only + pricey and I wasn't in the mood to carry stuff around all day. Beautiful bread, meat, produce, spices and more - all from local vendors but pleasing to see them set up in one charming spot.) Recently returned from a trip to France, I ordered the chocolate chaud which was delicious but served in a tall glass with whipped cream on top...not exactly what I was going for but still tasty. Our table split the croissants with house-made jam and it was as delicious as you'd expect. The braised pork benedict did not disappoint (although I would have liked more of those house-made pickles!) and after everything else I ate, I had to share half of my dish with a friend. Anyway, it always bums me out when I see negative reviews of Bistro Vendome because I enjoy the menu, ambience and I've never had bad service. Just remember to make a reservation if it's really important to you to secure a seat, and do yourself a favor by checking out the online menus ahead of time. If you can't get a seat, go to the bar, order a drink and app and wait. You shouldn't be disappointed! Until next time....à bientôt!
(5)
Dawn H.
Disclaimer: I'm admittedly a big city snob, especially when it comes to food. My husband booked a reservation here to celebrate my birthday, and I'm most certainly glad he did. The food was absolutely outstanding. The service was a match to boot -- unpretentious and not annoying overwhelming (you know how some places can get). The menu made me all excited since I wanted to try everything, so we ordered: Crispy Veal Sweetbreads ($9.50) Escargots Perrier ($12.00) Steak Tartare ($12.50) Pan Roasted Scallops ($24.00) Steak Frites, Classique ($23.00) Wine ($11.00 glass -- can't remember which) Chocolate Pot de Creme Bread Pudding ($7.00) Total (including tax): $107 There was an amuse bouche which was outstanding as well. I would usually comment on all the dishes individually, but that's not warranted as everything was absolutely excellent and perfect. Not too bland, not too rich. Just the right amount of accompanying sauce. The Sweetbreads were the relative favorite. The only criticisms I can think of is how tiny the restaurant is (I realize this would be a plus for some) and the baseball bat toughness of the baguette (I know it's French, it's just not my thing). This is all minor -- this place is definitely now in my top 10.
(5)
Todd B.
Great food and great service ... a bit of Paris in Larimer Square.
(5)
Mike S.
From the get-go we felt this would be a gem. Hosting a very romantic outdoor courtyard seating area, you get a great feel of the beautiful Larimer Square. Phenomenal bread/butter to start, the crepes (appetizer) was salty, sweet and spicy, the dill gin infused Bloody Mary was ridiculous and the Lamb Loin with Red Wine Sauce was stupid. A true beauty with staff that cares... A must!!!
(5)
Cynthia D.
I had to update my review as I have been a repeat customer of Vendome over the last 5 or 6 years and recently had another brunch there. It's one of my favorites and deserving of 5+ stars! Food/Quality: Begin with French Press Coffee to awaken your senses, then order Poir Royale to go with the Oeufs Benedicte Aux Crabe. The tastes and textures will satisfy! Service: Service was excellent as usual. Since I was waiting for a friend who was running late due to looking for parking, the server kindly made a few suggestions for parking in the area that I was able to relay by text to my friend. Atmosphere: Arrived here 20 minutes or so before a friend who was meeting me for brunch and had lovely two top on the patio. The smells of fresh flowers for sale in the farmer's market in the courtyard paired with the instrumental duo infiltrating the area with lively morning sound enhanced the picturesque setting. Value: The food, service and atmosphere provide a great value, especially for a relaxing weekend brunch. Plus: Check out the weekend farmer's market in the courtyard being held this summer. It's small, but adds some flavor to the area!
(5)
Tim T.
Best French in Denver. Enjoyed Sunday brunch with my husband last week. Service was spectacular, food was awesome. Muscles were some of the best I've ever had, croque was awesome. Great Bloody Mary and a local brew from Dry Dock. Our server was attentive but not intrusive, always smiling and you feel like you are in France! This will be our new go to restaurant! Thanks BV!!!!
(5)
Kevin L.
Missing foie gras coming from San Francisco. Order by the ounce, 10 oz did it right. Perfectly cooked rare. Halibut on papillote was moist and seasoned well. Pan seared trout had a nice crispy texture. Beef tartare could of used a raw quail egg. Escargot I prefer the butter and garlic way. Rabbit terrine on point. Vegetarian coussoulet, its the duck version without the duck...it was fine. Haricot verte - cool Selection of 5 of my favorite champagnes. Excellent service.
(4)
Kay K.
One of the best breakfasts I have ever had. Quality food with lots of attention to detail. Cozy little restaurant in the best part of town. Prices were definitely affordable and the food was amazing. Love this place,
(5)
Katie S.
One of the best & uniques breakfasts I've ever had. Six years ago and I still remember the atmosphere, the almond soda & delicious potato galette with duck confit & lavender cream...TO DIE FOR! it looks like they still have a similar dish (minus the lavender), but I bet it's amazing.
(5)
Robert C.
One of the best settings in LoDo. Beautiful patio, and quaint European dining feel. The entire dinner was good, but not exceptional. I ordered the scallops and my wife ordered the salmon. We had escargot for an appetizer, which was yummy but the toast that accompanied it was burnt and turned it "average." We are not sad we tried the place, but I would visit another Larimer Square establishment before I returned.
(3)
Mona E.
Went here for NYE with my husband. We had reservations at 10 pm, we weren't seated until 10:30 (very unprofessional) and when we arrived at our table, we realized we were in the hallway of the restaurant where they had put up tables to try to make more money apparently, except we were seated right by the drafty back doors on an exceptionally cold night. At this point, we were tired of waiting, so we sat down and then proceeded to longingly gaze at the patrons that were actually seated inside the restaurant. It felt like we had been exiled, literally to eat in the cold, yet we paid the same price as those on the inside. We had some wine, the mussels which were fine, gnocchi which I was disappointed with, and the classique steak frites which was good but rather small. I didn't appreciate the restaurant trying to make extra money at the expense of the patrons. Once you have taken enough reservations to fill your restaurant for NYE, then you should stop because I would have rather spent that money at a different establishment and had a better experience to bring in the New Years. Really disappointing overall.
(2)
Charles F.
Its nice when something delivers on what you expect it to be.... I felt like I could walk out and be in Paris The Veranda was beautiful and elegant Service was excellent Duck comfit on potato for brunch was really great rivaled the Warren Duck Club in Tulsa my standard for duck a'lorange as a breakfast dish? Ham and melon -- simple == nailed it Drinks were perfect Maybe a lame review but they got 50 more to back me up. Well Done! Please read the other reviews it backs up our experience Honestly it not to pricey as well a rarity for a true French restaurant experience Going to have to try dinner Trying not to give out 5 stars unless it kills me but I am not sure I didn't sell them short
(4)
Jan W.
We were in Denver for our annual SIA trip. We have eaten at Rioja every year but they were closed this year for remodeling. Decided to try Bistro Vendome instead. So glad we did! Great steak and frites and gnocchi. Enjoyed the atmosphere and service. Will have a hard time deciding between here and Rioja next year!
(4)
Christina M.
My boyfriend and I searched for a place to celebrate his new work project, and stumbled across this gem. We debated asking for a table because it was 10 minutes before they closed; however, we decided to try anyways as it seemed like such a lovely spot. The staff was so kind & quickly ushered us to the patio outside where we were taken care of. The food & the wine as well as the dessert was delicious, but the people who work here made our night as they showed nothing but kindness to us the entire time we were there.
(4)
Katherine H.
Excellent food, excellent service. We had an 8:00 reservation and we had to wait about 45 minutes to be seated for whatever reason, but the staff was very apologetic and ended up buying all of our wine for the evening. The food was all incredible. We especially loved the steak tartare and the trout.
(5)
Vi T.
I have friends who salivate when even when they hear the slight mention of this place. It's a like a semi-orgasmic experience for palette (semi, because anything more would be illegal). But, that's if u like french food. Now I've never been to France so euro-frequenters correct me I I'm wrong. But I feel their French food is top notch! They've even made their French fries more French-er. It seems like a high-end pocket book burning expense and yes, it is, though well worth every penny. Rabbit? Or Elk anyone? Yes, it's like the ever-after-drew-Barrymore-in-the-forest French. Rustic elements dressed in culinary elegance. What to order...I like cheese so yes, the cheese plate. My friend always gets the beef tar tar (she may be 1/2 vampire but the rest of us also enjoy it). Get water, it comes in a nice bottle. Get anything, everything. I can't pick a favorite star in the heavens (hacked-up quote, sorry). Cod, melts in ur mouth like buttah. If ur into Denver dining, this is a must!!
(5)
Ellen C.
Darling outdoor courtyard reminiscent of a Paris bistrot. Good French fare.
Really delish! Substitute the veg for the frites in the steak frites classique and you won't be disappointed. My husband ordered the muscles and was in heaven! The house wines were good as well! Really a nice meal in a great environment for the price! Good service, our waiter even gave us a suggestion for tomorrow!
(4)
David G.
Nothing but class at Bistro Vendôme. Nestled in a gorgeous, tree-enclosed, romantic, and quiet courtyard set back from the hustle and bustle of Larimer Square, Vendôme is the closest thing that Denver has to a secret portal to the French countryside. That's what I was thinking when I joined a coworker here for dinner on my final night in Denver. We had just finished up a few cocktails at Green Russell (located right downstairs) and came armed with reservations for two at 7pm on a Sunday night. Our table wasn't quite ready, so we bellied up to the bar for a glass of wine (Sauvignon blanc for me, Chardonnay for him). We were seated shortly after, and the wine tab was transferred over to our patio table. Our wonderful server, Maggie, came by shortly after with a baguette, butter, and a complementary amuse bouche of gazpacho. The baguette was excellent, but the butter was rock-hard (which was puzzling). The gazpacho had a fresh, albeit overly salty, flavor. We opted for the "split and share" route, so we each were able to taste two salads and two entrees. Here's the rundown: Salad #1 -- salade campagnarde (salad with potatoes, bacon, fried egg, and mushrooms). An excellent take on a savory salad. Few things make me happier than a nice runny yolk intermingling with mushrooms and greens. Salad #2 -- salade de betteraves (beet salad with hazelnuts and kale). Honestly, I didn't enjoy this one. There were only 4 miniscule pieces of beet. The kale was overloaded with salt. The hazelnuts tasted raw and didn't add anything. I'd skip this one if I were you. Entree #1 -- St. Jacques, pois et champignons (pan-seared scallops with mushrooms and peas). I enjoyed the mushrooms and peas, but the scallops were somewhat tough and rubbery. Entree #2 -- confit de canard, pommes de terre au foie gras (duck confit with foie gras mashed potatoes and grape salad). Hands down the best dish of the night. I love duck confit, and this one was prepared perfectly. The addition of savory foie gras to the smooth and creamy mashed potatoes was brilliant. And the sweet and sour of the thinly sliced grapes contrasted beautifully. All in all, Vendôme is a solid place for a classy meal. I'd totally go back... but hopefully the kitchen fixes its hiccups before then.
(4)
Janelle E.
First off the food was of course delicious. Everything was perfect down to the weather on the patio- don't think they control that but it was just right . Also, I would like to give a shout out to our waitress at The Bistro Vendome who went out of her way to make my birthday brunch with my parents amazing. Thank you Christine!
(5)
Katie G.
Always love this place. Must get is mussels and Frits. The French onion soup is also delicious. Sunday night is the time to go. Mussels and Frits are only $9.99.
(4)
David M.
A step up from where it was before . . . and still some of the best patio dining in Denver. Also (along with Z Cuisine, Indulge and Le Central), some of the best French food in the city. So ya like to say things like, "We'll have the Chocolate Poe Duh Krem Bree-Ohsh Bread Pudding With Tweel," and sound like Nicolas Sarkozy ordering a little dessert for Carla Bruni? Well, Vendome is the place to go. Well prepared French dishes with a twist of the Provencal style. Definitely worth a visit for a romantic dinner for two.
(4)
Jojo C.
Fantastic for both lunch, dinner and brunch. Craft cocktails, wonderful wine list. Helpful servers and delish menu options allowing for many visits without having the same thing twice!
(5)
Frank L.
A little piece of Paris in Denver! Had dinner there on Monday and the service, food and wine was just top notch. Started with the mussels that were perfectly cooked and sampled their house red and white very reasonably priced at $40 per bottle. Had steak frites (ridiculously good French fries) with peppercorn crust, just delicious. My dining companion had trout with fennel, haricot verts and grape sauce. The only downer was that they have done away with their 25%, 33% and 50% off Monday special on select wines (it was still on their website) but it by no means spoiled anything about this superb meal. A definite go now!
(5)
Meredith G.
I enjoyed my dinner last night very much. The weather wouldn't corporate to sit outside as first planned, so we were moved inside quickly, but then it seemed like the servers didn't know who had our table. We were ignored for nearly 10 minutes. Then service improved very much. Glass of bubbly for me and wine for my man. We started with the escargot appetizer which was good, but the sauce was so overpowering I couldn't tell you there were snails in the dish. I say them, put them in my mouth, but only tasted the sauce. For entrees we got the day's special- surf & turf. Shrimp and pork belly and the duck confit. Both were so good! And lastly, we had the crème brulee and it was the best brulee I've ever had. The texture was so smooth like lotion and the top perfectly crispy. Dinner was delicious and I look forward to returning.
(4)
Jennifer R.
Had an unbelievable night at Vendome. Our waitress was very knowledgable about the restaurant's selection of French wines and was able to offer several options that would pair well with our entrees. As for the bread, it was it was crusty, aromatic, and reminded me of the bread back home near San Francisco. Our entrees were wonderful, I ordered the braised lamb shank and my significant ordered the steak and frites. Both entrees were extremely delicious, offering both savory, tangy, and bright flavors. We topped the night off with the chocolate mousse which was not only decadent but also light and airy.
(5)
Jennie F.
We were in Denver for just a few days and wanted to find a relaxing, delicious restaurant. Bistro Vendome really filled the bill. Such a great setting, right off Larimer Square, with a courtyard set back from the street. We felt like we were in Paris. The food was interesting, delicate and very well prepared. The trout was particularly delicious. This place was a real find. Thanks, Yelp!
MAKE SURE TO CAREFULLY REVIEW YOUR BILL AND YOUR CREDIT CARD IF YOU DINE HERE. Or better, yet, don't dine here at all. I dined at restaurant Bistro Vendome on June 8, 2014, during a trip to Denver. I signed my check for $33.81, leaving my tip in cash and clearly writing "cash" on the tip line. However, the following day, I was charged $40.81 to my MasterCard. I confirmed with my copy of the receipt that this was incorrect and immediately called the restaurant and left a message about the issue. In the month since, I've spoken two people--Regina and Mike--who both apologized and promised to give me a refund, and neither has. At one point, I was even asked to email them my credit card number in order for a refund to be processed, which is completely inappropriate and shady. I said I'd feel more comfortable calling in my card number, at which point Mike (the restaurant's general manager) told me he'd call me the next day, instead. This was last week, and no phone call, and no reply to my follow-up email. It's been exactly a month of getting the run-around, and I'm pissed. Consumerist and other consumer watchdog websites say that in instances like these, the first thing you should do is call your bank, next file a police report, and then only lastly contact the restaurant. I didn't want to do that because I thought I'd give Bistro Vendome the benefit of the doubt, since I had such a pleasant time during my actual meal. But it's been weeks of being continuously disrespected and treated as an afterthought, as if I'm somehow inconveniencing the restaurant for politely requesting they return the money they STOLE from me, whether that theft was intentional or accidental. So this morning I filed a dispute with MasterCard and also filed a police report with the Denver Police Department. BE WARNED IF YOU CHOOSE TO DINE HERE... $7 isn't going to break me, but that's besides the point. If they're overcharging me, who knows if they're doing it to other people, too? Moreover, their customer service following this situation has been truly appalling, and that's the most offensive part.
(1)
Richard T.
Very good french bistro. Went here for brunch and most of the food was amazing. One of the dishes was kinda salty (Croque Vendôme), but still good. Their goat crepe, french press coffee with brown sugar cubes, espresso with brown sugar and lemon peels, steak tartare with quail eggs were excellent! Very nice atmosphere, since it felt like I was in an actual french bistro. The employees were very courteous and attentive. This restaurant is definitely deserving of the #1 french restaurant in 2013 according to travel and leisure magazine.
(4)
Kendra C.
I would have given this five stars from the first time we visited this restaurant a year ago. We had been very excited to come back since our experience the first time was so wonderful. We were waiting to be able to sit on the patio and finally made it back last night to do so. However, we felt this experience was just not as good as the last time. It was okay...just not five stars. The hostess was pretty snooty over the phone when I called earlier in the day to ask about the patio. When we arrived, she seemed less than thrilled to be there. The service last night was average...not over the top like it the was the last time. I really enjoyed my trout entree but my boyfriend was disappointed that they changed the sauce on the gnocchi...and so was I. The bread had changed too...not a fan. Overall, we enjoyed our evening but I think our expectations were really high from our first visit.
(4)
Emily L.
As many others have noted, the first thing any visitor to Place Vendôme will mention is the atmosphere. As someone who has spent a lot of time in Paris, I can say they have the formula exactly right: tucked into a quiet corner off the main street, a trellis overhead feathered with greenery, quaint tables and a selection of traditional French dishes prepared with high-quality ingredients. We got the last table for Saturday brunch service, after having to wait about half an hour, but the food and service made it worthwhile. Our waiter was cordial and friendly but very professional. We weren't super hungry, so I stuck with the homemade croissants and jam, which were heavenly. There was a chocolate and two plain, all of them enormous, and some delicious berry preserves. The only possible improvement would have been the addition of an almond croissant with marzipan, but sadly, no such luck. My husband got the kale salad with beets, walnuts and goat cheese, which was delicious but pretty small for the price (our server did warn us about this.) Our friend had the goat cheese / spinach omelet, which was gone before I could ask for a bite, so I'm assuming it was delicious! We shared a carafe of French press coffee, which was strong and hot. Also tried a couple of cocktails; they had a nice selection, including the classic French 75. My husband asked for a Ramos Gin Fizz, and the bartender had never heard of it but was kind enough to look it up and make an attempt even though he was missing a key ingredient. A mark of excellent service! Everything was rather pricey, though I guess we're paying for the atmosphere and service too. I'd like to give 4 stars but I'd have to try a full meal first -- a prospect I'm greatly anticipating!
Perhaps the cutest restaurant in LoDo. Excellent lamb! :) wine list was pricy and very extensive, but I'd recommend the fronton. Overall, an amazing place to dine!
(5)
George M.
Good mussels and free flat bread pizza with a bottle of wine on Mondays.....nice ambience, good prices.
(3)
Alissa R.
This place, along with its relative restaurants Rioja and Euclid Hall, always do Restaurant Week the best way-They use the regular menus and serve normal portions! With a few up-charges here and there that are totally worth it and understandable. With reservations we were seated right away and drink orders were in the making! Soon after came a delicious amuse bouche of cucumber slice topped with bleu cheese mousse and caviar (wish I had 4 of these right now!) I ordered the Chicken Crepe for my starter and my dining companion ordered the Steak Tartare. The crepe itself could have been an entree! Filled with tender chicken, tomatoes, green olives, and topped with a perfectly fried egg and a bearnaise to kill for. Oh that Steak Tartare, decadent creamy raw beef with perfect seasonings-I wish I could eat this everyday. I was on my way to being full so I opted for one of the lighter entrees, the Seared Scallops. Wonderful choice, they were cooked perfectly and the slaw/salad that accompanied was great. My companion ordered the Lamb Loin, OMG this meat was gorgeous! And the heaping portion of risotto and salad that accompanied were very appreciated. We were so stuffed by the end that we got what we thought to be the smallest dessert, Creme brulee. It turned out not so small, but just the right size and very good. The service was good considering it was a 52.80 weekend evening and they were pretty busy. I've had brunch here before but never dinner, and now I am wondering why!
(4)
Heather V.
We went here for my birthday on Friday and we're so disappointed. There were 5 of us and we were not served all at the same time on apps per entrees and the waiter put the wrong app in front of two different people. Two of us had the escargot which was gummy and chewy served in what looked like a metal measuring cup. Neither of us was impressed. My partner had the mussels and even though the broth was good the mussels were overcooked. The other person had the crepe and said it was ok. For entrees, two people had steak and frites, one had the salmon, one the quail and one the duck. Only the steak was good and remotely near an entree size. The other three were very small portions, our apps were larger. My quail was more the size of a parakeet, the duck was over cooked and salty, and the salmon was about 3x2". My quail besides being miniscule had no flavor and the stuffinging was just wet and mushy. For the prices they are asking you are not getting your money's worth.at all. Even by fine dining standards the entrees were small. For desert two had the chocolate brioche pudding, and I have the creme brulee. The brioche pudding was unremarkable and rather bland. The creme brulee was over bruleed and the creme was bland with a sourness to it. If we hadn't had multiple courses and eaten a lot of bread we would have all left hungry. I will not be back.
(2)
James H.
First visit and our waiter Ryan was top notch. He gave great wine and food advice. Service was great. The food was even better. The Côtelettes de Porc Gilles and the Confit de Canard were excellent. Would recommend to anyone.
The Bernaise is laterally the best and most authentic I have ever had in the states. The cauliflower is immaculate and divine. I even love the crowded Persian tables. While is is not houty touty French, it is authentic, immaculate, and astounding. Also note, the macaroons will make you shutter with delight. If you have never one, give it a try they are unbelievable. Don't miss this hidden gem!
(5)
Robin N.
Wow! I never knew French food could be so good! Nice quaint little French restaurant. Feels truly authentic. Checked the menu on Yelp and was certain I'd order the steak frites Roquefort. Until I heard the special for the night..., Coq A Vin with gnocchi. I just saw someone make this on Food TV and thought I had to try it and here it was. Sofa king good! One of my colleagues ordered the steak frites I was thinking about and gave me a taste and it was amazing too. Great service, great good, excellent service. Love this place.
(5)
Lindsay B.
Went for Bastille Day after I had been in France the week before and the menu was pretty spot on. The warm bread is awesome. Wine selection good. One friend had the chicken and it was delicious. Another had the mussels and crepe. The mussels were good, the sauce they sit in was delicious. I didnt try the crepe because it had an egg over easy on top and I'm not a fan. I have the confit canard. Pretty spot on, but WAY too much salt. Like WAY WAY WAY too much salt. But other than that, delicious. I'll come back and get dessert. Please add cafe gourmand to the dessert menu!
(4)
Matt M.
We made reservations which they lost and made no attempt to make the situation right. It was very frustrating.
(1)
Pamela M.
I really wanted to like it as we have just moved downtown Denver and it is close to our townhouse, but I will not be back. At the bartender's suggestion, I tried a fig martini - YUCK. Fortunately, they took it back and did not charge me - whew. The salad verte was quite good; my pork chop dried out and tasteless. The ice cream for dessert tasted old and granular and came in weird flavors. This is a place that is trying too hard to be different and failing. On a happier note, the waitress was delightful and very attentive.
(2)
Heather T.
My husbands family has a Bistro Vendome Easter brunch tradition. Due to conflicting schedules, this is the first year we've been able to join. The space is really quaint and enjoyable to be in. Our service was top notch and our waiter really nice and patient with a large group which included little ones. We started with the mussels and croissants. The mussels had great flavor but the sauce/broth was a bit salty for my taste. My husband had the pork cheek Benedict which had great flavor but was again on the salty side. My smoked trout omelet was very good and had just the right amount of seasoning. I really liked the shaved fennel in the salad and the fried capers were a nice addition. Next year we will be back and looking forward to another Easter brunch!
(3)
Tim M.
I stopped at a bar during happy hour. The prices are kinda high, service was great, and the people were nice. I wish they would have had a better bar menu for food.
(4)
Jon B.
Great all around experience from the ambience and interior decorations all the way to the food. the Tartare was my favorite. Also enjoyed the pan seared Albacore tuna
(4)
Steven G.
This used to be one of my "go-to" spots but hadn't been in about 1 year. Had old friends move back to Denver and we took them here. To put mildly, the place has gone WAAAAY downhill. It did occur odd to me that I could book a reservation 1 day out and noticed all times were open. Well, the service was terrible. Nice enough kid, but clueless. We ordered-up such that our 4-top would certainly have been one of the top rings for the night. They were apparently baffled by the concept of "courses". Huge wait for everything, items coming-out at the wrong time, runners showing-up with 2 apps and 2 salads and basically bumped into each other as they tries to figure-out that apps come first and we didn't want to have some odd mix of courses for each person...go figure. The food was just bad... Escargot was a few snail plopped in a copper vessel swimming in some odd off-flavor swill. The worst I have ever had...really. The Beet salads, which we had seen twice in the hands of runners at our table were lukewarm weird-ish piles....no doubt sad they had to come twice and clearly were just set back in the kitchen awaiting their doom...and timing. Entrees were very weak...but I am out of words. Really disappointing evening...and of course mildly embarrassing as we suggested it. Done...off the list...forever.
(1)
Marnie S.
Amazing! The inside seating (main dining area) had the exact feel my husband and I came to relish of all the bistros we ate at when we visited Paris: cozy, intimate, with all the seating packed close together. If you like dining space, you may find the interior a little too cozy for your liking. Food was fantastic. We can't wait to go back again.
(5)
Nic T.
Bistro Vendome was certainly food worthy of a review. Its shortcomings come from the vibe projected by the service. As always, we go out to eat as a family. This was clearly unappreciated by the restaurant seeing that we have three kids. There are times when I would almost encourage my kids to live up to the perception created by the staff when we go out. As it is, we make sure the kids are respectful, clean after themselves, and enjoy good food. To eat we had croque monsieur, mussels, a pork benedict dish, grilled cheese, and french onion soup. It was almost laughable when we asked for the grilled cheese. The look I got was as though I broke wind at the table. Our server said he wasn't sure if the cook could do that but he would ask. To our good fortune the cook was well versed in the art of sandwiching a piece of cheese between two pieces of bread. My daughter (5) was very pleased. My eldest daughter (8) loved her mussels. Our seven month old loved the french onion soup. My wife's benedict was apparently 'When Harry Met Sally' worthy. My croque was very good, but I would have liked a bit more crunch to it for texture. With respect to the cook, I am sure it was cooked perfectly however. What was really amazing were their pommel frites (french fries). Holy goodness!!! You could bribe St. Peter with those things. Overall, we are happy we made the trip into town to try the restaurant. Was the experience great? No. However, the food was on point and worthy of a solid review. My main point of emphasis is that my family and I enjoy trying different fare, and while we don't expect to be pampered we expect to receive the same courtesy paid to the other patrons with the fancy shoes. We will never short change a server on a tip despite their crummy service because we know they depend on that to get by, but their minimum is 20%, everything above must be earned, and on this outing it was not. To other restaurants who may read this review, this is your warning that my family will be coming to try your restaurants too, Nike's and all.
(4)
Daniel A.
I love this restaurant! I have been here a handful of times and have left extremely happy after all of them. First - the ambiance. In the winter it's nice and quaint (even though it's right off of Larimer street) and the patio is divine in the summer. The service is always exceptional! They have a great wine list and serve French classics expertly prepared. My go to place for a great date night or when I am craving French food. I highly recommend, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Samm V.
Man! I love this place so much!! My husband and I first stopped in for brunch after spending six weeks in Europe and felt like we were right back in Paris again from with quaint decor to the unique menu. My cousin had given this place a good review so we thought we'd try it and now we go back whenever we get a chance. The brunch is super yummy!! The must-try's: Steak tartare Benedicte Shockingly, I just noticed it's from the owners of the Rioja which is not one of my fav places for how overpriced it is but I don't feel this place is overpriced at all. Maybe a little, but not outrageous like the Rioja. No matter. I won't hold it against them. Anyway, I'm not a fries kinda girl but their fries are super yummy and I could eat them all day.
(5)
Mica F.
A very nice French restaurant with a wonderful ambiance. We had a beautiful dinner on the patio on our final night on a business trip to Denver. I'm not a huge fan of French food but my husband lives for it. We both had a Lobster Consumme soup which was quite savory. For dinner, I had the Lobster Risotto which was quite nice and light. My husband had the Lamb Loin, cooked to pefection. We ate outside on the perfect night. Both the patio and inside seating are small so I would recommend reservations on a weekend evening. A quite place for a romantic dinner in an garden area between some buildings off the very busy Larimer Street so it was a quiet atmosphere. The wine list was small but well thought out. For dessert, I had the Bananas Carpaccio and my husband had the Chocolate Velvet Tart. A nice lovely restaurant with an older crowd. Great for a special night out. I would highly recommend a special evening out here!
(5)
Meredith C.
This place is ADORABLE! I booked a table for 8 here for 7:15 on a Wednesday night with no problems for our Yelp book club. We had read, the "Sun Also Rises" and although we originally had chosen "The 9th Door" they could not/would not accommodate us DESPITE my original email asking for a reservation over a month before. Boo! Moving onto the bistro, the setting is gorgeous. Talk about feeling transported! It's very French, very Parisian and the outdoor patio is adorable. We were seated in a big booth structure in the back with a bunch of tables pushed together and were quite comfortable. Our waiter was congenial and helpful. He was a bit verbose for my taste, but at least he was friendly and welcoming. The menu is the ONLY reason why this restaurant did not receive all 5 stars. Where's the cassoulet? Where's the Coq au Vin? These are classic French dishes and I was disappointed not to see them on the menu. I finally settled on the steak au poivre avec frites and the soup l'ognion. However, I started with the special wine flight. Touted as a trip around France by wine region, I had to do it and WAS NOT disappointed. There was a champagne, a white, and a red and all were perfect and were sadly finished before my soup arrived. The soup was incredible. It had just the right amount of cheese and wasn't under seasoned or too oily. I shared it with a friend. By the time my entree came I was feeling NO pain after touring around France by beverage and settling in Bordeaux with another glass of the red. I only ate about maybe 1/5 of my food, but did manage to make a dent in the bread. the food was outstanding, but there comes a point while drinking when food becomes superfluous and this was such a night. I did bring home the leftovers and transformed them into steak and eggs with breakfast potatoes that my boy oohed and ahhhed over while consuming. I will definitely be back. Thank you!
(4)
Russell S.
Perfectly executed despite a slammed kitchen. There were two large parties in the restaurant, which resulted in some long waits for food ... but the staff handled it well, and when the food finally came, it was delicious.
(4)
Corey M.
This is really a 4.5 stars. Unfortunately, i can't go 5 because I'm not sure I would definitly come back but just because there are so many good restaurants in Denver, and there wasn't anything that really stood out. Patio seating is really nice. all the following entrees at our table were well liked: duck steak, salmon. The one minus was ordering a drink with Gin and St. Germain elderflower liquor. I love St. Germain, and make drinks at home with it so I know it well. IF there was any put into the drink, it was one tiny drop. They also used shaved ice, which made the top taste really watery. All that said--they took the drink back no questions asked, so no big deal.
(4)
Kelly T.
Love the aviance. ..the outside bistro, great for lunch ..glass of wine with a good friend or even. Just some alone time..any more ...just being shaded on a watm day is great. .very quiet serene. ..
(4)
Anne L.
My family visited Bistro Vendome on Sat., Jan. 17th. My husband and I ordered the onion soup - not bad, could be a little more full bodied flavor and would benefit with herbs d'provence. We both ordered Coquille St. Jacques. Three scallops, 3 mussels. The sauce was tasty, but for the price, I prefer my home made done in the half shell with bread crumbs and cheese. I felt like the ingredients might have come from Costco or Sams Club and you get a lot more there and can make at home. My son ordered the quail, which he thought was tasty, but the vegetables were left uneaten. I will continue to search for a true French restaurant in the Denver area. I think that the decor and the location make this attractive, but the food, not great.
My favorite French restaurant in Denver. There dessert menu is phenomenal! Staff is nice. Free glasses of champagne for special occasions. Parking is a pain though and valet is 10$.
(4)
Dave G.
A wonderful French bistro in food and atmosphere. They chef offered an amuse bouche of roasted red pepper soup that was a genuine delight. I am not sure I could eat a bowl of it because it was so rich and wonderful. I did scrape the bottom of my cup with a piece of bread to get every drop, though. The food is beautifully prepared and very rich in that particularly French way. Go here to indulge and celebrate.
(3)
i n.
Great french restaurant for mussels and croque monsieu's. I would give this place 5 stars but I'm spoiled by Le Central.
(3)
Stacy P.
As others have noted, Bistro Vendome can be a bit easy to miss, especially considering the fact that it's on the best block of restaurants in Denver. However, find it and get yourself in there! I always try and show up a bit before my party so I can have a drink in their tiny bar - I love it. It only seats about six, maybe eight, at the bar, but the staff has always been friendly without being overbearing, and the drink selection is good. Anyway, back to the restaurant. To get in, you need to walk up a little hallway thing off Larimer - it's maybe 20 feet back. That's it, you're in! As I mentioned, they have a very small bar, a good deal of indoor seating, and a beautiful patio out back. The first time we went, a couple guys in our group clearly hadn't checked out the menu ahead of time, so heads up to the rest of you - Bistro Vendome is a bit pricey. Not $50 a plate pricey, but you should plan on spending around $20 for your entree (which is really not a big deal around Larimer). Those two ended up ordering appetizers for their entrees, but the server didn't make them feel out of place about it - he was very gracious. The second time I was with a group of mostly women, all of whom had dined at Bistro Vendome before. We shared appetizers and desserts, and everyone enjoyed their entrees. A friend and I actually split ours since both of us were on the fence between the same two dishes (I ordered the rabbit, she ordered the lamb, and we swapped plates halfway through). The rabbit was just a bit bland, so I was glad to trade for the lamb, as it was some of the best I've ever had. Oh, I love to share with you what I'm talking about, so I included pictures of the rabbit, lamb, and cheese plate in the photo section. Enjoy!
(4)
Dani S.
Owned by the same people as Rioja. I heard they were rated best restaurant owners for several years now. Food is amazing. My dude did all the ordering since he's the French food connoisseur. Steak Tartare: fresh quality meat. Coquilles St. Jacques avec Risotto: scallops are huge and super fresh. Hands down - great ingredients. Valet parking $8. Reservation required. Dinner $60/person + tax and tips
(4)
Jack H.
Great summer spot...the patio is nice and chill. Right off of Larimer square--the location is ideal for a late dinner before hitting the town. Apps and Brunch are what keep us coming back. Steak Tartar is the best I've ever had, Escargot is deliciious, and the Steak Frites...dear god---amazing. Typically, the Wife and I split the Steak Bernaise. Perfect little spot.
(5)
W. O.
Not impressed by their dinner at all. They have a decent brunch, but dinner is a big let down. Surprising since Rioja is one of my favorite restaurants.
(2)
Kate D.
I loved this restaurant! I wish it was in my hometown, I'd be there every weekend. The vibe is so warm and friendly and relaxed. We sat on the patio on a perfect night, but the inside looked cozy too. The service and staff were super friendly and nice, but still on their game and serving meals with the right timing. I had the lamb and it was fantastic. It melted in my mouth and had the most amazing flavor. The chocolate dessert was also perfect, not too rich and still full in flavor.
(5)
Chloe H.
This place is great. Went with my husband for a nice dinner and it did not disappoint. It really reminded me of Paris with how the restaurant is set up. We had reservations for 7:00, however it was very busy so we took a seat at the bar while we waited (that was busy as well). A staff member noticed us waiting to get to the bartender and brought the drink/wine menu to us which was a very nice touch and something that doesn't happen to often. We ordered a bottle of wine which was amazing. When we were seating our server asked to hang our coats for us which was also a nice touch. We order mussels to share which were incredible. My husband is somewhat skeptical of stuff like that but couldn't stopped himself and mentioned that he would come back just for the bread, mussels and wine! We had a hard time choosing our dinner selections and we generally like to order different things so we can eat off each others plates. He ordered the Classique steak which came with pomme frites and I order the Lamb Shank which had bussles and polenta. The steak was excellent, very lean and cooked to his expectation and had a delicious hollandaise sauce on the side which was a great touch to dip the steak in. The pomme trites were very different, not sure if I liked them very much since they are sweet and cooked in a sugar reduction. My lamb shank reminded me of a pot roast, the meat fell right off the bone. It was tasty, however very fatty and I prefer more of a lamb chop or loin I guess. I asked the server if the lamb is generally a fatter piece and she explained to me that the shanks usually are and without hesitation took it off our bill.The brusslels were amazing and the polenta was very good also. We will definitely be back and the food and service was excellent. I can't wait to come back and devour the mussels!!!!
(5)
Nirai H.
We love brunch here and we finally made it for dinner. We had the Escargot Perrier, steak frites au poivre, lamb, chocolate mousse gateaux and press coffee. It added up to 110 for two with one glass of wine and tip. The snails had good texture but for my taste the sauce/juicewas not as savory as I would have liked (I had a flashback to Paris where things can be bland). The lamb done two ways (pan seared and braised with peas) was well done and in an amazing sauce! The steak was tender and the sauce was amazing but one thing to note about the frites... They were coated in a champagne, vinegar, sugar mixture and it was much too sweet for me. I didnt eat most of it... As for the mousse gateaux I will try something else next time. Coffee here is always good! Service is very good. As for atmosphere someone was saying that it was like new Orleans. Hope that helps you get a visual. We went on a Thursday around 7:30 so we didn't have to wait for a table either. There are some really amazing dishes and Bv provides for a nice relaxing atmosphere for my husband and me. Can't wait to try their other dishes!
(4)
Susan D.
French food the way I like it with the prettiest patio in Denver and wonderful ambiance inside as well!
(5)
Jean S.
Finally they seem to have gotten the music right! We were here for brunch and for the duration of our visit only one terrible 80's top 40 hit was played! Now I can feel safe and secure in my choice to frequent this place.
Myself and two of my closest friends had dinner tonight at Bistro Vendome, what a treat! I was hoping for the best, and got more, food wise, than I thought possible, beginning to end. From the hard-crusted baguette to desserts, wonderful! We had the pate, the mousse, and crepe, all delicious. Chicken, quail and trout, superb! Desserts, fantastic, french press coffee too, the evening was just great, we'll be back, and soon.
(5)
Elly D.
I came here with my parents and fiance to celebrate closing on our new home on Bastille Day. We had a good time, and my parents enjoyed feeling like they were "back in France," even if only very slightly. Service: Good, prompt, and polite. Food: We split a bottle of white wine, and I wish I could remember what it was called because it was lovely. I got the duck for my main course and loved it-- so good! I think everyone was generally happy with their main courses, although my fiance wished he would have gotten the special in hindsight. The first courses, though, were 50-50. The charcuterie tray was mostly good, and I tried my best to get every morsel of the carmelized-top foie gras out of the little pot it came in. Our only comment is that the pate/preserve combination was too sweet. We also ordered the escargot (I'm a huge escargot fan), and I was very disappointed in the red wine reduction that was slathered over it all. The cheese and the red wine reduction are MUCH too heavy for those escargot-- maybe rethink that dish? It honestly didn't matter what you put it in that sauce and cheese combination-- you can't taste it anyway. We didn't finish it. All in all, a 4/5 star experience. We'll be back!
(4)
Red R.
My husband and I sat on the patio. The atmosphere was nice and romantic until we saw mice scurrying next to the wall near the ally. There were several and in the trees. We had one drink and an appetizer before we saw the mice. We of course decided to leave after that and the manager didn't charge us for what we had already eaten. They really need to take care of the mice. She referenced to them as "French squirrels". Yikes!
(1)
Amy R.
Mixed reviews on this place- would give 3.5 stars if I could. We went for dinner recently. We had a reservation but still had to wait 30 minutes for a table. While we waited, we had a very pleasant bartender who let us sample wines before making our selection. When we were seated, we waited 20 more minutes before I finally decided to flag a waiter and asked someone, anyone, to come to our table to at least take our drink order. After that, the service got better. Food was also a mixed bag, but quite good for the most part. I love salt, but the bread was definitely pushing into the "my taste buds may not recover its so salty" category. The mussels were tres magnifique. The steak tartare was bland at best. The salmon and trout dinner entrees were also good. For dessert, we had the Brioche Bell Helen, a poached pear with brioche ice cream and caramel sauce. It was everything you want from dining out - something you would never think to make, and absolutely delicious. We are excited to go back when they start happy hour and have some wine and mussels on the patio.
(3)
Tegan W.
The service was seriously lacking. Super slow even when less than half of the dining room was full. Our waitress disappeared for the last 45 minutes we were there, another woman had to cash us out. Not sure I would come back here because of it.. the food was fun but having to constantly wait around for our waitress to reappear for things we needed was not worth it.
(2)
Richard C.
Great job. Thoroughly pleased. Sweetbreads done well. Steak cooked perfectly. Have eaten here a few times, always enjoyed myself.
(4)
James B.
Can't believe this is owned by the Owners of Rioja on Larimer. At Rioja I experienced a sterile, lackluster meal which seemed touristy and average at best. Vendome to me is the opposite- a cozy getaway with original dishes and above average service and execution. If they were siblings I would certainly not ask Rioja to the prom....
(4)
Fritz H.
Once again Bistro Vendome exceeded my expectations. The staff, particularly Michelle, got everything just right. From the timing to the recommendations, everything was perfect. I honestly can't think how our meal tonight could have been better.
(5)
Ken O.
In Denver for a night out. Wonderful dinner - great food. Service was prompt and attentive. We had hors d'oeuvres (mussels) at the bar before being seated - excellent. Only negative - tables have been stuffed in - a bit crowded. We will return.
(4)
Kristen D.
We have been here twice now. Both times it has been great. The food is yummy and the price for the quality is great.
Fantastic way to spend Bastille Day! This restaurant is hidden off of Larimer and is a hidden little gem. The decor is quintessential French bistro, the service was professional and efficient and the food was delicious. My husband tried the steak frites and I had the gnocchi...both were flavorful and just delicious. I highly recommend!
(4)
Jessica J.
I really love Bistro Vendome's charming Parisian style. The patio, the big board menus on the wall and the whole atmosphere! We popped in on a Saturday around lunch hour. It took a bit of time to get seated, not because there was a huge line, but because the hostess was just moving kinda slow. It also took awhile to get a waiter's attention to put in a drink order (or by that time our entire order since we sat for so long). Still, the slow service aside I loved the food and overall atmosphere. We started with a selection of mini pastries. Each of which was more delightfully buttery and flaky than the last - my favorite being the apricot danish! Yum! I went with the classic A croque-monsieur (hot ham and cheese) and it came with their out of this world pommes frittes. The sandwich was on brioche and had just the right about of cheese (I think Gruyere) and ham. The fries are some addictive rosemary, salt, pepper, sugary blend of yummy goodness. Hubby had the Kobe hamburger and they served it on an English muffin (love) and with some spicy citrusy ketchup (which tasted exactly as it sounded - I stole some for my fries). It was a nice relaxed atmosphere and I would go back in a minute!
(4)
Kevin M.
Good service, nice setting, tasty food! But B.V. is at the high end of a very competitive market segment, and the menu and food aren't as unique as sister restaurant, Rioja, so I can only give it 3.5 stars.
(3)
Kelly S.
Had the mussels and crepe vendome, both were delicious, though a bit salt heavy. The patio is beautiful and amazing!!!
(4)
Monica C.
Absolutely my favorite place for a romantic brunch or dinner. The service is exceptional and the food is amazing. I love eating here when it's warm out because they have a beautiful patio with trees and lights. For brunch you have to try the fruit flavored champagnes or the French press coffee. Also make sure to get a side of pomme frittes because with the aioli, they are amazing! I could eat them every day!
(5)
Jason J.
Bistro Vendome had a nice, quaint charm to it that most restaurants I go to seem to lack. The inside was incredibly small and there were some moments when the back of my chair got bumped, but that was all right. They have a nice looking patio on the outside that seemed pretty full and on a nice Saturday I could definitely see spending some time out there. Service seemed incredibly slow in the beginning.. I think we waited about 5 minutes for the hostess to wander over and offer to seat us. She didn't seem busy, just not moving too fast. The waiter also took forever to come take our drink order. By the time he did we knew exactly what we wanted so just ordered. The food was excellent. We started out with some pastries and I ordered a burger that was just fantastic.
(4)
Ashley B.
2012 Review #95: I think of all the Jennifer/Beth owned restaurants in Denver, Vendome is my least favorite. That said, I also think it is the most transporting; it is very easy to feel like you've taken a flight across the Atlantic when you walk onto the patio here. I've been here twice and both times the meals were great. My first visit, I wasn't as keen on the server, but she did get us a pretty good bottle of wine, and we were on the patio so I was lulled into a lovely state of calm. Our second visit was for our anniversary and we were seated inside. If at all possible, avoid sitting inside. It's so cramped in there, and although that lends itself to the bustling, city bistro feel, it isn't very romantic to be able to touch your neighboring table by just cutting your meat. The service on our second visit was much better; our waitress was kind and had a nice sense of humor. They gave us champagne and some drink coupons for our anniversary, which was a great touch. Honestly, I don't have much of a memory of what we ate specifically on this visit, but I do know we were both happy. When it came time for dessert, I had hit the wall. Not to be deterred by my stomach capacity, our waitress brought over some sorbet for me to cleanse my pallet with, telling me it might make me feel less full (ironically). And she was totally right. With the gluttony back on the table, we took on dessert. Never one to say no to a salted caramel, I went with their version of what is, essentially, the Olivea salted caramel chocolate tart. And, you know, we should just sign over the rights of that dessert to Olivea. As talented as the chefs are here at Vendome, this just didn't hold a candle to Olivea's masterpiece, which was a shame. Overall we had a great time, and, because of our incredibly close proximity to the table next to us, we also got some great evening entertainment. At one point, the patriarch at said table leaned in close to his neighbor and said, "did you hear about my nephew? He got the lupus. Can you believe that? A sexually transmitted disease, at his age..." With that, we guffawed, left a big, big tip, and went on our way, happy and full.
(4)
Elizabeth M.
Bistro Vendome offers a lovely brunch on Sundays that we have attended more than once over the years. From the croque monsieur to the pulled pork eggs benedict, everything they serve for the brunch tastes excellent. Coffee - delicious; mimosas -yummy. The place is small and charming - a little too small and at times it can feel cramped. Service has always been efficient and pleasant. Prices are the norm for downtown - less than the Four Seasons and more than The Market. We love this restaurant, and my only constructive feedback is to lose the 80s music they play there. It ruins the otherwise continental european feel of the place.
(4)
Tim T.
Yay I am a fan. Last night was our second time at the Vendome. Both times were amazing. We loved the crepe's, beet salad and risotto. Good service as well
(4)
Melissa M.
We made reservations at Bistro Vendome for our wedding anniversary--expectations were high. My husband proposed in Paris, so I thought hitting up a French restaurant would be a cute way to celebrate 1 year of marriage. Everything was spot on. The outdoor patio is adorable and perfect. The lights, and the fact that it's tucked away a bit off Larimer Square make it very intimate. No complaints on the service. The food was delicious--I had the scallops, and my husband had the lamb; both were perfectly cooked with great flavors. While the price point here is higher, the quality matched the price, and I didn't leave feeling like we had paid too much. If you're looking for French cuisine w/ great atmosphere downtown, I'd go with Bistro Vendome. In my opinion, it far exceeds the other options downtown.
(5)
Monica L.
Denver Restaurant Week at Bistro Vendome last night was outstanding. The atmosphere, service and food were all superb. Speaking of atmosphere, some people were seated in the atrium (hall). If this isn't acceptable to you, you might want to confirm where you'll be seated. The restaurant is charming inside. Our receipt says our server was Rick, and he was top-notch. Our table of four recommends the following: mussels, chicken crepe, escargot, scallops, steak frites, chocolate bread pudding, and trio of housemade ice creams and sorbets. I thought the chicken was fine, but I wouldn't recommend it or order it again, and I thought the cauliflower gratin that came with it was bland. Go for DRW or another time!!
(5)
Scot F.
Excellent food, atmosphere, and wine list. Bonus on wine discounts on Monday nights!
(5)
Tim C.
Great Sunday brunch...love the atmosphere, excellent service and French press coffee...dayum... Make reservations and take your time...
(4)
KERRY R.
My husband and I went to the Bistro after seeing the Paris art exhibit and were excited about our French dining experience. We got to the restaurant about 5:30 and it was freezing inside. Others were also dining with coats. I asked if they would turn up the heat and they said for us to wait because the body heat of everyone would raise the temperature. So, after about 25 minutes, I took off my coat and it was tolerable. Then I asked the waiter what he would recommend, he said "well, we are famous for our duck". He said there was a "special" that was duck simmered all day and served with lentils. He told us that he had just tasted it and it was soooooo good. He just raved about it. Based on his recommendation, I ordered the duck and my husband ordered the steak and fries. Our server was Matt and he was a good waiter. Service was fast. First they gave us some extremely salty bread (almost inedible due to the salt on the crust) and then served our entrees. My husband's steak was tasty - not a Del Frisco's steak by any stretch, but acceptable. Then they placed a bowl of slop in front of me....pieces of terribly salty duck with lentils and a few carrots. It also tasted like it was reheated. They had the audacity to charge $19.00 for this. I could have bought a can of Progresso Lentil soup, added some already roasted chicken, and it would have been FAR superior to what they served me. There are too many restaurants in town for us to ever consider this place again.
(1)
Ashley D.
Two years ago, my husband and I spent our one year wedding anniversary at Bistro Vendome while visiting Denver. It was a wonderfully romantic experience. Last week, we decided to come back to Bistro Vendome while visiting the Denver area for a ski trip. It is exactly as we remember it. It has the most quaint patio that looks like it is in the middle of Paris. Inside looks the same. I love that they have french napkins (they look like kitchen towels) on the tables. It is a very Parisian place setting. Each meal begins with their fresh, hot baguette, which slightly resembles a crusty sourdough. They have a small, but sufficient french menu. However, both times we have gone, we have ordered their mussels and pomme frites specials. For $9, you get a big, steaming bowl of mussels in a garlic, butter, wine, basil sauce, served with a decent sized side of pomme frites (french fries) with a champagne gastric, sprinkled with herbs de provence (see my pics). They are both so delicious! The broth that the mussels are cooked in is so good! We found ourselves eating the broth like a soup, and sopping it up with the crusty bread. The pomme frites are cooked in French style, perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. And oh my goodness, the gastric on the outside of the fries is to die for! So tasty. It truly was a delicious experience. I love the ambience of the restaurant. The only negative was the service. Our waiter didn't seem enthused to be serving us. He was somewhat attentive, but wasn't friendly or charismatic. He actually didn't even tell us about the mussels and pomme frites special, but we had seen on their website that they were still offering it and had also heard another server explain it to the table next to us. The young woman who served us bread and butter, water, and our amuse bouche was super friendly and informative; we wish she had been our server. We actually requested (ahead of time on our OpenTable reservation form) to sit outside, and you would have thought we had leprosy by the way they looked at us when we arrived. Sure it is mid January, but the weather had been beautiful and warm during the days, and many other restaurants had people sitting on their patios. Bistro Vendome has big heaters on the patio, so it would have been perfect to sit outside. However, the hostess called and looked for the manager for several minutes, to no avail, to ask if we were allowed to sit outside. She finally sat us outside, and said someone would come soon to light the heaters. The beloved water girl gave us water, but we never saw a server, and after several minutes nobody came to turn on the heaters, so we moved inside since it was a bit chilly. I am not sure why the manager could not be found, but that was a little off putting. Regardless, the food is good and the ambiance is amazing. It is a sentimental place for us, so I am sure we will eventually cross paths with Bistro Vendome again in the future.
(3)
David M.
This restaurant is a gem. Intimate settings ,quality food and great service! Located in the heart of Lodo Bistro Vendome is a great restaurant for any occasion! The kitchen staff really pays attention to detail! Get the mussels! You won't be disappointed with them or the French Fry accompaniment !
(5)
Mick B.
This is a great restaurant. It is not cutting edge. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with eating delicious French food in a gorgeous atmosphere, whether you are in the garden or in the restaurant. Everything we had was fresh and prepared immaculately. Great food and great wine. If you can't afford a trip to Paris, Bistro Vendome may be the best substitute.
(4)
Corina R.
This was one of the most beautiful meals I've had in a while. The service was fantastic, my mom had looked at the menu online and it had said they had duck. They had changed the menu and unfortuantley didn't update online, so they sent us a complimetary duck confit salad (which was a play on duck a l'orange) it was delicious. I also had the mussels and escargot with bone marrow as appetizers both equally good, if it wasn't for the nice setting I would of full on drank the mussels broth. I had the osso buco which was super tender and fell off the bone on top of crispy polenta with green beans. I also had the banana crepe and an espresso to finish off a perfect meal. Seriously my stomach was so happy, that I had a stupid grin all night from the incredible food.
(5)
Aus B.
Definitely a solid 4 star place. At least for my visit. The frites we got were some of the best frites I have had EVER. Ever! A little sweet, a little salty and perfectly cooked. The soup and main was also top-notch. We were there before 6pm and only a few tables were seated so I cannot comment on the service during peak hours but during our visit it was perfectly balanced (not too much and not too little). Not a bad French option for Denver. Note it has a pretty limited veggie main options...
(4)
Diliny C.
I'll start with what I didn't like about Bistro Vendome - in order to make a reservation, I had to leave my information on an answering machine and they didn't guarantee that my reservation would apply. BUT, that said - when we showed up and they could not find the reservation, they did go above and beyond to set us up in the atrium. My 15 month old son accompanied us and the staff was very accommodating. Food was fantastic, wine selection as well.
(5)
Angela A.
Several of my friends have mentioned brunch at BV, and as self confessed brunch-a-holics, we had to check it out for ourselves. We made reservations and were sat at a little table outside. It was a beautiful day. If it were for atmosphere alone, I'd give it 5 stars. This is a great patio. It felt like a hidden nook in the madness of Downtown. I immediatly forgot I was on Larimer. We shared the crossiants, and they were scrumptious. They were buttery and flakey just the way they should be. They were served with a side of lavender jam which was fantastic. Anything made with lavender, I have to try. For my main entree, I chose the daily crepe. It was filled with various meats that I can't exactly remember, and fresh veggies, then topped with a tomato vinaigrette type sauce. The sauce was flavorful but made the crepe soggy on the bottom. It was very good, and just the right size after stuffing ourselves full of croissants. Bur I honestly wasn't overly impressed with the dish. My husband had the croque-madame, which was unreal. The bread was so thick, and made like french toast. The texture of the toast was light and fluffy, not what we were expecting at all. It was delicious. I think we will go back, but for dinner.
(4)
Dani E.
I've been wanting to try this restaurant for 2 years, and finally had an opportunity when my husband and I enjoyed my birthday dinner here on Feb 8, '13. I had emailed the GM, Beth Gruitch earlier, advising we were from out of state and wanted to stop in for hors d'ouerves and wine before our event later that evening, and "would the restaurant accomodate hors d'ouerves only?". I received a very quick, warm reply from her, stating they'd be happy to have us join them. Our reservations were for 5:30 pm, and we were seated promptly several minutes before that time. The restaurant was a little chilly, but the decor was so beautiful that the ambiance was warm, overall. We were given a menu to look over and told about the special of the night. Although we told them we were ordering hors d'oueves and wine only, we were still brought an amuse bouche from the chef - at no point did I feel that the staff was looking down on us for not ordering entrees. Although... we decided to amend our later plans, and ordered entrees after experiencing the food and the service! During one panicked moment, I realized I forgot an email confirmation for our later event, and our server offered to have the email re-printed for us. This turned out to be unnecessary, but we appreciated the gesture very much. We asked for wine recommendations, which were spot on. The food presentation was absolutely gorgeous! For dinner, we had: amuse bouche: White Bean Puree with Cardamom - excellent hors d'ouerves: Foie Gras Saisie - oh-god-I've-died-and-gone-to-heaven delicious Escargots a la Moelle - the escargot were only ok, but the bruleed bone marrow it was served on was delicious - and sooo decadent entrees: Duck Breast (evening special) - perfectly medium rare, and some of the best duck I've ever eaten Blanquette de Lapin (prosciutto wrapped loin and confit of rabbit leg) - amazing The food was some of the best I've had - ever, and the service was absolutely impeccable. My husband and I will make this a must-stop any time we're in Denver!
(5)
Johan B.
Ambiance: Great Wine list: Good Service: Atrocious Food: Mixed feelings Bistro Vendome is very French. The place could have been taken straight out Paris. The restaurant itself was fully booked so we sat in the Atrium which looks more like a walkway or fancy food court. Not the ambiance of the restaurant but acceptable. The foie gras was good, as was the salad. Duck main course was very good with the notable exception that the risotto was undercooked. The steak frites gets a mixed review. Outstanding pommes frites and bearnaise. However, the steak itself was really sub par quality. It was cooked well but the meat itself was poor, especially for the price. I would have preferred a smaller cut at a higher quality. A higher price would have been ok, too. But for $21 to get tough and a sinewy steak is not good. The service is my biggest complaint. When the waiter asked how our dinner was we raised the issue of the undercooked risotto he did not offer to take it back or to fix it. All we got from him was a "hmm" with a laconic face that translated as he really didn't care. Perhaps this was just a bad day for one customer. The reviews seems universally good. I want to be fair so I'll give three stars. I would welcome a discussion with the restaurant ownership or management.
(3)
L R.
So disappointed- I really wanted to like this place! Went for brunch and ordered the crepe of the day, at the server's recommendation, and my husband ordered eggs Benedict. The crepe itself tasted like bland, raw, soggy dough, nothing like a crepe. The Brussel sprouts inside (I love Brussel sprouts) were undercooked and therefore quite fibrous, while the bacon lardons were simply chewy. Combine those three textures, add a gray mushroom sauce, and voila. Husband reported that watery liquid squirted out of the poached egg. His dish was cold and had an oddly bitter taste. We tried to eat it anyway but after a few bites decided it wasn't worth the struggle, and we both sent back our dishes, which neither of us had ever done before at a restaurant- ever. The server and manager were very gracious and took care of the bill, but it was still an awkward experience and the food doesn't deserve a second chance.
(1)
Lynn W.
Sooo incredibly good! Quite possibly the best meal I've had in Denver. I had the foie gras appetizer and it was delectable. I kept scooping up the sauce with my bread. I also had the scallops, which were perfectly cooked. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Denise M.
We were heading for a different restaurant on Larimer but got sucked in by the nice outdoor patio, what a mistake. While the outdoor atmosphere was nice the food was indifferent at best, I had the chicken w it side dishes totally blah, took a few bites & abandoned it, checked out my friends meals, the pork chop was dry & tasteless, one friends steak was tasty but tough another friends steak was just tough, the'frites' were just so so. Overall this food was not worth swallowing, it was soo disappointing especially after having a superb lunch at the Denver Art Museum's in house restaurant Pa lettes earlier in the day. Also the service was poor at Bistro Vendome.
(2)
Mike B.
The food is great, and the prices are very reasonable. Plus, the restaurant is tucked back in a little courtyard off of Larimer - which by the way is an awesome street. The courtyard is kinda European feeling and cute. I'd give it 5 stars, but I thought the service was just so so. I sat at the bar. Hands were two groups and then me. Since I was dining solo, which I admittedly do not like, I would have liked a touch more attention from the bartender/server. I'd go back though!
(4)
Ai Ling C.
Absolutely delicious and the service was perfect. The butternut squash soup was velvety and perfectly spiced with cumin. The cheese plate was fantastic. The medium rare steak with peppercorns was unbelievably soft and juicy. The osso buco fell off the bone and melded perfectly with the rest of the meal. I woke up the next morning thinking about the food, and I am trying to think of more excuses to go back as soon as possible. Definitely a place to go back to again and again.
(5)
Marlena F.
Love them for dinner and recently enjoyed their brunch and loved it. Give them a try!
(4)
El G.
This last weekend, my family and I went here to celebrate my sister's graduation from law school. There were seven of us including a 3 year old. The concierge was great, seriously. He sat us right away and he got booster seat for the little one. We had eaten at Rioja earlier and had an amazing experience, so we figured something in the same neighborhood would be similar. We were wrong. Our waiter was so condescending, rude and all around arrogant, that it made some parts of the meal uncomfortable. I like eating at restaurants. A lot of the experience is related to the food, but ALSO the wait staff. This gentleman, if you wish to call him this, makes eating out a chore. He would often interrupt you mid-sentence to say something, forgot drink orders and, well, did I mention that he was rude? I've eaten at restaurants in France and I've never had a waiter who felt he was so above the rest of the world. The food, by the way, was decent. The cheese plate excellent, but the waiter ruined the experience.
(1)
Karli F.
I was so surprised by my experience at Bistro Vendome. I hadn't heard a whole lot about and it was Restaurant Week. I got invited to join some friend's reservations and gladly accepted. I arrived early and sat at the bar to have a glass of french wine. I really have no idea what it was that I drank, but the bartender was able to help me select one, based on my preferences, that was really nice! The dining room is rather like dining at a bistro in France--the tables are not spaced very far apart, so you better be comfortable eating very near your neighbors. They give you bread in a paper bag to begin with--yummy. I mean, for bread, it was good. Maybe I was just starving. For appetizers I shared the Salad Compangarde and the mussels with a friend. Both were excellent, but I'd go back for the mussels alone! They were buttery and almost melted in your mouth. A second helping of bread, helped us soak up the delicious broth. My dinner was the popular choice at our table--three of the four of us ordered the pork chop. But the pork chop wasn't really the star of this dish. It was served atop grilled acorn squash rings and blue cheese mashed potatoes. But the scene stealer were the bacon wrapped dates. I mean, it was like eating tasty chewy candy wrapped in pork. Who can't love that? Dessert didn't blow me away so I won't bother to mention it. Nothing was wrong with it, but it didn't stand up to the appetizers and entrees. My friend made a comment that this food was better than a lot she had in France! The patio was gorgeous even if we could only fantasize about it since it was snowing outside. I'm going back in the summer on a Sunday, I'm sitting on the patio, sipping whatever wine it was that I had, and I'm ordered the mussels and frites for only $9. ***I can't speak French so just pretend that I'm saying "Fantastic" right here.***
(5)
Bradley L.
Great Desserts! My wife loved the hot chocolate. Great patio to sit when the weather is nice. I have never eaten a meal here, just dessert many times. All desserts that I have tried have been great! Good Dessert Date place.
(4)
Sarah C.
Had brunch here today and liked it! The quiche was delicious and the basket of croissants was flaky, buttery, goodness. Poire royale? Yes, please. My kids adore the pommes frites. Great place to dine before a show. Some mistakes with our orders but these were quickly remedied. We left happy!
(4)
Lynn L.
I had high expectations for Bistro Vendome. After all, it's the same owners at Rioja, always one of my favorite dining experiences in Denver. We arrived at Bistro Vendome last night for dinner and were promptly seated in....the hallway. What a disappointing way to start off dinner - sitting OUTSIDE the restaurant with the glaring lights of the neighboring bridal boutique in your face. ugh. We tried to forget about that and imagine that we were in a cafe in Paris (cafe, not bistro...because bistros in Paris do not have chairs as uncomfortable as these). The menu looked good, but there were upcharges for most of the appetizers/entrees on the menu. We nibbled on the delicous fresh baguette that arrived at our table - it really was fantastic. We decided to start off with the Quiche aux Truffes (black truffles, smoked ham, mushrooms) along with a spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette; and the Carpaccio de Betteraves (roasted red beets, cucumbers, red onions along with some greens, goat cheese croquettes, and walnut vinaigrette. Both were fantastic. The quiche's custard was silky smooth and studded with truffle (YUM). The crust was not too thick, and remained crispy. The beets were delicious, but the goat cheese croquettes really stole the show (how can you beat something that's panko-breaded and deep fried?). For our entrees, we selected the Trout Filet and the Pork Chop. The trout was a generous portion, married with bacon, brussels sprouts, carrots, creme fraiche and Dijon mustard. When they say Dijon mustard, by golly, they MEAN it. I don't think my sinuses have been cleared out like that since I put way too much wasabi in my soy sauce at Sushi Sasa. Unfortunately, trout is a mild-tasting fish and this death by mustard just overpowered the entire dish. I had the trout for restaurant week at Aix, also prepared with a mustard sauce, sans Dijon, and it was far superior. The Pork, with its gorgeous bacon-wrapped dates, squash, and potato puree was of a generous size and very good (bacon-wrapped dates!). It was supposed to come with a spiced rum reduction, which was noticeably left off the plate. It begged for a sauce the entire time. A manager stopped by out table and asked how everything was. I commented on the Dijon flavor and how overwhelming it was - she offered to bring another entree out immediately. It wasn't necessary for me, but I appreciated the offer. Between the generous Dijon and the lack of sauce on the pork, I wondered who the heck was overseeing the kitchen. Another disappointment - we had to SHARE dessert. I was under the impression that for Restaurant Week, you get three courses all to yourself. I guess that's open for interpretation at places like Bistro Vendome and Il Posto (where you have to share an entree with someone!). Fortunately for them, the Blueberry Lavender Napoleon was to die for, with its whipped lemon creme fraiche, perfectly crispy phyllo, and lovely fresh blueberry compote with a hint of lavender. The service was nicely attentive, but not over-bearing, which is key if you're trying to emulate a French bistro. Our waitress recommended a couple of nice wines that paired winningly with our entrees. They made a mistake on the bill (our total tab was just over $21). When I pointed it out to the waitress, I thought perhaps she'd take off a glass of wine or something for my honesty. No such luck. :( Would have liked to give 3.5 out of 5, but I just can't justify 4 stars with all of the mistakes during the evening. Will certainly come back at least one more time to give it another shot when (perhaps?) it's not so busy.
(3)
laura h.
great sunday brunch. yummy bloody mary. fries were soooo good! tossed in a champagne vinegar reduction with herbs... salty sweet yum! great courtyard too.
(4)
Arlenne D.
This was the best meal I have ever had! I have never left a restaurant more satisfied or happy than my trip to Denver, November of 2009. We walked in for dinner and not only was the location beautiful, but the staff was wonderful and pleasant. The food borders on orgasmic! The meal started when pomme frites that were the perfect texture. I had an apple fennel soup which is singlehandedly, the best thing I have ever tasted, to make it better, it was a taste courtesy of the chef so major bonus! We also had the escargot salad which is a great way to try escargot for the first time. Our entrees were traditional dishes of chicken and fish, both were super yummy. Our dessert was a lovely piece of cake with ice cream. I honestly can think of no better dining experience.
(5)
Sean S.
the food was 5 stars, the service was 5 stars, and the espresso was 10 stars! I'll be returning to this place.
(5)
Bruce W.
I'm not sure why we waited so long to try this great restaurant. As other reviewers have said, it's been around a long time, but we have not tried it until recently. What a waste! This place was great. Not a stuffy place, the food and service are all about comfort. Our server was casual, made great recommendations, but still managed to keep us happy, and checked in at appropriate intervals. There was none of the pretentious attitude, when I struggled to pronounce, or understand some of the offerings. The food, as is the case with all of Jennifer Jasinski's restaurants (Rioja, and previously with Panzano) is superb. I had a wonderful steak with blue cheese on top, and my wife had a great trout dish. We were both simply delighted with the whole experience, and wish some of the other Denver French restaurants would visit and learn a thing or two about this wonderful bistro!
(5)
Archer D.
Best Restaurant I have been to in Denver, so far. Super friendly staff, even during restaurant week where some restaurants lower their standards. Excellent and interesting food, and I love the fact that they did not try to sell me the bottle water or the most expensive bottle of wine. I can't stand restaurants that are salesy on their product. This place was pack, so make sure to get a reservation. The location on Lamier street is also a plus, sets a great ambiance.
(5)
alison g.
i hate when people review restaurants and obsess over authenticity. why are they asking whether something the same as another dish, rather than whether the food was just plain good? /rant anyway, no idea whether vendome was french enough, but it was delicious enough for five stars. we weren't that hungry, so we sat at the tiny bar and ordered hors d'oeuvres, and ended up staying for so long we had a couple rounds of champagne/trappist beer, and the bartender hooked us up with a serving of their excellent pommes frites. mussels - great. get them. lick the soup off the bowl if you'd like. crepes - very filling. fried capers were a nice touch. french onion soup - could have used more cheese, but was still a desirable experience. pommes frites - absolutely great. the extra kick was the tinge of simple syrup and lemon zest. most pricey fries don't transcend fast food. these did. i even stole a bite off a chocolate/fruit dessert from my neighbor (he offered). would have ordered my own if i wasn't so full already.
(5)
Bridgette A.
My husband were lucky enough to be in Denver during restaurant week, and Bistro Vendome was the highest rated restaurant we could get reservations to for the one night we were there... so we made them... even though they were for 10pm! It was a nice experience. The environment was a little bit more casual than I expected, though I did appreciate the lack of snobby French waiters. When I couldn't really pronounce my entree, they helped me and laughed with me about the difficult pronunciation--which I appreciated. We were served a delicious amuse busche and then my husband and I got the mushroom soup and the selection of cheeses. The soup was quite amazing. The cheeses were alright--I mean, I LOVE cheese, but I didn't find these to be anything particularly special. However, it did come with this lavendar jam, which was truly incredible. I could just eat that stuff forever! For our entrees, my husband got the classic steak frites, and I got the duck. The duck was quite good, though slightly dry. My husband enjoyed his steak and it was not overcooked (which is somewhat unusual even in the best restaurants!) and found the fries to be average. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our meals, but they did not knock our socks off. For dessert, we selected the creme brulee. It was, again, really tasty, but nothing extraordinary. With our meal, we ordered a half bottle of wine, and we weren't super impressed. It needed time to breather, but even once it did, it was a little harsh. Overall, the experience truly was a good one, and these critiques are relevant but it is important to know that the food is good! The service is also good, and it is definitely an above average joint. I really enjoyed my dinner date with my husband, and we never once felt rushed even though our dinner was at 10pm.
(4)
Beth M.
So delicious. The ambiance was fun since it's tucked off the street. Yum!
(4)
Matthew J.
The best croissants in Denver. Would have given them a 4, but service was poor. We had eaten early breakfast and weren't ready to sit down so we wanted croissants to go so we could explore. They were very snippy about selling us croissants.
(3)
Aileen D.
Food was amazing and the courtyard setting was idyllic. Not too much foot traffic [luckily]. The waitstaff is very helpful. Update: went to brunch today. our server was fine until it the restaurant filled up. understandable, i know, but still a bit off-putting. tight space if you're sitting inside.
(4)
Amy R.
What a great experience!!! I came here with a group of 10 people that were in town for a conference. We were sat in a private room that was very cozy and nicely decorated. Our server, Roger, was wonderful. Some of the dishes are better than others, so pay close attention to what the server recommends. I shared a salad with someone and wasn't too impressed by it, but the mussels were some of the best I have ever had - very fresh tasting and not chewey at all. Once we got through enough of them, I took the warm bread that they bring in out a paper bag and sopped up the garlicky/butter/wine goodness from the bowl. Heaven! The mushroom bisque I had a taste of was also delicious. I had the roasted chicken with caulifower gratin as my entree. Even though the dish was very simple, it was cooked perfectly and tasted wonderful. Some of the others at the table enjoyed the trout with pistachios, but didn't seem blown away by the Cassoulet. Like I said, some dishes were better than others, but all of it is good. I would love to go back for the mussels next time I am in Denver.
(5)
Dana M.
Expensive but memorable. Serves me right for ordering 3 glasses if champagne and the duck! I still dream of that dish with the hint of herbs: lavender, thyme, rosemary... All very subtle with eggs over easy and a nest of hashbrowns... Likely the best breakfast dish I've had in Denver to date. Looking forward to trying dinner here soon.
(5)
Richard F.
Last weekend, we were looking for a place to dine in Downtown Denver and Latimer Square area was recommended. We were able to secure a reservation at Bistro Vendome on short notice and were very pleased with the result. We had the Peppercorn Steak/Frites and the Loin of Lamb. Both entrees were well prepared and excellent AND very well priced. The Steak only came with frites, but the lamb came with two small, cheese stuffed tomatoes and a salad of green peas and creme fraiche. The atmosphere was very french and the place had just the right amount of "buzz" to be enjoyable. The wine list ranged from several good and very affordable choices (less than $50) and many much more expensive - a very good overall list. I will definitely return on my next trip to Denver.
(5)
Scott T.
Although still the nicest patio south of 16th, I don't think I rate the food as I once did. The menu has changed little, but the level of service was down, and attention to the details, which make it or break it, were not as spot as they once were. My hollandaise was obviously a tragic victim of too much time under the heat lamp. To the point of pools of broken, clarified butter hiding under my cup of generic crunchy-melon fruit salad. (Wait, in prime fruit season? When it all could have been local-sourced and TASTY? Sad...) All in all, still a splendid, memorable occasion, but far more for the company and the setting than the unfortunate Sodexo-like food.. (I can only hope the dinners are better.)
(3)
Devon P.
I really enjoyed this place! The decor was very fun and elegant. A group of us went there for a friends Birthday. We tried a ton of items on the menu and passed the dishes. I loved their mussels and French fries. Their fries have sugar and vinegar and are different. I had scallops and they were large and very good. I recommend this restaurant, I will be back, I want to go for brunch.
(4)
Ran D.
Mehhhhkk! Service great, bartender made the best classic french martini, ambiance, comfy. I hope the meal we had, was due to 5280 craziness but we were VERY disappointed to say the least. Appreciated being able to explore the entire menu, unlike all of the other 5280 participants, but...Foie gras, small, overcooked accompanied by a batter dipped 'shrooms, figs...mmmmm..not even!..have had so much better. Escargots, beyond bland, steak tartare, horribly covered in over powering garlic sauce. Dinner, I had the rabbit, swear it was turkey, yuck! Hubby had chicken, again, nothing spectacular. Creme brulee, cold, almost frozen in the middle. I swear everything seemed to be pre-prepared and came out super fast, not cooked to order...wasn't even that busy! Oh and the super quick, "how was your dinner" from the mgr., Beth?, she didn't even wait for our answer before turning away with a sour puss look on her face, which she had on all night. Granted it's probably 2 weeks of hell with 5280 but in light of the fact that so many people said Bistro was so authentic and delish.... I disagree...not even close...bland, bland, no layers, BLAND...$140 after for just the 2 of us..not returning..not impressed.
(2)
Tiffany S.
This place was what a fine dining experience should be but without the pretentiousness(can't spell, you get it). The drinks were good, the service was top notch and the food was scrumptous. Never been to France but I would imagine this place was pretty close to the real deal. Who cares, it was a great restaurant. Can't wait to go back. It is pricey so it will be a romantic treat in the future.
(5)
Melissa C.
Took my foodie friend from out of town to Bistro Vendome on a whim. Was blown away by the service, ambiance and delicious food. The scallops were melt in your mouth amazing.
(5)
Sophia L.
Oh Bistro Vendome, how I covet your brunch. So much that I'm pretty sure I've tried everything on the menu. The crepe du jour is ALWAYS a standout (The last one I had had brussels sprouts and chicken. Yummm). Love the potato galette with duck confit and the mussels. And I finally understand the obsession with their french fries. I've taken practically all of my friends here. Most of them usually beg to come back. When my parents visited me, we went for brunch AND dinner in the span of two days. I think the brunch menu is a little stronger than the dinner menu, but they still make a mean roast chicken (With a cauliflower gratin that is just awesome). And the desserts!!! Those homemade ice creams/sorbets and that chocolate tart! Overall, just a great place for a delicious solid French inspired meal...really wish there was a place comparable to this in Seattle!
(4)
Kristin K.
The first time I went to LoDo last summer I walked past this restaurant and have been wanting to try it ever since because the menu and European decor inside and out looked very captivating. We ordered the escargot and charcuterie appetizers, and the duck and au poivre for dinner. I thought the escargot was missing something, it was kind of bland. The meat sampler was tasty although nothing special either. However the duck and steak were amazing! It was the first time I tried duck and thought it was absolutely perfect. No gamey taste at all. The steak and fries were also incredible. We really wanted to try dessert but were too stuffed. This is a place you should definitely try if you are looking for a nice evening out!
(4)
Karen W.
Always a favorite of mine!
(5)
Josh P.
There is no better brunch in Denver. Tucked away behind one of Denvers oldest and most unique blocks lives bistro vendome. The food is great, amazing wine list, perfect service everytime, and the restaurant offers a very unique experience that makes me wish every day was Sunday.
(5)
Eric K.
Better french food here than Paris. I ordered some sort of fish entree and it was awesome. Id say its the best seafood I've had in Denver. The American size portions also makes this place a good choice.
(5)
Jared G.
Vendome, how I miss you. You weren't completely unaffordable. You had a nice patio. You had Guillermo the waiter. You had patently unhealthy steak tartare and those lovely frites. That one time, you had venison and while I felt so bad for bambi, she tasted so good. Take your friends, tell stories, and drink more wine. Take your partner and whisper sweet nothings over coffee and dessert. Take me the next time I'm in town.
(4)
Jonna J.
A lonely night in Denver and needed some great food....found this place via Yelp and was thoroughly impressed. My mom is a French Chef so needless to say I grew up with discerning taste. The service - warm, friendly, professional and with perceptive timing to my needs. The food was delish! Traditional onion soup, paired with yummy french wines, herbed chicken with an intoxicating Cauliflower au gratin and the ending....wait for it.....strawberry rhubarb crepe with buttermilk creme and a dallup of ice cream OMG, devious really. Great patio off a delightful street downtown, romantic even without a date. Go there! You won't be disappointed.
(5)
meghan w.
One of my favorite restaurants to visit...even if its just for the pomme frites and a martini with blue cheese stuffed olives.
(5)
Micah S.
I don't know much about fine dining but I know if you're a blue collar guy/girl looking for a special night out, this is a fine place to do it. The veal is amazing, the mac and cheese side is slap-yo-mammy good, the crepes vendome is the best appetizer I've ever put in my mouth, and the service is as good as it gets. The wine is on the pricey side but just look at is as a surcharge for the lovely building and great patio.
(5)
Mike R.
Picture yourself sitting at a tucked-away sidewalk cafe in Paris, with some guy named Francois adding to the ambience with some classical accordion music. The smell of fresh-baked baguettes harmonize in the air with spring lilacs, truffle oil and rich onion soup. Call that a traditional French dining experience, and I'll say that Bistro Vendome's patio is the next best thing. And you don't need to know your french to dine there. Granted, you will need it to read part of the menu. Lucky you, the descriptions are translated. On a hidden corner in Larimer Square, Jennifer Jasinski's acquired concept brings french romance and charm to one of the best locations in LoDo. You'll feel like you're worlds removed from this state you call home as you dine here for a Saturday or Sunday brunch. When you walk through the classically adorned french doors, you find yourself in a quaintly romantic spot. Seating is scarce (especially when the patio is closed) so make your reservations ahead of time for this experience. Once you're in, however, this concept is ridiculously complete. Everything from the menu boards printed on mirrors on the far side of the dining room, to the darkly wooded dining sets, fresh baguettes, rich french onion soup with the perfect gruyere finish, fine lace curtains, and of course the patio. It's all french to me. As if the atmosphere wasn't enough, the food hits the spot as well. Vendome has one of those menus where you wish you could order one of everything. Focusing on brunch this time around, they feature one of the best bloody marys in town (granted smaller than the usual, but don't miss this one) accompanied by a number of other traditional morning cocktails. Properly dubbed Gueles de Bois, or 'hangover drinks' eluding to last night's events, you can take your choice of biere rouge (red beer) or a collegiate favorite, the screw driver. We're not talking minute maid and smirnoff here though. The food speaks for itself, once again bringing you back to the streets of Paris. With a lot of smaller plate options, you can mix and match to your pleasure, share a few appetizers, and top it off with a proper finish. On our gorgeous saturday, we opt for the onion soup to start. With a rich, savory beef and onion base and a tinge of sweetness, this well rounded delicacy is an ace from start to finish. They even manage to keep the baguette chewy and crispy, and that, my friends, requires finesse. Next up: Salade Campagnarde. Not to be confused with canard, there's no duckling in this one. I made that mistake with my shoddy french. Granted, I was pleasantly surprised and not disappointed. Perfectly al dente redskin slices adorned with mushroom duxelle border a bed of dijon-tossed greens, drizzled with truffle oil. Gastronome meets homestyle with a sunny-sided egg, completing the dish and creating an impromptu sauce. Do yourself a solid: order a dish with fries and another side of them. Trust me, you will be fighting for the crumbs here. Move over nine75, there's a new kid in town. And he just beat up your honor student. Made with Kennebec Potatoes and coated in a sweet champagne gastrique with herbs de provence, these pommes are finger-licking. You really can't go wrong with your main dish choice. But for days ending in 'Y', tackle out a Gaufre Maison for dessert. This light, fluffy waffle kisses your palate with Nutella whipped cream that will make you think you're in a dream sequence. Topped with Sauterne poached pears, dark chocolate and candied walnuts; texture meets smooth succulence. You may even reconsider sharing this and keep it all to yourself. Gluttony you say? You'll understand. The service rocks too. Dish it up. Food:10.0 Ambience:9.0 (for a late dinner, the music at Lime can be distracting) Service:9.5
(5)
J C.
Okay, so I'm in Denver for a business trip. Yesterday, my compadres went off to do their own thing, so I'm stuck with the daunting task of trying to find a nice restaurant. The first day I was in town, we were strolling around the vicinity of the 16th Street Mall area, and I happened to come across this little alcove, totally out of the blue. "Where does this lead to?" I wondered. To a French restaurant, as luck would have it (I looove French food!). Now, we ended up eating somewhere else, but my interest was piqued. Having the next evening free, I decided to check it out. Bistro Vendome has the most captivating outdoor seating. It's like something out of a Pre-Raphaelite painting (minus the knights and the bosomy maidens). Taking a seat outdoors, I was promptly greeted and given a bottle of Fischer (an Alsacian beer). While everything on the menu looked yummy, I eventually opted for steak frites Roquefort (topped with Roquefort cheese in a port reduction). I was expecting hangar steak, but the cut of beef I got looked more like London broil. It tasted fantastic! Plenty of cheese, and the beef was nice and tender. A word about doneness, though: I ordered medium rare, but several slices of beef (the steak was pre-sliced) were rare on the inside. Now, I can deal with that, but if you prefer your meat more cooked, you might want to inquire with your server. The frites: they do 'em differently here. They were cooked with herbs and served with an aioli mixture. Quite good, but more like a change of pace as opposed to something I'd crave all the time. But it gave me a new twist on an old classic. While I didn't find out about it until after quaffing my first beer, they had a wine sampling the day I was there (their website says they do it every Tuesday). You get three different glasses of wine for $10, and they weren't stingy with the pours either! The verdict: I wish I had a date to take here, as this is a great place to woo your significant other. The food's delicious, and the picturesque seating doesn't hurt 'neither!
(4)
Sara C.
Great ambience- try the outside patio with the twinkly lights. Food, wine, and service were excellent.
(4)
Sandi D.
Not sure why I haven't Yelp'd Bistro Vendome before now --- I've certainly been here enough; mostly for brunch, lunch, drinks and appy's, as I'm just not fond of the dinner menu. I do, however, love,love the outdoor patio. In nice weather it's a wonderful way to spend time with friends chatting over a decent French Red. The wine selection is MUCH better then their competition (Le Central, etc...), as is their fare in general. I hear it's very difficult to do "affordable French" , and to be fair, Bistro Vendome does it pretty well. I guess I would just prefer to pay a few bucks more and have the real deal with quality ingredients -- Hanger Steaks are for fajitas, not for Steak Frittes. I now stick with what I know is good; mostly soups, appys and wine, and soak in the great atmosphere.
Really lovely little place. I don't know what it is, but "lovely" just comes to mind when I think Bistro Vendome. An impromptu "organized" night out led us here a few weeks ago and I was pleasantly surprised. We made a last second reservation for 8...alas, it was almost 9 before we were seated in this fairly small place...but that was OK. A little standing/sitting at the bar gave us a chance to sample a few of the really tasty drinks the bar offers. The "St. Martin" cocktail was great and only about 9 bucks. Not bad. Once we were seated, our waiter was great...informal and approachable and full of suggestions. He helped us pick out a couple fantastic wines and never tried to push us out of our reasonably low price range. Now, I'll fully admit, we were pretty smashed by the time we ordered...but from what I recall, everything was great. The Moules frites were great...absolutely fantastic flavor on the mussles and the fries were crispy and had an almost sweet thing going on. Actually, now that I think about it, they may actually sprinkle a little sugar on them... Regardless, very tasty. As far as entrees, I'll only comment on my own...again, the "smashed factor" was pretty strong...so I may miss some salient details... :) The pork chop was absolutely amazing. Juicy, garlicy, and basically perfectly cooked. The sides, which included some sort of potato thing...again, I was smashed...was wonderful as well. The only downside...which, I suppose could have been a major downside if I had been sober...was that, once I reached the bone of the chop, it was definitely undercooked. Thankfully it was the end of the meal and we were eager to get out to the bars so I really didn't care, but that's the only thing keeping me from giving this place 5 stars. Anyway, a lovely experience and next time in back "home" we'll be hitting up Bistro Vendome!
(4)
d p.
Great tucked away little spot. Came here for brunch looking for some good french food. It didn't let me down. The steak tartare was exceptional, the croque monsieur very good and the charcuterie plate nicely done. The only semi complaint. The service was sluggish. Could've been that the staff was a little hungover! It was Sunday brunch after all.
(4)
Tim O.
Absolutely delicious. While on a business trip, my friend and I found this place through Yelp. It was excellent. The mussels were extremely good and the halibut cheek was also delicious (though just a small tad overcooked). And did I mention the fries? Wow. Service was great - very friendly and responsive. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Carol W.
We had been to the exhibit at the Denver art Museum and wanted something nice for late breakfast/early lunch so we came to Bistro Vendome. The girl that seated us was lovely and very sweet but things went downhill from there. We were seated and it took a while to get something to drink but we were enjoying the day so that was OK. I ordered coffee which never did come. My husband ordered the blue cheese burger and frites and I ordered the beet salad. We are not very picky eaters but at least like our meat cooked and our fries fresh. The hamburger was surprisingly rare and the frites were not fresh. Also, both had a sweet sauce which for the burger was OK because it was an onion relish. The frites though has some sort of sweet liquid poured over them which was a bit strange. The salad(and I am sorry I don't remember the exact name of it) was very sparse and I was HUNGRY. It had some roasted zucchini sliced thin, a couple of baby carrots and of course the beets. It was OK but not memorable. I was starving so kept hoping our waiter would come by and I could get a baguette like the people near us were eating but he had disappeared and we did not see him for about 25 minutes. When he finally came by we requested our bill. There was another woman sitting near us who I watched for about 20 minutes waiting to pay her bill. I think had our waiter been more attentive, I could have given 3 stars.
(2)
Marc W.
Pricey but worth it. Good French food for Denver.
(4)
Anna M.
This restaurant is wonderful! I have eaten here a couple of times but the last experience was great. We had 9 p.m. reservations and they sat us right away . The appetizers were portioned just right with the perfect blend of flavors. The time between the Hors Devours and the main course was perfect and the portions were just enough . The service was attentive but not overwhelming. I can not emphasize the quality of the food! It was a savory delight!. The price for the food and drinks throughout the evening was exceptional. I was surprised when we received the bill.
(5)
cindy w.
I love this place. I've been here once for dinner and twice for breakfast. The chicken that I had for dinner was the most amazing chicken that I have ever eaten. It tasted like someone took a needle and infused it with butter under the skin. Breakfast on Sundays is quite the hit, and it's full, so make reservations. The wine choices and brunch selections are excellent. The folks at the bar are great in helping you decide the best wine for the meal. For brunch, I had an Heirloom tomato salad with caramelized onions that was defnitely 5 stars. Duck sitting atop the fried potato hashbrowns and eggs? YUM. The outside patio is very pleasant in that you're seating in a quite courtyard versus on the street sidewalk. No traffic noise/smells.
(5)
Ana C.
One of the few places I have been over and over and loved every time. For brunch, the french toast is amazing but so is the toast with rose hip preserves; the floral aroma and taste is so refreshing and different. For dinner, anything you order will be lovely. Their duck dishes are always very well done and their vegetarian offerings are unique and appetizing instead of the typical, veggie pasta most places offer. It's not on the menu anymore but they used to have a creamed spinach with hazelnuts that was unbelievable. The staff is good, the wine list extensive and this is always a place for an hours-long dinner out on their beautiful patio. This is one of my favourite places.
(5)
Winston C.
I am normally not a huge fan of French cuisine, so it was easy for Bistro Vendome to exceed my expectations. With that said both the food and service were very good. I enjoyed the cheese plate and steak tartar and asked for the Steak Fritas for brunch which they gladly accommodated. The steak was excellent, and the prices were reasonable.
(4)
Elizabeth H.
A very fine, yet expensive meal. Been there a few times, and have nothing to complain about, and would have to say they have the most delicious Creme Brulee I've ever tasted.
(4)
Treana H.
You will never, and I mean never, be able to eat another burger that compares to the burger they serve for brunch here. I would fly from Phoenix back to Denver simply to eat there again. Honestly, don't skip it on your next trip. Every bite will blow your mind. The service was INCREDIBLE and the matre'd even came over because we had said how great the food was... also... our bill...was $27!!!!
(5)
Shawn A.
This is one of our favorite brunch spots. To be able to sit out side in the middle of January certainly helps with the experience. They have a great French wine list by the glass. I would say that the Campaigns served by the glass are very reasonable. This weekend we didn't want a huge meal so we asked if they would accommodate us outside for drinks and an order of mussels. The staff was VERY accommodating and happy to have us. The mussels were great served with a lot of garlic, white wine, fresh herbs and a little cream. The mussels don't come with their famous frites, although the manager gave us a small portion when we asked. The service was great and very refreshing!
(5)
Chris V.
My wife and I ate here last Summer and it was one of the best meals we have ever had. IT was colorful, creative and just plain delicious. I would recommend this restaurant for a nice night out with a few friends or significant other.
(5)
Manoj P.
I went to brunch on a Saturday afternoon while visiting Denver recently. The salmon eggs benedict was delicious - probably the best eggs benedict I've ever had! I don't have much else to add about the food but I did want to mention that BV made this solo diner feel completely at ease. Next time I'm in Denver, I'll definitely be returning!
(4)
Alicia N.
The atmosphere is Paris, the waitstaff is attentive and very helpful, but the food... Well... loved the pommes frites, but my steak au poivre cooked "medium" came out very rare. When I sent it back, it came back deader than a door knob. In the meantime, I tried some of my husband's (we ordered the same thing) and the pepper was SO overwhelming, I could barely taste the meat. Same with mine when I finally got it back. Not sure if it's to mask the fact that it's not a very good cut of meat - or so it seems. On top of it all, they cut the steak into slices - what am I 10? When I get a steak, I want a FULL steak - not cut into pieces like London Broil (although that might explain the poor cut of meat). Maybe I am just a spoiled New Yorker, who's too used to Provençe (the OLD one), L'orange Bleue, Les Halles, La Jumelle, Balthazar, Felix, and Chez Jacqueline - but this paled by comparison... That said, the manager did take my dinner off the bill, and our waitress, Michelle, is the reason I will go back for another try and get the mussels this time around. But please, stop cutting the steak, and lighter on the "au poivre!" I want to be able to taste the dinner, not have my senses dulled by pepper.
(2)
Monica B.
My honey and I went here for Valentine's Day, and I have to say the service was not in the spirit of love and romance. Despite the fact that we had a reservation, we had to wait about 15-20 minutes. I understand it's a holiday, but they should have done a better job of allotting more time between reservations (due to the 4 course menu, people ordering apps and desserts for the special day, etc.). And the way were informed by the hostess that they were running behind was not at all apologetic, which further turned me off. A smile and an apology can go a long way. Keep in mind that this restaurant required a credit card to hold the spot on open table and I'm sure if we were 15-20 late we would have lost our table.... When we were finally seated, I could hardly get into my seat because the tables were packed so closely (note: not a big girl here). The server joked that it was so we could all feel the love. We wanted to order a cheese plate right away (and already had wine from the bar) so as we sat down we asked the server to put in our order for one. He told us it would "work better" if he could take our entire order at once. I see where he was going with this, but really he should have just put in the order for the appetizer, given us some time to look at the menu for the entrees, and then returned to take our entree order. The cheese plate was pretty good, although they only gave us two small pieces of toast and two small slices of pear with it--not nearly enough for the cheese. My trout was alright (6.5/10) but my guy loved the steak frites but the fries got very sticky by the end of the meal. I may go back and try something new on the menu, but the service left a bad taste in my mouth.
(3)
Jav V.
The prices aren't bad. The service was a little awkward. The food was good, but not great. It's worth going, but don't expect to be blown away.
(3)
Steve U.
a buddy and i ended up here for dinner the other night. it was a tuesday night so there wasn't much competition for a table, we were seated immediately and got down to obnoxiously catching up on the past couple of months. the bar has a pretty thin selection of gin's. your standard stuff, but nothing particularly interesting. the menu was solid french fair and hit the spot. allow me to digress for a moment, the fries here are freakin' awesome. i got the steak and fries and i was told that the fries were insanely good. i took that to mean that they were pretty good, i underestimated that claim. these fries are really, really f@#king good. the next day when a coworker asked me what i did for dinner the previous night, their response was "did you have the crack fries?" nuff said.
(4)
Dugg D.
Great French food at reasonable prices. Very "bistro-esque" feeling in great setting combined with steak-frites au poivre... all for $23 = goodness. This place just has a good vibe.
(4)
Erin S.
I love bistros and Vendome did not disappoint. We had to wait about 20 minutes for an outside table, but that was ok b/c the bartender was friendly and the outside patio in the evening is magic - I really recommend it. Dinner was very delicious. Very romantic. A good time.
(3)
Jennifer B.
Went here for Sunday brunch with my sister and it was delicious! We split the charcuterie platter and I had the duck confit eggs and hash brown concoction while she had the house waffle with nuttela whipped cream. The service was great and the atmosphere is nice without being pretentious. Just as nice for a girls get together as it is for a nice family meal.
(4)
Tina B.
Great dining experience in Denver. Service and food were wonderful. Very reasonably priced for an upscale restaurants. Food was meticulously prepared. Great for foodies. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Cheryl M.
Very good restaurant in a beautiful setting. The food, service, wine list, and ambience are all wonderful. Great place for a date or to take clients. You can just relax and enjoy your meal.
(5)
Trevor P.
One of my best meals in Denver, hands down. Went on a Wednesday night and got the last table on the patio. The waitstaff was helpful, friendly, and down to earth. Escargot was very good- the texture of the meat was perfect even if the puff pastry was a little heavy. I got the classic steak frites, which was arguably one of the best cuts I've had in years. The frites are salty/sweet and dusted with thyme, which I thought was a delicious combo, even if nontraditional. Flourless chocolate cake for dessert was also very good; very light for a flourless cake and paired with cherries and vanilla mousse. The food came out quickly and was always the right temperature. No beers on tap, but they had bottles of Kasteel Donker and a few other good Belgians. The wine list is good, but a little expensive. Overall, it came to about $45 per person, but that included drinks, appetizer, dinner, and dessert. Excellent value. I can't wait to come back. If you do go: call ahead, make reservations, and sit on the patio. The indoor experience isn't the same.
(5)
Zach A.
This was probably the richest meal of my life. Every bite was spectacular. Every year I choose one day to eat veal, which happened to be my girlfriend's birthday. (past 2 years), the medallions were like great sex. Seriously, they were to die for. The country salad was delightful, with a fresh dressing that was not overbearing and not underwhelming so that the truffle mushrooms could still shine through. I managed to get my girlfriend to try escargot for the first time, and the butter garlic vessel was a trip to heaven. perfectly done and very hot, the snails slip into your mouth and dissolve, dissipating a delicious savory butteriness. And the wind we got was fairly cheap and really, really good. And we couldn't finish it so they were kind enough to cork it and let us take it with us. And the waitress we had was very kind, (Amanda?). The blueberrry lavender napoleon. Yummmmmmmmmmmm. There are not enough moans to describe the ecstasy of that pastry. And the interior is spectacular, as is the location. Go here, whenever you can. Spend $100 at least, because it's worth it.
(5)
Caitlin K.
all i can say is...WOW. seriously one of the best meals i have had in denver. the hubby and i sat out on the patio, and truly felt like we were back in montmartre at one of the cute cafes where all the painters set up shop. the water served from glass bottles and the paper bags of warm baguettes set the mood even more so. one woman (who i thought may have been one of the owners, but can't be certain) was exceptionally warm and friendly. everything we tried was delicious. i got the steak frites which was amazing. the steak was perfectly cooked and the fries had a sweetness to them which really complimented the aioli they were served with. really exceptional meal, service, ambiance, etc. a little on the pricey side so definitely a special night out kind of place. but we will for sure be back for another experience like the one we had!
(5)
Stacey L.
This is a cute french bistro with great food. The service was exceptional. We made reservations but showed up a little early, so we opted to sit outside in the patio. The patio is nicely kept and decorated - very cute. The weather was a little breezy but they have heat lamps. The food was really tasty and it took us a long time to get through our meal, but we really enjoyed the time we spent there. Being seated outside in the patio gave us a lot more privacy since the tables inside aren't spaced out that much. The waiter was friendly and helpful. There are a few garbage bins behind the fence near our table and the lid was flipped open during our time there. It startled us but was no biggie. He quickly took care of closing the lid, apologized, and comped my cappuccino for the inconvenience, which I thought was really nice.
(4)
Ann P.
Yum! This was our favorite place we tried for DRW! The crepe appetizer was delicious. The trout was delicious and flavorful. The chocolate butterscotch tart was wonderful. 3 diners and we all enjoyed our meals. Wonderful service, knowledgable waitress. The only reason its 4 stars is that we were so spoiled with the DRW price. This is why I love RW. It can be hit or miss but sometimes you try someplace you end up really liking.
(4)
Sarah R.
I really enjoyed Bistro Vendome. I highly suggest sitting out on the patio if you can...it is so quaint! The food is great and the service is very good!
(4)
jay b.
My visit here for brunch this morning was pretty extraordinary. As I walk in I'm hit immediately with a good feel - the mood is bright and relaxed, and the server is at once both fun and absolutely on top of things. Being in a big group we order and share quite a bit of food, and the flavors are consistently brilliant across the board. We start out with french press coffee and for good measure I order a bloody that turns out to be uniquely light and perfectly spicy. The hot croissants come with a delicious floral-infused jelly. The mild curried rabbit crepes (with a basil hollandaise) are first rate, and the waffles topped with a blueberry/mango compote are some of the best I've ever had ... and even the bites I manage to pilfer from my friend's pan-seared salmon with duck sausage and beer braised cabbage are fantastic. Hmmm.... starting to run out of superlatives so I should probably wrap this up. :) One final thing we noticed was that the room seemed to absorb the noise rather than amplify it (as seems to be the case at far too many restaurants) and the result was a quiet, loose atmosphere that saved any strain on our ears and voices. An absolutely top notch place.
(5)
Emily G.
great mussels and fries, wine, bread
(5)
Jake L.
I really thought I had reviewed this place. This was my fourth time at Bistro Vendome. I am a fan of French restaurants, and Denver has a great shortage of good French places. One of the first things one will notice when they are seated at this place is the authentic Parisian bistro ambiance. It has a loud busyness that one can find in Paris. The wine bottles used as tap water bottles are a sign as well. What made me come back after my first visit, was the addictive French fries. I even tried to create them in my own kitchen. Initially, they were only served with the Steak Frites, however they are now offered as a side dish, due to their popularity. They have kind of a sweet taste, seemingly orchestrated with honey and Herbes de Provence. I have finally branched out from the Steak Frites and ordered the medallions de Veau. Don't let the 's' fool you, as there was only one medallion. That was fine as it was cooked perfectly and accented well with the spaetzle. Another adventurous trip for me was the Steak Tartare. I dare many of you to order this if you haven't. It was fantastic. Get past the raw meat and savor the various flavors. They say the third time is generally a charm, but the fourth proved to be a charm as well.
(4)
Linnabah S.
My husband and try to at least have the mussels and frites there once a week because they are that good, and cheap - 10 bucks. Although I am not writing about the mussels, what I do want to give a shout out to is their latest addition to their brunch menu, Bison Burger. My husband and I love burgers, so when we saw this new addition we had to try it. I know this is a strong statement, but the burger was the best burger I've had. It was very tasty, and very moist.
(5)
Greg B.
Have to say its a great location with a patio that feels secluded and private. I have been many times and love the atmosphere. though i feel the food used to be a little better. Still a great place, love the seasoned fries (which you can get at brunch as well as lunch/dinner), and the steak tartare. the mussels are also great. fun place.
(4)
Lisa T.
The restaurant is charming and tucked away from the hustle of Larimer Street. First come first serve for outdoor seating, but I'm sure it's worth the wait on a nice summers evening. Unfortunately, I think we were there on an off night? Our cheese plate appetizer took 45 minutes and we still hadn't ordered. We had to ask our server, Margaret, to take our order as she constantly walked by our table without making eye contact? We asked Margaret for bread 3 times before finally asking the hostess who delivered some yummy hot bread! Margaret seemed to be providing her other tables with good service? Whatever! The onion soup was really good with the perfect amount of cheese. For dinner I ordered a Halibut which was on a bed of avacado parfait. The avacado parfait was ice cold which made the Halibut cold. I sent it back (I can't remember the last time I sent a meal back?) and it was the same. Cold. It wasn't bad...it was just cold. My friends shared the Roquefort Steak Frites and based on their oooh's and aww's...they really enjoyed it! Another friend had the Quiche, which received a positive review as well!
(3)
Stephen W.
Food is quite good. Not as good as french food in france, but it is in Denver. Fois Gras was really tasty, Steak Frites was decent. Tarte vegeterien was good, asparagus was good for me. Downsides: sevice completely sucked, it was a sunday and they were empty but it was unacceptably slow for the price. Wine list is good. AVOID the house wine, it is Mouton Cadet (ick).
(3)
Sari W.
you go to paris a few times, and nothing is good enough for you anymore. but this place.... oui oui!! we were visiting denver for one day and wanted a nice romantic dinner. the second we saw this place, we knew it would be wonderful. the baguette comes warmed (but it's sourdough, not french bread. weird, mais tres delicieux!) the palette prep was a salmon mousse, which i didn't try but my husband gladly ate my serving. per usual, the steak frites (au poivre) were ordered by the husband. i tried the plats vegetarians, which was a crepe with diced eggplant, mushroom, squash, in an asparagus cream sauce. this turned out to be absolutely unbelievable (i hate eggplant--ugh!--but it was so so so good!). if you go to this restaurant and don't try the frites, you are a darned fool. they are crispy and sweet and we ended up asking the waiter what they were made with because they were so......scrumdidiliumpcious (such a ridiculous word for ridiculously amazing fries). atmosphere= romantic, french, cozy, quiet. service was great, refilled our lemonade without our asking. prices were reasonable (steak was $22 and vegetable plate was $16) and we were full afterwards. didn't get a chance to enjoy their dessert menu, wish we had. this restaurant will leave you wanting more and asking "voulez-vous couchez avec moi, ce soir?"
(5)
Mindy A.
perfect ! great food MUST eat here excellent service 5 stars
(5)
Shiho F.
Just an adorable Bistro. Great Wine and Cheese specials on Wednesdays!
(4)
Staralfur G.
yummy and super-romantic. (if that's your deal.) when it gets warm, hit the patio. it's off the obnoxious beaten path of larimer square, and it's almost charming, which is saying a lot for that area of town.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Erin H.
I am still dreaming about the frites and it has been a couple months since I ate there. If I just called and ordered frites to go...would that be weird?
(4)Kate F.
We enjoyed this spot - a different spot for Denver. We had the Coquilles St Jacques with vanilla beurre blanc, and they were awesome. The haricots verts were true haricots verts. We also had the Elk stew and it was ok. The flavor was great, as was the dish as a whole - but the elk was a bit tough and stringy (maybe all elk is that way?). The baguette was perfect - true French bread. We would go again or recommend. Great atmosphere.
(4)Angelica R.
We had a wonderful meal as always. Shawn was our waiter and his service was impeccable! Kimberly is our most favorite waitress of all time there. Her warm service makes Bistro Vendome always feel like home. You can't miss on the pomme frites, moules and salade campagnarde. BV is a great choice for weekend brunch in LODO.
(5)Amy F.
Amazing service...ditto on the creative plates! If you have not gone, make a date and go down to Larimer Square.
(5)Amanda W.
Love this cute little French bistro, tucked away in a serene, treed courtyard off of Larimer. It is quaint, quiet, and refreshing, a perfect treat to escape the hustle and bustle of life, if even for an hour or two. I had a marvelous croque madame (or monsieur, I can't quite recall the gender of my meal) accompanied by the best french fries I may have ever had. Thinly cut, perfectly fried and drizzled with an herbs de'Provence simple syrup... oh my lord they were good!
(5)Jessica M.
Oh my goodness gracious. This might be a new all-time favorite! I loved everything about this place from start to finish: decor, ambiance, service, wine, and food! We had reservations for a birthday dinner, and even though we arrived a little bit early - we were seated almost immediately and everything was flawless from there. The servers were at the table right away to bring water and get our drink orders, and gave us some time to peruse the menu before coming back to explain the menu, answer any questions we had, etc. Everything we had on the menu was amazeballs, but here's the list: onion soup, salad verte, pommes frites, steak tartare, crepes, lamb, and steak frites...don't judge - there were four of us! Surprisingly, I think my favorite was the crepe! It was so good! The pommes frites were also really yummy. They had a sweetness to them that was a nice addition to the saltiness. Wine wise - we had a bottle of the White Bordeaux. While I don't remember the exact name - I remember the waitress saying something about entre de meres. My dad also ordered a Bordeaux for dinner and I can't remember that one either. That's probably the most helpful aspect of this review, I know. Also, dark chocolate sourdough tart for dessert. Om nom nom.
(5)Ashley B.
Right downtown off 15th & larimer square Hidden near a romantic courtyard which helps buffer the street noise while offering a cozy outdoor dining option....if you crave some fresh air and twinkle lighting check them out. Yummy dinner options and amazing fries..yes try the fries. My man was impressed with their bourbon selection. Inside feels very small but still cute.
(4)Dee K.
I liked food here- lovely wine choices. Had escargot for appetizer along with Onion Soup. Perfect combination of cheese bread and onion taste. A bit thinly sliced bread would have been preferred. Of course- Duck Confit was melt in your mouth, but would have preferred if skin was either removed or not as mushy due to sauce. Desert was Macaroon which was good- on All in all it was good dinner. But I have had better French food before.
(4)Loni K.
Only had the wine and cheese tray here and it was amazing. The French surely do cheese well and this Bistro does the French justice. Service was a bit slow but super friendly. Outdoor area is lovely. Overall a perfect afternoon snack after some shopping!
(4)Hng M.
First time trying Frencj food. The food was ok but it would have to say tjis is my favorite creme Brule place to go too! Service was great. The location is hidden so you have to look carefully or else you will miss it.
(4)D C.
Visiting friends in Denver, we were excited to try Bistro Vendome in Larimer Square as it had been recommended by friends who, unfortunately, were out of town on August 22nd, the weekend we visited. Based on their recommendation we had high hopes, but our hopes were dashed shortly after arrival. When we got to the hostess we explained we were from out of town and that their establishment had been recommended by friends who dine there. I requested a table for four on the patio and were told there was only seating inside. When I commented that I could see two 4-tops empty, the hostess replied with a bit of an attitude (perhaps she thinks she really is in Paris) that they were being held for reservations, so we took a table inside. FYI, during our entire lunch, one of the outside 4-top tables remained empty, and additional tables opened up so instead of disappointing a customer that was a no show, the hostess chose to disappoint four new customers who were there on a regular's recommendation. After being seated and reviewing the menu, we had second thoughts about remaining as there was nothing on the menu that stood out as an "Oh, I have to try that, it sounds yummy". We regret to say we agreed to stay specifically because our friends had recommended the place. Next time we'll follow our instincts and walk out. Our server arrived promptly and was friendly, but didn't really seem into what she was doing. We asked for recommendations since we'd never been there and the only thing that she seemed enthused about were the pastries. We inquired about a couple other menu items, but didn't receive much feedback, so asked for a few minutes to make our decision. Since were all sharing, we finally opted for one Maison Pastry plate, 4 mini pastries at $10.00 and the only item we chose that left us all smiling. Our second choice was one Cheese plate (see photo), an embarrassingly meager selection of three ~1" square pieces, a small bit of honeycomb and some preserves at $14.50! Seriously?? Haven't these guys ever been to POSTINO? Our final food selection was one Au Poivre Burger, also $14.50 which was decent, but inferior to what you can find from any "upscale" chain like Zinburger or Smashburger. And by the way, since there is no indication on the menu, the staff should explain BEFORE anyone orders the Pomme Frites that they are coated in a vinegar/sugar/tarragon gastrique... that way you won't be surprised at the sticky sweetness. Three yuks and one so-so on this item. NOT a good complement to the burger. For beverages, 3 Bloody Mary's and one water. Total paid before tip $68.73 All this in a place that bills itself as replicating Place Vendôme, a renowned historic square located in the heart of Paris. Sorry to disappoint, but you'd get a far more authentic feeling (and less attitude) at Le Cafe Ile St. Louis, in Paris Hotel, Las Vegas. We can't help but think our experience would have been better if our friends who recommended this place were with us... but then a restaurant that commands these prices should always be "ON", regardless of whether you're a regular or a newbie... perhaps working even harder to impress if you're the latter. Mind you, we are not adverse to paying top dollar for exceptional food and service and have frequently done so, Capital Grill down the street being one example. After leaving Bistro Vendome however, we felt like we got ripped off as we received only fair service, lackluster food, and below par value. The only thing in abundance was the attitude when we first arrived. Before choosing this establishment we highly recommend you check out other establishments in Larimer Square... or elsewhere.
(2)Alice G.
Welcome to Paris on the Platte! Ok, honestly- I think this is one of Denver's better restaurants. First of all, you really do get the "I am in Paris" feel in this restaurant. Perhaps it is that it is tucked in a weird little passageway off of Larimer. Tres Parisienne! Perhaps it is the Edith Pilaf music on the speakers, maybe it is the rabbit or snails or Duck Confit, or even just sitting on the patio on a cool summer evening... This place just exudes a certain je ne sais quoi. Most recently, our group of hooligans went for brunch. Our reservations were ready and waiting for a larger party of 8- no problem! Our server split the checks, no problem! I even ordered in French, feeling all sassy on a Sunday, and the waitress got it, no problem! I tried the Duck Confit Oeufs Benedictes, others tried the waffle, the omelet, and the burger. There was NOT ONE complaint.. That rarely happens with this group. What a pleasant pleasant morning! Thank you Bistro V!
(5)Tony S.
Incredible restaurant at every encounter... Professional confirmation of reservation, awesome arrival cocktails with the knowledgable and fun bartender, amazing crepe appetizer, killer trout entree, then thoughtful and delicious complimentary birthday dessert! To top it all off, we enjoyed their incredible outdoor patio under a beautifully lit tree!
(5)Kolleen W.
A wonderful surprise hidden down an alley on Larimer Street, Bistro Vendome is a cozy, authentic French Restaurant seemingly plucked right out of a rue de Paris. In the courtyard sits a wonderful outdoor dining area, while inside is a traditional bistro. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the food here is among the best I've tasted in my life and still serves as a barometer for quality elsewhere. I had the Au Poivre Burger, which was cooked perfectly with the freshest ingredients and bacon...mmm bacon. My boyfriend ordered the Croque Vendome, a very simple ham and egg sandwhich but one that was so perfect and delicious, he says that he will go to his grave still dreaming of it. Whenever we return to Denver this will be on our must-do list.
(5)Debra D.
The food at our table was perfect. The service was also perfect. Everyone on staff was willing to please the guests. I have a food allergy and they were knowledgeable and accommodating. No disappointments here. Great job everyone. You made our first James beard vacation dinner a great memory!
(5)Ronald A.
I am in Denver for a conference. Met colleagues and ended up here for dinner. This is a very nice French restaurant and the prices on the wine list attest to that. It is a good list and we found a good wine for dinner. We were eating light, so just ordered an entree. Two ducks, a trout and beef tornados rounded the meal. My duck was great; loved the peas. Everyone was happy. We ordered the cheese plate for dessert. Three cheeses, pepper bread and Marconi almonds were a good combination. Of course, we had brandy with. Excellent service. Our server was very knowledgeable. Glad we came.
(4)Stephanie O.
I've walked past and lusted after the ambiance of Bistro Vendome for quite a while, and was able to try it for the first time a few days ago. Our group sat on the patio which was a great decision. It was a warm evening so we all enjoyed being outside among the hanging lights and flowers. The staff was very attentive and accommodating answering lots of questions we had about the menu. The food was timed perfectly! We didn't have to wait too long for anything but also never felt rushed. Our group split a charcuterie platter that had various kinds of pate and salami with a house made mustard and aioli. I personally ordered the mussles which came in a warm garlicky sauce that was awesome. It was served with grilled bread which was super yum and perfect for dipping. Others in our group had the steak frites, cauliflower gratin, and shrimp salad. Everyone enjoyed their food and were almost too full for dessert. But of course we found room in our full tummies and ordered the sourdough dark chocolate tart. It came with ice cream and crumbled pieces of peanut brittle on the side. I definitely recommend saving room for dessert because everything on the menu sounded delicious!
(4)Steph B.
I was very excited to try this place. I love Euclid Hall and Rioja, so I expected to love it here as well. I was disappointed. The service was so slow, they even came by to apologize. The foie gras appetizer was not great - the foie gras had very little flavor. I also got the Steak Frites with the bleu cheese and port reduction and the port reduction was so sickeningly sweet. And then the blue cheese with the overly sweet reduction - oh man it was too much. Luckily I asked for my frites to be plain - they come with a sugar and champagne concoction on them and that would have been a sweet-overload.
(3)Rodney H.
One of my favorite french spots anywhere. Came here three nights and tried about 6 different dishes. If you come on the right night, you might find some new french-themed creation. Everything is a winner here - it only looses one star for being too crowded, and for inspiring me to have a terrible french accent all evening.
(4)R Y.
3.5 Stars.. Nice "Frenchisque" bistro. Atmosphere and service put it over the 3 hump. Appetizers were OK; Onion soup and Escargot were traditional with no flare. Entrees were good. Scallop Risotto was creamy but bland. Pistachio trout was very good. Chocolate tart dessert was OK but again nothing special. Brasserie 1010 in Boulder does a much better job..
(3)Khoa V.
A truly frenchy place. I went here by myself and had to sit at the bar due to no reservation. The waiter was very helpful and friendly. Despite being extremely busy, he managed to check on all customers around the counter. Best scallop I've ever had. I would ask for an extra slice of dried orange next time. Nice romantic ambiance; exceptional service; speedy delivery; good value: dishes are delicious and presented fancily while still in the 2 dollar signs range.
(5)Alice W.
I expected more from the restaurant. It had very cute decor and felt like a family ran place in Paris. Unfortunately, the food did not live up to the atmosphere. We shared the steak tartar, the foie gras salad, the steak and frits with the Gorgonzola sauce and the squab. The steak tartar was actually pretty good, but there's a ring of really strong pesto sauce on the bottom, it just overpowers all other flavors on the plate. If they didn't put that sauce, it would have been a much better dish. Also, the quail egg on top was sunny side up instead of the raw egg so we couldn't mix it into the beef to give it more richness. The foie gras was very disappointing. I live in San Francisco, where the delicacy is banned, so I will try to get foie every time I travel out of state. This time around, the liver was somehow, I think, overcooked. It wasn't the pocket of fat that I expect and just lacking in that unctuous flavor that I expect from the dish. I was so sad because I really look forward to a nice sear foie. I even ordered the Sauternes that usually go with it. The fried shredded duck confit on top of the salad was also very confusing. It was flavorless. Why ruin a nice piece of duck confit and fry it to a crisp? What a waste. The steak was good. My husband didn't enjoy the syrup that they drizzle on the fries, but I liked it. I'm not a fan of heavy cheese on top of the meat but the hubby liked it. The meal was perfectly medium rare as we requested. The aioli was good, too, with a nice garlic-y kick. The squab was also good. My husband wasn't too much of a fan, but I don't think he could appreciate something that's not a big slab of meat as much as me. They really did an amazing job butchering the bird, all the bone that was left were the wing and the thigh bone. I thought the meat was pretty tender and not too gamey. The nest of fried potatoes added a nice crunch and the sauce was good, too. We also got their banana fosters macaroon dessert. The macaroon was sweeter than I would have liked. I'm impressed that they could make such a delicate pastry with the high elevation. I liked the cream and the caramelized banana slice on top. They also serve very good coffee. All in all, I was disappointed with the food. I thought the menu looked very promising, but some of the dishes weren't properly executed. I was hoping for a traditional bistro style restaurant and I think they just tried too hard.
(3)Terese M.
Overall, ok. Salmon was bland, trout superb, creme Brule could have been a little warmer, for a french restaurant it would be nice to hear french music played...a little Django perhaps.
(3)Brad M.
Good spot I love the charm of it and the feel. We sat outside and it was great. Appetizers were really good, loved the tartar. My steak and fries was very French and good. Chicken is also delicious. Service good and wine reasonable
(5)Jennifer H.
I went here for the first time last night for my birthday and I was thoroughly impressed! The staff was very friendly despite it being pretty busy for it being a Wednesday night. The food was great. We had the muscels/frites to start off along with some wine and beer then had the trout and salmon dish. Everything was fantastic! I was offered a free dessert for my birthday but we declined to go get some ice cream later and the staff were so kind! They gave me a "happy birthday" card with all of their signatures along with a voucher for a free dessert inside. Overall, a fabulous experience. I would highly recommend this place. Good service can make or break a place but everything here was amazing! Thanks guys!
(5)Nicole B.
A perfect treat for a anniversary date or any time Romantic yet not fussy and the service was top class and made me feel at home. The bread was lovely especially with the house whipped butter. I was hesitant to order the chicken , because it was chicken and to my surprise it was the most delightful chicken dish I've ever had. Crispy, perfection of salt and juicy all in the same bite. The bacon mushroom and park onion whisked me away to a farm table and the grilled romaine blew my taste buds away. Who knew grilled romaine would make me think about it the next day. Eager to go back and enjoy more of the menu and I heard the happy hour is very yummy too! As for that extra special feeling, we briefly mentioned it was our anniversary and they offered is a free dessert.. What a treat to remember! Can't wait to go back and enjoy!
(5)Jason G.
One of the very best in Denver!!! First off this place is adorable, charming, romantic, and just all around fantastic from the moment you enter the beautiful courtyard. The service is professional, high quality, and very attentive. The servers knowledge of the menu, wine included is impressive. The bar is quaint and charming as well. For the food I could just go on and on... You will be dreaming of trips to Paris during and long after your experience. Eating here is a dining experience to savor. Go with an open schedule. Please don't rush so you can taste your way through the stellar menu, which is cover to to cover perfection. Having eaten here several times so far here's what's amazing: Mussels are delish!! The grilled asparagus salad was Devine. Their leg of duck is melt in your mouth. The steamed halibut is near perfection. And my favorite of all has been their leg of Lamb... Wow!!! For desert you can't go wrong here. And try a small batch cognac for a lil after dinner bliss. Seriously. This place is amazeballs!!!
(5)Tony I.
Have been here a few times. Waiters are always helpful with good service . Good beer and wine list. I always get a steak and it is always great. The food isn't life changing and the place is not hip or trendy. Just your basic place to eat with a romantic setting if you're lucky enough to be seated in the cellar room
(4)Hanh P.
I love going around happy hour. Sit on the hidden courtyard style patio, have a glass of wine, order the mussels and frites. Interior is small, should consider reservations for dinner.
(4)Talia H.
I can't actually believe I am leaving this review. Rarely do I get home and immediately review a place but our experience tonight was awful. We arrived feeling great. We had a free hotel night and decided on a "staycation" downtown. As part of our special night, we stopped by Green Russell for a drink and made a reservation at Bistro Vendome for their first available, 9pm. We got there on time but there wasn't a table for us so we waited at their small bar. My husband got a great drink (large for the price and well made). It took a while to be seated and when we finally were, it was right next to a large-ish party of super loud people. We couldn't hear each other speak. It was annoying but they finally left halfway through our meal which made the ambiance much better. Frankly, one loud party wrecked the sound in the whole room. Now to the meal. This meal ranks in the top three worst meals I have ever had in a restaurant. I can't even remember a worse meal off the top of my head. The menu looks incredible online and we were excited for the evening. We got bread for our table in a cute paper bag, very nice presentation... However the baguette was so crusty that it cut my mouth when I tried to chew and the butter was extremely over salted. This should have been our first clue. We ordered: Foie gras salad with duck confit Chicken pate mousse Gnocchi Half chicken dish We love pate/foie gras. This foie gras salad was so salty I thought I must have gotten a chunk of salt or something in the first bite. But every subsequent bite was just as terribly salty. The foie gras was mediocre and the confit wasn't tender leaving the duck a bit tough. The greens were warm and there were three radish slices on the salad. In addition to being akin to licking a salt lick, it was just a weird construction... The liver mousse was also awfully salty. It was whipped incredibly light but the salt was overpowering. The slices of bread were burnt around the edges and there were only three slices. We ate maybe half the mousse and then couldn't continue. My husband never leaves food on the table but he just couldn't do it. We both started chugging water because we felt pickled. The main courses arrived and we were thankful for the opportunity to get some protein in us. MORE. SALT. The chicken was unbearably salty. It seemed like a decent presentation but my husband could barely eat one of the pieces. Again, this man doesn't leave food on the table. Ever. The gnocchi was tasty but again... Salty. (Are you noticing a theme?) I could clearly see the pieces coated with salt. Evidently they salted during the cooking and then finished with salt. And maybe tossed some salt in for good measure. I got maybe half of it down before we just looked at each other with pained expressions and decided it was time to go home. So much for our once a year ish fancy dinner out in Denver date... The meal left us both feeling sick, salty and we went back to the hotel to chug water. We finished two and a half of the wine bottles of water they put on our table. This evening was so promising. We dressed up, we took a cab, we went out for a fancy dinner but in the end... Dinner left us both feeling pretty sick and gross and we jetted back to the hotel to recover. We couldn't even look at a dessert menu. Pros: the service was fine and people were friendly.
(1)Abby Q.
I came here for a family ladies night the day after Thanksgiving and was SO excited because I've been dying to try this place for years. I loved the quirky layout of the restaurant and we had a nice table right inside from the alleyway area (right behind one of the shops on Larimer). Our table of five shared two of the salads to start and they were delicious. We ordered one Salade du Marche and one Salade au Foie Gras and they were lovely. I had studied the menu throughout the day and had set my mind on the Caille aux Pomme, a brioche stuffed quail atop a nest of potatoes. When it came out, the potato nest was quite literally a nest, it appeared to be thinly shredded, fried potatoes with the quail on top of it. Quite creative, my biggest quip was that it was pretty difficult to eat in any sort of respectable fashion. There didn't seem to be all that much meat on the quail, and it was also quite difficult to eat. I felt awkward just trying to get a bite out of my meal. I think I may have just hyped this place up in my head, because I was pretty disappointed. Truthfully, I kind of wanted to head over to Le Central after dinner here. When the prices are what they are, I would hope to leave at least slightly happier and fuller.
(3)Lucretia P.
This is one of those places that you always feel like you're taking friends to the best kept secret in Denver. I've never had a bad meal here. Never. They are also terribly good about getting you served and out in time if you have theater tickets if you tell them. After years, I remain a lifelong fan.
(5)Tanya P.
Love Bistro Vendome. Every time I've visited this place I've had nothing but awesome service and amazing food. Try the mussels and frites, or the trout, or one of the daily specials - you can't go wrong. Don't forget to order dessert... even if you have to take it home.
(5)Heidi F.
The service and food was excellent. I felt as if I was at a small bistro in Paris. In fact, it even down poured. Very Paris! Several items are very commonly French like Escargot. It's a delight. I really enjoyed and planned to return. This is not a 'cheap' place. Maybe a bit more of a special occasion. I went for my birthday.
(5)Kevin C.
Update. Had to go back to try to steak frites and they were awesome! You can order rare without worrying about chewy meat. The fries were very tasty as well. They had some sort of maple-vinaigrette drizzled on top, sort of like the drizzle on the chips at Argyll. Very good! (and I usually avoid fries!) Also had the rilette de canard, which was very tasty as well. Bumping them up a star!
(4)Nathanael L.
Excellent French food. For what it is, it is fairly inexpensive too. The chef is great, and offered us complimentary appetizers. They have specials on wine by the bottle, so for a group of 3-4, it's an excellent idea. The mussels were excellent. I had the pan frits and the veal as well. The main course was a very generous portion - too much to eat, in fact.
(5)Jinyen Y.
I came here for my birthday. While it was sweet that they gave me a birthday card with complimentary wine and dessert, I am Yelping solely based on the food. (Our server didn't provide exceptional service to bump it up to 4 stars) I ordered a Poulet aux Herbes - Chicken with herbs--traditional and for me, rather lacking in flavor. I have tasted better ones back in other French restaurants in San Francisco and this dish left me disappointed. The meat wasn't flavorful and was bland, somehow feels like they marinated the chicken or put herbs on it a minute before it was put into the oven. My date ordered a Crepe Lasagna, this is their Tuesday special where the chef replicates a dish from his favorite cookbook/chef. The dish that Tuesday is Crepe Lasagna, so instead of normal lasagna pasta, the chef substituted crepe instead. This dish was special and something I have never seen since it felt lighter with crepe rather than pasta. It was a good dish, special, and is a beautiful idea, buuuuutttt....like my date said, "We are just paying to eat art" Maybe we didn't order the right dishes since the other reviews were raving, but the two dishes that we ordered was not exceptional in any way. For the bill that we paid, service that we received, food that we ate - I can only give it 3 stars.
(3)Kevin M.
I have never been to France, but when I am at Bistro Vendome I feel like I have been in a tiny corner of the country. The service has always been great and the food is excellent. I came to this conclusion at my last visit. While other restaurants are trying to impress the client with their cooking skills Bistro Vendome is not. They are not trying to make the best food in town, they simply are cooking meals for their local clientele. Their food simply tastes as if they cook with passion and love for the diners and the result is classy, homely French cooking at the highest of standards.
(4)Heidi T.
Really bad form. We phoned over two months ago for a reservatioon, dining on Larimer under the stars. Spoke to someone in house over the phone in fact to make the reservation. Here we are less than a week before the Saturday and I get a phone call that they are overbooked due to online reservations. Shouldn't they know this before now? I feel like I've been lied to And don't appreciate this.
(2)Christina M.
Had the French toast and the burger. The French toast was just ok. The burger was really good, but the fries were a little too sweet. The server seemed annoyed with us. Overall mediocre experience.
(3)Jillian C.
Bistro Vendome was amazing. If you are stopping here for dinner, don't think you will get in and out quickly. We sat down at 7 and didn't leave until 9:45. This is a place that wants you to enjoy your meal, sip wine/cocktails, and enjoy your night. Before the appetizer the waitress brought out a palate cleanser (apple w/balsamic and goat cheese), I throughly enjoyed the French Onion Soup, followed by a citrus sorbet palate cleanser, then the most succulent moist chicken I have ever had in my life, followed by some French Press Coffee and Creme Brûlée (it was so silky and creamy!!!) I cannot wait to go back for dinner and their brunch on weekends.
(5)Scott C.
I spent a semester in Paris and haunted many little bistros and cafes near the Sorbonne. Even the sketchiest little dive would prepare a perfect steak frites. I was very impressed with Cafe Vendôme. It's tucked away off of Larimer Street with large windows, well worn wooden tables and chairs and a little garden patio. The ambience really transports you to France. We had a simple salad of spring vegetables with a light dressing. It was a rare occurrence in which I would have liked more dressing. I had steak frites and my wife had trout. The trout was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The steak was also cooked to the perfect medium rare and seasoned so well to be enjoyed in its own. The béarnaise sauce was thin for my taste but really unnecessary because of the excellent steak. The fries were really well prepared - crispy and hot. The champagne vinegar/sugar mixture was appealing at first but some of the fries were too heavy coated and ended up being too sweet. We ended with a rhubarb tart that was simple and delicious. I also commend them for their wine list - I would come back just to try more wines.
(5)Michelle S.
This is a lovely and comfortable restaurant. Came here for brunch and really enjoyed it. It was still a bit cool outside so we sat indoors during our visit, but the outside patio is so pretty. The service was great and professional (not stuffy). Our food arrived extremely fast also. Had the Croque Vendôme which is house cured ham, Emmenthaler cheese, truffle béchamel, sourdough and pommes frites. I opted to add the fried egg for $1 extra as well. All this for $12.00, and it was tasty and filling. We ordered a side of bacon which comes either plain or honey glazed. It was a bit sweet for me but the crispiness was perfect. Additionally we ordered pastries to go. $12 for 5 small assorted pastries which all tasted great. Total bill for 2 Croque Vendôme with eggs, the side of bacon, 2 sodas and the pastries came to $50, pre-tip. I look forward to returning.
(4)Ruth M.
The meal was perfection! We sat on the gorgeous patio enjoying a warm October evening. The waitress was wonderful, also! We had escargot to begin, my sister had roast chicken, & I had roast duck (superb). We had a plum tart & lavender macarons for dessert....heavenly!! I would definitely eat here again if I was in the Denver area.
(5)Marie H.
What a delightful bistro in LoDo! The staff was fabulous! We had travelled to Paris and have been trying to find someplace to get our French food fix and found it at Bistro Vendome. The fois gras was incredible! Especially with the mushrooms, pearl onions, carrots, green beans and brioche loaf! Absolutely lovely! We stuck to the traditional steak frites (one with bernaise and the other peppercorn sauce). The steak was tender and the fries extra yummy with the champagne dressing. We finished with the crème brulee and tart levkar. Both desserts were the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. Great affordable French bistro outside of Paris!
(5)Chris H.
I ate here last night, and for it's price, this is the best restaurant around. I'm no coffee expert, but my girlfriend said the French pressed coffee was amazing. The chef sampler of soup was a cold red pepper bisque of some sort, and I've never liked a cold soup more. For our appetizer, we had the chicken crepe, and once again, it was delicious. We thought we'd have to pick off the olives, but the dish was so good, we completely forgot it even had foods we don't normally like. Then for an entree, I had the special for the night which was halibut served with zucchini I think, sweet corn, tomatoes, bacon, red peppers, and a (red?) wine and butter sauce. Normally I hate it when people try to dress bacon up and make it fit in a fancy dish, but in this case it fit in perfectly. I honestly can't think of a problem with this dish, everything went together perfectly. My girlfriend had the ratatouille and says it was delicious, though I didn't have a bite of anything but her zucchini. Dessert was a chocolate mousse cake, and it was also good, but a bit too rich for us to devour it like everything else we ate. Overall, this restaurant is one of the classiest, most romantic, and tastiest places in this price range. Even though our final bill was only 75 dollars, it felt like we had to be paying at least 100 based on the feel of the place.
(5)Mike Z.
What a rip off! The tiny portions they served were good, but I left hungry. This place might be cozy and elegant, but it's not a good value.
(2)Christopher A.
Love everything about Bistro Vendome. It is my go to choice for Sunday brunch in Denver. Totally in love with their fries. If the weather is nice sit out on the patio, it's like taking a mini vacation.
(5)Kristof V.
Nobody speaks French, a pity and not really acceptable for a French brasserie
(2)Kristen W.
This is my all time most revered outdoor patio in Denver. Dining under the stars and the twinkle lights set the mood for a special evening. The wine list and the elegant food complete the fantasy! My preference is to enjoy a slow dinner here as opposed to a rushed pre-theater bite. The place just demands that you slow down and smell the roses! My husband just adores the steak & frites au poivre. And me ....I love the specials and Vol au Vent de Homard which is insanely decadent & delicious! MMMmm. This place exudes romance. A must try for french food lovers in Denver.
(5)Matt P.
Incredible atmosphere, great staff, and phenomenal food. We were a little intimidated by the menu, but the waitress broke it down for I'd very well. Her recommendations were spot on. The frites were amazing! Definitely make a reservation though.
(5)Chad D.
A truly phenomenal experience for a French restaurant in Larimer. If the weather is nice, sit outside in their courtyard. The service was truly enjoyable and provided excellent recommendations. Recommend: Appetizer - Steak Tartare Meals - Filet d'Agneau or Confit de Lapin Dessert - Chocolate Pot de Crème Brioche Bread Pudding Wine - Château Le Peyrat, Castillon Cotes De Bordeaux Enjoy!
(5)Aimee L.
Everything here is pretty much just OK. I would recommend sitting outside rather than inside because of the available space (or lack thereof) inside. If it's a windy day, though, the trash bin lids from next door will fly open and crash into Bistro Vendome's patio wall multiple times. The loud noise is unpleasantly surprising, and then a strong unpleasant garbage odor will keep wafting through the area. It was Sunday at dinner when we ordered mussels and frites to split. We were happy to find out later that on Sunday, frites come free with an order of mussels. Here's what I tried: * Moules: mussels, garlic, herbs, white wine, grilled sourdough baguette $10 - mussels that were lightly seasoned served in a soupy seasoning, topped with two small slices of toasted baguette * Pommes Frites $4 - probably my favorite menu item - thinly cut fries that were cooked perfectly in some sort of delicious fat, salted and seasoned well * Confit de Canard (per server recommendation): duck confit, wild mushroom risotto, Gruyère, truffle beurre blanc, mushroom-sugar snap pea salad $21 - good flavor, but heavy dish * St. Jacques Poêlées et Purée (per server recommendation): pan seared scallops, Peruvian potato purée, royal trumpet mushrooms, ramps, truffle vinaigrette $24 - the three scallops were tasty, but very oily; the potato puree was served room temperature, mostly dried and stuck on the plate (I imagined it sitting under a heat lamp for a while); the mushrooms were a welcomed touch Service was OK. Parking was difficult on a Sunday night, likely due to the Chalk Art Fest in the area. We parked in a paid lot down the street, which was only $5 for the night. Maybe my expectations were too high. Nothing here was terrible, though nothing was outstanding. The fries were probably the best part of this experience, other than the good company.
(3)Cat B.
This restaurant is my favorite. I tried it for the first time during restaurant week and loved it. I went there again for a special occasion this week and was pleasantly surprised to find that they have the $52.80 deal on Tuesdays. The crêpe with chicken is unbeatable... I highly suggest this place!
(5)Mansi A.
Not impressed. Sad, because Bistro Vendome is owned by the great culinary experts of Rioja, which is now a favorite of mine! I ordered the Poulet Rôti aux Herbes, which was the herbed chicken dish served with a cauliflower gratin. Meh. The chicken was just okay, but didn't have much of a flavor at all. I feel like they could've done a standard coq au vin, which may have been a more flavorful option. I had high hopes for the cauliflower gratin, but it was definitely soaked in a curried cream, which made it so rich and overpowering that it wasn't appetizing to eat more than a few bites. I do have to say that the outdoor patio area had a very Parisian feel to it, which was probably my favorite part of the restaurant! The owners really need to take this restaurant up a notch though. Rioja is amazing with far superior food!
(2)Jessica S.
Brunch, brunch, brunch! I have been coming here since this place opened (heck, I even got engaged here) and I must say that although their dinner is awesome, brunch is what has always kept me coming back! To start, the ambiance is perfect for a late Sunday brunch. Outdoor patio seating in a little garden is perfect on Spring or Fall days, and if it is too hot (or cold) you can always dine inside for the picture perfect French bistro atmosphere. They offer a wide selection of mimosas, bloody marys and of course french press coffee. I like to start with their homemade croissants with french jam--they serve them warm out of the over and they literally melt in your mouth. Their mussels, omelets, and crepes and always on point, but my favorite is their Croque Madame sandwich (brioche toast, egg, ham and cheese) served with the most amazing pomme frites. This thing is so good it has earned the top spot of my "last meal(s) on earth" list. Whenever I am in Denver I come back for my Croque "fix"--this time I was horrified (yes, horrified) to see that the sandwich had changed. Crusty burnt toast with a hole in the middle for the drippy egg...sad and disgusting at the same time...couldn't even eat it! The server was awesome and said that next time, I can order it the "old fashioned way" but I have to plead with Jennifer J. to fix this error so that no more unknowing patrons have to experience what I went through today! BV is must for brunch--just skip the Croque until things have been righted! :)
(4)Kelli M.
Had a pleasant anniversary brunch at Bistro Vendome. We did not make reservations, but we were able to snag a patio table. The decor is charming and you do feel that you're in a French bistro, but I cannot understand their choice of background music? Joan Jett does not scream French dining to me? Even the table next to ours took notice! Aside from the lousy music everything else was very nice. I'm a big brunch fan and my husband not so much. He was very satisfied with his Croque Madam and pommes frites, which were to die for! I was thankful he was kind enough to share. I couldn't decide what to order since there were too many tasty options. I was very happy with my decision to go with the quiche. I had a flavorful Duvet de Pêche to drink. I thought it was pricey, but I enjoyed it so. We had a lovey brunch. Al fresco dining in larimer square is always nice. If only they would have been playing Edith Piaf it would have felt like we were dining on sidewalks of Paris.
(4)Liz T.
Wonderful Brunch. They have a fantastic cheese plate, (although slightly over-priced $12 for 3 cheeses), everything tasted amazing. I enjoyed to bleu cheese paired with the poached pear the most. The floral jam was also great. Good french press coffee. Delicious warm fresh baguette- crusty on the outside, soft on the inside with butter. We tried the Omelette a l'Avocat et Triple Crème: avocado and scallion cream cheese omelet, choice of: Dungeness crab salad or marinated mushroom salad (we chose the crab). Kudos to the French and the Chef/ cooks for their ability to make something so wonderfully creamy, yet fluffy and light. The Galette de Confit de Canard Lyonnaise potato galette, caramelized onion, lavender crème fraîche, two sunny side up eggs, warmed duck confit, pickled red onion, orange basil salad had great bold flavors and textures. I would love to come back and try their other meals and have bunch on the cute patio when the weather is nicer.
(4)Tiffany T.
I so wanted to love this place. I am a confirmed Francophile and have counted Rioja as one of the best meals I ever had had while visiting Denver. Alas, Bistro Vendome did not give me much to love except a beautiful space in a nice courtyard in Larimer Square. I think part of the problem is that I love "traditional" French Bistro dishes - especially homemade charcuterie and the staple dish of steak frites. I ordered both and unfortunately, neither did much for me. The Charcuterie Plate had a pork rillette, some sort of prosciutto-like slices and another unmemorable sausage. The prosciutto was overly dry and chewy and seemed very salty. I don't remember much about the sausage so I can't comment on it. The rillette looked the most promising, but the surprise, overwhelming orange flavored liquid on top of the rillette crock (grand marnier or cointreau is my guess) ruined the complex subtlety of what is usually one of my favorite dishes. There were also just a few plain old martini olives grabbed from the bar as a garnish instead of the traditional cornichons or dijon mustard. All in all, the whole plate seemed kind of uninspired. My Steak Frites with Bearnaise also seemed a bit uninspired. The steak (I think it may have been a hanger steak, but nowhere on the menu does it mention what kind of steak it is, nor did anyone tell me) was cooked the way I asked at Medium Rare, but it was still somehow very tough and chewy on the outside. The Bearnaise was in a tiny little thimble on the side and reminded me of those awful bottles in the grocery store. I did not finish either. Now on to the most basic staple of any French Bistro menu - the frites. Yes, they are just fries, but when done correctly they are the most amazing thing on the planet. The shame here is that the fries were actually cooked wonderfully - they had the right texture and taste - except for whatever the heck was poured all over the top of them. It was something sweet - very sweet - almost like honey, and it, too completely ruined what could have been great frites. Why? What is the point of pouring a super sweet topping on crunchy, salty fries? French Bistro food is good because it is mad of tried and true dishes that are delicious and comforting when you use the correct ingredients and the freshest ingredients. It is not fancy or crazy - just good. I'm all for a chef trying to put a flair on traditional food - if it makes the dish better somehow. But, to add weird ingredients and flavors just to be "different" and when it doesn't work - well, then it is not a good meal in my opinion.
(2)David F.
Bistro Vendome has to be one of the best places my wife and I have ever eaten! Good wine pairing and delicious appetizers and entrees teamed into a fantastic meal. I had the steak frites with peppercorns, and my wife had the lamb. Delicious! We finished our meal with Cappuccinos (which they actually knew how to make). Overall, we were probably there for 2-3 hours and they let us sit like one would in France to slowly move through the delicious meal. The ambiance was very intimate and romantic. Most definitely worth saving up to blow on a fancy night here!
(5)Lorem I.
Best of the lot along Larimer.
(3)Charlotte L.
I ordered mussels for an appetizer and trout for the entrée. Mussels were incredible and the trout was very good. Service was excellent, and the atmosphere is too notch.
(4)cindy b.
Dinner for four in January, first visit. I have to say we all loved it. Sat in the small room off to the left with the wine rack on the wall. I had a view of the bar area and the funniest moment was watching a couple with a three year old at about 9 pm....why bother I am thinking... However the meal was very adult, our friend selected a wonderful white bordeaux (my favorite) which highlighted a very good meal. We had the Charcuterie (smoked meats and pate), Salads, and the highlight, Cuisses de Grenouilles-frogs' legs. I grew up in an area where frogs' legs were prepared, and I had forgotten how delicious and delicate they could be. Really, perfect. For les plats principaux, we had the Duck Confit, a Trout special, and the Cassoulet Deconstructed ("Deconstruite Cassoulet"--and I know I am missing the Grave accent but don't know how to do it on here). The Cassoulet, both of us agreed, was delicious. The duck-eater approved totally of the confit and the cautious eater really enjoyed the trout which had delightful and unusual additions to the sauce, which I can't now recall! For the finish we had the Assiette de Fromages and the Crepes, coffee, etc. All in all it was a very satisfying meal to share with close friends and we agreed to repeat the experience.
(4)Dave T.
I have noticed Bistro Vendome a few times, but have had great success with Le Central. A few nights ago my faith in Le Central was reinforced by a trip to Bistro Vendome. The only reason we ended up there was because Vendome was open later than Le Central. Overall the atmosphere was nice, tucked into an alley, and classy on the inside. The food was good but not great. The service good, but not great. I give it an A-OK, but in comparison to Le Central...there is no comparison. DT
(3)Margaret L.
My boyfriend and I stumbled in here, famished, on a chilly New Years' Eve. As we were on the second leg of our cross-country road trip (in the middle of winter. with all of my earthly belongings packed into my small car), we figured we were entitled to a little splurge and so we headed down to the LoDo to see what was available on such a short notice. While Rioja was totally packed, they recommended us to Bistro Vendome. GOOD CALL RIOJA, I knew I loved you. Bistro Vendome is pretty authentic as far as French-style dining experiences go. We had scallops, mussels, fries (frites, if you must), escargot, and for some reason I recall eating bone marrow... I'm not sure what the context of that one was. OH, and we drank lots of beer. In any case, everything was perfect. Totally saturated in flavor, served beautifully, and definitely exceeding my expectations. The waitstaff was very helpful and nice; they were formal while still being friendly and approachable. If you're in the Denver area and your pocketbook allows it, splurge and take a date here. I think the best way to eat here is SLOWLY, enjoying the rich flavors and pairing each course with the appropriate libation (or you could do it my way and just slam beers in between bites of escargot. THE CHOICE IS YOURS!).
(5)David C.
Not a huge fan of LODO however when you are in this place you really could be anywhere in Europe. Went here for a Sunday brunch and our party of four got seated pretty quickly without having a reservation. The patio was full but we got seated just inside so there was a nice breeze. Started off with coffee for two and they bring you a nice carafe. You have to request the free bread which we did and it was crusty and warm. I had the crab omelette which was awesome. I got to try the mussels and after three different times now, I just don't like the smell of the little buggers :o( They cater more to wine and mixed drinks over beer so I had limited choices of some pricey bottled beer but I liked what I chose, just don't remember the name.
(3)Jeffrey E.
What I had? Poulet Rôti aux Herbes (herb roasted half chicken, cauliflower gratin, mâche salad, chicken jus) Food review: I get a little concerned when going to a French restaurant because I'm not all too certain of what to order. I found a dish that looked pretty good although I'm not all too certain how "French" it is. :-s Regardless, the roasted chicken was really good. It was seasoned very nicely, juicy, and crisp on the outside. The cauliflower gratin was good but didn't really wow me as much as the chicken. They main entree was certainly good overall but what came before unfortunately was not. The bread that was served was rock hard. We were also served a cold soup that you pretty much just drink (sip?). That was ok (kind of tasted like cottage cheese (some sour cream-ish soup??)) Service? The bread came out a little late but other than that no complaints
(4)Christine C.
This is my go to place for a nice dinner with out of towners. Larimer Square is beautiful at night, and Bistro Vendrome is perfectly in it's own hidden nook of the square with garden seating outside. Drinks, service, food is awesome. I LOVE the scallops.. they are my new standard of how scallops should be made (strange since we are in the middle of the country!) I would recommend making a reservation being that making one, I have never waited even a minute. I've also heard the brunch is great, which is on my to do list!
(5)Elizabeth H.
What a charming restaurant! The setting is intimate and the staff is warm and knowledgeable. The food is so good! Every course just kept getting better. Their frites (french fries) were the best I've ever had. Also, the mussels were great and the scallops were amazing, again the best I've ever had. Can't wait to go back again next time I visit Denver!
(5)Lisa C.
This was my BEST meal in Denver! And I am pretty sure that my fellow diners from NY and Chicago last night would agree. Vendome is on a nice walking street with cute shops and restaurants. The patio seemed very romantic, but we were 3 hungry work travelers that sat inside. Roger, our server was knowledgeable, attentive, and promptly fulfilled our all of our special requests. He suggested the perfect wine and made excellent menu recommendations. This was not just a good meal, but a wonderful dining experience. My salad was fresh and did NOT contain a shred of iceberg lettuce (Yippee!). The moules frites special was also amazingly yummy. The sugar on the fries was a great touch.
(5)Christine G.
In a word, lovely. I've been here a few times now, and my most recent visit reminded me that I owed them some online love. One of my favorite things about this cozy little restaurant is that the ambiance is wonderfully Parisian. You can walk down the little alleyway off of Larimer and pretend, for a short while, that you're in Europe. Their spring menu offers some nice selections. My husband and I ordered a number of small plates and then selected an entree to share: the gnocchi with English peas and pea shoots. It was a little on the salty side, but delicious nonetheless. My favorite dish, however, are the mussels. I've eaten mussels in a lot of places across the U.S. and so far, I've enjoyed Bistro Vendome's the best. They were large, sweet, and succulent. *Drool, drool, drool...* We couldn't resist dessert (even after all that rich French food), so we opted for the blueberry Napolean. It was a light, crispy and refreshing end to a wonderful dinner. Tres magnifique!
(5)Angela C.
The Bistro is tucked away in a cute brick courtyard away from the busy Larimer Square bustle. Sit out on the patio and enjoy the various flowers and planters (from a local garden store), or cozy up inside for an intimate meal. Eric and I hadn't been back for about a year, so I could only remember we enjoyed what we had last time (scallops... cheese plate... something else...). We went for my birthday the other day and started with their wine flight/cheese plate special. Delicious and so affordable! I also enjoyed the little vintage-looking cheese plates. I had the vegetarian plate, which was rich and had a lot of great flavors going on, and Eric had the trout (crispy, salty goodness) The service was great (they were very kind when I knocked over my water), and it's the perfect spot for a quiet date or a nice group dinner.
(5)Amy C.
Holy wow! This place knocked my socks off. The escargot was decadent....rich....buttery....succulent....and perfect to share. I caught my friend licking the sauce off a spoon. And the bartender was really knowledgable and happy make recommendations. She paired a lovely French white with our meal which was much appreciated as I'm not exactly an expert in French wines. The atmosphere was cozy and unpretentious and it was very affordable. We sat at the bar but there is a beautiful outdoor courtyard as well. My best dining experience in Denver!!
(5)Eliza M.
Yet another amazing meal at Bistro Vendome. We took my mother in law there for her birthday while she's visiting from Maine. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed..... again. And, more importantly, so were the in laws. I got the escargot and the trout this time. Honestly, like most places I've been to lately, the trout was over salted. It took away from the delicate flavor of the pistachio encrusted fish, but was still great. Great wine, great ice cream (blood orange sorbet, carmel + creme freche, and fresh strawberry). My dad-in-law got the duck confit, also delish. My hubbie and ma-in-law got the steak frite, although they brought out the au poivre for my husband even though he ordered the classique. No big deal, we still loved it. Highly recommended.
(5)Dan D.
The wife and I had an amazing dinner. Chef was in the house too!
(4)Emilee C.
I want so badly to give this place a 5 star. But unfortunately our server was pretty off. By that I mean I love it when a server is excited about food, wine and us being there. It seemed this guy was having an off day, I did find out their holiday party was the night before. But still!! He wasn't excited or into our wine and food pairings which we are all about. Thankfully my BF is in the wine industry and does well without suggestions, but he always looks forward to the servers suggestions and opinions. Lets get to the food... Amazing. For the price it was right on. I think this is a pretty affordable restaurant on Lairmer and has a romantic French setting. I LOVE that they brought out an amuse-bouche!!! Such a tastey suprise:D The mussels were great, a fresh baguette served warm in a paper bag was a nice touch. I ordered the pistachio crusted trout... hello I licked my plate. My man friend got the veal cheeks that he still talks about. I would take that as a good ole 5 star rating if I say so myself. It was his birthday and the staff all signed a birthday card that had 2 complementary drink cards. We thought that was so sweet. We love French wines and they have a 100% French list. Can't wait to visit in the summer. It looked like they had a nice outdoor patio.
(4)Don P.
I don't know how to say any of the words on the menu, but I know how to say delicious and savory. Vendome is a 20 mile drive for us, but it's worth it for brunch! Croque Madame with a French 75, with those pommes frites ....done and done! Hangover cured and ready for a day!
(5)Matthew D.
Excellent french food, love the outdoor patio as well.
(4)Suzanna L.
Really cute, quaint ambiance. I sat at the bar and ordered the mussels and fries... fries were deliciously thin and mussels were cooked well. The bartender was a nice guy; when a girl needed me and the girl next to me (who I had been chatting with) to move a bit so she could fit in at the bar, he assured us that we'd all be best friends within 5 minutes. And while 'best' is a strong word for people met at the bar, they certainly made nice dining companions which just goes to show that people who live in and visit Denver are good times.
(4)Dom L.
Everything we had was excellent. From the amuse bouche to the mushroom bisque to the elk stew to the steak frites to the pear tart tatin to the pressed coffee. All that with wine for under $100. No reason not to love it.
(5)D E.
Really excellent! My wife and I have never been disappointed! Food, atmosphere and service are top notch. One of our favorite restaurants.
(5)Stephanie S.
Feels like you are in france! Cute french bistro with a great brunch. Yummy brunch cocktails to choose from and LOVED their mussels. Only reason I gave 4 stars is because they are a little pricy but a great place to visit every once and a while.
(4)Jerry N.
Service was wonderful, food was great, and prices were unbelievable! My Wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary dinner there( I didn't specify that when I made our reservation), I made reservations so we could be seated quickly. The place is on the small side, but the food made up for it. The french bread was fresh and warm, the amuse bouche was a perfect start from the chef in the kitchen(I believe it was a truffle squash soup shooter of some sort). To start, my Wife ordered the French Onion soup and I ordered the mussels; both starters were so large that they could've been our main entrees. For the main dishes, I had the steak au poivre, and my Wife had the Crepes Vendome; both were excellent. Being from California, my Wife and I are spoiled with many great food establishments. We are foodies, I can't lie about that anymore. Lol, if anyone has been to Bouchon Napa in Yountville, California, that's what I would compare Bistro Vendome to. The difference between both fine restaurants is that Bistro Vendome costs about half as much without dropping the quality of the food. I would say if anyone is in the city of Denver, please make time to try this place out!
(5)Aliya J.
I died and went to heaven when I sat down and looked at the menu. Everything I love about food was served here. I was here for brunch. I ordered the steak and potato gratin. It was divine! I want to use curse words to convey how yummy the food was, but I refrain. The "fruit and cream" was disappointing. The cream was good, but the fruit was a bunch of cut up melon, not berries, as I had imagined. Doesn't matter. The frites were amazing, and the triple cream omelet (which my friends ordered) was so good! I will go back when I am in Denver!
(4)Jesse A.
We had an 8:30 appointment, and as soon as we walked up at 8:29, they were ready to seat us. It was pretty warm out, so we were happy to sit inside. The ambiance was very nice, it was later but the restaurant was full. We were seated against one of the glass walls, so it felt like we had some privacy and were not crowded. We were celebrating our anniversary, and the servers were sure to congratulate us and provide complementary bubbling wine, a nice touch in addition to the signed anniversary card at the end of the meal. The food was fantastic, not inexpensive, but very much worth it. The portions were perfect, and the overall wait time for the food was very acceptable. I wish I could remember the name of our server, but he did a fantastic job with the food recommendations and wine list. We will definitely be going back in the future.
(5)Megan D.
This is an amazing experience tucked into downtown Denver. This is a very intimate setting with amazing food (gnocchi and steak) and the wine is top notch. Perfect balance between the size of the appetizers and the entrees. Service was very good and the server was very knowledgeable about the menu and wine list. They were also great enough to find a vase for the flowers I brought with me from my date so I didn't have to let them wilt in the car. They also got me a bag to put them back into when we left. Total experience that made a special evening one to remember always.
(5)Virginia T.
I was in town for the Great American Beer Festival...... It is a little known secret that if you are in the beer world, after a week like that- you don't want anymore beer. :) So my boss, coworker & her boyfriend and I met up with some friends in the industry for a late dinner at Bistro Vendome. It was really great, long story short. We sat in the back, under the lights and it was beautiful, albiet a little chilly. The table started with a smattering of appetizers-including the escargot, mussels and steak tartare. They were all very good. Lots of garlic butter abound. Dunking and soaking up with bread was a common sight at our table. I had a charlamange cocktail, which I have been lusting over since. I highly recommend it. I ordered the chicken with cauliflower as my main. It was very good. The table also ordered the butter poached lobster risotto, salmon and trout- which luckily I got to try all of, and there wasn't a complaint at the table. For dessert we decided to split the creme brulee, banana carpaccio and fig tart, as well as a cheese plate. I consider myself a creme brulee aficionado and this was to die for creme brulee. The banana carpaccio was good but out shined by the accompanying gelato. I paired all that with a pear brandy which was also very good. The service was good, the server knowledgable. She was attentive without being hovering. The only thing I found off-putting was that we were a large group, and obviously not on a budget, but when we tried to order a final round of drinks....the waitress took our order, but then came out to tell us 'the bar is closed'. Nearly felt like we were being kicked out. Not quiet the end I was hoping for after the spectacular meal. (hence 4 not 5 stars) Our bill for the night (7 people) came to just around $600. I will most definitely be back on future trips to Denver.
(4)Marc D.
Oh Bistro. You have the best cheese that was cultured in a cave I have ever tasted. Probably the only cave cheese I have ever tasted. Your wine selection breaks my wallet, but I love it. You made me try those silly little snails, and while I hated their flavor, I still thank you for making me try it. I have had many fantastic dates at you, bistro. Even though I had the conversation which ultimately led to the dissolution of my marriage on your beautiful garden patio, drinking a wonderful Bordeaux, I still adore you. The food here is always fantastic. Always the perfect portions. The chef will surprise you if you ask. You simply cannot go wrong with the cuisine and wine selection. You are bittersweet, bistro. Love, Marximus.
(5)Rits M.
Great venue, well presented and laid out. Beautiful outdoor seating arrangement with baskets of flowers - very french indeed! My friend (cheers, Jess!) loves french onion soup, and thats what she got. She wouldnt say its as great as others that shes had, but for me, it was pretty good! I had the croque maman and it was well made. Portions are small for the American, and the right size for the french. All the food is delectable and its one of my favourite memories of Denver. The waiters are good with recommending wines to go with your meal, and you are usually seated pretty quickly - within 15 minutes of going there.
(5)Zach G.
This might be a case of coming in with too many expectations, but Bistro Vendome didn't do anything special for me. I came in as part of a large group of around 12, and their team-serving of us was a little disjoint, requests were relayed very sloppily (I had to ask three different servers before getting a coffee cup). They had to auction off a couple of entrees, which is forgivable for large parties, but I expected more from an upscale place like Bistro. My biggest disappointment was with the food. I had the lamb loin with a white bean croquette and "tomato pan jus". The lamb was cooked well but seasoned terribly (it may have missed being seasoned at all). The tomato jus sauce consisted of two halves of a cherry tomato thrown under the lamb loin with a bit of sauce, not nearly enough to go around (and I don't like a whole lot of sauce to begin with...). I tried several of the other dishes, and honestly, the best food was the parmesan fries. This is a problem. I really WANTED to like this place, and I would probably go back to let Bistro attempt at redemption, but my initial impression was not favorable. Two stars.
(2)Daniel R.
Ate brunch here with a group of friends. Food = very good. Service = not too impressed. The atmosphere was stuffy for brunch, and the servers also exuded the same. If it wasn't for the food, I probably wouldn't go back.
(3)Stephanie S.
Great atmosphere - very cute little space with outdoor seating as well as indoor. My food was very good, not amazing, but still a good meal. Our waiter was the only reason I didn't give it four stars. He was not very friendly and almost had an attitude the whole night. We were a talkative table - out with friends and lots of catching up going on- but nothing that deserved a grumpy waiter all night.
(3)Neysa S.
Horrible! I can only attest to the service and not the food as we were never sat. My boyfriend and I had researched and saw the great reviews for this restaurant. We were visiting Denver and wanted a special night. It was 6pm and the restaurant was practically empty when we arrived - possibly only 4 tables were occupied. We weren't dressed fancy but had on dark jeans and heels. There is no attire requirement. We are in our mid to late 20s. The hostess said sorry, no tables are available and it would be over an hour wait. What?!? This restaurant has a capacity of over 120 people and we have to wait an hour when it's empty?!? It was a Wednesday night not on a weekend. Made me wonder were we not welcomed cause we weren't older or up to her standard?!?
(1)Craig Z.
Classic french. Good, but a little heavy, with extra fat and salt on everything I thought. Not as stuffy as I thought it would be looking at the menu. Good service. Good value.
(4)P M.
Yum and amazing! Food, ambiance, service, etc. Mussels are to die for.
(5)John K.
'Étonnamment Rafraîchissant!' What can I say about this one. We got lucky. My lovely lady and I had decided to go to a different restaurant for dinner. When we got there... 'Do you have a reservation?'...I hate those dreadful words. We went in for a drink at the bar and in moments realized we wanted to try Vendome, which we knew was right across the street, in a very inviting nook of Larimer Square. they seated us right away and we didn't hesitate to order wine. Her the white, me the red. Both VERY good glasses. So, we're off to a good start. The mood is fantastic and the wine is great. The place is bustling and we forgot for a moment, that we were in Denver. The salad was perfect and the bread was warm and fresh. By the time we got our plates, were were into heavy conversation and our moods were good. The food....MAN, the food was EPIC! More than were were hoping for. At least for me. My last French meal was the worst I have EVER had. Le Central blew it on that visit! This was a perfect portion of veal cooked to perfection with some large chilled peas in great, but subtle creamy sauce. It also came with small stewed tomatoes, filled with goat cheese that was really, very good. Mandi had the Lobster with Risotto, that was incredible. The portions were French, not American, which was exactly what we wanted. Good, not BOUNTIFUL!! A small desert and wonderful coffee to end the night. I can not wait to go back~
(5)Dave T.
Bistro Vendome is the best brunch I have ever had in Denver ... probably one of the best brunches I've had anywhere. The patio is great, the service is great, and the food (especially the Croque Madame and french fries) are incredible.
(5)Leah R.
I took a girlfriend of mine here for her birthday brunch, and they didn't disappoint. The service was really friendly - the waitress allowed us to take our time, and brought out a birthday dessert and a card from the staff, which was a nice touch. But the food was what made it a great experience. I had the Porc Braise et Epinards Cremes. The pork was extremely tender and the dish was really flavorful. And the potatoes were nicely done too. Everything was just nicely done. We just had a great time enjoying our food with our mimosas. I couldn't have asked for a better brunch.
(5)Holly G.
I have been here a few times for dinner and have not been disappointed. My favorite dish to date though is the "Poulet Roti aux Herbes" which is a half roasted chicken served with au gratin potatoes. Those potatoes are the best part of the meal! So cheesy and delicious. Wow. Cozy, low lit, romantic atomosphere, which is perfect for a date night. Also, a beautiful patio option during the warm months of the year. I recommend a reservation for dinner (which you can make online), it has always been very busy with a very long wait when I have been here. But even if you have to wait, it is well worth it!
(5)Dulcie F.
I have been on the hunt for really good French food in Denver... well, anywhere in Northern Colorado, really. I've found some good French-inspired food here and there, but no great French food. I had high hopes for Bistro Vendome after reading the great reviews here, but my experience was just okay. We tried Bistro Vendome during Denver Restaurant Week, and Vendome made their normal menu available with surcharges for the pricier selections. At first I was glad to know I was experiencing their normal fare, but later I wondered if it is better to have the pared down Restaurant Week menu which the chef can use to really showcase the food. Neither here nor there for this outing. We were seated in the hallway outside of the restaurant where there were quite a few tables. There was a great deal of foot traffic rushing by us, which was too bad, and something about the hallway had a Disney World vibe to it. It looked much more romantic and peaceful within the restaurant. The bread came out quickly -- a generous and toasty warm baguette with butter. Yum! The service -- both waiter and bussers -- was very attentive throughout. Our waiter was quick and informative. The food, while good, just wasn't great. I was really looking forward to the escargots, but I found them a bit ho-hum. My husband had the Crepes Vendome as his appetizer and I think that he found them a bit more exciting. My entree was the trout -- tasty, but not mind-blowing. My husband had the venison two ways. He enjoyed it, but as he said, it did not "convert him to venisonism." One "way" of the venison "two ways" was quite rare, just as a head's up. Our dessert, the Pineapple Tarte Tatin, was the most disappointing to me. The flavors just didn't come together in the right way. I have heard good things about the brunch, so I may return to try that, but I likely will not return for dinner.
(3)Lenore K.
Growing up with authentic french cooking at home I both love going out to a nice French restaurant and fear it will not compare to my grandfather's cooking. Luckily for me Bistro Vendome delivered. My boyfriend and I went out for a romantic dinner on a Thursday night, and were VERY impressed with every aspect of Bistro Vendome. The short version: The wait staff was wonderful, the food was spot on and the atmosphere was charming. The long version: We started with the Cuisses de Grenouilles (frog legs) and the Salade Niçoise (simple salad). The seasoning of the frog legs supported the natural flavor the of frog very nicely. The salad was simple and refreshing. For our mains we ordered the Poulet Rôti aux Herbes (roast chicken) and a special for the day which was a filet mignon with a pâté de foie gras on top and toast on the bottom. The chicken was seasoned very well, and the cauliflower gratin that came with it was unlike any I had had before (in a very good way). The filet was perfectly seasoned and cooked. It has a truffle sauce that was amazing. The timing in the sauce was what really struck me. The truffle was very fragrant so it hit first, but then the sauce took your taste buds on a spectacular journey each flavor fading in and out and perfectly balanced. To accompany our dinner we ordered a bottle of red wine. We were unsure of some of the choices and so we asked the waitress for a suggestion. She was very informed on the wines and suggested La Sirene Margaux- it was delightful. To test just how good they were I ordered the crème brûlée- and as a crème brûlée snob I was VERY pleased. Often places overpower the custard with vanilla, but the crème brûlée at Bistro Vendome was perfectly infused with vanilla, and the custard was a smooth as can be. I would 100% recommend this restaurant, and I cannot wait to go back!
(5)Karl B.
Ate there last night. Delicious food, great atmosphere, and friendly yet attentive service. It's a small but nice point that they leave a bottle of water on the table so you can refill your own water glasses, yet they come around and top off your own water glass so you'll never need to. Of course, if you have some nice wine, you won't care about the water... I had the duck confit (our waiter helped me pronounce it correctly after I asked) and it was superb; the outside had a slight crispy texture to it that superbly complimented the tender meat underneath. We made reservations for 6:30 on a Tuesday night, but the place was not too busy. Take advantage of it and go to this place while tables are still easy to come by!
(5)Alia Z.
Had a great elk bourguignon there. The place was packed, but the service was fast and friendly. The atmosphere is really cozy.
(5)John G.
What a treasure in the Larimer Square area of Denver. Quaint restaurant off the main street down a little corridor. Lovely interior. True French cuisine. Came for lunch on a Saturday. Nice menu of many choices. We had the Salad Maison, the chicken salad croissant and the croque monsieur. The food was so very tasty. Salads made of fresh greens and wonderful light dressing. The croissant was flaky and chicken salad was one of the best I have ever tasted. The croque was marvelous as the bread was thicker than normal and a great mix of cheese and ham inside. Both greeters and servers were very polite and professional. What a nice stop in the Denver restaurant scene. The owners are the same chefs that have the Mediterranean place across the street: Rioja. Just a lovely French restaurant with very savory cuisine.
(4)Zina S.
This is one of my favorite places in Denver, and not just because of the ambiance, it is also the food. It is a very complete restaurant with small tables for a more intimate interaction. I never really understood the reason behind big tables, as it is too difficult to hold conversations when the a restaurant is crowded. Not sure if it has to do with the typical mainstream mentality "bigger is better." I ordered the steak frites, which was a good choice for me having spent the evening drinking at a nearby bar. The meat was tender and well-seasoned, the fries were crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, all in all delicious! The service was excellent and not overbearing. The waitress brought the check only after I had requested. For me that's a great sign of a good restaurant, as most restaurants are quick to hand you the bill as soon as your plate is empty, why is that? My feeling is that they want you out as soon as possible! Not this place. I was the last person in the restaurant, and I never felt rushed. The personnel respected my space and my time. I will definitely be back for more! Brunch perhaps.
(5)Kate G.
Bistro Vendome has a lot of 5-star characteristics and I'll start with those. My group of five had an early 5pm reservation last night, and the restaurant didn't even have another seated table for almost two hours, so we enjoyed fast, attentive service. We started with a bottle of champagne, moules et frites and the cheese plate. The warm, fresh demi baguettes served with butter were probably the VIPs of the meal because we slathered them with butter, three different cheeses, olive tapenade, lavendar jam and finally dipped them into the bowl of garlicky broth after the mussels were gone. Absolute heaven. We even dipped hunks of bread into our amuse bouche, an espresso cup filled with creamy asparagus spinach soup and topped with what tasted like fried almond flakes. Divine. We all sipped the 5th cup that our vegan friend couldn't eat. Next we shared salads, the nicoise and verte. The verte was served alongside a big hunk of fried speck topped with bacon crumbles - it was a seriously meaty salad topped with blue cheese. Again, heaven. Again, we all attacked the last salad after a friend had to leave early. My entree, the trout, was cooked to perfection and again topped with bacon crumbles as well as diced veggies like asparagus, peppers and onion. I loved the crushed pistachios but the spice crust tasted too sweet for my liking - just like the herbed but sugary fries served with the mussels. While I knew to expect that from the fries after reading the menu description plus all the reviews, I didn't think the trout would have a sweet aftertaste. I didn't order the dish I most wanted - the scallops over risotto - because of the vanilla beurre blanc in the description. Nonetheless, it was a large piece of trout and presented beautifully on the skin. Our server recommended a delicious and inexpensive bottle of chardonnay that I would definitely order again. The desserts blew me away in spite of 1) not being a huge sweets person and 2) already painfully stuffed to the gills. But I can't imagine coming here and not ordering the pear tarte tatin. It looked like a fan of plain old pear slices but it sat on top of delicious puff pastry and tasted like a bite of light, crunchy candy. The banana walnut crisp was delicious too with big chunks of sugary crumbles and tender warm banana. Our sorbet trio was also devoured, my favorite being the cucumber which no one else liked! It tasted fresh, green and barely sweetened and reminded me of green tea ice cream. And of course, ending my night with a track from Moby's Play will always ensure a return visit. The painted glass walls and doors are totally charming and reminded me of being inside a tiny cafe in New Orleans. As the place filled and candles were lit, the ambiance just grew. I would definitely come back here for cocktails, mussels, the cheese plate, fresh baguettes and dessert. I think my favorite thing in the whole place was the sign that read "Mondays are for oysters and champagne." Yep!
(4)Ben L.
Food as always, excellent. But Front of House needs a lot of work. Unwelcoming host, told me to sit and wait for my table which turned out to be 20 minutes later than my reservation. I'm ok with this, it was a busy night, but I was totally ignored. No offer of a drink, an early review of the menu, etc.
(3)Cherie C.
Bistro Vendome is a charming place. The service was good: not overbearing but always available. I had an excellent pork chop that was the envy of my dining companions. The potatoes that came with it were delicious as well. We all enjoyed the plat de provencal. The pate was especially good, and we loved their cheese selections. Oh, and the pickles! So good. One thing I did not enjoy (and this is based on my personal tastes, not quality) were the frites that a friend ordered. The dusting of sugar is not to my taste, so I'd steer clear of them on my next visit. And I'm sure there will be a next visit! 3.5 stars for now, with a good chance that it will bump up to 4 next time.
(3)Michael S.
The ambiance is great in the restaurant...lots of cozy little rooms to be seated in...nice art around...etc. The drinks were also good, I had the citron presse, very yummy! Service was OK, and the food was good as well. Worth 100$ for a split mussels app, 2 drinks and a glass of wine, and 2 entrees.....not entirely sure. But still, very good. I actually prefer brunch there.
(4)Ali H.
The food here is outstanding. I've been here twice now and was blown away both times. My only complaint was that the hostesses took way too long to acknowledge our presence; this happened both times. But after that, our waitress was wonderful, friendly, and helpful and the food was mind blowing.
(5)Ziyu W.
Yay for Denver's Restaurant week! The place was full when i walked in, reservations were not available till 10pm.. Since I was just by myself, the hostess was nice to tell me that just go stand next to the bar and take a seat when someone leaves...It's a small bar with maybe 6 seats? But I was able to take a seat in 10 mins. Sit down at 8:30ish... Erin, the bartender was so nice to introduce me with the special offer for restaurant week, and within a few minutes, I was certain on what I want, and I was very hungry. Appetizer: Escargots de Bourgogne - a bit different than I expected, but good! the escargots were big, and baked individually in the special dish (holes that can fit only one escargot), and not mushroom or pastry on top it, it's all by itself! Love the extra herb taste! Entree: Canard à l Érable - maple glazed duck leg confit, came with some greens and the butternut bacon fritter. OMG. this was delicious!! The meat was very soft and flavorful, and the butternut bacon fritter was such a great add-in. Can I have some more?? Dessert: Blood Orange Chocolate Crepe - DELICIOUS!!! Cocktail: don't really remember this one, Erin had just made one for me with orange vodka? It was a sweet and citrus-ish drink, I liked it! And a little side note, the warm bread came in a brown bag, yes, like our lunch brown bag, I thought it was very interesting. Service was simply wonderful! Everyone was just so nice!! I wanna go back to Denver!!
(5)N D.
3.5 stars. Very good food and decent price. Food for 3 was $115 not including drinks. Service was excellent. Nice atmosphere. Foie Gras and tartare was average but mussels and tomato bisque were very good.
(3)Nicole W.
Dined here last night with a gaggle of women, prior to seeing Girl's Only performance. Michael - our waiter was amazing. We were all gabbing and blathering while he was attempting to get us settled, and specials rattled off, and wine, ah the wine! We all went with the "theater special" menu. I went with the french onion soup - i figured - it should probably be pretty good, right? Most everyone else went with the salad and said the champagne dressing was great! I really liked the soup?! Mmmmm! For the main course most of us went with the pistachio encrusted trout - woah! Amazing! Only a couple bones that i was able to subvert - if i so much as feel a bone on my tongue, the meal is over, so that was great! One person at the table did the vegitarian choice and it came with amazing risotto. And the streak with fried was had by another and it looked fabulous! Desert I chose the crepe with strawberries and rhubarb - i love rhubarb - i don't think there was any in my crepe! Still super yummy and the smidge of ice cream was amazing! Half the table went with the sherberts - woah! I got a smidge of the strabverry basil - amazing! The wine and water flowed freely and wonderfully! Both of those glasses stayed filled! Yeah! They asked our plans for the night before dinner started and had us fed and paid with enough time to walk out of there and into the show and sit. Amazing! I'll definitely be back to try the mussel special and the scallops! Mmmmmm! And i hear brunch is yummy too! Not as pricey as i had thought and the patio should be fabulous in a couple weeks!
(4)Sadie P.
Love the feeling of this spot!! A tucked away treasure!! We had a wonderful meal...The service was very french...slow and but pleasant. The French like to take their time with the food...that was expressed here. They did have a before the Theater menu which was a great idea. The servers also asked if you were attending a show so they could quicken your serivce. Everyone really like the food and the homemade ice cream was amazing!! We will for sure be returning!
(4)Lisa O.
I didn't get to celebrate V-Day with my valentine, so he surprised me with dinner reservations at Bistro Vendome two days later. One of the hints he gave me was that I wouldn't expect him to have picked that place. And he was right! The BF is not typically a fan of French restaurants, but we were both THRILLED with his choice. Bistro Vendome is tucked back in an adorable little courtyard just off Larimer. It's a little magical actually. We were seated and greeted promptly, picked out a bottle of red with the assistance of our lovely server and her assistant for the night. We decided to get crazy and order escargot as an appetizer because neither of us have ever tried them. Bistro Vendome made the mildly unappetizing dish DELICIOUS by serving the snails in pools of butter and garlic. That can't be bad, right? I ordered the Classique Steak Frites and pretty much wanted to bathe in the bearnaise (after all, it is a close relative of my great love, hollandaise). The fries were so good too, but I could only eat a few after indulging in my perfectly-cooked steak. BF got the duck and cleaned his plate. We chose to spilt the chocolate tart and the pear tarte tatin for dessert. BF decided the tarte tatin was the best dessert he'd ever had and I was partial to the chocolate. Perfect! Bistro Vendome is adorable. It's romantic. The food is delicious. And now my boyfriend doesn't hate French restaurants any more. Hurray!
(5)Laurie W.
Bistro Vendome keeps getting better and better. Last night, it kept me sane. That in itself gets five stars. Now, how can a restaurant keep one sane, you ask? Good question. I'll elaborate. I was downtown working late on a huge project when I realized that I had house guests in. Mr. Mixer was keeping them entertained, but I was in no mood for friendly chatter. So I left work for a quick bite and some quiet before I went home. Enter Bistro Vendome. Actually, I entered it, but whatever. I found a nice table in the corner, kind of out of the way. The server was so nice, she took my order for steak tartare (of course) and champagne and then just let me relax and read. And it was very cool, because the server realized that I was in need of quiet, and after checking that the tartare came out and tasted good, she just left me alone until I pushed my plate away. Realizing that I was still hungry, I ordered the onion soup. Again, the server was friendly and polite. I finished my book and my soup, and was able to go home and be friendly and polite to my guests. The wonderful service and happy atmosphere made me feel peaceful. Sane. In the membrane. I love the food at Bistro Vendome, although the onion soup was a little sweet for my tastes. But the service just puts it over the top. Bistro Vendome is definitely one of my favorite places!
(5)Ashley G.
I went to Bistro Vendome with a friend for 5280 and loved it! The ambiance was cozy and warm, romantic but not dark, which I personally love. The bartender made great wine recommendations while we waited, and we were seated fairly close to our reservation time. The waiter also helped us select appetizers and entrees, and his recommendations were spot on. The truffle gnocchi is hands down the best gnocchi I've ever had, and the crepes are divine, provided you enjoy olives. The creme brûlée is light and perfectly rounds out the meal. I highly recommend this place for special occasions as not only was the food delicious, but the service was also quick, helpful, and friendly.
(5)Audrey F.
A great birthday or anniversary night out. The courtyard patio has european charm, and the interior space is quaint, just as you would expect in Paris. The wine selection is spot on, and I would highly recommend the cheese platter.
(4)Jared L.
Wonderful food. Everything I have eaten here has been amazing, it is worth the tough parking situation you may encounter.
(5)Ana B.
My boyfriend and I celebrated my birthday here and I couldn't have asked for a better night! The restaurant has a very authentic French feel (great music!), the food was absolutely outstanding and the service was top notch. Highly suggest starting with the Escargots à la Moëlle, the flavors were perfection. My boyfriend had a classic dish - Roquefort Steak Frites, absolutely delicious. I ordered the Gnocchis à la Truffe. The gnocchis is made with filo dough to create a less dense texture, and you cannot go wrong with Truffle anything... it was simply amazing. They ended my birthday celebration with a signed card from everyone working that night, something small that went a long way with us. We will absolutely be back... many, many times!
(5)Andy J.
Upon entering Bistro Vendome, I was pretty hesitant and apprehensive as I was trying to squeeze out the best culinary experiences I could in my short time here. The waitress that seated me was extremely courteous and gave me an opportunity to review the menu prior to seating without any issues or problems. In fact, she even gave a small introduction to the restaurant and I was sold. Bistro Vendome is a french style restaurant with local seasonal influences. Their menu changes according ot the season but they do have a few items that are definitely staples. I tried as many items as I could without blowing a budget and settled on these three: Escargot, Pomme Frites, and the special of the day - Pork belly cooked in two ways. Honestly, the build up was incredible. I asked for the Pomme Frites to come first with the Escargot. Let's start with the Escargot first: I've had many chances to eat Escargot a many restaurants and Bistro Vendome definitely has some of the best. It could be a little TOO heavy on the garlic, but I believe it's a preference. The olive oil used has immense flavor when you dip the accompanied bread into it. If you were to eat the escargot without any bread to suppress some of the salt, it can be overwhelming. Second, the Pomme Frites; simply incredible. There's a slight sugary truffle glaze on the fries and the accompanied mayo dip (ala French style) is simply to die for. It's definitely something to come here for. Now to the not so elegant portions: the main course and dessert. The pork belly... is not pork belly than an Asian person would be accustomed to. To be frank, it tasted a lot like ham that's been charred. The first style of pork belly is served broiled on top of shitake mushrooms and truffle garlic mash potatoes. Solid dish, but there's something to be said about taking it easy on the seasoning and allowing the natural flavors of your dish come out. Case in point: I tasted NONE of the shitakes. The second dish was pork belly on pickled seasonal vegetables. I honestly can't say that I like this too much. It could just be I'm not used to European food, but I expected a lot more. I felt like I can make this using Costco pickled vegetables and ham bought from the grocery store. Finally dessert, I decided to order the Pistachio Souffle and... I've had better. It was interesting, but definitely not as refined as I had hoped. It wasn't too sweet, but then again, the souffle was stiff and not tasty at all. In conclusion, it was one of those places where you really need to pick and choose the dishes you order. Caveat Emptor everyone. If you're new to the area like me, definitely give it a shot, but just order the items that are proven to be good.
(4)Adrienne L.
I wasn't blown away, but maybe that's because I didn't get the steak or lamb or any other cool thing like my friends did. We were there for a VERY large birthday dinner, and I have to give our waiter big props for handling the situation exceedingly well. Our food was out fast, no one's glasses were empty ... very good service indeed. He even requested that no olives be put into my crepe -- good work. But I didn't find my crepe fabulous, nor the French fries or the pineapple tart I had for dessert. I definitely don't think it was worth the money, anyway. My friends all seemed to really enjoy their meals, but just now when I asked my husband if he liked it ... he couldn't remember what he ate. That's not good.
(3)Dorian H.
It was long overdue... And by that I mean - brunch with the girls and finally experiencing Bistro Vendome. Bistro Vendome was pretty much how I thought it would be. It is a very charming and beautiful restaurant. This would be a place to hit up on a summer afternoon if you are looking for a nice patio to sit on. The dining area is a little cramped, but not too bad. Actually the cramped and bustling nature of the place added a more Parisian feel. As to comply with the brunch rules, we all ordered something different. I was lucky enough to sample the Pain Purdue ~ amazing. The bread was sweet and soft, but not soggy. The syrup and banana melted in my mouth. If you have a sweet tooth, that would be your thing. My next taste test was with the omelette ~ again, wonderful. I was surprised that the omelette was so fluffy and light considering all of the heaving ingredients inside. Everyone seemed quite happy with their choices. As to stroll down memory lane of my times in France, I ordered the Croque Monsieur. It was wonderful. The pomme frites are great - sweet, salty and savory. The only disappointing part of the meal was the temperature of my food. The sandwich and fries were lukewarm at best. Our server was good. I don't remember her coming by to check on us very often, but I could've just been immersed in conversation at the table. Just a Note: We noticed a problem with the napkins. I don't know if they are the same from brunch to dinner, but the material from our napkins at brunch was flaking off onto our clothes. We all looked like we had a serious lint problem! Maybe it was our luck, or maybe people should know to not wear black to brunch here. ;)
(4)Neena W.
First impression: Very cozy romantic environment Came here for their specialty: 10 bottles from their wine list for $20 on Mondays, but found out they have moved this event to Tuesday instead. We ordered the steak tartare and the molasses glazed duck, both were delicious. Definitely will go back.
(4)Michelle B.
I liked this place. The wine list was nice and very fairly priced. It is also tucked back so you don't hear street traffic like the other dining establishments in the area. If the weather is nice, sit on the patio - it's really tranquil and lovely. The inside of the restaurant is too loud and tight for me. I liked my husband's duck confit and I had steak frites and was not a fan of the sugared fries - the steak was quite nice. Cons: the bread was a baquette with grains - not very french, loud inside and the desert menu was blah. Pros: the service, the wine list, the patio and the food - were all very pleasant. I would go back but no fries for me - other people love them so it's me!
(4)elena j.
I was expecting to like this place a lot. My bf and I really wanted to eat here the first time we were in Denver, but we didn't get the chance to. So on our second trip we made sure to try it. The restaurant is nice and cozy, but the service sucked. The hostess was curt and during our entire meal our server barely spoke 2 words to us. I was really surprised because one of the things I LOVE about Denver is how nice and friendly everyone is. The food was good, but nothing worth writing home about. This experience was disappointing.
(2)Monica I.
This is one of the best spaces on or around Larimer Square, in my opinion. The atmosphere is casual elegance and the patio is one of my favorites. The service is always good, knowledgeable without being snooty. It's a great place for a glass of wine and a quiet conversation. The food is usually good but it's not usually fabulous. I just had some of the best sweetbreads I've ever had (and it's one of my favorites) but the lamb and the rabbit entrees were only fine. The rabbit was overcooked and a bit too salty and the lamb came out medium to medium well instead of the rare to medium rare that was ordered. The sides were okay but nothing special. However, the prices are very reasonable so it somehow makes it okay not to be blown away. It's one of the best places to hang out -- you feel like you're away from it all while being directly in the middle of it all. It's why I'll always come back to this place. I can't think of a better spot.
(4)Hilary M.
Bistro Vendome is always a good pick for dinner. Date, friends, you name it. Wonderful menu, incredible service and a wonderful wine list.
(4)Marcel B.
This is a wonderful place. The overall ambiance and experience was great, and the lamb was the best lamb I've ever had. I'd definitely go back the next time I'm in Denver.
(5)Josh P.
I must admit, I don't know much French food, which is surprising for being such a foodie. This clever spot in the theater district serves an excellent brunch. Take my advice and sit out on the patio. I recommend the croque madame. Pay attention, cause you just might miss this place. You'll be glad you stopped in though. If the waiters had an accent, you'd swear you were in France. In fact, I think my waiter even corrected my pronunciation of my dish.
(4)Chloe H.
This place is literally probably my favorite place in denver. The food is absolutely always excellent and perfectly prepared. Service is friendly and knowledgeable. Sometimes I actually steal the bread they bring out, it is that good (too honest?). Prices are surprisingly affordable and the food is truly French, innovative, local and fresh. Incredible atmosphere too! For the price, it just can't be beat.
(5)Emily J.
One of my favorites restaurants in Denver, and that is saying something. A great intimate setting, perfect for a first date or special occasion. The food is light and very flavorful. I suggest the steak fritte with the port reduction sauce. Full of robust flavors and steak doesn't get any more tender than this. The paté is a must have appetizer along with the steamed mussels. Bistro Vendome offers a substantial wine selection with an emphasis on French wines, fitting because of it's French themed cuisine. The patio is to die for, you feel like you're in a small café, tucked away from the city, but in reality you are just steps away from the bustle of Larimer Square.
(4)Crystal C.
This place definitely is a pick me up after a tiring work day. I came here with two of my colleagues to venture outside of the DTC. We went for dinner on a hot day but we still chose to sit outside. The patio was quaint -- but I was getting uncomfortable because it was so hot outside and they don't have fans... So just keep that in mind for those warm nights. Atmosphere: Great. Cute patio surrounded by red bricked buildings. The staff seemed down to earth and not pretentious. Entrees: Delicious. My colleague and I ordered the lamb and just loved it. He said it was some of the best lamb he has ever had and ranked it high on his list. My other colleague ordered the duck confit and enjoyed it as well. We got different glasses of wine -- I am no sommelier but I ordered a the pinot noir to accompany my lamb and I enjoyed it. Dessert: Unfortunately, my banana torte wasn't as good as I expected. I loved the rum in the sauce but... there was a slight refrigerated taste to the custard (could be just me... so I won't knock a star off). My coworkers both loved what they ordered -- ice scream/sorbet (port ice cream, pineapple sorbet, and lycee sorbet) and chocolate velvet tart. I had a taste of the port ice cream and it was delicious! All in all, a wonderful dining experience at Larimer Square without breaking the bank. My bill came out to be less than $50 and I order a glass of wine, entree, and dessert. Portions were spot on -- not too much so you are overstuff but enough to satisfied.
(5)Natalie B.
I've only been for brunch but this place has never let me down.
(4)Lauren D.
Been wanting to go here for a date night for awhile! So we nailed down a Valentine's Day reservation, unfortunately we could only get 9:30pm due to a lag on our part....but we were happy to have a reservation. Here's my issue, we had barely psyched ourselves up for a reservation after 9 on a Monday work night, but then we had to wait at least 15 min at a crowded bar for our table too. Clearly a sign of them over-booking on a holiday and kind-of annoying. And despite the fact that we ate a snack at like 5/6 we were still ravenous by the time 9 rolled around. The ambiance is dimly lit and romantic. Cozy if you will. And the service we had was very good as well. The only thing truly mind-blowing about my steak & frites were the fries quite honestly. The blend of herbs and sweetness they add is completely amazing. My steak came out under-cooked, which is much better than over-cooked to me so I chose not to make any kind of fuss really. I just wish more of the pricey high caliber restaurants in Denver tried harder. I mean if we are going out to throw down at least $40 per person on a meal, can't you at least pretend that you love us and would want us to come back again? Can't say for certain if we'd come back or not, but it was a good meal and a nice Valentine's Day.
(3)Michelle M.
This place is amazing. Absolutely amazing. The wait staff is quite kind and accommodating. I dined here as part of a small party and they were very helpful until our entire party arrived. Our waitress was very friendly, knowledgable, and professional. But the food? Oh god...*drools* Let's talk about the Moules-Frites. They are "I'm on death row and want this to be my last meal" delicious. They were SO good that every two of us shared a bowl and ordered a second bowl just because they were that damn good. I ordered the paté myself, but we all tried each other's meals. There was no room left to be desired. They were on spot with every plate at the table. A bit pricey...but by far worth it. I feel bad for any french restaurant I visit in the future. Bistro Vendome brought the bar far too high...it will be hard to beat.
(5)Sophie C.
The food is average or once in awhile above average and expensive. The patio is nice - just chill. Inside the restaurant is way too crowded. You are constantly being bumped. Ridiculous! We had a reservation (and confirmation via email that we had one) yet we were continually told we didn't (even with evidence). There were open tables, but we were halfway tempted to leave after the host was so rude to us. Our meals were just okay - nothing I couldn't easily cook. The waiter was good. We won't return.
(3)Mr. D.
We stopped in for brunch this morning. Rioja is our standard brunch but we wanted to try something new, glad we did! Baby and I split: French press coffee, assorted pastries, and galette de confit de canard. The pastries were flaky and not sugary sweet. The orange slices and pickled onions were just the right balance for the strong duck flavor and the fried potato thingy. The space was a bit cramped but charming. The ambiance did not benefit at all from the 80's pop music playing. We're looking forward to trying the rest of the brunch menu. Maybe tomorrow...
(4)Andreas H.
What a great place. The Fantastic: The garden dining. The fresh bread. The appetizers are wonderful, and this is a great place to brunch. The chicken dish with cauliflower gratin was AMAZING! The Average: Prices are your typical Larimer St. prices, and some of their entrees can be over salted. The Horrid: Their frites are covered in sugar. Seriously. BLECH! Bistro Vendome is a great place for brunch, lunch, OR dinner, and we've never had a bad experience there. There are definitely items I have preferred over the other, but the atmosphere, servers, and drinks have always made us happy we had gone there that evening.
(4)Will H.
Always have a great experience in this restaurant... It never disappoints, friendly non pretentious servers, very good food, good wine menu, also I appreciate the little things... baguette in a brown bag...etc. just the right amount of casual, Great patio in the summer.
(4)Ian C.
To start of a wonderful weekend with my valentine, I made reservations to dine at Bistro Vendome. The location is a little tucked away. On Google Maps coupled with GPS, we were right on it, but had to look around. If you're on Larimer street, it's inside of a courtyard. To start off, we were seated right away. The ambiance is truly as billed: a French restaurant (not of the high-cuisine ilk, but nonetheless, very euro design). We ordered the asiette de charcuterie (meats) ... which was de-lish. The paté was awesome, and the salami and prosciutto were just sexy. The meats were at the right temperature and complemented by a lovely mustard and horseradish with créme fraiche. Both of us ordered Steak Frites ... a french classic steak and fries. I ordered mine medium and he ordered his medium rare. The steak was very tender, and lovely. My au poivre glaze was just delightful, and the bearnaise accompanying his was great ... not a hint of pre-fabrication. To top off the evening, we had a lovely dessert of chocolate blood-orange crepes. Just lovely. Crepes were delicious, and the blood-orange creme inside was smooth and lovely. The restaurant service was also very good. We were brought a little sip of soup compliments of the chef: it was an apple potato and chive soup which was very delicious. The staff were attentive to our requests, and very friendly. Overall, this is a very good example of French cuisine. Grades Food Quality: A+ - Execution and presentation earn high marks across all three courses. Execution was near perfect. Dishes were cooked as requested, and exceeded expectations. Beverages: A - A definitely French wine collection with a variety of price points. We ordered a half bottle which turned out to be more than sufficient. They also have a wide variety of cocktails that looked appetizing. Service: A+ - Attentive service. The place is busy so a reservation is a must (especially when the outdoor patio is closed).
(5)Christopher L.
My wife and I decided to try this Bistro for our one year anniversary and were very happy that we did. When making our reservations over the phone, the hostess made it a point to ask if we would be celebrating a special occasion. I informed her that we would be celebrating our anniversary and she said she would make a note of that. When we arrived for dinner the next night, our server greeted us promptly and gave us a nice card congratulating us and thanking us for choosing them to share our special day with. They also included a couple of coupons for us to use on our next visit for some free glasses of wine. The card was also signed b y the members of the staff. As if that wasn't enough already, they brought us a complimentary creme brulee for dessert. Aside from all of the extras for our anniversary, the service was prompt, a member of the wait-staff was constantly checking to see if we needed more water or anything else. The food was excellent as well, I ordered one of their Steak Frites and my wife had a special cod dish that had been created that day as a result of an extra supply of cod coming in. Overall this is a great place to celebrate a special event or even just to have a nice quiet date night. I highly recommend if the weather permits to sit on their patio. The patio is situated in a way that makes you feel like you are removed from the rest of Larimer Square in your own special courtyard.
(5)James B.
I brought my friend here for her birthday and Bistro Vendome delivered on all fronts. Overall, A+ experiences so do not hesitate to go here. I would give this restaurant more than five stars if I could. Please continue reading for details of why you should go to Bistro Vendome. I made a reservation and told the restaurant I was celebrating my friend's birthday. We arrived early and promptly were seated. We began with the Steak Tartare, which was excellent, and our main courses were great as well (gnocchi and duck confit). By this time we both were full and were unsure if we wanted dessert. Finally, after we were almost done Bistro Vendome went the extra mile, and more, to make sure that my friend had a special birthday. Bistro Vendome gave my friend a dessert, of her choosing, on the house. She ordered the ice cream and sorbet for dessert, that were superb, and our waiter told us they were made in house. We were both extremely impressed by this point but Bistro Vendome went one step further by giving her two cards, one for a glass of wine and another for a dessert, for her to use when she visits Bistro Vendome again courtesy of the restaurant. Needless to say, we will both be back. Also, be sure to try Fernet Branca or Chartreuse Green for a unique after dinner digestif to properly finish a great dinner and evening with company. Thank you again Bistro Vendome for the phenomenal experience! We are already planning on when to go back to so she can use her cards. If you by chance possibly see us sitting at the bar or at a table when we return, I may happily be sipping on a glass of Chartreuse Green or Fernet Branca!
(5)henry w.
Anybody that didn't give this place 5 stars should be ignored! This is a WOW! Nice location in a courtyard, great decor. Staff was outstanding. The food, amazing! Bread comes in a brown paper bag ( Warm) Sourdough, crispy. Free starter of Gazpacho served in an expresso cup to sip on with a dab of creme fraiche( Best I ever had) Had the appy special of oysters on the half shell. $12.50 but came with a glass of Champagne. ( I passed on the bubbly) I had the Steak Frites. Not the traditional it came sliced but it was rare as ordered to perfection. Great flavor! Guest had the Veal and they loved it ate it all. The frites were double fried and came with a very tasty garlic aoli. Wine list was well done and prices nicely. Had a Saint Emillion Grand cru for $90 , a great value! Dessert just killed. we could not decide between the sorbet trio ( Hoemade) or the Mango Cheesecake crepes. So we had both. Just killer. I cant say enough good about this tiny gem. Don't get to Denver often but when I do I'll be there!
(5)Dorothy V.
Amazing Mussels...huge and divine. Service is impeccable. Wine list has some super values or if you want to splurge, there are high-end options. If you think French food is saucy and fattening, you're wrong. There are many options on the menu. If you are on a budget then order low on the menu or stick to the sizable appetizers. The ambiance is peaceful but not BORING! It's nearly perfect. There is not a rookie in the place. The service doesn't hover but is attentive. We felt welcome and not rushed. Only piece of criticism is the patio has some very odd weed looking foliage in their planters. I know...forget about it. Romantic for a special dinner.
(4)Britney R.
I love this cute little French bistro! I knew I'd like it right as I walked in, and as I walked up, I felt like I was strolling down the Champs-Elysees in Paris. There's cute little round tables, white linens, and French menu items written on the window that reminded me of the 'cuisine' lesson plan from my 8th grade french class. Croque Monsieur, Moules Frites, Thon au Poivre- all the classics. The staff seems to have great food and wine knowledge, which I've come to appreciate, seeing as it's so rare in Denver restaurants. The food- oh wow, the food is delicious. Their moules frites are incredible. The mussels are succulent and flavorful, and the fries? I can't even start talking about them for fear of an unplanned emergency Bistro Vendome Fry Run. We also ordered the steak tartar, which had a gorgeous presentation, and a quail egg on top! So delish. We had decided to order more modestly than usual, so we split one entree- Steak Frites Roquefort. Perfectly cooked tender steak-covered with blue cheese in a red wine sauce- and more of those incredible fries. Heaven. After two great dinners here, I can't wait to check out their brunch. Oh, and more of those fries.
(4)Kenny N.
Bistro Vendome satisfied my brunch craving quite well. I was 20 minutes late for my reservation, so had to wait a bit once I arrived. We were seated next to a window overlooking the brick courtyard (really would like to be there again when it's snowing or after a fresh snowfall). The service is quite friendly and attentive there. Food and service seemed well paced. There was no hovering and our every need was taken care of. I've been lusting over the Gallete since eyeing their online menu. My companion tried their omelet. Before our items arrived, we were welcomed with a fresh hot baguette with butter. So good, but of course I'm an easy target. Good bread = satisfaction. Our food was excellent. My item had many flavors, but they never seemed conflicting. Whatever remained was sopped up with the baguette. Dessert (for breakfast??) was an ice cream/sorbet trio (blueberry lavender, guava, apricot) and for her, a creme brulee topped with fresh blueberries. Both were satisfying. My only wish was to have a non-chocolate selection that contrasted with the sweet fruit, but their menu states those flavors rotate daily as they are made in-house. It's a comfortable spot, dressy yet casual, elegant without being stuffy. I welcome going here again.
(4)Ali W.
Without repeating what has already been said in previous reviews, I must add that I did not like their mint soda. I thought it was going to be a refreshing drink similar to a virgin mojito, but... It was like a cup of carbonated water galvanized with cheap peppermint syrup. It was like a peppermint candy cane left in water and sunlight for too long. It was as if lepruchun-green food coloring exploded at Bistro Vendome and dyed this drink. It was like...well, you get the idea. 1 star off: mint soda
(4)Mo Z.
Their food is tres magnifique! For appetizers, we had the Crepes Vendome (scrumptious), Moules, and Pommes Frites (to die for!). Two of us had the Fletan et Raviolo de Feves (halibut with fava bean ravioli and carot orange puree)-mouth watering! The other two had Confit de Canard Pommes de Terre au Foie Gras (duck leg) and St Jacques, Pois de Champignons (french for pan seared scallops). Dessert: creamy Creme Brulee. Sitting on the patio on a late spring evening was delightful. Our server Ian was excellent and very handsome.
(5)Erin H.
LOVE. We were visiting from out of town and were kinda bummed that we didn't get in to Z Cuisine. But Bistro Vendome saved the evening. They were able to seat us within 15 minutes without a reservation on a Saturday. Service was pleasant, decor charming and food definitely above-average. I had a mushroom soup with truffle oil that was amazing. We also had/thoroughly enjoyed the steak tartare, the chicken crepe appetizer and the duck entree. Yum all around and I thought prices were quite reasonable. Only downside for us: a quaint dining space = a small dining space and we did spend an hour and a half trying not to listen to the sob-story of the diner next to us. Small price to pay, though, for an overall good experience.
(4)Brandon Y.
Excellent food. It is too cramped and loud, but the food makes it worth it. I had the Croque-Madame and it was great. The rest of the group were very happy with their meals too, and our server was excellent! Will come back.
(4)Arlyn C.
I hate the LoDo area. Hate it hate it hate it, but, no other french restaurant (with good reviews) was open on sunday. We were there to celebrate the big 3-0 & decided to try it out for brunch. It's a quaint cafe nestled in an alley off of Larimer & 15th. Cute parisian decor & small, but intimate setting. Started off with a glass of bubbly & the mussles. Yes! They got the broth right! 4/5 Rich, buttery, onion-y, garlic-y wine broth that you wanted to keep dipping endless loaves of bread in. Triple cream omelette: 4/5 They were out of the dungeness crab topping, so had the mushroom salad instead. Mushrooms were still fresh & prepped accordingly. Eggs were slow cooked to perfection- very creamy & not over done at all. Steak & Oufs: meat was also executed well. Ordered medium rare, and medium rare is what he got. When you can cut with a butter knife, you know that's damn good. Potatoes were delicate & had a great sear to it. 3.5/5 Service was a delight & will definitely come back, even though I do not fancy the area. Oh yah- price is a plus. Totally fair for the quality & quantity.
(4)Shane L.
What an unbelievable experience. My wife and I wanted to try out something new in the theater district and figured, why not? We had reservations for 9:00 and when we arrived at 8:50, we were told it would be a wait. We went to their bar and waited for 30 minutes before another couple came in and sat down next to us. The manager of the restaurant knew the couple and made sure to greet them and apologize for the wait. Meanwhile we were ignored. After about 10 more minutes the manager came back and grabbed the couple he knew and brought them to a table. After another 10 minutes the hostess finally grabbed us and gave us a table. We had mussels for and appetizer and they were very tasty. Our table was sitting next to a temporary screen that his the register from the diners. Throughout our meal we could hear the waitstaff complaining about the patrons all night long. My wife ordered steak, which came out purple in the middle, and wasn't even a good cut of steak! I got the rabbit leg. It was extremely greasy and had no flavor whatsoever. I am never going back and I'm telling all my friends not to.
(2)Lea C.
Awww, Bistro Vendome I will heart you forever. Once upon a time I dated a scumbag in Denver, and thus spent a ton of time there. I will always love Denver. What a beautiful place. This place was my fav restaurant, and we spent so many nights here I'm surprised they didn't know us by name. First, the location is amazing. Who doesn't love Lodo, especially at night? Inside makes me feel like I'm back in Paris. Outside in the courtyard, it's always beautiful like an English garden. Regardless, it's super romantic. I've been here mostly for dinner, but once for brunch. And I gotta tell you, I always ordered the same thing: moules-frites. The mussels were always excellent: big and juicy. The broth was perfectly seasoned and I invariably drank it like soup. The frites are the best thing on the menu and the best I have ever had, anywhere in the world, period. They are finished with gastrique and herbs and are so crunchy, salty, sticky, sweet that it makes me want to cry just thinking about how phenomenal they taste. Seriously. The macaroni and cheese is also delicious. The French soda, especially the almond flavor, is a treat. Like a marzipan dessert in a glass. They used to do an amazing dessert: a napoleon of lemon cream, blueberries, and phyllo layers. It was absolutely out-of-this-world scrumptious. They also have a great wine list. We took many a delicious, half-full bottle of wine home from dinner here. And the best part is that everything on the menu is pretty cheap. So you can have an amazing French dinner here and not break the bank. I'm hoping that this place never closes because I want it to be there the next time I visit, and who knows when that will be. If you live in the Denver metro, I am jealous, and what are you waiting for??? GO!
(5)Craig S.
Went to Bistro Vendome with my fiancee. We sat outside. It was a nice fenced in patio with a large tree covered with lights. Great late summer dinning weather. The wait staff is incredibly friendly and professional. We ordered bubbly, and the soup. Before our French onion soup arrive we were treated to a free (Chefs choice) soup that was spicy and creamy. The complimentary soup and our French onion soup were both delicious. We then both got the Steak Frites. A juicy and tender steak, and sticky-sweet fries which were served, as my fiancee said, like they were in France, standing up in an aluminum cup lined with paper. We both enjoyed our meals, but I was occasionally looking for more on my plate.
(4)Stephanie J.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. I love, love, love it. Location - nestled behind Larimer Square in setting that does make you feel like your are a little closer to France. Decor - ooh la la. Warm colors, fun bar that is cozy and cool. I have not dined outside but in the dining room many times and once w/a group of friendsin the side special room. Romantic for a date or chic and comfy w/a friend. Staff - friendly and knowledgable w/out being on top of you. Food - Delish! IItems I recommend: bibb leaf salad, steak frites (either the Au Poivre or Classique - the bernaise sauce is yummy). The frites have a drizzle of honey or some sort of light sugar on top. It is just a hint and they are addicting. I love them. J'dore. Their mussels are yummy and classic, Chicken dish is divine and brunch items are so wonderful - Croque Monsieur, Almond french toast and some hangover drinks that are WORTHY! And yes Croissants for Brunchtime and drink is enough. They have me every time w/crunchy french bread and beure. Bistro Vendome is a must on your list for special nights out, a brunch with friend or sweet aunt and always perfect time.
(5)Cecilia L.
5 stars for the patio ambiance, 0 stars for the food. Since food is what I'm really interested in, it somehow averages to 1 star in my mind. Perhaps the nights that I dined there were just off nights for the restaurant? After reading all the FAB reviews, I was super super excited to try the place. I've spent a lot of time in France, so maybe my standards were also too high? I'm not sure what the problem was, but the food was very very subpar. I think that my expectations were too high after reading other yelpers rave endlessly about this place. 1) Pommes Frites - interesting spices and vinaigrette. The fries themselves were terrible. I could have gotten fresher fries at Arby's. Everyone knows that fries are only good when they're FRESH out of the oil; the ones that I got tasted like they had been made about 2 hours ago, and since then, had been sitting under a heat lamp waiting for the next unlucky customer (i.e ME) to order them. OLD FRIES are not yummy at all, no matter how fancy they're dressed up to be with vinaigrette. 2) steak tartare. Another dish that I had high expectations for, since a few other yelpers have mentioned it. Nowhere on the menu does it say that the tartare is cooked!! Steak tartare is normally served rawed, and if it is cooked it's called tartare poêle. Even then, it's only lightly cooked on the outside, with the inside being raw. The tartare that I was served was a bit too cooked to be classified as "tartare" in my book, which also allowed the chefs to get away with using a lower grade of meat!! Raw tartare literally melts in your mouth. This tartare, well, it was a bit more chewy. 3) cotelettes de veau. The breaded veal was overcooked and alas, chewy. Chewy food seems to have been the theme of the night. 4) sorbet. Ah, sorbet. I thought that sorbet was pretty impossible to mess up, since it comes straight out of a tub in the freezer, right?? Well, I was dead wrong on this one. My sorbet had the worst kind of freezer burn on it, which totally changed the texture. It had these ice crystals which mean the sorbet crunchy. Yes, crunch. To be fair, I'm not sure if it was freezer burn or if the sorbet had been slightly melted and then refrozen, hence leaving the ice crystals. For the benefit of the restaurant, I'd like to say that it was freezer burn. The latter scenario (unfrozen and then refrozen) is truly unsanitary because it can lead to uncleanly bacteria festering in the food while it was melted. Oh dear, how could the food have been THIS POOR on nights that I visited Bistro Vendome?? I didn't try my dinner companion's food, but after the disappointment with my own food, I wasn't interested in much else.
(1)Spike E.
We had a reservation here on Monday night for a little birthday celebration. They were a bit understaffed but the bar service was stellar despite being slammed. she had great recommendations! i had a YUMMY magellan gin/st germaine/white bordeaux martini. i would go back for that alone. we waited for a table on the patio... really beautiful and the ambience was perfect. we were really excited to get some oysters, but they were already out. =( All food was good, but we got a little carried away so that my trout entree was an afterthought by the time it arrived. we tried mussels, escargot, and duck rillette. rillette was by far my fav. it is a must try! i will definitely be going back!
(4)Sherri K.
Rich French Goodness. We had the mussels to start and paired with the warm French bread which was served promptly with the water when we were seated, it was a terrific start to a great meal. The mussels were in a garlic, buttery saucebowl and super tasty. We ordered the Vegetarian Assiette, which was the flakiest (in a good way) pastry served with an assortment of vegetables, including asparagus and tomatoes; and heavy on the garlic. There was melty cheese within the pastry, but only a small hint; not over-cheesed. We also had the Scallops which were served over a potato and carrot stack with the most succulent spinach sandwiched between the vegetable bottom and the scallop top. More buttery, garlic goodness. Note: the presentation was beautiful. The location is prime, and the atmosphere is very mature yet not stuffy. The service was good, not over-solicitous, but available. The prices were very reasonable for the amount of food and quality of restaurant. They even had a $5 house wine. Granted, it was Le coq rouge, but ...I mean...come on! It was a top choice for my pre-valentine/ anti valentine dinner. The only downside was the bar area. TOO SMALL. If you are meeting more than 3 friends, go downstairs to LIME. I liked the indoor/ outdoor seating arrangement, but when it's winter, and you can't sit outside, don't be fooled into thinking this is a good place to grab a drink.
(4)Jeremy K.
Bistro Vendome's "Pommes Frites" were listed as one of the top 100 must eats in Denver, so I gave it a shot: Rating: 6.5 (out of 10) Price: $4 The Skinny: About mid-way through dinner, I look around and try to determine if I like the fact that I'm seated outside of the restaurant, in a glorified hallway. On one hand, it feels kinda like I'm outside a café, with chit-chat all around, and fake trees to make the scene. On the other hand, I'm in a goddamn hallway - with windows next to me of a dark, closed dress store. I decide to make the most of it and order a small feast for the table, the highly acclaimed Pommes Frites as piece de resistance. 6.5 is where I'd put them. Better than good, but not quite great. I don't know what this odd trend is of putting sugar on French fries, but Vendome and TAG better cut it the hell out. On top of the crispy, herb-seasoned fries was a sugary sweet syrup. It deflated the crunch out of the fry and stuck to my hands after every bite. Taste-wise, it was fine at first, but got tiresome towards the end - the novelty of the sweet flavor wearing out its welcome. In general, I did really enjoy the herbs de provence, and thought the crust on the fry was great before it was done in by the hummingbird nectar. **My rating of the restaurant is based on the overall food we got that night. None of it was any good, and the escargot, a french staple, was downright bad. I've got a picture of the fries on the blog in my profile jko
(2)Tessa M.
We went on a Sunday night which was perfect for us with 3 kids. The staff was so friendly and accommodating with everything. As far as the meal. They first brought us a tomato bisque that was amazing. The cheese plate was great. The foie gras was ok and I have never tried it before. My husband has and said it was ok also. I had the trout and it was probably the best of the three dinners we ordered. The desserts were to die for. Also they fries were amazing.
(4)Petros H.
Not the best Bistro in the world but the best i could find in Denver... Been there about a dozen times from 2006-09. Food, ambiance, service, wines, prices, all up to par... I will definitely go back next time I am in Denver.
(4)Tony S.
My dining experience at Bistro Vendome was TOP NOTCH from start to finish. What more can I say? This place is wonderful!!
(5)Juan V.
Had the Saturday morning brunch. Well prepared and service impeccable. Food: Charcuterie and Galette de Confit de Canard Charcuterie - Pate was light and had a mild flavor compared to others I've had. Pork Belly was absolutely amazing - I love "sticky" fat Bresaola - Not my favorite but worked well with the macerated figs it was better. Staff: Extremely competent and was excited to see staff that cared about the simple things like noticing I needed more flatware. Will go back again for full menu.
(4)Young D.
The food last night was fine. I had the escargot, Classic Steak and Frites with the Bernaise, which was good. The fries were unexpected, but we ate them all. My eating partner, a vegetarian, ordered the Vegetarian dish and really enjoyed it. The bread was good. The amuse bouche sent out from the kitchen was a cold tomato soup which was probably the best soup I've ever had - really extraordinary. Why 3 stars? Our waitress was visibly wasted. Not just a little drunk, but slurring her words, tripping over her feet drunk. Because I was with a vegetarian and we are always wary of portion sizes with that, we ordered a salad. Never came - we weren't charged for it, but I'm assuming it just went in one ear and out the other. Granted, we were one of the last tables seated on a Friday night, but come on. Your restaurant closes at midnight and bars are open til 2. Can't you wait to get wasted until you're done serving people their food?
(3)Ryan S.
It's in the best location in Denver... Brilliant appetizers... Large, extensive contemporary french menu... Nice wine selection.... Excellent service.... Private room available... Easy drunk walk back to conference hotels... Thank God for corporate wining and dining. How else could we live like this?
(5)Brittany B.
My last meal on Earth, hands down. You MUST try the frites, they are to die for. Every time I make it to Denver I come here just for these. I have contemplated taking a weekend trip just to remind my buds what they are missing. The warm bread that comes in a paper bag with mussels, Délicieux! I first came here with my Aunt and Uncle in 2005 and fell in LOVE. The place is adorable, servers are the friendliest. Everything about this place is perfect. Located at 15th and Larimer, a cute little Parisian decorated gold mine! The ambiance, food, wine, location and gorgeous staff. 5 STARS, GO NOW!!
(5)Amanda B.
My favorite restaurant right now, romantic patio and cheese/meat/wine pairings that make me want to come here everyday. Darling bar, good brunch.... yum.
(5)Sunana B.
Admittedly, when it comes to restaurants in Denver, I suffer from a wandering eye, flipping through them for something that sparkles and tempts, something unexpected that catches my eye. This has never happened with Bistro Vendome. While many chefs seem content mostly recycling recipes from the latest food channel trend, Bistro Vendome does not dance the latest culinary cha cha cha. The latest gastronomical craze would never sully the unpredictable world of BV. In a very unassuming yet tempting nook of Larimer Square, Bistro Vendome projects the most romantic setting with small tables lovers can nestle together at, even on the same side, without feeling awkward. The wait staff is quite kind, thoughtful and hospitable without being over-bearing or always around. Their cooking embodies the imaginative possibilities of the best old world french recipes I have ever eaten, and I swoon over so many of the tasty treats they conjure up. There was a moment, such as the surprise of a delightful amuse-bouche of roasted red pepper soup that was like a steamy little kiss of dreamy creamy goodness providing a comforting, warm start to dining on a chilly night. The mussels appetizer were glistening in their sexy saltiness of preposterous possibility, with tender flesh cooked in the garlicy savoryness, equal parts musky and sweet. We sopped up the beautiful juices with warm fresh baguette served in a scandalous paper bag. Their pomme frites are cut with precision, deliciously thin, crispy on the outside and soft and steamy on the inside. Then there was another moment when my paramour had the filet mignon, which was a house special. It was seasoned and cooked flawlessly, topped with a fragrant truffle sauce that was steeped in subtleties that were uncannily unique, clever and delicious. Then there was a third moment when my very own herbed chicken was beautifully crisp on the outside and deliciously moist on the inside, seasoned superbly, paired with a cauliflower gratin that was light and fluffy. These moments stack on top of one another in my memory like a woman's pink-flounced pillows. Another red hot glowing feature of Bistro Vendome is their willingness to allow the unequaled luxury of uninterrupted time. Time for the long and languorous running sentences of seduction and sensuality, while savoring perfectly prepared food such as their sultry crème brulee as we curled closer and closer together resembling quotation marks to the casual observer. They don't rush you out of there as soon as they've cleared your dinner plates. It's difficult to marshal some response as to why this place is so special, but it's likely something about the importance of journeys and destinations, the totality of the experience and not its end, even if that end is punctuated by the siren song of the last glass of Sirene Margaux and a delicate lychee sorbet you will continue to lust over for weeks. The artfulness of Bistro Vendome awakens a ray of sunshine slumbering way down deep in our memories of how food should taste, giving one pause, a slight inward hush of my breath, and every dining experience I have ever had there touches me on the inside from nip to tip, top to bottom and all the naughty crevices in between.
(5)Ron B.
We went there for dinner on Christmas Eve. The staff was friendly and courteous. The food had good flavor and consistency. The waitress knew everything about the menu and the appropriate wines. The beer selection is very good and has some less common options as well. We paid about $150 incl tip and while high end restaurants provide a nicer atmosphere I do not think that it had to be quite that much. I go to plenty of places in Boulder and Denver and we have (almost) the same quality and flavorful meal for half the price. Nevertheless it is a very nice place and location and we will go there again for a special occasion. If you come with a group of four or more I would call ahead of time. The restaurant is rather small and they do work with a reservation system, coming spontaneously with a group might not be possible.
(4)Al C.
I visited here recently with a colleague. It was worth every. single. bite. The asparagus bisque was amazing. The onion soup was the "worst" part as it was just above average. The Roulade de Porc was perfect as was the polenta. The ice cream was flight was perfect -- particularly the watermelon sorbet. I'd go again in a heartbeat.
(5)Tristan S.
Very good food! Service was great as well. I would recommend and will done there again.
(5)Em W.
This is a nice, little French restaurant. It's a great place for a date night and the service has always been great. I have aways been very happy with the different dishes I have tried.
(4)Elton W.
I think this place was okay, but nothing special. The French Onion soup appetizer was good, and the crunchy French bread served was excellent. The amuse bouche was good as well, a little cup of something with curry in it. The real letdown was the entree, I ordered the Steak Frites, which was not a great cut of meat, and the flavor wasn't very good. Underwhelmed is a good word to use for Bistro Vendome.
(3)Liezl R.
I love that this place is not directly on Larimer and makes for an intimate setting. I sat on the patio and it was quiet and relaxing. The food was very tasteful. I recommend the mussel appetizer, it's enough for 2 people. I also enjoyed a Paris 44 for a refreshing cocktail.
(4)William B.
The previous reviews cover the menu accurately. The food is not quite perfect enough for the price for this to be a true prize, but it is downtown Denver and I am not sure there is any place that will make you happier. I wrote to note that, at the moment at least, on Monday nights there is a special on wine-- 10 different (reasonably interesting) bottles are each on sale for only $20. That pushed this place over the edge to four stars.
(4)Jennifer M.
Cheaper than a trip to Par-ree! Went to BV on New Year's Eve and had a splendid meal. Started with a warm honey/apple cocktail that was so good I had to get another. Hubs and I shared the Provencal platter appetizer, which was a funhouse of yummy little things, like cheeses, meats, homemade mustards, marinated mushrooms, etc. Perfect with the warm baguette they give you in a cute paper bag. I was very pleased to see a vegetarian risotto on the menu - most risottos are made with chicken stock and off limits. And most vegetarian plates at restaurants are the sloppy seconds from the "real meals." Not at Vendome - they clearly took great care to provide a thoughtful meatless meal. The risotto had butternut squash, parsnips, apples. It was divine. The hubs loved his steak frites - even with sugar on the fries. Dessert was perfect - a little chocolate tart with salty caramel. What's not to love?
(5)Alex R.
Went here with my boyfriend for Valentine's Day and it was the perfect choice! The environment was romantic with dimly lit candles and great decor. We decided to order off the regular menu and had the Foie Gras Saisi for our appetizer. It was the first time either of us had tried it and it was delicious. It came with lightly fried mushrooms and a sweet sauce. For the entree, I had the Steak Frites port reduction and my boyfriend got the duck. Both were really good, my steak was very tender and the bleu cheese was great. The waiter was very kind and stopped by to see how we were doing without overdoing it. I would definitely come here again and recommend it for a romantic night out.
(5)Andrew O.
Perhaps I'm holding this restaurant against my favorite French restaurant in L.A. (Figaro Bistrot), which is unfair, but I was pretty underwhelmed with this spot. We sat on the patio for brunch and the first thing that struck me was the classic rock they were playing over the sound system. The little downtown Denver courtyard isn't the most French place, but you throw some Aerosmith over the ambiance and it's REALLY not French. I don't need the waiter to wear a beret and curly mustache, but a little mood music wouldn't hurt the atmosphere. I had the crepes fromage blanc, and I know the white cheese was infused with real vanilla bean because there was a large chunk of inedible vanilla bean pod in one crepe. So, point for authenticity there if not execution. I also ordered the plate of mini French pastries, and while they were tasty, in their sweet, buttery way, they reminded me a little too much of a fruit pastry you might buy at King Soopers. That sounds like a jerky thing to say but it's true. I'm not saying they weren't good, though. I would probably try this restaurant again; perhaps the music was just different that day, and I'd like to try some other menu items.
(3)Tim M.
Classy. We went here before the symphony & sat at the bar. The bartender was really busy yet provided us with great service. Everything we had was amazing: charcuterie, cheese plate, steak frites, scallops. The ramps on the scallop dish were perfect, it is details like this when done to perfection elevate the experience for me. true professionals. Will definitely return.
(4)Michelle S.
French Fries. By far the absolute BEST ones I've ever had. Whatever it is that coats these glorious morsels of french fry is amazing. I could go here and eat them and drink a glass of wine and be a happy girl. But seriously, I've been wanting to try this place for a long time and tonight was the night! I met my friend down there for dinner while she was on a dinner break from work. We sat at the bar and the bartender was great, brought us out a little tasting cup of this apple, spiced pear, cinnamon, chai deliciousness soup that I wanted to bathe in. Seriously. It was heavenly and I want more now that I'm sitting on my couch at home freezing. We had the cheese and wine tasting to share plus the mussels and french fries and the salad with the beets. Everything was SO good, I'm actually drooling just a little bit when thinking of it. I could probably do with a little more food now but at the time when we finished I was stuffed. The cheese and wine pairings were really good-I'm not a fan of stinky cheeses AT ALL but I was a trooper and tried all three that they were serving tonight and they were all superb. Wine was good, just the right amount to share on a night when drinking isn't really on call but wine sounds good. The salad was SO good, the fact that I'm obsessed with beets might have something to do with it :) But seriously there was even fennel in the salad and I don't like fennel but I ate it and couldn't even taste it. Delicious! Plus they were roasted yellow beets and those are my absolute favorite. Muscles were really good as well, the french fries were the perfect combo for them and the crispy french bread to dip in the sauce was awesome. I need to go back and try some more off the menu and shovel some more deliciousness into my mouth. Can't wait!
(5)Banafsheh P.
This little place will blow you away...their little court yard area in the back is fantastic for a Sunday brunch! Their 'Specials Du Jour' are fab. deals too! i am a huge fan of mussels... and here is the treat of the week: SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHTS Mussels & Frites $9 Fischer Amber Ale $3
(4)Jamie L.
I love the feeling of sitting at a bistro on windswept, busy Parisian boulevards. Bistro Vendome is the closest I'll get in Denver. The outdoor setting is a little courtyard, partially walled-in, quieter and more isolated than the original, but still a nice way to spend a morning lingering over brunch. Whether it's satisfying our sweet tooth with the Pain Purdue, savoring their savory smoked salmon benedict, nibbling on an iconic Croque Madame, or sampling their Crepe du Jour, Vendome has not disappointed. Feeling more Lunch-y? Their Onion Soup, naturally, is fabulous. It's a sentimental fave of mine, and they do it justice. Mussels, Salads, and even a Burger round out the offerings. The service is very Parisian as well, attentive but not overbearing, definitely peddling their wines and drinks, and helpful with suggestions, too. Bistro Vendome is a great escape from the busy, everyday hustle, with good eats upon which to feast while doing so.
(4)Jacyn M.
The meal was incredible. The wait staff very attentive. The only downside was the tables are tightly arranged and it feels crowded.
(4)Gena L.
I had an out of town visitor recently that I was trying to beguile with the many charms of Denver. Taking in consideration the beautiful late summer weather, I chose to take him to Bistro Vendome and have brunch on their gorgeous patio. I ordered the Brie et le Poireaux Braisés Omelette, which was absolutely delicious. It had a well made, tender omelet with a generous amount of leeks and goat cheese and a side of perfectly seared pork belly. My date had the Galette de Confit de Canard, which was kind of like a duck hash on a hash brown cake and it also was delicious! We both had the french press coffees and kir royales to finish. I think my plan must have worked, as he left Denver quite enchanted!
(5)Elischa S.
I absolutely love French food. This place is perfect for your palate and your wallet. Which is always a good thing. We went here for my birthday, and it didn't disappoint the birthday girl. The frites are delicious. They have a bit of a sweet taste to them, but the more you eat them, the more you want to shovel handfuls into your face. We had the mussels, which were perfectly garlicy, and tender. We both ordered the crepe of the day, and it was an actual crepe. Thin and light and delicate. They served me a complimentary dessert for my birthday, and it was a pistachio souffle. Loved it!! We were there during brunch, and we sat out on the patio. It was like being whisked to Paris. Great place, can't wait to go back.
(5)Christine L.
Ok, still 3 stars, but what happened to the Blueberry Napoleon?!? I was utterly disappointed this time. The blueberry was overpowering and the lemon flavor was pretty much lost. None of it tasted right! Well onto the other dishes... the mussels are solid and we completely cleaned up the juices with bread. The tomato salad was interesting because of the curry in the vinaigrette-- they don't advertise the curry so be warned if you're not a fan. The duck rillette was nothing special, just your typical pate.
(3)Mardi T.
Best Brunch Ever!! Great service, Great food, large portions - can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Erica A.
We decided to eat here at the last minute There were no tables available. So, they sat us at the cheifs bar area (whatever you want to call it). It was a very busy night and we were pressed on time due to theater tickets. We asked our waiter for his suggestions based on our time constraints. We ordered the lamb and ravioli and one other item I can't remember. The food was amazing and we didn't feel rushed. The restaurant manager came by and helped us pick a couple of wines to go with our dinner. Our experience was amazing.
(5)Inez R.
We enjoyed fabulous service and delicious food when we dined at this lovely french bistro for our 10th wedding anniversary. The warm, crusty bread was delicious and immediately delivered to the table. The escargot in butter sauce was mouth-watering and my duck was done perfectly. My husband's gnocchi was tender and flavorful. The service was exceptional with the chef delivering a special chocolate tart to our table in celebration of our anniversary. We have dined at Bistro Vendome many times in the past few years and have always had a consistent, fabulous experience. I highly recommend this gem.
(5)Casey S.
Wonderful place for French Food. The atmosphere is very intimate and quiet. The patio in the summer is some of the best outdoor dining in the city. Service is impeccable here and you have a plethora of choices of delicious things to choose from. The bartender is one of Bistro's hidden gems, they are very adept in making a killer Manhattan! Great for dates and groups!
(5)Krisztina F.
If you are looking for fine french dining, Bistro Vendome is not the place to go. This is really what it is: "A bistro is a small restaurant serving moderately priced simple meals in a modest setting. Bistros are defined mostly by the foods they serve. Slow-cooked foods like braised meats are typical. Bistro patrons do not necessarily expect professional service or printed menus," (Stolen from wikipedia) Well then, this will be just the place for you. Now, you must further consider that you are dining in Denver, Colorado...and not in Paris, so temper your expectations accordingly. For those of you who have been to Paris, you'll be amazed that Bistro Vendome has recreated the amazing atmosphere genesis that allows you to dine in packed dining rooms, but feel as if you are still in an intimate setting with your other guests. The food is quite tasty...for $10 we had a delicious mounding bowl of buttery mussels. The escargot was served in the french style with a little twist of individual puff pastries over each little bowl of flavorful snail. The various entrees of the evening were all tasty, two of us choosing scallops and one choosing veal. The dessert list was adequate, and we selected the blueberry lavender napoleon...freshly rapturous. Not your best choice if your favorite dessert is molten chocolate cake, this is more light, airy, and fruity in the European manner. The only negatives were the bread (sourdough, a bit doughy) when I was hoping for a true baguette. I believe I may be the only person on the planet who really doesn't like sourdough. It's a very busy restaurant, so if you're going on Friday or Saturday make certain you make reservations. To top our evening off, our service was attentive and unobtrusive. I'm loath to give yet another 4-star since that's all I've been giving lately...but it really was a wonderful dining experience. Bon Apetit!
(4)Jon H.
First visit for Sunday birthday brunch for 87 year old sweetie on their cozy patio. Overall, the food was uninspired, the service spotty and the prices in relation to the quality of the food were shocking. I had the french onion soup and a salad. The soup lacked that deep richness and the salad was boring. Croque Madame for my friend. It was dry and tasteless. The french fries with the sugar were horrible. Our group of seven left with little good to say. This place was a huge disappointment.
(2)Julie C.
The meal was okay, but not great. We enjoyed the chicken crepe, but the rabbit was dry and tough and the risotto was inedible. Our server was nice enough to offer a free beer for the icky risotto. I really liked the atmosphere and decor, and didn't hate the place, but wouldn't go back. There are lots of better places at a similar price point in that area, that I would go to instead.
(3)Dave M.
Location: This place is tucked away in a little nook in downtown Denver that you would never really spot if you didn't know where you are going. The outer design is awesome with a great little patio area and a lower level area outside as well. Inside the tables are spaced fairly well leaving plenty of room and allowing for a good quiet meal without any interruptions from the other customers around you. Food: The food here was exactly what you would expect for the price. Every aspect of each dish is specifically tailored to tease your pallet. From slight hints of mint, to subtle tickles of honey, this place knows how to make your taste buds dance. The Poulet Roti Aux Herbs was juicy and perfectly darkened. The desserts are another thing to definitely take a stab at. The Chocolate Velvet Tart was just right without being overbearing. Presentation: You couldnt ask for much more when it comes to the food prep and design in this place. It sits right up there with Rioja as far as deserving a standing ovation to the chefs. They do an outstanding job of putting together each dish and making it look unique. Service: The service was OK. I couldnt say that it was anything really special due to finding myself looking for the waiter from time to time for drink refills, and this was on a slower evening.... But when available the waiter was helpful and polite. Atmosphere: The atmosphere was fairly mellow. You could definitely have a relaxed conversation without any real issue. If there was music present, i didnt even notice. The lighting and decor definitely give it an old yet bright french quarter feel. My Final Opinion: Overall, I really enjoyed this place. It has great quality food and presentation. The quiet atmosphere was good for a change of pace considering the usual hussle and bussle of downtown Denver (please keep in mind we were there a little later than usual, somewhere around 8:30pm or later). The outside is absolutely amazing and would be well worth a stop during lunch or an early dinner. I'd say if you are interest in French food in Denver, this is a great start!
(4)JJ N.
A wonderful little restaurant nestled in Larimer Square. You might feel as if you went back in time sitting in their dinning room. I had the mussels to start which were fantastic and ended up having the special which was a salmon dish on mash with asparagus. Everything was delicious including the wine list. I will be back!!!
(4)Rick K.
Chapeau! Gran Magnifique! Bistro Vendome deserves 4 stars (come to think of it, I think considering the price and the quality of the dishes, it really is a 5 star place). This is a really good bistro at a very reasonable price. The meats are so well marinated and the starches so flavourful with the right spices. I think the chef has it right. I thought the atmosphere would be quite casual, but as I sat down I noticed most people were professionals (meaning no one wore anything resembling a t-shirt and shorts). The Escargot appetizer was delicious and the lamb was so good. I personally thought the pork chops, though very well grilled and well seasoned, was a wee bit dry. I'd opt for other entrees. The decor wasn't exactly top top of the line, but it's definetely what you call a white table cloth joint. Service was charming and always ask for the chocolate torte at the very end. Yeah...
(4)Nicole Rynee B.
This review could literally and figuratively begin and end with one very simple word . . . CHARCUTERIE There, I said it. But you know what, I can't just leave it at that ... I dined here this past Monday for a raucous and fun business dinner. I didn't know quite what to expect as my experience with Denver is quite limited - alright, pretty much non-existent. I believe we took over the entire restaurant - it's a very quaint and cozy feel, intimate on a normal night. This night it was loud and bustling, gregarious and rambunctious. Just the way I like my business dinners. We had a set menu to select from which was outstanding. Here's a little 'taste' of my night ... Charcuterie The most delectable sampling of fine meats was brought to my setting on a thick wood chopping block. Can you bring a few more, please?!... YUMMMMMMMMM! Hard salami, pate, prosciutto, green and black herb olives served with a uber spicy mustard and a garlic cream cheese ... SOO GOOD! This could have been my meal. Salade Campagnarde Seasonal greens, redskin potatoes, bacon, fried egg, mushroom duxelle, white truffle oil and Dijon vinaigrette. This wasn't my fave - my fried egg was a little runny. I know it's very French, but I don't need a fried egg on my salad. But I will take more bacon! ;) Steak Frites Au Poivre with green peppercorn sauce. Comes sliced and displayed so elegantly on the plate with a tower of the most unusual frites. They tasted as though there was a sugar glaze on top. At first this is shocking, but add a few (okay maybe more than a few, I'm a salt fiend) shakes of Salt and they grew on you. Tasty. The steak was prepared perfectly - and may I suggest having the green peppercorn sauce on the side - perfect for dipping your steak bites. As I saw some coworkers plates, it otherwise it seemed to drown the flavor of the meat. Crème Brûlée and Dark Chocolate, Orange Scented Bavarian A plate served with mini cups each of the classic vanilla Brulee and the decadent dense pudding. Chocolate curls? Port reduction? Oh god. Heaven. Take a taste. Order the Charcuterie. ;)
(4)Roxy B.
Wanting a cute 'romantic' brunch setting in the Downtown Denver area, I turned to yelp to help me select a place since I've never been to the Downtown area, and this place indeed was a great pick! I highly recommend setting up a reservation online because even with our reservation we still had to wait 20 minutes, and overheard walk-ins having to wait 45 minutes to an hour! I have to say this was also the weekend after Christmas and a Sunday afternoon so that may factor in a wait. We waited at the bar and had a mimosa and enjoyed the atmosphere. The bartender was attentive and made sure our 20 minute wait feel like a breeze. The pomme frites were superb I must say, and my ham and cheese sandwich was more than enough food! My boyfriend got the bistro burger which was great as well. Our waitress was knowledgeable and gave us great customer service. We were helped by other waiters as well which made feel like they really do take the time to do customer service right- as a team. Whenever we are in Denver again, we want to try this place for dinner. Amazing job, Bistro Vendome, you did not disappoint.
(5)Susan Z.
Sat at bar. Great bartender who knows her wines. Beet salad is a must. Frites and mussels were great. Closest I have felt to Paris since last we were last there in September.
(5)Steven M.
This is a fantastic place to get great French cuisine. I won't repeat what has already been said, but great service, quality food prepared wonderfully, awesome wine selection and a cool vibe. Highly recommended!
(4)Candace H.
Absolutely love this place! On tuesday I had a birthday dinner at Bistro Vendome and it was lovely. First, we were sat in the private dining area at no cost because we had a party of 10. The server was really friendly, attentive (but not overly so in the annoying way). Because it was my birthday she provided us with champagne for a toast. I was able to bring in a cake and she took care of everything, presenting the cake, cutting it for everyone etc... One time I mentioned that I wanted some of their delicious french fries and she brought me some free of charge. The food was awesome, I had the duck confit and it was perfectly cooked. Also, had bites of my friends dishes which were also divine. I am coming back here again for sure. if I ever remember my servers name I most def will talk to the manager about getting her a raise!
(5)Bill V.
Unbelievable atmosphere. Wonderful service. The only reason it's not five stars is the over use of salt. wow. Other than that, every dish was a hand-crafted masterpiece. Location was perfect and the bar was friendly.
(4)Steven H.
After dining here, I absolutely felt the need to echo everyone else's thought about this restaurant. Atmosphere is cosy, off of the bustling Larimer square. And the food is extraordinary for its price. I had the chicken crepe and the prosciutto wrapped rabbit loin and confit. Absolutely stunning. Food was seasoned perfectly, olives in the chicken crepe gave the whole dish a nice lift, and the tarragon mustard sauce for the rabbit was unbelievable, coupled with the presentation which was brilliant. It was one of those meals you wished it never ended. My server, Christine, was very efficient and friendly. Overall, one of my best dining experiences. Hence, the need to rate something on Yelp for the first time. I will definitely come back if I ever stop by Denver again.
(5)Jennifer A.
Looking forward to trying the brunch here. Our crepe starter was great, but the trout was only okay. The sous vide pork was tasty but a bit too chewy. Will come back but wont make this a go-to destination for dinner when TAG is across the street.
(3)Susan E.
One of my favorite stand-byes in Denver. Favorite dish is the encrusted trout which has been on the menu for years with a few variations. Great outdoor patio spot, quant bar and good wine selection. I don't have any complaints. For a nice restaurant, it's not too pricey. Don't forget to try the fries ... very good and great dipping sauce.
(4)Tom S.
Bistro Vendome is a very good re-creation of a bistro one might find in the 16th Arrondissement in Paris. The atmosphere is casual and the outdoor seating is inviting. It struck me that Bistro Vendome was about the food, and not the "scene." We had a reservation and were told when we arrived that we could sit outside, but there would be a 45 minute wait. We opted to sit by a window with a nice view of the patio. The room was arranged well, allowing patrons to see all of it. (I don't like restaurants where you sit facing a wall in a corner and end up feel clautrophobic.) Only downside to the space was that it was too warm. The service was excellent. our waiter knew the menu and was able to make good recommendations. The food was very good. I had the pork chop. Very flavorful and tender. A bit overcooked for me, but still moist. I really like the leeks and the potatoes gratin that wen with the pork Both accentuated the aromatic flavors in the meat very well. Kris had the tomato salad -- large ripe heirloom tomatoes with cheese and just enough olive oil and balsamic vinegar to complement the sweetness of the tomatoes. She also had the quiche, which was ordinary. The waiter suggested wines for us and they were just right. The creme brulee was delicious. The biggest "con" at Bistro Vendome was the price tag. $100 bucks for that meal seems very steep. It was all good, but there are better meals to be had in town for half the price (and cheaper parking). ).
(4)Max S.
Superb. The mussels are the best I have had in Denver. The chicken, lamb, and steak are also great. Also, they have a pre theatre dinner for about $30, you get soup or salad; steak, chicken or veggies, and a desert. Not too bad. The only problem I have is that the wines are all very expensive.
(4)cali m.
Cozy, charming bar with top notch cocktails. Didn't have time to eat here, but would absolutely return for a meal.
(5)Susan S.
Everything I had was excellent. I started with the escargot because I love it and this was the best I've ever had and I try to sample them all wherever I go. Next they brought a free sample of their Cream of Asparagus soup with white truffle oil on top. It was superb. I decided to order the soup special because it was a cream of mushroom and I love mushrooms. It was so wonderful and rich. I finished the dinner with the dessert special, made of peaches, and it reminded me of my mother's. I will go back every time I'm in Denver. I can't wait to sample more items!
(5)Call_Me D.
Actually a quiet spot just off of Larimer, has a patio that seriously reminded me of Paris. The food was good, the service laid back. A no-pretense French restaurant in a hip part of town where you can step just off the beaten path and have a great meal for a reasonable (esp for French) price.
(5)Preston D.
I had one of the best meals of my life here this weekend. My boyfriend and I were celebrating our one year anniversary on Saturday night. It was busy, but they got us a table within minutes after ordering a drink at the bar. There was a bit of a service glitch when we first set down. Somehow their was confusion over who was taking our table, so we sat for probably 10 or 15 minutes without seeing our server, tho they did bring water over. Our server, Christina, discovered the error and quickly came over to apologize. We ordered and didn't think much about it--as these things happen from time to time. This is where it gets good: Christina came over and let us know that all our food was on the house that night, which was far far more than we expected. The manager then came over and echoed the same. I was very impressed by this nice gesture, but it didn't stop there. They sent over an incredible half bottle of wine to celebrate our anniversary. Amazing bottle that I hadn't had before. We had the steak tartar for an appetizer. My boyfriend had the duck confit for his main course and I had the lamb. The food was incredible, especially the duck confit which had a great truffle side dish which I think was risotto or something tasty like that. And they kept going with the service. We couldn't decide on a dessert. He wanted the fig tart and I wanted the chocolate dish--so they brought out both and didn't charge us. I then had the best espresso I've had in Denver and my date had an incredible tawny port. Then came the bill. A whopping $30 bucks! They comped way more then just the food and to top it off, brought out a card signed by the staff with a free drink and dessert coupon. Honestly, this was the best service I can remember ever having--and I enthusiastically give the place 5 stars. They made a regular out of me, and all because of a mistake! Bravo, Vendome team, bravo.
(5)sarah o.
This has always been on my list of places I'd like to go, but never get around to. This changed last night, thank goodness! The ambiance is great, the food is really good, and they are open on Mondays! Also their daily specials are worth checking out--including 10 bottles from their wine list for $20 on Mondays. Their food is pretty good--the other review hit the nail on the head with regard to the frites--amazing. We had venison and duck, both were very good. I would come back here for a good meal, would bring my parents here, or my friends visiting town.
(4)Marty D.
Wow, this was a refreshing experience. Dined on a Sunday night and split two entrees at the bar with my wife. Mussels & frites followed by lamb. Dipping the warm baguette into the hot and plentiful mussel 'sauce' was a highlight. I rarely like green pees, but the ones served as a side on the lamb were amazing. It's nice to be served by a great bartender who takes pride in her work. The staff have a nice way about them and appear to have a good common sense combined with a passion for food.
(5)Andrea H.
I went for a bike ride today with my friend, Eddie, and we were in search of a good brunch. We biked over to Larimer Square and discovered this cute little bistro patio packed with people. We decided to check it out and when I walked in it took me right back to my time in France. It was a cafe oasis and hustling with people. We started the meal with a mimosa which is always fun to do. I ordered the Oeufs Benedicte au Saumon which was delicious. It was smoked salmon, poached eggs, capers and a yummy sauce topped on sourdough baguette bread. Loved it! My friend had the hamburger which he enjoyed, however, he did say that it was a little overcooked for his medium rare request. We ended the meal with an espresso creme brulee which was rich and a perfect treat to end our meal. My experience today was just a teaser because I want to come back many times and try their mussels, crepes, trout, and everything else on the menu. Our server, John, took great care of us and was very knowledgeable with the menu items. The atmosphere is a five and the food is right up there too. Thanks Bistro Vendome for letting me start my Sunday right.
(5)Lauren A.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! So much, in fact, that I went to NY and SF, and I found nothing that compares. For the price, you won't find better French cuisine or wine. The service is prompt, but not pushy. The ambiance is romantic and chic, but not stuffy, and is good for groups or couples. The location is central to an amazing downtown Denver experience. The wine is diverse and affordable. The food gets better every time I go. I always bring friends from out of town here, and they are always impressed. Whether you visit for brunch with the family, afternoon mussels and frites with friends, or dinner with your main squeeze, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Aaron S.
We were searching for a place to get Brunch at after a Nuggets game. Luckily we had timed it just right and were able to make it here for weekend brunch. Needless to say we were both pretty hungover after the basketball game. Brunch was the perfect cure though. We both had bloody marys. They were spot on. Having worked in a lot of different bars, I'm very critical of bloody marys. For our meals we ordered the Crepe du jour, the quiche and the waffle. All of which were perfectly executed and absolutely delicious. The Crepe was topped with an amazingly cooked egg, and filled with pork cheek and then drizzled with crispy bacon. I wish I had room for 8 of these, they were that good. The quiche was easily the best I have ever had in my life. Amazing pastry with a great egg filling, pork belly and wild mushrooms. We got the waffle to add a little bit of sweet to the mix and it hit the spot. Nutella whipped cream, dark chocolate and poached pear made this waffle amazing. Overall the service was spot on, food was incredible, drinks were great and the ambiance was very inviting as well. They played perfect breakfast music throughout our meal. Will definitely be coming back here to try dinner sometime.
(5)Shane M.
My girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner here. The food was superb! Hands down the best quiche either of us had ever ordered. My steak au poivre was outstanding with the sweet french fries that accompanied it. Her duck confit was super tender and just as delicious. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because of the service. Our waitress served the group next to us a tasty looking amuse bouche which we were hoping to get as well. After a long wait for our main course our hopes disappeared. I mean come on, if you are going to serve them an amuse bouche right in front of us you should extend the courtesy to us as well. Just sayin... Otherwise, an exceptional meal!
(4)Mack N.
After my night companion Amy's dalliance with the Blue Man Group (she claims it was the same Blue Man 13 times but I ain't swallowing that!) I was allowed to briefly renew my eHarmony membership to even things out. Usually I have a better chance of scoring with a chick in the parking lot of Planned Parenthood than off the dating sites but when Corinne walked in to Bistro Vendome I knew it would be different. On most occasions, the women I meet on eHarmony hold the promise of a good time but when I meet them they turn out to be chronic migraine sufferers who frown on shoplifting and finally admit over coffee to an 11 year old kid with Asberger's Syndrome. Check please! But Corinne was different. We worked our way through delicious morsels of foie gras with sauteed peaches and eating the veal with quail egg was exquisite and almost sexual, like shoving the Dalai Lama off a cliff. The room was charming and after our second bottle of bordeaux (that's wine) we went back to her place and watched stuff that is probably illegal in the Phillipines while breaking several laws still on the books in Georgia and giving each other multiple Tony Danzas. I am strictly monogamous but if Amy ever leaves me, I know right where I am going. Back to Bistro Vendome for the foie gras!!
(5)Nancy A.
OK, I hate giving 5 stars to anything. It just seems like total surrender. But in my humble opinion, Bistro Vendome is the cat's meow. I am totally seduced by the atmosphere of the big palladium windows, the intimate wine bar and the charming treed patio. So French! So magnifique! and right in the middle of Denver! It was an early dinner after a matinee at the DCPA. We sipped white wine as the sun dappled like a Renior painting on our just right table under the branches. We had salads served by a very handsome waiter, who shall remain nameless, but forever etched in our girlish memories. Beet salad, salad nicoise...Oh how lovely. But the fries are the wonder. They are crispy and delicious kissed with champagne and sugar. Not too expensive either. Incredible! Bon Appetite! Denver does do French!
(5)Ed S.
Another wonderful meal and enjoyable dining experience. Bistro Vendôme continues to serve delicious culinary creations and exceptional wine. The staff are friendly and attentive and add to the overall experience. This was my third visit and still plenty of menu choices yet to taste.
(5)Tracy A.
Have been to Bistro Vendome several times. Fantastic fries (but be sure to order 'em plain, unless you like rosemary-ish syrup all over your fries). Though I still prefer the fries at Highland Pacific (3934 W 32nd Ave at Perry St). But I digress. Last year B.V. was off its game, bringing the wrong entrees, etc. This month, they've returned to their former quality. Our food was quite tasty, and it's a beautiful restaurant with good ambience. My one complaint from a recent visit was the service -- All four of us were annoyed by our smarmy waiter, who acted like he was serving tourists in Orlando: "Have we eaten here before?" (Who's "we"?) He read to us, verbatim, from the theater menu. After our entrees arrived, he disappeared for long stretches... definitely shifted a 5-star experience down to a 4.
(4)Neversummer 8.
A quintessential French Bistro! We loved the atmosphere, the sidecars and scotch (Oban), and the steak frites was excellent. We overheard the server promoting the trout and he was spot on, its curry, coriander and cinnamon were subtle and elegant. Next time we go just for a drink, we'll enjoy the muscles in the bar area- also a great atmosphere.
(5)jim m.
Good but not as good as its sister across the street Rioja. WOW the best FRENCH FRIES that I have ever had. I could have had 3 lbs of them and not feel guilty... well at least that night. Spicy and sweet. I ordered my steak medium and is was rare but that God our waitress told me to order it as the steaks looked slightly more rare that usual. Overall much better for a date than at Rioja and it was a perfect way to end our trip in Denver. Kim was our waitress and she was great.
(4)Martha L.
While not comparable to real French bistros, Bistro Vendome was ok. Several aspects indicated its lack of authenticity: 1) The bread was definitely not baguette. There was no crust and it was mushy overall. 2) Their onion soup did not have enough cheese. 3) The potato gratin had chunks of potatoes, soupy. It was not thinly sliced potatoes layered nicely. It was also made with the wrong type of potato. It tasted like the sort used to make mashed potatoes very mushy. 4) Their crepe was not fresh. While the taste was correct, the texture indicated that they had been made earlier and perhaps refrigerated. Crepes ought be freshly made. Since steak tartare is one of my favorite French dishes, I've eaten a lot of tartares in restaurants both in Europe and the United States. Every restaurant have their own recipe. I would have to stay that the steak tartare at Bistro Vendome is soso. They chop the meat a bit too fine for my taste. Authenticity aside, the food was ok. It's not bad. Nothing to rave about. I wouldn't mind going there again.
(3)Stacie S.
Our holiday dinner here was amazing. Multiple courses paired with fantastic wines, greeted with champagne at the door, passed appetizers before we were seated for dinner...and a fantastic atmosphere and beautiful food enjoyed with great people. A truly lovely evening, we will be back!
(5)Aaron T.
A French restaurant that has romantic seating outside. Its tucked away so there's not as much bustle as the patios of resturants on Larimer or 14th st. The inside had seating as well but was quite small.. The food was delicious but the portions were pretty small. The service was fairly good; when my date couldn't a French dish on the menu the staff was very easy going about it and was not pretentious.
(4)Suzanne P.
I would give 5 but 2 people in my party were disappointed with escargot appetizer. I love this place will come back whenever I can. Service was amazing we had a reservation...
(4)David H.
I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoy this place. On both occasions (I live in Mpls), we have sat on the patio for brunch, and both times received outstanding service and food. During our last visit we had the daily crepe, which was of the savory variety and the steak tartar - both of which were great. Our cocktails and wine were also exactly as they should be.
(5)Sandra D.
Divine steak frites with Roquefort. Our waiter Shelby was great. It didn't hurt that we found a decent Bordeaux for a decent price. Count me a fan.
(5)Kyle P.
Stopped here for brunch. Really pleasant atmosphere and service. The frites are fantastic, as is the pain perdu de creme brûlée. The bartender was very accommodating and created specialty drinks for our group. We would love to try the dinner menu sometime and see what the patio looks like at night.
(4)Nicole P.
What a hidden gem for happy hour. They make their own infused liquors. The nice bartender made suggestions of cocktails after we chose our desired liquor. I declined my fancy martini for a simple soda water and lavender lime gin. It was a delightful spritzer! I would love to drink every day out on a porch basking in the sun. We also ordered some happy hour appetizers. The duck confit deviled eggs were amazing. So amazing that we ordered another round of them. This place seemed really classy and I'd love to come back for dinner.
(4)Sandrine H.
We arrived earlier than our reservations, and thought that we could have happy hours. However, they do not serve happy hours on the patio. You have to be at the bar or nothing. That was unfortunate. So we decided to be on the patio anyway and had a few drinks before having dinner. The drink menu is fairly limited and I thought the price of a can of beer was outrageous. As far, as dinner, it was wonderful. We started with the tartare, and I have to say, it was the best I ever had. For dinner, I had the tarte and the flavors and constituency of it was remarkable. The bread they served was wonderful as well (the one they bring in a little paper bag.). My friend had the special with the fish, and again, it was fantastic. As far as service, it was very well done too, except for the reception. After they realized that we were not going to sit at the bar, and ready to sit outside, The hostess made us come back at the reception, only to get the menus (why not just sit us down and bring the menus to us? that I don't know). It is indeed a bit pricey, but all worth it. I will highly recommend.
(4)Eve C.
I don't think this meal could have been improved upon other than perhaps having it with the spouse instead of a work colleague. Setting-fantastic. Food-exceptional. The mussels were plump and luscious in a beautiful sauce. Wine was great and a generous pour by the glass. I had the salmon, which was perfectly seasoned and cooked and served with a delicate chorizo sauce and little curls of slightly charred chorizo, broccolini and onions. Just lovely.
(5)Andy Y.
It's been years since I last dined at this lovely little gem. Our server was attentive and offered nice suggestions for wine pairing. The baguette arrived warm in its paper bag and it was hard not to slather it in the yummy butter. Mussels for an appetizer and Lamb shank for dinner. Both were wonderful! My husband had French onion soup and steak with frites. Yummy! I'm looking forward to going back.
(4)Jen M.
Once again the bistro did not disappoint. Amazing service and food Thank you for your goodness
(5)Stephanie D.
If you have never been to Bistro Vendome you should make it a point to go. Our reservation was for 1:45 and they close at 2pm; we were late and they seated us no problem and were happy to have us. We were there for three hours and they were amazing and attentive the whole time. The food and the ambience is amazing but nothing beats the first class service. Thank you Maryann and Casey for making our experience special. Even got a birthday card from the staff. I mean "who does that?!" It's awesome thanks guys.
(5)Nick B.
The food here is excellent. The service was perfectly slow. LOL. Slow service is good when it comes to French food so we were happy. I heard Starbucks servers were told to mellow down and slack down the pace. They should send them to New Orleans or something.
(3)Steve T.
We had a great dinner here. Mussels & Escargot appetizers were awesome. We had chicken, duck, scallop & vegetarian entrees. Everyone loved. Great atmosphere & great service.
(5)Cliff T.
The best place for a romantic brunch. The food is well priced and the atmosphere is so romantic you might puke... in a good way. The service is great. They're pretty authentic so the people that say the service wasn't good are probably just not familiar with the French's sort-of hands-off approach to dining. They might not come over to you table unless you call them and they won't allow you to ask for ketchup. This is a good thing because the frites are the best EVER!!! I kind of wish they would set up a drive-thru where you could just get a basket of frites to-go. I will admit that the last time I went, the dishes were all lacking a little flavor, as if the cooks had misplaced their salt. I'm not holding it against them for now. I'll see what happens next time.
(4)Jessica L.
This place is so overrated. Yes, it is cute, and French cafe style. But our service was terrible and my food was just ok. The mussel appetizer was quite good but my risotto with shrimp wasn't all that. Prices weren't too bad. There are so many other cool places in Larmier Square, why would anyone go here?
(3)BJ D.
Denver folk are lucky to have this little bistro right in the heart of downtown. Being on the amazing landscaped outdoor patio, you completely lose any sense of being just steps from skyscrapers. The service was nice and the food well done, but in a world of "me-too" atmosphere experiences, this venue (both indoor and out) really captures the feeling of a French bistro. Bustling and intimate. I love the patio. The French classics fill the menu: mussels, steak tartare, cafe hamburgers, steak frites, onion soup, escargots, crepes, nicoise, crepes quiche, fromage, scallops St. Jacques, lamb, herb-roasted chicken. etc. You can't go wrong with any of it. This place is from the same people who have Rioja across the street in Larimer Square, but this is a more casual and less expensive alternative. Did I mention that I love the lovely landscaped patio? :-)
(4)Justin W.
Created by the owners of Rioja, Bistro Vendome is another viable option for quality affordable french food (watch out, Le Central!). Everything already said about the quaint French cafe atmosphere and great service are absolutely true. While I wasn't blown away by our dinner selections (we also tried the marinated pork chop with those amazing bacon wrapped dates, as well as the grilled quail), brunch was spectacular (we had the pain perdu and the crepe de jour), and I had the most insane and inspiring strawberry port gelato-- it's a can't miss. Must-eats: Crepes Vendome, Bacon-wrapped dates (can they just make that into an appetizer by itself, please??), Strawberry Port Gelato, Sourdough french baguette (that comes in it's own paper bag!)
(4)Inayah V.
This is going to be a challenging review to write only because of the need to choose adjectives good enough to adequately convey how AMAZING this place is! I'm not exaggerating when I say Bistro Vendôme is perfect! I've been here several times in the last few years and every time there's a special occasion to celebrate, Vendôme is at the top of my wish list :)! Most recently (yesterday, in fact) my fiancée and I came here to celebrate a few things. I just finished a several week long contest preparation process complete with calorie (especially carb) deprivation. Basically avoiding anything fun :). After that the already fantastic Vendôme brunch tasted heavenly. We started with a gran French press coffee (then ordered a refill) :). I also ordered a poire royal and my fiancée got a Bloody Mary, delish! For brunch I picked the waiter recommended crape du jour, although I strongly considered the pain perdu, the crape was well worth it! My fiancée chose the hamburger (he always orders a hamburger if it's an option) and frites. The frites are sweet and savory, it was suggested that I steal some...another good call. We finished with a shared Brioche Belle Helene. The portions are not large here, but they are satisfying, which I appreciate. Equally impressive is the atmosphere at Vendôme. I love everything about it! Beautiful space, rich colors, white tiles, French doors, high ceilings, and a gorgeous open yet secluded patio! In the summer there is nothing better than enjoying a glass (or bottle) of wine outside! Now the truly impressive part, my description of the ambiance does not do Vendôme justice! When picking a location to take photos Bistro Vendôme is ideal! All week long, the weather had been clear warm and DRY. The day of the shoot was snowy! It was really beautiful, but I was worried about the moisture ruining the camera ready hair and make up. The staff at Vendôme was very generous and accommodating in allowing us to use both the indoor and outdoor spaces, even after brunch hours. I am so greatful for their generosity! Ultimately, the weather worked out! By the time we started, we were the only ones there! We had such a great experience, we came back for dinner! Brunch, dinner, weekend or weekday, this place does.not.miss!
(5)Candice R.
A very charming bistro with a wonderful "secret" farmer's market in their courtyard during the summer. The service here is attentive, and it was obvious that our server was enthusiastic about their food. Our starter was mussels in a simple broth. Well seasoned and perfectly cooked. My date loved using the lovely baguette they serve you as a starter to mop up the broth. Next we had lobster bisque, which was lovely, although I have had richer, more flavorful bisque elsewhere. I ordered the duck breast and was not disappointed. It was cooked perfectly for my taste (they do not have this currently on the menu). Our other entree was the grilled pork chop. My favorite component were the little potatoes. I found the pork itself to be slightly dry. This is a great place to take a date - it is quieter and more intimate than average.
(4)Tammy N.
One of my absolute favorite places in Denver. I was captivated by the outdoor atmosphere walking by this restaurant on Larimer Street one day and told myself that I needed to stop by and have dinner here at least once. Luckily, Denver Restaurant Week was around the corner and gave me a great opportunity to try their menu at a great price! The service is impeccable; the staff is friendly and attentive with great knowledge of the menu. Truly a wonderful group of people who work there. The food is amazing. Perfectly seasoned, just the right temperature, dreamy flavors that are reminiscent of true French cuisine. Each dish was made with care and talent, hallmarks of a master chef. Wine choices were great pairings with our meal too. The atmosphere was the cherry on top. Breathtakingly beautiful patio with a wonderfully romantic and charming air about it. I adored the lighted tree and the apartments nearby that reminded me of Paris streets. I loved everything about it and would certainly come back for the overall experience from start to finish.
(5)David H.
Man this place is great! Out of all the places on Larimer Square this one knocked it out of the ballpark for us.
(5)Amanda M.
Goodness this was delicious (take it from a born and raised French woman). Beside the fact that our reservation must have been lost and we've waited +30 minute to be seated, everything else was a delight and the icing on the cake was the French-speaker waiter!
(4)Martina D.
SO CUTE!! Whether you are on a date or with a friend, this place is just an adorable find. It has that manhattan west village / European feel, so it definitely depends on your mood. It's quiet and slightly hidden. The entrance is not directly on the street but instead tucked away a little giving it a cozy feel. It's like being in a backyard almost. I didn't get a chance to eat dinner here. I had a bottle of wine with bread and butter and ordered fried muscles. Wine was really good but I loved the atmosphere.
(4)Mei W.
An Amazing restaurant with outstanding food and service. My husband and I eloped then came here for our wedding night dinner. We could not have asked for anything better! The ambiance of the outdoor patio where we sat was wonderful. The food was delicious. My husband ordered the Duck Confit which reminded him of being in Paris. I had the Salmon with Chorizo, which was cooked to perfection. We would like to thank the entire staff at Bistro Vendome, who made our day even more special. We cannot wait to return to the beautiful city of Denver and to come back to this wonderful gem!
(5)J D.
Was looking forward to good French wine with this restaurant. Unfortunately they served our burgundy almost hot, and provided an ice cube for the wine. Typically pinots should be stored around 57 and brought up to serving around 65, so when this was served at what seemed like 85 it was a bit disappointing. Food was OK.
(2)Kristin Winkler S.
Things started out poorly here. When we arrived for brunch on Valentine's Day at the time of our reservation, there was no one at the hostess stand. We wandered in and around until she finally showed up. There were numerous open tables but we were told to wait at the bar for 15 minutes. At the bar, the bartender said hello but didn't ask if we wanted anything. We watched her wipe down the bar and talk to servers. Two other couples subsequently sat down after us. Eventually she handed us all drink menus which appeared to focus on us having hangovers - which we didn't. Instead of asking what anyone wanted, the bartender just looked at each of us in order of most recent couple arriving, which meant we were addressed (in her weird way) last, even though we arrived first. We were then brought to our table in a small, dark anteroom that needed painting, and placed next to a family with two children. Wouldn't the hostess suspect that we might not like being sequestered with a family on Valentine's Day? We should have asked to be moved, but as parents we thought we could tolerate it; unfortunately one boy was bored out of his mind and was understandably fussy. We ordered croissants; when the first server brought them she dropped one on the table. I picked it up and put it on a plate and handed it to her. She asked if we wanted a replacement. Ummmm, yes please. From here, things looked up. Our second server was excellent - attentive and pleasant. And we began eating. The croissants were light and flaky, and the jalapeño laced berry jam was not too sweet. My husband had a daily special broccoli quiche and I had the omelette fromage. The portions were moderately sized - thankfully as both entrees were rich in flavorful cheese. The server easily made accommodations for vegetarian requests. The French press decaf coffee was excellent. Bottom line - the food was good, with some initial service issues. We would give this place a second try, avoid the bar, and request a better table in the main room or on the patio in summer.
(3)Chris K.
One of my top 3 favorite restaurants in Denver! Best French fries in town, or maybe anywhere. My compliments to the chef!
(5)Lynda M.
Average run of the mill French restaurant. Over-priced. This place is owned by the same people who own Rioja and Euclid Hall. When they first opened the restaurants, they set the standard for Denver, but now that millions of people have moved here because everyone can smoke weed, well let's just say that they no longer set that standard.
(2)Kate L.
Tucked into Larimer Square, Bistro Vendome is the ideal spot for a luxurious, intimate dining experience. The menu is specific, seasonal and well curated and includes a well balanced wine list. Service is attentive, informed and unobtrusive. On warm nights, opt for courtyard seating and earn romance bonus points. And above all, plan to dine lightly enough to enjoy dessert.
(4)Ben Y.
The atmosphere is certainly not as hip and vibrant as some other places in Denver, but the food was fantastic. I got the crepe of the day which was incredible and my wife's shrimp and grits was perfect. A little pricey but you get what you pay for. Maybe not the place to take your buddy from out of town but perfect for a chiller experience with family or something of that sort.
(4)Vicki P.
I've now been to Bistro Vendome on three separate occasions and under different circumstances each time. The first time was a summer evening anniversary dinner out on the beautiful patio. The second time was with a group of gals for our monthly book club meeting. The third time was with Mr. P. and a collection of friends for Restaurant Week. There are certain things I know I can count on every time I visit Bistro Vendome. First and foremost, I will have excellent service. Above and beyond service, in some instances. Second, there will be magnificent fresh baked bread served in a brown paper bag. Third, the courses will come out at a nice, relaxed pace. Even during the Restaurant Week dinner, our table of six was not rushed through the meal. So what's left? Ah, yes - le cuisine. Well, I think it would be hard to go wrong here. My steak béarnaise was spot on, the truite à l'oseille (trout with potatoes, green beans and mushrooms in a light sauce) was superb, and the selection of hors d'oeuvres and small plates I've sampled here and there were delicious, most notably the beet salad. Oh! I almost forgot about the wine! The list is quite extensive and you're sure to find something wonderful. Not sure about what to order? Your server will kindly assist. Since I haven't yet visited for brunch, it's next on the list. BV also has an interesting lineup of specials du jour, like Thursday night French classics and Sunday night mussels and frites. Bon appetit!
(5)Holly J.
Wonderful! Amazing French food and drinks! Great ambiance! Great service! It is not the $$ dollar signs as seen here, but worth every penny! So, when you deserve to indulge, this is the place. Start with the cheese plate and ask for some wonderful French bread with it!
(5)Carolyn P.
Like many others, I love Vendome. We often go for Sunday brunch. The food is spectacular and the price is so reasonable for what you get. We usually go for the Croque Madame/Monsieur or any of the galletes. The crepe daily specials have never disappointed either. If you're willing to splurge (both financially and calorically) get an order of the French pastries or croissants. They come with house-made jams which are always fun flavors (most recently grapefruit!). Plenty of delicious cocktails and french pressed coffee options. Make a reservation ahead to save yourself the wait time. This is a must for Sunday brunch!
(5)Thomas P.
After an excellent Bloody Mary apiece--perhaps the best I've had--we ordered brunch. Four people eating 4 appetizers, 4 breakfast entrees, and coffee cost us $165 plus tip. If that sounds like $$ to you, you're better off than I am! Very good chicken liver pate, quite ordinary Croque, pretty good Bison Eggs Benedict was our fare, and that's a lot of cash for a Francophile breakfast! The atmosphere is nice, the staff is great, but I really go to a restaurant for the food, which was sufficiently ordinary to make me avoid it in the future. Go for the Bloody Mary.
(3)Dale Z.
So, my number one pet peeve for restaurant week is when a restaurant does not seem to give good value for the price, or has too many items with "up-charges". Unfortunately, it seemed that at Bistro Vendome all the stuff I wanted to order was going to cost extra (duck, scallops, short rib). On the regular RW menu, I would have had to pretty much eat fish (yuck) or the vegetarian option (or some chicken), unless I was willing to pay more. Which, is kind of B.S. in my opinion, as the bump up to $30 per person this year was supposed to reduce these occurrences (or so I thought). Fortunately, they had added a beef tenderloin merguez style sausage to the menu that night. The flavor on this dish was good, but the texture was a tad soft for me. The bread (rolls) we had at the table were excellent. My Salade Lyonnaise (frisée lettuce, crisp potato, bacon lardon, fried egg, Banyuls vinaigrette) was amazing. It was one of the best salads I have every enjoyed and my favorite part of the meal. The merguez tenderloin sausage with root veggies was very good, but not great. My dessert (which was "for two people to share" -- my number two RW pet peeve, especially considering the odd number of diners in many parties) was the chocolate espresso gateaux, and it was was very, very delicious. Service was excellent.
(4)Lauren J.
Here is another awesome, reasonably priced French place. They used to and or occasionally have a lamb burger with herbed goat cheese. Dear Barbara is that amazing. Great drinks and fries too.
(4)Gigi D.
This place was SMASHING... And not just because I broke a glass on my way out - WHOOPS! The food was delicious, and my stomach felt as if it took a flight to Paris. When my hungry dining companions and I sat down at our table, we immediately devoured the brunch menus handed to us. Yes, I would have taken a bite, however, I controlled myself because I had a HUNCH that some delicious grub would be served to us... Good things come to those who wait, right? I ordered the MUSSELS while two of my friends ordered the French Toast and my other friend ordered the Trout Omelette. When our dishes arrived, we hardly spoke a word to each other... All I heard were food gasms - It seriously sounded like a food porn video, AKA: The food was extremely "pleasurable". I really don't have anything negative to say about this restaurant, at all. It was classy and accepted me in my "un-classy" yoga "uniform"! I am NOT SURE why French people get a bad rap for being snooty, this place was NOT pretentious at all, just plain delicious! If you can, try and sit outside. My party was unable to sit outside because everyone was out there, but if we were to have been seated outside, I have a feeling this place would have gotten 5 stars!
(4)Jose A.
The service was impeccable, our waitress Chelsea was attentive but not intrusive. The food was outstanding! That alone merits this restaurant a five star rating. Now cup that with a competent staff and you have a recipe for success. The vibe I received from this restaurant, is not like most. The staff was attentive and it was not just Chelsea who made the evening a success. But her team ensuring that our needs were met at a timely fashion truly have me coming back for more. For all of you midwesterners especially my Chicagoans this place is a must do! A big thank you to the maître d', the staff, and of course Chelsea!
(5)Mary M.
Perfect until shooed from our table We went Friday night. We arrived at 5:45 for a 6pm reservation and were seated promptly. We ordered the first time our server came to the table. Neither of us ordered a "before dinner cocktail" but had drinks with dinner. I had the 5-course vegetarian tasting paired with wine. The server was great; very well-informed and polite. The food and wine pairing was perfection. It did take quite a while between courses-but we aren't in a hurry. We finished dessert then each of us used the restroom. I came back to the table and we were gathering our things to leave and an employee came over to ask how dinner was. I was gushing and then she asked to move us to the bar because they needed the table. What?! We were not eating slowly-I waited between courses, we arrived early and ordered immediately. There was absolutely no admission that they made mistake with the timing. I didn't want to stay another minute. I felt like a fool telling her how good the food was when all she wanted was for us to leave. My husband and I were still discussing it the next day. It was a disappointing end to our lovely meal.
(3)Chris G.
So excited to find the gem! We had a wonderful Saturday family brunch at this charming French bistro. Excellent service, incredible food, quaint relaxing ambiance. You must have the daily crepe and do not miss the bananas foster macaroons. Seriously don't miss them--heavenly! Can't believe I haven't been to this place before! Fun for all ages-upscale without being pretentious .
(4)Bruce F.
This was our third dinner experience and it was perfect. Neither my husband nor I have any complaints(a huge deal for anyone that knows us). The baguette rolled in "everything" was everything bread should be: crusty exterior, soft chewy inside and of course warm from the oven. I started with fantastic French onion soup. My entree steak with a green peppercorn sauce was a flawless piece of meat cooked exactly medium rare. The slightly crispy sear and sauce really elevated the entree. The frites had herbs and a champagne syrup drizzle which was perfectly balanced when dipped in the garlic aioli. The cinnamon macaron bananas foster was exceptionally delicious. This was the best macaron I've had since vacationing in Paris. Paired with the banana foster was brilliant. Tonight's experience is what restaurant week is all about: you save a little money and can't wait to go back.
(5)Chuck S.
We stepped into this fine restaurant with only 40 minutes for dinner before a play started. We explained this to our waiter and he said they could do it. We had a fabulous dinner with salads and main courses. I had the scallops dish and my mother had the lamb shank. Both were cooked to perfection and accompanied by wonderful sauces. To have such a wonderful dinner and make it to the play was a great experience. I must come back when I can give this place the time it deserves!
(5)Laura L.
I haven't visited BV for quite a while and I'm happy to say I'm as pleased as ever, especially for the people watching during weekend brunch at Le Jardin market. (Did I buy anything? No. Looks to be cash-only + pricey and I wasn't in the mood to carry stuff around all day. Beautiful bread, meat, produce, spices and more - all from local vendors but pleasing to see them set up in one charming spot.) Recently returned from a trip to France, I ordered the chocolate chaud which was delicious but served in a tall glass with whipped cream on top...not exactly what I was going for but still tasty. Our table split the croissants with house-made jam and it was as delicious as you'd expect. The braised pork benedict did not disappoint (although I would have liked more of those house-made pickles!) and after everything else I ate, I had to share half of my dish with a friend. Anyway, it always bums me out when I see negative reviews of Bistro Vendome because I enjoy the menu, ambience and I've never had bad service. Just remember to make a reservation if it's really important to you to secure a seat, and do yourself a favor by checking out the online menus ahead of time. If you can't get a seat, go to the bar, order a drink and app and wait. You shouldn't be disappointed! Until next time....à bientôt!
(5)Dawn H.
Disclaimer: I'm admittedly a big city snob, especially when it comes to food. My husband booked a reservation here to celebrate my birthday, and I'm most certainly glad he did. The food was absolutely outstanding. The service was a match to boot -- unpretentious and not annoying overwhelming (you know how some places can get). The menu made me all excited since I wanted to try everything, so we ordered: Crispy Veal Sweetbreads ($9.50) Escargots Perrier ($12.00) Steak Tartare ($12.50) Pan Roasted Scallops ($24.00) Steak Frites, Classique ($23.00) Wine ($11.00 glass -- can't remember which) Chocolate Pot de Creme Bread Pudding ($7.00) Total (including tax): $107 There was an amuse bouche which was outstanding as well. I would usually comment on all the dishes individually, but that's not warranted as everything was absolutely excellent and perfect. Not too bland, not too rich. Just the right amount of accompanying sauce. The Sweetbreads were the relative favorite. The only criticisms I can think of is how tiny the restaurant is (I realize this would be a plus for some) and the baseball bat toughness of the baguette (I know it's French, it's just not my thing). This is all minor -- this place is definitely now in my top 10.
(5)Todd B.
Great food and great service ... a bit of Paris in Larimer Square.
(5)Mike S.
From the get-go we felt this would be a gem. Hosting a very romantic outdoor courtyard seating area, you get a great feel of the beautiful Larimer Square. Phenomenal bread/butter to start, the crepes (appetizer) was salty, sweet and spicy, the dill gin infused Bloody Mary was ridiculous and the Lamb Loin with Red Wine Sauce was stupid. A true beauty with staff that cares... A must!!!
(5)Cynthia D.
I had to update my review as I have been a repeat customer of Vendome over the last 5 or 6 years and recently had another brunch there. It's one of my favorites and deserving of 5+ stars! Food/Quality: Begin with French Press Coffee to awaken your senses, then order Poir Royale to go with the Oeufs Benedicte Aux Crabe. The tastes and textures will satisfy! Service: Service was excellent as usual. Since I was waiting for a friend who was running late due to looking for parking, the server kindly made a few suggestions for parking in the area that I was able to relay by text to my friend. Atmosphere: Arrived here 20 minutes or so before a friend who was meeting me for brunch and had lovely two top on the patio. The smells of fresh flowers for sale in the farmer's market in the courtyard paired with the instrumental duo infiltrating the area with lively morning sound enhanced the picturesque setting. Value: The food, service and atmosphere provide a great value, especially for a relaxing weekend brunch. Plus: Check out the weekend farmer's market in the courtyard being held this summer. It's small, but adds some flavor to the area!
(5)Tim T.
Best French in Denver. Enjoyed Sunday brunch with my husband last week. Service was spectacular, food was awesome. Muscles were some of the best I've ever had, croque was awesome. Great Bloody Mary and a local brew from Dry Dock. Our server was attentive but not intrusive, always smiling and you feel like you are in France! This will be our new go to restaurant! Thanks BV!!!!
(5)Kevin L.
Missing foie gras coming from San Francisco. Order by the ounce, 10 oz did it right. Perfectly cooked rare. Halibut on papillote was moist and seasoned well. Pan seared trout had a nice crispy texture. Beef tartare could of used a raw quail egg. Escargot I prefer the butter and garlic way. Rabbit terrine on point. Vegetarian coussoulet, its the duck version without the duck...it was fine. Haricot verte - cool Selection of 5 of my favorite champagnes. Excellent service.
(4)Kay K.
One of the best breakfasts I have ever had. Quality food with lots of attention to detail. Cozy little restaurant in the best part of town. Prices were definitely affordable and the food was amazing. Love this place,
(5)Katie S.
One of the best & uniques breakfasts I've ever had. Six years ago and I still remember the atmosphere, the almond soda & delicious potato galette with duck confit & lavender cream...TO DIE FOR! it looks like they still have a similar dish (minus the lavender), but I bet it's amazing.
(5)Robert C.
One of the best settings in LoDo. Beautiful patio, and quaint European dining feel. The entire dinner was good, but not exceptional. I ordered the scallops and my wife ordered the salmon. We had escargot for an appetizer, which was yummy but the toast that accompanied it was burnt and turned it "average." We are not sad we tried the place, but I would visit another Larimer Square establishment before I returned.
(3)Mona E.
Went here for NYE with my husband. We had reservations at 10 pm, we weren't seated until 10:30 (very unprofessional) and when we arrived at our table, we realized we were in the hallway of the restaurant where they had put up tables to try to make more money apparently, except we were seated right by the drafty back doors on an exceptionally cold night. At this point, we were tired of waiting, so we sat down and then proceeded to longingly gaze at the patrons that were actually seated inside the restaurant. It felt like we had been exiled, literally to eat in the cold, yet we paid the same price as those on the inside. We had some wine, the mussels which were fine, gnocchi which I was disappointed with, and the classique steak frites which was good but rather small. I didn't appreciate the restaurant trying to make extra money at the expense of the patrons. Once you have taken enough reservations to fill your restaurant for NYE, then you should stop because I would have rather spent that money at a different establishment and had a better experience to bring in the New Years. Really disappointing overall.
(2)Charles F.
Its nice when something delivers on what you expect it to be.... I felt like I could walk out and be in Paris The Veranda was beautiful and elegant Service was excellent Duck comfit on potato for brunch was really great rivaled the Warren Duck Club in Tulsa my standard for duck a'lorange as a breakfast dish? Ham and melon -- simple == nailed it Drinks were perfect Maybe a lame review but they got 50 more to back me up. Well Done! Please read the other reviews it backs up our experience Honestly it not to pricey as well a rarity for a true French restaurant experience Going to have to try dinner Trying not to give out 5 stars unless it kills me but I am not sure I didn't sell them short
(4)Jan W.
We were in Denver for our annual SIA trip. We have eaten at Rioja every year but they were closed this year for remodeling. Decided to try Bistro Vendome instead. So glad we did! Great steak and frites and gnocchi. Enjoyed the atmosphere and service. Will have a hard time deciding between here and Rioja next year!
(4)Christina M.
My boyfriend and I searched for a place to celebrate his new work project, and stumbled across this gem. We debated asking for a table because it was 10 minutes before they closed; however, we decided to try anyways as it seemed like such a lovely spot. The staff was so kind & quickly ushered us to the patio outside where we were taken care of. The food & the wine as well as the dessert was delicious, but the people who work here made our night as they showed nothing but kindness to us the entire time we were there.
(4)Katherine H.
Excellent food, excellent service. We had an 8:00 reservation and we had to wait about 45 minutes to be seated for whatever reason, but the staff was very apologetic and ended up buying all of our wine for the evening. The food was all incredible. We especially loved the steak tartare and the trout.
(5)Vi T.
I have friends who salivate when even when they hear the slight mention of this place. It's a like a semi-orgasmic experience for palette (semi, because anything more would be illegal). But, that's if u like french food. Now I've never been to France so euro-frequenters correct me I I'm wrong. But I feel their French food is top notch! They've even made their French fries more French-er. It seems like a high-end pocket book burning expense and yes, it is, though well worth every penny. Rabbit? Or Elk anyone? Yes, it's like the ever-after-drew-Barrymore-in-the-forest French. Rustic elements dressed in culinary elegance. What to order...I like cheese so yes, the cheese plate. My friend always gets the beef tar tar (she may be 1/2 vampire but the rest of us also enjoy it). Get water, it comes in a nice bottle. Get anything, everything. I can't pick a favorite star in the heavens (hacked-up quote, sorry). Cod, melts in ur mouth like buttah. If ur into Denver dining, this is a must!!
(5)Ellen C.
Darling outdoor courtyard reminiscent of a Paris bistrot. Good French fare.
(3)Emily T.
So charming and cozy that I guarantee you'll fall in love here. Maybe not with your date, but certainly with Bistro Vendome. My in-laws recently took my husband and I here for brunch as an early celebration of our first wedding anniversary. They told the staff we were celebrating and we were warmly congratulated by our server, as well as presented with a signed card and a certificate for a free dessert and a free glass to use for our next visit. It was a nice touch that we appreciated and Bistro Vendome does feel like the kind of place to celebrate something special due it's intimate dining room and the professional service. We began with coffee and pastries. The appetizer was big enough for our table of four to share and it was a sweet start to our leisurely meal. I ordered the entrée quiche and it was easily the best quiche I have ever tasted. The crust was perfect. It came accompanied by a baby spinach salad, which was good, but not particularly my top choice for brunch. My husband's croque madame was also delicious and the egg was cooked just right, but his frites that accompanied his sandwich were sweetened - not bad, but not necessarily preferred. While we sat inside, we did notice the patio on our way in and out. It's the cutest patio I've set eyes on. Set a stone walkway away from Larimer Street and in the middle of a courtyard surrounded by brick buildings, it is a quiet way to soak in the cityscape. I look forward to returning for dinner and a date night.
(4)Nichole C.
Really delish! Substitute the veg for the frites in the steak frites classique and you won't be disappointed. My husband ordered the muscles and was in heaven! The house wines were good as well! Really a nice meal in a great environment for the price! Good service, our waiter even gave us a suggestion for tomorrow!
(4)David G.
Nothing but class at Bistro Vendôme. Nestled in a gorgeous, tree-enclosed, romantic, and quiet courtyard set back from the hustle and bustle of Larimer Square, Vendôme is the closest thing that Denver has to a secret portal to the French countryside. That's what I was thinking when I joined a coworker here for dinner on my final night in Denver. We had just finished up a few cocktails at Green Russell (located right downstairs) and came armed with reservations for two at 7pm on a Sunday night. Our table wasn't quite ready, so we bellied up to the bar for a glass of wine (Sauvignon blanc for me, Chardonnay for him). We were seated shortly after, and the wine tab was transferred over to our patio table. Our wonderful server, Maggie, came by shortly after with a baguette, butter, and a complementary amuse bouche of gazpacho. The baguette was excellent, but the butter was rock-hard (which was puzzling). The gazpacho had a fresh, albeit overly salty, flavor. We opted for the "split and share" route, so we each were able to taste two salads and two entrees. Here's the rundown: Salad #1 -- salade campagnarde (salad with potatoes, bacon, fried egg, and mushrooms). An excellent take on a savory salad. Few things make me happier than a nice runny yolk intermingling with mushrooms and greens. Salad #2 -- salade de betteraves (beet salad with hazelnuts and kale). Honestly, I didn't enjoy this one. There were only 4 miniscule pieces of beet. The kale was overloaded with salt. The hazelnuts tasted raw and didn't add anything. I'd skip this one if I were you. Entree #1 -- St. Jacques, pois et champignons (pan-seared scallops with mushrooms and peas). I enjoyed the mushrooms and peas, but the scallops were somewhat tough and rubbery. Entree #2 -- confit de canard, pommes de terre au foie gras (duck confit with foie gras mashed potatoes and grape salad). Hands down the best dish of the night. I love duck confit, and this one was prepared perfectly. The addition of savory foie gras to the smooth and creamy mashed potatoes was brilliant. And the sweet and sour of the thinly sliced grapes contrasted beautifully. All in all, Vendôme is a solid place for a classy meal. I'd totally go back... but hopefully the kitchen fixes its hiccups before then.
(4)Janelle E.
First off the food was of course delicious. Everything was perfect down to the weather on the patio- don't think they control that but it was just right . Also, I would like to give a shout out to our waitress at The Bistro Vendome who went out of her way to make my birthday brunch with my parents amazing. Thank you Christine!
(5)Katie G.
Always love this place. Must get is mussels and Frits. The French onion soup is also delicious. Sunday night is the time to go. Mussels and Frits are only $9.99.
(4)David M.
A step up from where it was before . . . and still some of the best patio dining in Denver. Also (along with Z Cuisine, Indulge and Le Central), some of the best French food in the city. So ya like to say things like, "We'll have the Chocolate Poe Duh Krem Bree-Ohsh Bread Pudding With Tweel," and sound like Nicolas Sarkozy ordering a little dessert for Carla Bruni? Well, Vendome is the place to go. Well prepared French dishes with a twist of the Provencal style. Definitely worth a visit for a romantic dinner for two.
(4)Jojo C.
Fantastic for both lunch, dinner and brunch. Craft cocktails, wonderful wine list. Helpful servers and delish menu options allowing for many visits without having the same thing twice!
(5)Frank L.
A little piece of Paris in Denver! Had dinner there on Monday and the service, food and wine was just top notch. Started with the mussels that were perfectly cooked and sampled their house red and white very reasonably priced at $40 per bottle. Had steak frites (ridiculously good French fries) with peppercorn crust, just delicious. My dining companion had trout with fennel, haricot verts and grape sauce. The only downer was that they have done away with their 25%, 33% and 50% off Monday special on select wines (it was still on their website) but it by no means spoiled anything about this superb meal. A definite go now!
(5)Meredith G.
I enjoyed my dinner last night very much. The weather wouldn't corporate to sit outside as first planned, so we were moved inside quickly, but then it seemed like the servers didn't know who had our table. We were ignored for nearly 10 minutes. Then service improved very much. Glass of bubbly for me and wine for my man. We started with the escargot appetizer which was good, but the sauce was so overpowering I couldn't tell you there were snails in the dish. I say them, put them in my mouth, but only tasted the sauce. For entrees we got the day's special- surf & turf. Shrimp and pork belly and the duck confit. Both were so good! And lastly, we had the crème brulee and it was the best brulee I've ever had. The texture was so smooth like lotion and the top perfectly crispy. Dinner was delicious and I look forward to returning.
(4)Jennifer R.
Had an unbelievable night at Vendome. Our waitress was very knowledgable about the restaurant's selection of French wines and was able to offer several options that would pair well with our entrees. As for the bread, it was it was crusty, aromatic, and reminded me of the bread back home near San Francisco. Our entrees were wonderful, I ordered the braised lamb shank and my significant ordered the steak and frites. Both entrees were extremely delicious, offering both savory, tangy, and bright flavors. We topped the night off with the chocolate mousse which was not only decadent but also light and airy.
(5)Jennie F.
We were in Denver for just a few days and wanted to find a relaxing, delicious restaurant. Bistro Vendome really filled the bill. Such a great setting, right off Larimer Square, with a courtyard set back from the street. We felt like we were in Paris. The food was interesting, delicate and very well prepared. The trout was particularly delicious. This place was a real find. Thanks, Yelp!
(5)Gaurav P.
Gotta write this review while I can still taste last night's Pan Seared Halibut folks - we rolled in to Bistro Vendome 8 deep with folks from France, Israel, Singapore, Boston, Palo Alto and Longuyland. Here's how it went down: The Spot: + Located down an alleyway which is initially tough to find but then turns out it's quite easy to find so as long as you look left and partially UP. + Beautiful restaurant, beautiful setting, the outdoor courtyard seating is tastefully done, comfy, cozy, romantic. The colors of the walls and seating style definitely remind you that you're kinda' almost in France, kinda'. The Evening Nourishment: + Salade de Betteraves. Roasted glazed beets, toasted hazelnuts, kale, micro beet greens, feta mousse, kale-hazelnut vinaigrette. $12.50. The feta mousse is what drew me in to this salad actually - the beets were done right, the kale and micro greens were very good, the dressing was just there but you didn't know it was so I really enjoyed that aspect of it and the size/portion was good. + Flétan et Raviolo de Fevés. Pan seared halibut, fava bean-potato raviolo, carrot orange purée, cherry tomatoes, favas and carrot salad, chive oil. $24. This was quite good though the portion was a tad smaller than I would expect even for a Frenchy spot. It turned out to be a great size because it was 930pm and I wasn't in the mood to eat a lot however, as someone who's very experienced in French cuisine, had it been 630p, I would've preferred a slightly larger portion. The carrot salad was good but the carrot orange puree lacked a bit of depth that I thought it would initially have. - & + Coq au Vin. $24. Braised in a Rhone vino for 6.5 hours served atop smashed red bliss potatoes, with haricot verts, veal shank demi. They had 4 left, and we ordered all 4. The Coq au Vin was cooked as amazingly as it should be - hats off to them for this. However, I will keep my hat on and not tip my hat to them on the flavor, it was very very bland. Clearly the herbs and salt didn't carry through - it needed much more salt and much more thyme. Again, it was cooked PERFECTLY and the wine they used really carried it's flavor however, the flavor wasn't there :(. Le Service: - & + We had Margaret and I really enjoyed her personality and took very good care of us. She was very accommodating on allowing us to try whatever wines we wanted before having a glass, allowed us to switch our orders and handled a bunch of hungry dudes. However, I found that they were oddly slow and at times she was tough to find as the place was also busy. I felt bad having to bother one of the busgirls/food runners but would've appreciated slightly more attentive service. Now, this is coming from the 6 hour long French dinner kinda' guy but at times, I couldn't find her or other servers...I will give her a ton of credit for knowing the menu inside out and her wines as well! In Summary? It's a solid 3.48 Yelp joint, kick the attentiveness on the service up just a 1/4 notch, fix the bland Coq au Vin and you've got yourself a solid 4.25 Yelp bistro that frankly, is a home run because of their prices!!! THIS has been a review by Gaurav
(3)Tamara V.
MAKE SURE TO CAREFULLY REVIEW YOUR BILL AND YOUR CREDIT CARD IF YOU DINE HERE. Or better, yet, don't dine here at all. I dined at restaurant Bistro Vendome on June 8, 2014, during a trip to Denver. I signed my check for $33.81, leaving my tip in cash and clearly writing "cash" on the tip line. However, the following day, I was charged $40.81 to my MasterCard. I confirmed with my copy of the receipt that this was incorrect and immediately called the restaurant and left a message about the issue. In the month since, I've spoken two people--Regina and Mike--who both apologized and promised to give me a refund, and neither has. At one point, I was even asked to email them my credit card number in order for a refund to be processed, which is completely inappropriate and shady. I said I'd feel more comfortable calling in my card number, at which point Mike (the restaurant's general manager) told me he'd call me the next day, instead. This was last week, and no phone call, and no reply to my follow-up email. It's been exactly a month of getting the run-around, and I'm pissed. Consumerist and other consumer watchdog websites say that in instances like these, the first thing you should do is call your bank, next file a police report, and then only lastly contact the restaurant. I didn't want to do that because I thought I'd give Bistro Vendome the benefit of the doubt, since I had such a pleasant time during my actual meal. But it's been weeks of being continuously disrespected and treated as an afterthought, as if I'm somehow inconveniencing the restaurant for politely requesting they return the money they STOLE from me, whether that theft was intentional or accidental. So this morning I filed a dispute with MasterCard and also filed a police report with the Denver Police Department. BE WARNED IF YOU CHOOSE TO DINE HERE... $7 isn't going to break me, but that's besides the point. If they're overcharging me, who knows if they're doing it to other people, too? Moreover, their customer service following this situation has been truly appalling, and that's the most offensive part.
(1)Richard T.
Very good french bistro. Went here for brunch and most of the food was amazing. One of the dishes was kinda salty (Croque Vendôme), but still good. Their goat crepe, french press coffee with brown sugar cubes, espresso with brown sugar and lemon peels, steak tartare with quail eggs were excellent! Very nice atmosphere, since it felt like I was in an actual french bistro. The employees were very courteous and attentive. This restaurant is definitely deserving of the #1 french restaurant in 2013 according to travel and leisure magazine.
(4)Kendra C.
I would have given this five stars from the first time we visited this restaurant a year ago. We had been very excited to come back since our experience the first time was so wonderful. We were waiting to be able to sit on the patio and finally made it back last night to do so. However, we felt this experience was just not as good as the last time. It was okay...just not five stars. The hostess was pretty snooty over the phone when I called earlier in the day to ask about the patio. When we arrived, she seemed less than thrilled to be there. The service last night was average...not over the top like it the was the last time. I really enjoyed my trout entree but my boyfriend was disappointed that they changed the sauce on the gnocchi...and so was I. The bread had changed too...not a fan. Overall, we enjoyed our evening but I think our expectations were really high from our first visit.
(4)Emily L.
As many others have noted, the first thing any visitor to Place Vendôme will mention is the atmosphere. As someone who has spent a lot of time in Paris, I can say they have the formula exactly right: tucked into a quiet corner off the main street, a trellis overhead feathered with greenery, quaint tables and a selection of traditional French dishes prepared with high-quality ingredients. We got the last table for Saturday brunch service, after having to wait about half an hour, but the food and service made it worthwhile. Our waiter was cordial and friendly but very professional. We weren't super hungry, so I stuck with the homemade croissants and jam, which were heavenly. There was a chocolate and two plain, all of them enormous, and some delicious berry preserves. The only possible improvement would have been the addition of an almond croissant with marzipan, but sadly, no such luck. My husband got the kale salad with beets, walnuts and goat cheese, which was delicious but pretty small for the price (our server did warn us about this.) Our friend had the goat cheese / spinach omelet, which was gone before I could ask for a bite, so I'm assuming it was delicious! We shared a carafe of French press coffee, which was strong and hot. Also tried a couple of cocktails; they had a nice selection, including the classic French 75. My husband asked for a Ramos Gin Fizz, and the bartender had never heard of it but was kind enough to look it up and make an attempt even though he was missing a key ingredient. A mark of excellent service! Everything was rather pricey, though I guess we're paying for the atmosphere and service too. I'd like to give 4 stars but I'd have to try a full meal first -- a prospect I'm greatly anticipating!
(3)Fer N.
Went there for sunday brunch. Menu for dinner is different, we will try again for that. First, the good: Steak Tartare. So hard to find a place in Denver that serves it, that , alone, earns them 3 stars. But not only they have one, that have a very good one. Next time I will order 2. My husband had the duck confit and he liked very much as well. Now, for the not bad, but also not great: The croque Vendome was disappointing. Too much ham, the béchamel was not great, overall the taste was not good. My son ordered the hamburger. Well, you are not going to a french place to get a burger, but kids are kids. He did not like the burger, so I tried, and it was dry. So if you are ordering, make sure to tell them medium rare. Now, the desserts: We had the chocolate mousse and the brioche, an they were just ok, not fantastic. I need to go back and try the macaron and the financiers. All in all, I think it is worth it for the beef tartare, and I still need to try the dinner menu that is more extensive.
(4)Josh W.
Perhaps the cutest restaurant in LoDo. Excellent lamb! :) wine list was pricy and very extensive, but I'd recommend the fronton. Overall, an amazing place to dine!
(5)George M.
Good mussels and free flat bread pizza with a bottle of wine on Mondays.....nice ambience, good prices.
(3)Alissa R.
This place, along with its relative restaurants Rioja and Euclid Hall, always do Restaurant Week the best way-They use the regular menus and serve normal portions! With a few up-charges here and there that are totally worth it and understandable. With reservations we were seated right away and drink orders were in the making! Soon after came a delicious amuse bouche of cucumber slice topped with bleu cheese mousse and caviar (wish I had 4 of these right now!) I ordered the Chicken Crepe for my starter and my dining companion ordered the Steak Tartare. The crepe itself could have been an entree! Filled with tender chicken, tomatoes, green olives, and topped with a perfectly fried egg and a bearnaise to kill for. Oh that Steak Tartare, decadent creamy raw beef with perfect seasonings-I wish I could eat this everyday. I was on my way to being full so I opted for one of the lighter entrees, the Seared Scallops. Wonderful choice, they were cooked perfectly and the slaw/salad that accompanied was great. My companion ordered the Lamb Loin, OMG this meat was gorgeous! And the heaping portion of risotto and salad that accompanied were very appreciated. We were so stuffed by the end that we got what we thought to be the smallest dessert, Creme brulee. It turned out not so small, but just the right size and very good. The service was good considering it was a 52.80 weekend evening and they were pretty busy. I've had brunch here before but never dinner, and now I am wondering why!
(4)Heather V.
We went here for my birthday on Friday and we're so disappointed. There were 5 of us and we were not served all at the same time on apps per entrees and the waiter put the wrong app in front of two different people. Two of us had the escargot which was gummy and chewy served in what looked like a metal measuring cup. Neither of us was impressed. My partner had the mussels and even though the broth was good the mussels were overcooked. The other person had the crepe and said it was ok. For entrees, two people had steak and frites, one had the salmon, one the quail and one the duck. Only the steak was good and remotely near an entree size. The other three were very small portions, our apps were larger. My quail was more the size of a parakeet, the duck was over cooked and salty, and the salmon was about 3x2". My quail besides being miniscule had no flavor and the stuffinging was just wet and mushy. For the prices they are asking you are not getting your money's worth.at all. Even by fine dining standards the entrees were small. For desert two had the chocolate brioche pudding, and I have the creme brulee. The brioche pudding was unremarkable and rather bland. The creme brulee was over bruleed and the creme was bland with a sourness to it. If we hadn't had multiple courses and eaten a lot of bread we would have all left hungry. I will not be back.
(2)James H.
First visit and our waiter Ryan was top notch. He gave great wine and food advice. Service was great. The food was even better. The Côtelettes de Porc Gilles and the Confit de Canard were excellent. Would recommend to anyone.
(5)Carl A.
Ate dinner here tonight, what a wonderful place. Let me say first, this place is really good so on a Saturday evening gets packed, a reservation is a prudent precaution. The restaurant is located inside a very cozy courtyard, there is a sign on the street pointing to the entrance but is easy to miss at night so be watchful. The place was packed but was still private enough for me and my date. We started with mussels in white wine sauce, the sauce was truly delicious. For main course we chose a braised lamb shank with polenta and Brussels sprouts-very well executed dish indeed. Also had a side of their French fries, hands down the best I've had in my life. Finished with a traditional vanilla crème brûlée, divine! A cup of very tasty French coffee with a glass of Campari finished our evening. For a fine dining experience or a date night, you just can't go wrong with this fine Bistro.
(5)Michael C.
The Bernaise is laterally the best and most authentic I have ever had in the states. The cauliflower is immaculate and divine. I even love the crowded Persian tables. While is is not houty touty French, it is authentic, immaculate, and astounding. Also note, the macaroons will make you shutter with delight. If you have never one, give it a try they are unbelievable. Don't miss this hidden gem!
(5)Robin N.
Wow! I never knew French food could be so good! Nice quaint little French restaurant. Feels truly authentic. Checked the menu on Yelp and was certain I'd order the steak frites Roquefort. Until I heard the special for the night..., Coq A Vin with gnocchi. I just saw someone make this on Food TV and thought I had to try it and here it was. Sofa king good! One of my colleagues ordered the steak frites I was thinking about and gave me a taste and it was amazing too. Great service, great good, excellent service. Love this place.
(5)Lindsay B.
Went for Bastille Day after I had been in France the week before and the menu was pretty spot on. The warm bread is awesome. Wine selection good. One friend had the chicken and it was delicious. Another had the mussels and crepe. The mussels were good, the sauce they sit in was delicious. I didnt try the crepe because it had an egg over easy on top and I'm not a fan. I have the confit canard. Pretty spot on, but WAY too much salt. Like WAY WAY WAY too much salt. But other than that, delicious. I'll come back and get dessert. Please add cafe gourmand to the dessert menu!
(4)Matt M.
We made reservations which they lost and made no attempt to make the situation right. It was very frustrating.
(1)Pamela M.
I really wanted to like it as we have just moved downtown Denver and it is close to our townhouse, but I will not be back. At the bartender's suggestion, I tried a fig martini - YUCK. Fortunately, they took it back and did not charge me - whew. The salad verte was quite good; my pork chop dried out and tasteless. The ice cream for dessert tasted old and granular and came in weird flavors. This is a place that is trying too hard to be different and failing. On a happier note, the waitress was delightful and very attentive.
(2)Heather T.
My husbands family has a Bistro Vendome Easter brunch tradition. Due to conflicting schedules, this is the first year we've been able to join. The space is really quaint and enjoyable to be in. Our service was top notch and our waiter really nice and patient with a large group which included little ones. We started with the mussels and croissants. The mussels had great flavor but the sauce/broth was a bit salty for my taste. My husband had the pork cheek Benedict which had great flavor but was again on the salty side. My smoked trout omelet was very good and had just the right amount of seasoning. I really liked the shaved fennel in the salad and the fried capers were a nice addition. Next year we will be back and looking forward to another Easter brunch!
(3)Tim M.
I stopped at a bar during happy hour. The prices are kinda high, service was great, and the people were nice. I wish they would have had a better bar menu for food.
(4)Jon B.
Great all around experience from the ambience and interior decorations all the way to the food. the Tartare was my favorite. Also enjoyed the pan seared Albacore tuna
(4)Steven G.
This used to be one of my "go-to" spots but hadn't been in about 1 year. Had old friends move back to Denver and we took them here. To put mildly, the place has gone WAAAAY downhill. It did occur odd to me that I could book a reservation 1 day out and noticed all times were open. Well, the service was terrible. Nice enough kid, but clueless. We ordered-up such that our 4-top would certainly have been one of the top rings for the night. They were apparently baffled by the concept of "courses". Huge wait for everything, items coming-out at the wrong time, runners showing-up with 2 apps and 2 salads and basically bumped into each other as they tries to figure-out that apps come first and we didn't want to have some odd mix of courses for each person...go figure. The food was just bad... Escargot was a few snail plopped in a copper vessel swimming in some odd off-flavor swill. The worst I have ever had...really. The Beet salads, which we had seen twice in the hands of runners at our table were lukewarm weird-ish piles....no doubt sad they had to come twice and clearly were just set back in the kitchen awaiting their doom...and timing. Entrees were very weak...but I am out of words. Really disappointing evening...and of course mildly embarrassing as we suggested it. Done...off the list...forever.
(1)Marnie S.
Amazing! The inside seating (main dining area) had the exact feel my husband and I came to relish of all the bistros we ate at when we visited Paris: cozy, intimate, with all the seating packed close together. If you like dining space, you may find the interior a little too cozy for your liking. Food was fantastic. We can't wait to go back again.
(5)Nic T.
Bistro Vendome was certainly food worthy of a review. Its shortcomings come from the vibe projected by the service. As always, we go out to eat as a family. This was clearly unappreciated by the restaurant seeing that we have three kids. There are times when I would almost encourage my kids to live up to the perception created by the staff when we go out. As it is, we make sure the kids are respectful, clean after themselves, and enjoy good food. To eat we had croque monsieur, mussels, a pork benedict dish, grilled cheese, and french onion soup. It was almost laughable when we asked for the grilled cheese. The look I got was as though I broke wind at the table. Our server said he wasn't sure if the cook could do that but he would ask. To our good fortune the cook was well versed in the art of sandwiching a piece of cheese between two pieces of bread. My daughter (5) was very pleased. My eldest daughter (8) loved her mussels. Our seven month old loved the french onion soup. My wife's benedict was apparently 'When Harry Met Sally' worthy. My croque was very good, but I would have liked a bit more crunch to it for texture. With respect to the cook, I am sure it was cooked perfectly however. What was really amazing were their pommel frites (french fries). Holy goodness!!! You could bribe St. Peter with those things. Overall, we are happy we made the trip into town to try the restaurant. Was the experience great? No. However, the food was on point and worthy of a solid review. My main point of emphasis is that my family and I enjoy trying different fare, and while we don't expect to be pampered we expect to receive the same courtesy paid to the other patrons with the fancy shoes. We will never short change a server on a tip despite their crummy service because we know they depend on that to get by, but their minimum is 20%, everything above must be earned, and on this outing it was not. To other restaurants who may read this review, this is your warning that my family will be coming to try your restaurants too, Nike's and all.
(4)Daniel A.
I love this restaurant! I have been here a handful of times and have left extremely happy after all of them. First - the ambiance. In the winter it's nice and quaint (even though it's right off of Larimer street) and the patio is divine in the summer. The service is always exceptional! They have a great wine list and serve French classics expertly prepared. My go to place for a great date night or when I am craving French food. I highly recommend, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Samm V.
Man! I love this place so much!! My husband and I first stopped in for brunch after spending six weeks in Europe and felt like we were right back in Paris again from with quaint decor to the unique menu. My cousin had given this place a good review so we thought we'd try it and now we go back whenever we get a chance. The brunch is super yummy!! The must-try's: Steak tartare Benedicte Shockingly, I just noticed it's from the owners of the Rioja which is not one of my fav places for how overpriced it is but I don't feel this place is overpriced at all. Maybe a little, but not outrageous like the Rioja. No matter. I won't hold it against them. Anyway, I'm not a fries kinda girl but their fries are super yummy and I could eat them all day.
(5)Mica F.
A very nice French restaurant with a wonderful ambiance. We had a beautiful dinner on the patio on our final night on a business trip to Denver. I'm not a huge fan of French food but my husband lives for it. We both had a Lobster Consumme soup which was quite savory. For dinner, I had the Lobster Risotto which was quite nice and light. My husband had the Lamb Loin, cooked to pefection. We ate outside on the perfect night. Both the patio and inside seating are small so I would recommend reservations on a weekend evening. A quite place for a romantic dinner in an garden area between some buildings off the very busy Larimer Street so it was a quiet atmosphere. The wine list was small but well thought out. For dessert, I had the Bananas Carpaccio and my husband had the Chocolate Velvet Tart. A nice lovely restaurant with an older crowd. Great for a special night out. I would highly recommend a special evening out here!
(5)Meredith C.
This place is ADORABLE! I booked a table for 8 here for 7:15 on a Wednesday night with no problems for our Yelp book club. We had read, the "Sun Also Rises" and although we originally had chosen "The 9th Door" they could not/would not accommodate us DESPITE my original email asking for a reservation over a month before. Boo! Moving onto the bistro, the setting is gorgeous. Talk about feeling transported! It's very French, very Parisian and the outdoor patio is adorable. We were seated in a big booth structure in the back with a bunch of tables pushed together and were quite comfortable. Our waiter was congenial and helpful. He was a bit verbose for my taste, but at least he was friendly and welcoming. The menu is the ONLY reason why this restaurant did not receive all 5 stars. Where's the cassoulet? Where's the Coq au Vin? These are classic French dishes and I was disappointed not to see them on the menu. I finally settled on the steak au poivre avec frites and the soup l'ognion. However, I started with the special wine flight. Touted as a trip around France by wine region, I had to do it and WAS NOT disappointed. There was a champagne, a white, and a red and all were perfect and were sadly finished before my soup arrived. The soup was incredible. It had just the right amount of cheese and wasn't under seasoned or too oily. I shared it with a friend. By the time my entree came I was feeling NO pain after touring around France by beverage and settling in Bordeaux with another glass of the red. I only ate about maybe 1/5 of my food, but did manage to make a dent in the bread. the food was outstanding, but there comes a point while drinking when food becomes superfluous and this was such a night. I did bring home the leftovers and transformed them into steak and eggs with breakfast potatoes that my boy oohed and ahhhed over while consuming. I will definitely be back. Thank you!
(4)Russell S.
Perfectly executed despite a slammed kitchen. There were two large parties in the restaurant, which resulted in some long waits for food ... but the staff handled it well, and when the food finally came, it was delicious.
(4)Corey M.
This is really a 4.5 stars. Unfortunately, i can't go 5 because I'm not sure I would definitly come back but just because there are so many good restaurants in Denver, and there wasn't anything that really stood out. Patio seating is really nice. all the following entrees at our table were well liked: duck steak, salmon. The one minus was ordering a drink with Gin and St. Germain elderflower liquor. I love St. Germain, and make drinks at home with it so I know it well. IF there was any put into the drink, it was one tiny drop. They also used shaved ice, which made the top taste really watery. All that said--they took the drink back no questions asked, so no big deal.
(4)Kelly T.
Love the aviance. ..the outside bistro, great for lunch ..glass of wine with a good friend or even. Just some alone time..any more ...just being shaded on a watm day is great. .very quiet serene. ..
(4)Anne L.
My family visited Bistro Vendome on Sat., Jan. 17th. My husband and I ordered the onion soup - not bad, could be a little more full bodied flavor and would benefit with herbs d'provence. We both ordered Coquille St. Jacques. Three scallops, 3 mussels. The sauce was tasty, but for the price, I prefer my home made done in the half shell with bread crumbs and cheese. I felt like the ingredients might have come from Costco or Sams Club and you get a lot more there and can make at home. My son ordered the quail, which he thought was tasty, but the vegetables were left uneaten. I will continue to search for a true French restaurant in the Denver area. I think that the decor and the location make this attractive, but the food, not great.
(3)Natanya C.
The hustle of Denver starts around 7p.m., when many people peek their heads out of their homes and scurry along downtown streets to explore different culinary options. But Denver, being a place with many trendy restaurants, cafes, bistros and fast food chains, tends to give the average food scavenger a massive headache. Though that scavenger might look near and far, often the best of places can't be seen at a glance. It takes a true explorer to find an out of the way venue with a superb menu like Bistro Vendome. You must hop, skip and jump down Larimer Street until you find a somewhat hidden archway. At first you might be confused, seeing the sign for a steak house, giving you the impression that you must be at the wrong place. You then type the address for the bistro into Google a few more times and finally realized that Bistro Vendome is cleverly hidden, through the archway, past all the street side signs, and in a courtyard. Within moments of entering the courtyard, you are transported into France. You're greeted with a stone walkway, hanging lights and brick walls, complete with leafy bushes. At the bistro's entrance you open big white doors into a long corridor, where a wonderfully glowing hostess then proceeds to take you to your table. Because it was an oddly warm April day, my companion and I felt the urge to sit in the bistro's award-winning outdoor patio. Other seating options include an indoor dining room, a private dining room seating up to 12, a semi-private atrium seating 32-40 for receptions, and a full restaurant seating 80 in winter and 120 in warmer months. Catering is also offered. Expecting the usual claustrophobic and impersonal outdoor dining experience, I was pleasantly surprised. Although not a large seating area, the patio feels comfortably sheltered by cleverly placed trees . There was a wrought iron fence encircling the tables, except on the eastern side where a planter with bushes and a high brick wall created the sense of a secure enclosure. With trees, candle light and lively people surrounding us, I was transported to a Parisian garden. Even though enraptured by the scenery, I paused my day dreaming to acknowledge our waiter. Immediately, I bombarded her with a never-ending sea of questions. With no hesitation she smiled, and told me everything I wanted to know. So impressed by her wisdom, I put my culinary faith into her hands and told her to tell me her favorite entrée. I ended up having the trout. To complement this dish I choose a ginger beer, pineapple, strawberry martini of sorts (nonalcoholic). Unexpectedly, while waiting for our appetizer, we were given a chef's taster of gazpacho soup and a small baguette. Although the baguette was slightly stale, it was a nice French touch and visually pleasing. When I tasted one sip of the light and sumptuous soup, a rush of spring filled my mind, and warmth overtook my body. In that moment I awakened from winter's hibernation and felt refreshed. The taster was immediately followed by an appetizer, in this case escargot. Being a veteran to snail eating, I wasn't at all appalled at the thought of consuming the little morsels. Now I assure you the texture, flavor, and look of this dish does not, in anyway, resemble a snail. These snails were each a wonderful burst of flavor on top a nicely charred crostini. Often snail is chewy or grotesquely pungent, but instead this tasted fresh, like they had been harvested that day. Laid in front of my companion and myself were two plates of food. The first entree was a narrow plate with a crisp half chicken on one end, mash potatoes on the other, and a sort of slaw in the middle. I was skeptical, for chicken either falls under the category of boring or spectacular, but very rarely in between. With the opening bite the crispy skin, combined with the moist chicken, sent my head into a tizzy. The texture contrasts were so overwhelmingly wonderful, even Julia Childs would have said "Bon Travail" or good job. The mash potatoes were airy and creamy, but nothing unusual or rant-worthy. The slaw added a citrusy finish to cleanse your palate. The second entree was the trout, skin on, paired with a lemongrass sauce, sliced potatoes, and mushrooms. The trout was perfectly seared, seasoned with salt and pepper, and exquisitely paired with an impeccable lemon grass sauce. To finish this dish, mushrooms and potatoes gave you an on-the-farm, fresh taste. I found myself, once again, ambushed by the feeling of spring, but unlike before, I couldn't escape the dream world. I floated in a warm, light, and relaxed enjoyment, not unlike lying in a spring meadow on a warm day scented by new flowers. Stuffed, but not uncomfortable, I sat awaiting the last course of my meal. Once again my taste buds were captivated with a banana cream cheese filled crepe. This sweetly finished my meal and left me satisfied yet craving more. Again the presentation, taste and composition of the food was masterful.
(4)Kati E.
My favorite French restaurant in Denver. There dessert menu is phenomenal! Staff is nice. Free glasses of champagne for special occasions. Parking is a pain though and valet is 10$.
(4)Dave G.
A wonderful French bistro in food and atmosphere. They chef offered an amuse bouche of roasted red pepper soup that was a genuine delight. I am not sure I could eat a bowl of it because it was so rich and wonderful. I did scrape the bottom of my cup with a piece of bread to get every drop, though. The food is beautifully prepared and very rich in that particularly French way. Go here to indulge and celebrate.
(3)i n.
Great french restaurant for mussels and croque monsieu's. I would give this place 5 stars but I'm spoiled by Le Central.
(3)Stacy P.
As others have noted, Bistro Vendome can be a bit easy to miss, especially considering the fact that it's on the best block of restaurants in Denver. However, find it and get yourself in there! I always try and show up a bit before my party so I can have a drink in their tiny bar - I love it. It only seats about six, maybe eight, at the bar, but the staff has always been friendly without being overbearing, and the drink selection is good. Anyway, back to the restaurant. To get in, you need to walk up a little hallway thing off Larimer - it's maybe 20 feet back. That's it, you're in! As I mentioned, they have a very small bar, a good deal of indoor seating, and a beautiful patio out back. The first time we went, a couple guys in our group clearly hadn't checked out the menu ahead of time, so heads up to the rest of you - Bistro Vendome is a bit pricey. Not $50 a plate pricey, but you should plan on spending around $20 for your entree (which is really not a big deal around Larimer). Those two ended up ordering appetizers for their entrees, but the server didn't make them feel out of place about it - he was very gracious. The second time I was with a group of mostly women, all of whom had dined at Bistro Vendome before. We shared appetizers and desserts, and everyone enjoyed their entrees. A friend and I actually split ours since both of us were on the fence between the same two dishes (I ordered the rabbit, she ordered the lamb, and we swapped plates halfway through). The rabbit was just a bit bland, so I was glad to trade for the lamb, as it was some of the best I've ever had. Oh, I love to share with you what I'm talking about, so I included pictures of the rabbit, lamb, and cheese plate in the photo section. Enjoy!
(4)Dani S.
Owned by the same people as Rioja. I heard they were rated best restaurant owners for several years now. Food is amazing. My dude did all the ordering since he's the French food connoisseur. Steak Tartare: fresh quality meat. Coquilles St. Jacques avec Risotto: scallops are huge and super fresh. Hands down - great ingredients. Valet parking $8. Reservation required. Dinner $60/person + tax and tips
(4)Jack H.
Great summer spot...the patio is nice and chill. Right off of Larimer square--the location is ideal for a late dinner before hitting the town. Apps and Brunch are what keep us coming back. Steak Tartar is the best I've ever had, Escargot is deliciious, and the Steak Frites...dear god---amazing. Typically, the Wife and I split the Steak Bernaise. Perfect little spot.
(5)W. O.
Not impressed by their dinner at all. They have a decent brunch, but dinner is a big let down. Surprising since Rioja is one of my favorite restaurants.
(2)Kate D.
I loved this restaurant! I wish it was in my hometown, I'd be there every weekend. The vibe is so warm and friendly and relaxed. We sat on the patio on a perfect night, but the inside looked cozy too. The service and staff were super friendly and nice, but still on their game and serving meals with the right timing. I had the lamb and it was fantastic. It melted in my mouth and had the most amazing flavor. The chocolate dessert was also perfect, not too rich and still full in flavor.
(5)Chloe H.
This place is great. Went with my husband for a nice dinner and it did not disappoint. It really reminded me of Paris with how the restaurant is set up. We had reservations for 7:00, however it was very busy so we took a seat at the bar while we waited (that was busy as well). A staff member noticed us waiting to get to the bartender and brought the drink/wine menu to us which was a very nice touch and something that doesn't happen to often. We ordered a bottle of wine which was amazing. When we were seating our server asked to hang our coats for us which was also a nice touch. We order mussels to share which were incredible. My husband is somewhat skeptical of stuff like that but couldn't stopped himself and mentioned that he would come back just for the bread, mussels and wine! We had a hard time choosing our dinner selections and we generally like to order different things so we can eat off each others plates. He ordered the Classique steak which came with pomme frites and I order the Lamb Shank which had bussles and polenta. The steak was excellent, very lean and cooked to his expectation and had a delicious hollandaise sauce on the side which was a great touch to dip the steak in. The pomme trites were very different, not sure if I liked them very much since they are sweet and cooked in a sugar reduction. My lamb shank reminded me of a pot roast, the meat fell right off the bone. It was tasty, however very fatty and I prefer more of a lamb chop or loin I guess. I asked the server if the lamb is generally a fatter piece and she explained to me that the shanks usually are and without hesitation took it off our bill.The brusslels were amazing and the polenta was very good also. We will definitely be back and the food and service was excellent. I can't wait to come back and devour the mussels!!!!
(5)Nirai H.
We love brunch here and we finally made it for dinner. We had the Escargot Perrier, steak frites au poivre, lamb, chocolate mousse gateaux and press coffee. It added up to 110 for two with one glass of wine and tip. The snails had good texture but for my taste the sauce/juicewas not as savory as I would have liked (I had a flashback to Paris where things can be bland). The lamb done two ways (pan seared and braised with peas) was well done and in an amazing sauce! The steak was tender and the sauce was amazing but one thing to note about the frites... They were coated in a champagne, vinegar, sugar mixture and it was much too sweet for me. I didnt eat most of it... As for the mousse gateaux I will try something else next time. Coffee here is always good! Service is very good. As for atmosphere someone was saying that it was like new Orleans. Hope that helps you get a visual. We went on a Thursday around 7:30 so we didn't have to wait for a table either. There are some really amazing dishes and Bv provides for a nice relaxing atmosphere for my husband and me. Can't wait to try their other dishes!
(4)Susan D.
French food the way I like it with the prettiest patio in Denver and wonderful ambiance inside as well!
(5)Jean S.
Finally they seem to have gotten the music right! We were here for brunch and for the duration of our visit only one terrible 80's top 40 hit was played! Now I can feel safe and secure in my choice to frequent this place.
(4)Doug F.
What an elegant restaurant! I was a member of a party of 20 for a dinner engagement. The service captain was Casey. He supervised the staff of servers for our group. The service was prompt friendly and efficient. The food was absolutely excellent. Now, you would expect that somewhere along the line, between serving wine , hors d'oeuvres starters, entrées, and dessert there would be some sort of letdown. There was no break in service. Orders were executed efficiently. Food was delivered promptly and correctly. Close attention was paid to each diner's needs. As to the food, I had the French onion soup, steak frites and dessert. The food was prepared to perfection. It reminded me of visiting a very French bistro on the Cote^ Du Rhone, France. The wine selection is incomparable. I would come back to this restaurant in a heartbeat. If you are in Denver looking for a modestly priced, excellent restaurant with super service, check out Bistro Vendome and ask for Casey. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Terry B.
Myself and two of my closest friends had dinner tonight at Bistro Vendome, what a treat! I was hoping for the best, and got more, food wise, than I thought possible, beginning to end. From the hard-crusted baguette to desserts, wonderful! We had the pate, the mousse, and crepe, all delicious. Chicken, quail and trout, superb! Desserts, fantastic, french press coffee too, the evening was just great, we'll be back, and soon.
(5)Elly D.
I came here with my parents and fiance to celebrate closing on our new home on Bastille Day. We had a good time, and my parents enjoyed feeling like they were "back in France," even if only very slightly. Service: Good, prompt, and polite. Food: We split a bottle of white wine, and I wish I could remember what it was called because it was lovely. I got the duck for my main course and loved it-- so good! I think everyone was generally happy with their main courses, although my fiance wished he would have gotten the special in hindsight. The first courses, though, were 50-50. The charcuterie tray was mostly good, and I tried my best to get every morsel of the carmelized-top foie gras out of the little pot it came in. Our only comment is that the pate/preserve combination was too sweet. We also ordered the escargot (I'm a huge escargot fan), and I was very disappointed in the red wine reduction that was slathered over it all. The cheese and the red wine reduction are MUCH too heavy for those escargot-- maybe rethink that dish? It honestly didn't matter what you put it in that sauce and cheese combination-- you can't taste it anyway. We didn't finish it. All in all, a 4/5 star experience. We'll be back!
(4)Red R.
My husband and I sat on the patio. The atmosphere was nice and romantic until we saw mice scurrying next to the wall near the ally. There were several and in the trees. We had one drink and an appetizer before we saw the mice. We of course decided to leave after that and the manager didn't charge us for what we had already eaten. They really need to take care of the mice. She referenced to them as "French squirrels". Yikes!
(1)Amy R.
Mixed reviews on this place- would give 3.5 stars if I could. We went for dinner recently. We had a reservation but still had to wait 30 minutes for a table. While we waited, we had a very pleasant bartender who let us sample wines before making our selection. When we were seated, we waited 20 more minutes before I finally decided to flag a waiter and asked someone, anyone, to come to our table to at least take our drink order. After that, the service got better. Food was also a mixed bag, but quite good for the most part. I love salt, but the bread was definitely pushing into the "my taste buds may not recover its so salty" category. The mussels were tres magnifique. The steak tartare was bland at best. The salmon and trout dinner entrees were also good. For dessert, we had the Brioche Bell Helen, a poached pear with brioche ice cream and caramel sauce. It was everything you want from dining out - something you would never think to make, and absolutely delicious. We are excited to go back when they start happy hour and have some wine and mussels on the patio.
(3)Tegan W.
The service was seriously lacking. Super slow even when less than half of the dining room was full. Our waitress disappeared for the last 45 minutes we were there, another woman had to cash us out. Not sure I would come back here because of it.. the food was fun but having to constantly wait around for our waitress to reappear for things we needed was not worth it.
(2)Richard C.
Great job. Thoroughly pleased. Sweetbreads done well. Steak cooked perfectly. Have eaten here a few times, always enjoyed myself.
(4)James B.
Can't believe this is owned by the Owners of Rioja on Larimer. At Rioja I experienced a sterile, lackluster meal which seemed touristy and average at best. Vendome to me is the opposite- a cozy getaway with original dishes and above average service and execution. If they were siblings I would certainly not ask Rioja to the prom....
(4)Fritz H.
Once again Bistro Vendome exceeded my expectations. The staff, particularly Michelle, got everything just right. From the timing to the recommendations, everything was perfect. I honestly can't think how our meal tonight could have been better.
(5)Ken O.
In Denver for a night out. Wonderful dinner - great food. Service was prompt and attentive. We had hors d'oeuvres (mussels) at the bar before being seated - excellent. Only negative - tables have been stuffed in - a bit crowded. We will return.
(4)Kristen D.
We have been here twice now. Both times it has been great. The food is yummy and the price for the quality is great.
(4)Lindsey P.
**Take this review with a grain of salt as I had a sinus infection when we went...so I'm mostly going off of my experiences, what I COULD taste and smell along with what my boyfriend had to say about the food. This was our first visit to Bistro Vendome and we had high hopes as it was a special occasion. We walked from the Hyatt (our hotel) which didn't take more than 10 minutes, 5 blocks or so. From Larimer Square, it's not the easiest restaurant to locate but we did find it...and it is quite charming. We had a reservation for 7:30p and we were sat right away - love when that happens, otherwise, why bother with a reservation? We sat inside which is very cramped. I imagine that the patio may have been more comfortable. Because of the tight space, it was also rather noisy which made an intimate chat over dinner all the more difficult with my head congestion. Our waitress was very helpful and suggested a great wine after we told her what we usually prefer. We saw most of the other patrons with bread, which took a while for us to get. It was very hard...which I don't like. We did dip it in the french onion soup, which was tasty. As many other people have mentioned, we also got a sip of chilled soup as a taster. Ours was a tomato purée of sorts...not my fave. Getting our entrees took a long time. Other than the fact that I didn't feel well we weren't in a hurry...we wouldn't recommend this place if you're on a schedule or looking for a "quick bite" for dinner. My boyfriend ordered the scallops which were very popular with most tables. Of the three he was served, two of them were cooked perfectly, one was a bit over done. Overall I think he enjoyed it. I ordered the steak with port wine reduction and a side of pommes frites (French fries). I thought the steak had a very strange texture, though it was cooked as ordered (medium rare). The fries were just ok, but barely warm when they arrived. The flavor was pretty good though. We got the creme brûlée for dessert...which we order quite often when we dine out. As for Bistro Vendome's interpretation? Meh. Not super flavorful...kind of a let down. For what I paid - $$$ - it was just ok ; the meal took a long time and wasn't a relaxing dining experience. I'm not sure we'll be back - for the money there are either other places we'd like to try or that we like better...BUT I wouldn't discourage others from going there and trying it for themselves.
(3)Jennifer S.
Fantastic way to spend Bastille Day! This restaurant is hidden off of Larimer and is a hidden little gem. The decor is quintessential French bistro, the service was professional and efficient and the food was delicious. My husband tried the steak frites and I had the gnocchi...both were flavorful and just delicious. I highly recommend!
(4)Jessica J.
I really love Bistro Vendome's charming Parisian style. The patio, the big board menus on the wall and the whole atmosphere! We popped in on a Saturday around lunch hour. It took a bit of time to get seated, not because there was a huge line, but because the hostess was just moving kinda slow. It also took awhile to get a waiter's attention to put in a drink order (or by that time our entire order since we sat for so long). Still, the slow service aside I loved the food and overall atmosphere. We started with a selection of mini pastries. Each of which was more delightfully buttery and flaky than the last - my favorite being the apricot danish! Yum! I went with the classic A croque-monsieur (hot ham and cheese) and it came with their out of this world pommes frittes. The sandwich was on brioche and had just the right about of cheese (I think Gruyere) and ham. The fries are some addictive rosemary, salt, pepper, sugary blend of yummy goodness. Hubby had the Kobe hamburger and they served it on an English muffin (love) and with some spicy citrusy ketchup (which tasted exactly as it sounded - I stole some for my fries). It was a nice relaxed atmosphere and I would go back in a minute!
(4)Kevin M.
Good service, nice setting, tasty food! But B.V. is at the high end of a very competitive market segment, and the menu and food aren't as unique as sister restaurant, Rioja, so I can only give it 3.5 stars.
(3)Kelly S.
Had the mussels and crepe vendome, both were delicious, though a bit salt heavy. The patio is beautiful and amazing!!!
(4)Monica C.
Absolutely my favorite place for a romantic brunch or dinner. The service is exceptional and the food is amazing. I love eating here when it's warm out because they have a beautiful patio with trees and lights. For brunch you have to try the fruit flavored champagnes or the French press coffee. Also make sure to get a side of pomme frittes because with the aioli, they are amazing! I could eat them every day!
(5)Jason J.
Bistro Vendome had a nice, quaint charm to it that most restaurants I go to seem to lack. The inside was incredibly small and there were some moments when the back of my chair got bumped, but that was all right. They have a nice looking patio on the outside that seemed pretty full and on a nice Saturday I could definitely see spending some time out there. Service seemed incredibly slow in the beginning.. I think we waited about 5 minutes for the hostess to wander over and offer to seat us. She didn't seem busy, just not moving too fast. The waiter also took forever to come take our drink order. By the time he did we knew exactly what we wanted so just ordered. The food was excellent. We started out with some pastries and I ordered a burger that was just fantastic.
(4)Ashley B.
2012 Review #95: I think of all the Jennifer/Beth owned restaurants in Denver, Vendome is my least favorite. That said, I also think it is the most transporting; it is very easy to feel like you've taken a flight across the Atlantic when you walk onto the patio here. I've been here twice and both times the meals were great. My first visit, I wasn't as keen on the server, but she did get us a pretty good bottle of wine, and we were on the patio so I was lulled into a lovely state of calm. Our second visit was for our anniversary and we were seated inside. If at all possible, avoid sitting inside. It's so cramped in there, and although that lends itself to the bustling, city bistro feel, it isn't very romantic to be able to touch your neighboring table by just cutting your meat. The service on our second visit was much better; our waitress was kind and had a nice sense of humor. They gave us champagne and some drink coupons for our anniversary, which was a great touch. Honestly, I don't have much of a memory of what we ate specifically on this visit, but I do know we were both happy. When it came time for dessert, I had hit the wall. Not to be deterred by my stomach capacity, our waitress brought over some sorbet for me to cleanse my pallet with, telling me it might make me feel less full (ironically). And she was totally right. With the gluttony back on the table, we took on dessert. Never one to say no to a salted caramel, I went with their version of what is, essentially, the Olivea salted caramel chocolate tart. And, you know, we should just sign over the rights of that dessert to Olivea. As talented as the chefs are here at Vendome, this just didn't hold a candle to Olivea's masterpiece, which was a shame. Overall we had a great time, and, because of our incredibly close proximity to the table next to us, we also got some great evening entertainment. At one point, the patriarch at said table leaned in close to his neighbor and said, "did you hear about my nephew? He got the lupus. Can you believe that? A sexually transmitted disease, at his age..." With that, we guffawed, left a big, big tip, and went on our way, happy and full.
(4)Elizabeth M.
Bistro Vendome offers a lovely brunch on Sundays that we have attended more than once over the years. From the croque monsieur to the pulled pork eggs benedict, everything they serve for the brunch tastes excellent. Coffee - delicious; mimosas -yummy. The place is small and charming - a little too small and at times it can feel cramped. Service has always been efficient and pleasant. Prices are the norm for downtown - less than the Four Seasons and more than The Market. We love this restaurant, and my only constructive feedback is to lose the 80s music they play there. It ruins the otherwise continental european feel of the place.
(4)Tim T.
Yay I am a fan. Last night was our second time at the Vendome. Both times were amazing. We loved the crepe's, beet salad and risotto. Good service as well
(4)Melissa M.
We made reservations at Bistro Vendome for our wedding anniversary--expectations were high. My husband proposed in Paris, so I thought hitting up a French restaurant would be a cute way to celebrate 1 year of marriage. Everything was spot on. The outdoor patio is adorable and perfect. The lights, and the fact that it's tucked away a bit off Larimer Square make it very intimate. No complaints on the service. The food was delicious--I had the scallops, and my husband had the lamb; both were perfectly cooked with great flavors. While the price point here is higher, the quality matched the price, and I didn't leave feeling like we had paid too much. If you're looking for French cuisine w/ great atmosphere downtown, I'd go with Bistro Vendome. In my opinion, it far exceeds the other options downtown.
(5)Monica L.
Denver Restaurant Week at Bistro Vendome last night was outstanding. The atmosphere, service and food were all superb. Speaking of atmosphere, some people were seated in the atrium (hall). If this isn't acceptable to you, you might want to confirm where you'll be seated. The restaurant is charming inside. Our receipt says our server was Rick, and he was top-notch. Our table of four recommends the following: mussels, chicken crepe, escargot, scallops, steak frites, chocolate bread pudding, and trio of housemade ice creams and sorbets. I thought the chicken was fine, but I wouldn't recommend it or order it again, and I thought the cauliflower gratin that came with it was bland. Go for DRW or another time!!
(5)Scot F.
Excellent food, atmosphere, and wine list. Bonus on wine discounts on Monday nights!
(5)Tim C.
Great Sunday brunch...love the atmosphere, excellent service and French press coffee...dayum... Make reservations and take your time...
(4)KERRY R.
My husband and I went to the Bistro after seeing the Paris art exhibit and were excited about our French dining experience. We got to the restaurant about 5:30 and it was freezing inside. Others were also dining with coats. I asked if they would turn up the heat and they said for us to wait because the body heat of everyone would raise the temperature. So, after about 25 minutes, I took off my coat and it was tolerable. Then I asked the waiter what he would recommend, he said "well, we are famous for our duck". He said there was a "special" that was duck simmered all day and served with lentils. He told us that he had just tasted it and it was soooooo good. He just raved about it. Based on his recommendation, I ordered the duck and my husband ordered the steak and fries. Our server was Matt and he was a good waiter. Service was fast. First they gave us some extremely salty bread (almost inedible due to the salt on the crust) and then served our entrees. My husband's steak was tasty - not a Del Frisco's steak by any stretch, but acceptable. Then they placed a bowl of slop in front of me....pieces of terribly salty duck with lentils and a few carrots. It also tasted like it was reheated. They had the audacity to charge $19.00 for this. I could have bought a can of Progresso Lentil soup, added some already roasted chicken, and it would have been FAR superior to what they served me. There are too many restaurants in town for us to ever consider this place again.
(1)Ashley D.
Two years ago, my husband and I spent our one year wedding anniversary at Bistro Vendome while visiting Denver. It was a wonderfully romantic experience. Last week, we decided to come back to Bistro Vendome while visiting the Denver area for a ski trip. It is exactly as we remember it. It has the most quaint patio that looks like it is in the middle of Paris. Inside looks the same. I love that they have french napkins (they look like kitchen towels) on the tables. It is a very Parisian place setting. Each meal begins with their fresh, hot baguette, which slightly resembles a crusty sourdough. They have a small, but sufficient french menu. However, both times we have gone, we have ordered their mussels and pomme frites specials. For $9, you get a big, steaming bowl of mussels in a garlic, butter, wine, basil sauce, served with a decent sized side of pomme frites (french fries) with a champagne gastric, sprinkled with herbs de provence (see my pics). They are both so delicious! The broth that the mussels are cooked in is so good! We found ourselves eating the broth like a soup, and sopping it up with the crusty bread. The pomme frites are cooked in French style, perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. And oh my goodness, the gastric on the outside of the fries is to die for! So tasty. It truly was a delicious experience. I love the ambience of the restaurant. The only negative was the service. Our waiter didn't seem enthused to be serving us. He was somewhat attentive, but wasn't friendly or charismatic. He actually didn't even tell us about the mussels and pomme frites special, but we had seen on their website that they were still offering it and had also heard another server explain it to the table next to us. The young woman who served us bread and butter, water, and our amuse bouche was super friendly and informative; we wish she had been our server. We actually requested (ahead of time on our OpenTable reservation form) to sit outside, and you would have thought we had leprosy by the way they looked at us when we arrived. Sure it is mid January, but the weather had been beautiful and warm during the days, and many other restaurants had people sitting on their patios. Bistro Vendome has big heaters on the patio, so it would have been perfect to sit outside. However, the hostess called and looked for the manager for several minutes, to no avail, to ask if we were allowed to sit outside. She finally sat us outside, and said someone would come soon to light the heaters. The beloved water girl gave us water, but we never saw a server, and after several minutes nobody came to turn on the heaters, so we moved inside since it was a bit chilly. I am not sure why the manager could not be found, but that was a little off putting. Regardless, the food is good and the ambiance is amazing. It is a sentimental place for us, so I am sure we will eventually cross paths with Bistro Vendome again in the future.
(3)David M.
This restaurant is a gem. Intimate settings ,quality food and great service! Located in the heart of Lodo Bistro Vendome is a great restaurant for any occasion! The kitchen staff really pays attention to detail! Get the mussels! You won't be disappointed with them or the French Fry accompaniment !
(5)Mick B.
This is a great restaurant. It is not cutting edge. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with eating delicious French food in a gorgeous atmosphere, whether you are in the garden or in the restaurant. Everything we had was fresh and prepared immaculately. Great food and great wine. If you can't afford a trip to Paris, Bistro Vendome may be the best substitute.
(4)Corina R.
This was one of the most beautiful meals I've had in a while. The service was fantastic, my mom had looked at the menu online and it had said they had duck. They had changed the menu and unfortuantley didn't update online, so they sent us a complimetary duck confit salad (which was a play on duck a l'orange) it was delicious. I also had the mussels and escargot with bone marrow as appetizers both equally good, if it wasn't for the nice setting I would of full on drank the mussels broth. I had the osso buco which was super tender and fell off the bone on top of crispy polenta with green beans. I also had the banana crepe and an espresso to finish off a perfect meal. Seriously my stomach was so happy, that I had a stupid grin all night from the incredible food.
(5)Aus B.
Definitely a solid 4 star place. At least for my visit. The frites we got were some of the best frites I have had EVER. Ever! A little sweet, a little salty and perfectly cooked. The soup and main was also top-notch. We were there before 6pm and only a few tables were seated so I cannot comment on the service during peak hours but during our visit it was perfectly balanced (not too much and not too little). Not a bad French option for Denver. Note it has a pretty limited veggie main options...
(4)Diliny C.
I'll start with what I didn't like about Bistro Vendome - in order to make a reservation, I had to leave my information on an answering machine and they didn't guarantee that my reservation would apply. BUT, that said - when we showed up and they could not find the reservation, they did go above and beyond to set us up in the atrium. My 15 month old son accompanied us and the staff was very accommodating. Food was fantastic, wine selection as well.
(5)Angela A.
Several of my friends have mentioned brunch at BV, and as self confessed brunch-a-holics, we had to check it out for ourselves. We made reservations and were sat at a little table outside. It was a beautiful day. If it were for atmosphere alone, I'd give it 5 stars. This is a great patio. It felt like a hidden nook in the madness of Downtown. I immediatly forgot I was on Larimer. We shared the crossiants, and they were scrumptious. They were buttery and flakey just the way they should be. They were served with a side of lavender jam which was fantastic. Anything made with lavender, I have to try. For my main entree, I chose the daily crepe. It was filled with various meats that I can't exactly remember, and fresh veggies, then topped with a tomato vinaigrette type sauce. The sauce was flavorful but made the crepe soggy on the bottom. It was very good, and just the right size after stuffing ourselves full of croissants. Bur I honestly wasn't overly impressed with the dish. My husband had the croque-madame, which was unreal. The bread was so thick, and made like french toast. The texture of the toast was light and fluffy, not what we were expecting at all. It was delicious. I think we will go back, but for dinner.
(4)Dani E.
I've been wanting to try this restaurant for 2 years, and finally had an opportunity when my husband and I enjoyed my birthday dinner here on Feb 8, '13. I had emailed the GM, Beth Gruitch earlier, advising we were from out of state and wanted to stop in for hors d'ouerves and wine before our event later that evening, and "would the restaurant accomodate hors d'ouerves only?". I received a very quick, warm reply from her, stating they'd be happy to have us join them. Our reservations were for 5:30 pm, and we were seated promptly several minutes before that time. The restaurant was a little chilly, but the decor was so beautiful that the ambiance was warm, overall. We were given a menu to look over and told about the special of the night. Although we told them we were ordering hors d'oueves and wine only, we were still brought an amuse bouche from the chef - at no point did I feel that the staff was looking down on us for not ordering entrees. Although... we decided to amend our later plans, and ordered entrees after experiencing the food and the service! During one panicked moment, I realized I forgot an email confirmation for our later event, and our server offered to have the email re-printed for us. This turned out to be unnecessary, but we appreciated the gesture very much. We asked for wine recommendations, which were spot on. The food presentation was absolutely gorgeous! For dinner, we had: amuse bouche: White Bean Puree with Cardamom - excellent hors d'ouerves: Foie Gras Saisie - oh-god-I've-died-and-gone-to-heaven delicious Escargots a la Moelle - the escargot were only ok, but the bruleed bone marrow it was served on was delicious - and sooo decadent entrees: Duck Breast (evening special) - perfectly medium rare, and some of the best duck I've ever eaten Blanquette de Lapin (prosciutto wrapped loin and confit of rabbit leg) - amazing The food was some of the best I've had - ever, and the service was absolutely impeccable. My husband and I will make this a must-stop any time we're in Denver!
(5)Johan B.
Ambiance: Great Wine list: Good Service: Atrocious Food: Mixed feelings Bistro Vendome is very French. The place could have been taken straight out Paris. The restaurant itself was fully booked so we sat in the Atrium which looks more like a walkway or fancy food court. Not the ambiance of the restaurant but acceptable. The foie gras was good, as was the salad. Duck main course was very good with the notable exception that the risotto was undercooked. The steak frites gets a mixed review. Outstanding pommes frites and bearnaise. However, the steak itself was really sub par quality. It was cooked well but the meat itself was poor, especially for the price. I would have preferred a smaller cut at a higher quality. A higher price would have been ok, too. But for $21 to get tough and a sinewy steak is not good. The service is my biggest complaint. When the waiter asked how our dinner was we raised the issue of the undercooked risotto he did not offer to take it back or to fix it. All we got from him was a "hmm" with a laconic face that translated as he really didn't care. Perhaps this was just a bad day for one customer. The reviews seems universally good. I want to be fair so I'll give three stars. I would welcome a discussion with the restaurant ownership or management.
(3)L R.
So disappointed- I really wanted to like this place! Went for brunch and ordered the crepe of the day, at the server's recommendation, and my husband ordered eggs Benedict. The crepe itself tasted like bland, raw, soggy dough, nothing like a crepe. The Brussel sprouts inside (I love Brussel sprouts) were undercooked and therefore quite fibrous, while the bacon lardons were simply chewy. Combine those three textures, add a gray mushroom sauce, and voila. Husband reported that watery liquid squirted out of the poached egg. His dish was cold and had an oddly bitter taste. We tried to eat it anyway but after a few bites decided it wasn't worth the struggle, and we both sent back our dishes, which neither of us had ever done before at a restaurant- ever. The server and manager were very gracious and took care of the bill, but it was still an awkward experience and the food doesn't deserve a second chance.
(1)Lynn W.
Sooo incredibly good! Quite possibly the best meal I've had in Denver. I had the foie gras appetizer and it was delectable. I kept scooping up the sauce with my bread. I also had the scallops, which were perfectly cooked. I will definitely be back!
(5)Denise M.
We were heading for a different restaurant on Larimer but got sucked in by the nice outdoor patio, what a mistake. While the outdoor atmosphere was nice the food was indifferent at best, I had the chicken w it side dishes totally blah, took a few bites & abandoned it, checked out my friends meals, the pork chop was dry & tasteless, one friends steak was tasty but tough another friends steak was just tough, the'frites' were just so so. Overall this food was not worth swallowing, it was soo disappointing especially after having a superb lunch at the Denver Art Museum's in house restaurant Pa lettes earlier in the day. Also the service was poor at Bistro Vendome.
(2)Mike B.
The food is great, and the prices are very reasonable. Plus, the restaurant is tucked back in a little courtyard off of Larimer - which by the way is an awesome street. The courtyard is kinda European feeling and cute. I'd give it 5 stars, but I thought the service was just so so. I sat at the bar. Hands were two groups and then me. Since I was dining solo, which I admittedly do not like, I would have liked a touch more attention from the bartender/server. I'd go back though!
(4)Ai Ling C.
Absolutely delicious and the service was perfect. The butternut squash soup was velvety and perfectly spiced with cumin. The cheese plate was fantastic. The medium rare steak with peppercorns was unbelievably soft and juicy. The osso buco fell off the bone and melded perfectly with the rest of the meal. I woke up the next morning thinking about the food, and I am trying to think of more excuses to go back as soon as possible. Definitely a place to go back to again and again.
(5)Marlena F.
Love them for dinner and recently enjoyed their brunch and loved it. Give them a try!
(4)El G.
This last weekend, my family and I went here to celebrate my sister's graduation from law school. There were seven of us including a 3 year old. The concierge was great, seriously. He sat us right away and he got booster seat for the little one. We had eaten at Rioja earlier and had an amazing experience, so we figured something in the same neighborhood would be similar. We were wrong. Our waiter was so condescending, rude and all around arrogant, that it made some parts of the meal uncomfortable. I like eating at restaurants. A lot of the experience is related to the food, but ALSO the wait staff. This gentleman, if you wish to call him this, makes eating out a chore. He would often interrupt you mid-sentence to say something, forgot drink orders and, well, did I mention that he was rude? I've eaten at restaurants in France and I've never had a waiter who felt he was so above the rest of the world. The food, by the way, was decent. The cheese plate excellent, but the waiter ruined the experience.
(1)Karli F.
I was so surprised by my experience at Bistro Vendome. I hadn't heard a whole lot about and it was Restaurant Week. I got invited to join some friend's reservations and gladly accepted. I arrived early and sat at the bar to have a glass of french wine. I really have no idea what it was that I drank, but the bartender was able to help me select one, based on my preferences, that was really nice! The dining room is rather like dining at a bistro in France--the tables are not spaced very far apart, so you better be comfortable eating very near your neighbors. They give you bread in a paper bag to begin with--yummy. I mean, for bread, it was good. Maybe I was just starving. For appetizers I shared the Salad Compangarde and the mussels with a friend. Both were excellent, but I'd go back for the mussels alone! They were buttery and almost melted in your mouth. A second helping of bread, helped us soak up the delicious broth. My dinner was the popular choice at our table--three of the four of us ordered the pork chop. But the pork chop wasn't really the star of this dish. It was served atop grilled acorn squash rings and blue cheese mashed potatoes. But the scene stealer were the bacon wrapped dates. I mean, it was like eating tasty chewy candy wrapped in pork. Who can't love that? Dessert didn't blow me away so I won't bother to mention it. Nothing was wrong with it, but it didn't stand up to the appetizers and entrees. My friend made a comment that this food was better than a lot she had in France! The patio was gorgeous even if we could only fantasize about it since it was snowing outside. I'm going back in the summer on a Sunday, I'm sitting on the patio, sipping whatever wine it was that I had, and I'm ordered the mussels and frites for only $9. ***I can't speak French so just pretend that I'm saying "Fantastic" right here.***
(5)Bradley L.
Great Desserts! My wife loved the hot chocolate. Great patio to sit when the weather is nice. I have never eaten a meal here, just dessert many times. All desserts that I have tried have been great! Good Dessert Date place.
(4)Sarah C.
Had brunch here today and liked it! The quiche was delicious and the basket of croissants was flaky, buttery, goodness. Poire royale? Yes, please. My kids adore the pommes frites. Great place to dine before a show. Some mistakes with our orders but these were quickly remedied. We left happy!
(4)Lynn L.
I had high expectations for Bistro Vendome. After all, it's the same owners at Rioja, always one of my favorite dining experiences in Denver. We arrived at Bistro Vendome last night for dinner and were promptly seated in....the hallway. What a disappointing way to start off dinner - sitting OUTSIDE the restaurant with the glaring lights of the neighboring bridal boutique in your face. ugh. We tried to forget about that and imagine that we were in a cafe in Paris (cafe, not bistro...because bistros in Paris do not have chairs as uncomfortable as these). The menu looked good, but there were upcharges for most of the appetizers/entrees on the menu. We nibbled on the delicous fresh baguette that arrived at our table - it really was fantastic. We decided to start off with the Quiche aux Truffes (black truffles, smoked ham, mushrooms) along with a spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette; and the Carpaccio de Betteraves (roasted red beets, cucumbers, red onions along with some greens, goat cheese croquettes, and walnut vinaigrette. Both were fantastic. The quiche's custard was silky smooth and studded with truffle (YUM). The crust was not too thick, and remained crispy. The beets were delicious, but the goat cheese croquettes really stole the show (how can you beat something that's panko-breaded and deep fried?). For our entrees, we selected the Trout Filet and the Pork Chop. The trout was a generous portion, married with bacon, brussels sprouts, carrots, creme fraiche and Dijon mustard. When they say Dijon mustard, by golly, they MEAN it. I don't think my sinuses have been cleared out like that since I put way too much wasabi in my soy sauce at Sushi Sasa. Unfortunately, trout is a mild-tasting fish and this death by mustard just overpowered the entire dish. I had the trout for restaurant week at Aix, also prepared with a mustard sauce, sans Dijon, and it was far superior. The Pork, with its gorgeous bacon-wrapped dates, squash, and potato puree was of a generous size and very good (bacon-wrapped dates!). It was supposed to come with a spiced rum reduction, which was noticeably left off the plate. It begged for a sauce the entire time. A manager stopped by out table and asked how everything was. I commented on the Dijon flavor and how overwhelming it was - she offered to bring another entree out immediately. It wasn't necessary for me, but I appreciated the offer. Between the generous Dijon and the lack of sauce on the pork, I wondered who the heck was overseeing the kitchen. Another disappointment - we had to SHARE dessert. I was under the impression that for Restaurant Week, you get three courses all to yourself. I guess that's open for interpretation at places like Bistro Vendome and Il Posto (where you have to share an entree with someone!). Fortunately for them, the Blueberry Lavender Napoleon was to die for, with its whipped lemon creme fraiche, perfectly crispy phyllo, and lovely fresh blueberry compote with a hint of lavender. The service was nicely attentive, but not over-bearing, which is key if you're trying to emulate a French bistro. Our waitress recommended a couple of nice wines that paired winningly with our entrees. They made a mistake on the bill (our total tab was just over $21). When I pointed it out to the waitress, I thought perhaps she'd take off a glass of wine or something for my honesty. No such luck. :( Would have liked to give 3.5 out of 5, but I just can't justify 4 stars with all of the mistakes during the evening. Will certainly come back at least one more time to give it another shot when (perhaps?) it's not so busy.
(3)laura h.
great sunday brunch. yummy bloody mary. fries were soooo good! tossed in a champagne vinegar reduction with herbs... salty sweet yum! great courtyard too.
(4)Arlenne D.
This was the best meal I have ever had! I have never left a restaurant more satisfied or happy than my trip to Denver, November of 2009. We walked in for dinner and not only was the location beautiful, but the staff was wonderful and pleasant. The food borders on orgasmic! The meal started when pomme frites that were the perfect texture. I had an apple fennel soup which is singlehandedly, the best thing I have ever tasted, to make it better, it was a taste courtesy of the chef so major bonus! We also had the escargot salad which is a great way to try escargot for the first time. Our entrees were traditional dishes of chicken and fish, both were super yummy. Our dessert was a lovely piece of cake with ice cream. I honestly can think of no better dining experience.
(5)Sean S.
the food was 5 stars, the service was 5 stars, and the espresso was 10 stars! I'll be returning to this place.
(5)Bruce W.
I'm not sure why we waited so long to try this great restaurant. As other reviewers have said, it's been around a long time, but we have not tried it until recently. What a waste! This place was great. Not a stuffy place, the food and service are all about comfort. Our server was casual, made great recommendations, but still managed to keep us happy, and checked in at appropriate intervals. There was none of the pretentious attitude, when I struggled to pronounce, or understand some of the offerings. The food, as is the case with all of Jennifer Jasinski's restaurants (Rioja, and previously with Panzano) is superb. I had a wonderful steak with blue cheese on top, and my wife had a great trout dish. We were both simply delighted with the whole experience, and wish some of the other Denver French restaurants would visit and learn a thing or two about this wonderful bistro!
(5)Archer D.
Best Restaurant I have been to in Denver, so far. Super friendly staff, even during restaurant week where some restaurants lower their standards. Excellent and interesting food, and I love the fact that they did not try to sell me the bottle water or the most expensive bottle of wine. I can't stand restaurants that are salesy on their product. This place was pack, so make sure to get a reservation. The location on Lamier street is also a plus, sets a great ambiance.
(5)alison g.
i hate when people review restaurants and obsess over authenticity. why are they asking whether something the same as another dish, rather than whether the food was just plain good? /rant anyway, no idea whether vendome was french enough, but it was delicious enough for five stars. we weren't that hungry, so we sat at the tiny bar and ordered hors d'oeuvres, and ended up staying for so long we had a couple rounds of champagne/trappist beer, and the bartender hooked us up with a serving of their excellent pommes frites. mussels - great. get them. lick the soup off the bowl if you'd like. crepes - very filling. fried capers were a nice touch. french onion soup - could have used more cheese, but was still a desirable experience. pommes frites - absolutely great. the extra kick was the tinge of simple syrup and lemon zest. most pricey fries don't transcend fast food. these did. i even stole a bite off a chocolate/fruit dessert from my neighbor (he offered). would have ordered my own if i wasn't so full already.
(5)Bridgette A.
My husband were lucky enough to be in Denver during restaurant week, and Bistro Vendome was the highest rated restaurant we could get reservations to for the one night we were there... so we made them... even though they were for 10pm! It was a nice experience. The environment was a little bit more casual than I expected, though I did appreciate the lack of snobby French waiters. When I couldn't really pronounce my entree, they helped me and laughed with me about the difficult pronunciation--which I appreciated. We were served a delicious amuse busche and then my husband and I got the mushroom soup and the selection of cheeses. The soup was quite amazing. The cheeses were alright--I mean, I LOVE cheese, but I didn't find these to be anything particularly special. However, it did come with this lavendar jam, which was truly incredible. I could just eat that stuff forever! For our entrees, my husband got the classic steak frites, and I got the duck. The duck was quite good, though slightly dry. My husband enjoyed his steak and it was not overcooked (which is somewhat unusual even in the best restaurants!) and found the fries to be average. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our meals, but they did not knock our socks off. For dessert, we selected the creme brulee. It was, again, really tasty, but nothing extraordinary. With our meal, we ordered a half bottle of wine, and we weren't super impressed. It needed time to breather, but even once it did, it was a little harsh. Overall, the experience truly was a good one, and these critiques are relevant but it is important to know that the food is good! The service is also good, and it is definitely an above average joint. I really enjoyed my dinner date with my husband, and we never once felt rushed even though our dinner was at 10pm.
(4)Beth M.
So delicious. The ambiance was fun since it's tucked off the street. Yum!
(4)Matthew J.
The best croissants in Denver. Would have given them a 4, but service was poor. We had eaten early breakfast and weren't ready to sit down so we wanted croissants to go so we could explore. They were very snippy about selling us croissants.
(3)Aileen D.
Food was amazing and the courtyard setting was idyllic. Not too much foot traffic [luckily]. The waitstaff is very helpful. Update: went to brunch today. our server was fine until it the restaurant filled up. understandable, i know, but still a bit off-putting. tight space if you're sitting inside.
(4)Amy R.
What a great experience!!! I came here with a group of 10 people that were in town for a conference. We were sat in a private room that was very cozy and nicely decorated. Our server, Roger, was wonderful. Some of the dishes are better than others, so pay close attention to what the server recommends. I shared a salad with someone and wasn't too impressed by it, but the mussels were some of the best I have ever had - very fresh tasting and not chewey at all. Once we got through enough of them, I took the warm bread that they bring in out a paper bag and sopped up the garlicky/butter/wine goodness from the bowl. Heaven! The mushroom bisque I had a taste of was also delicious. I had the roasted chicken with caulifower gratin as my entree. Even though the dish was very simple, it was cooked perfectly and tasted wonderful. Some of the others at the table enjoyed the trout with pistachios, but didn't seem blown away by the Cassoulet. Like I said, some dishes were better than others, but all of it is good. I would love to go back for the mussels next time I am in Denver.
(5)Dana M.
Expensive but memorable. Serves me right for ordering 3 glasses if champagne and the duck! I still dream of that dish with the hint of herbs: lavender, thyme, rosemary... All very subtle with eggs over easy and a nest of hashbrowns... Likely the best breakfast dish I've had in Denver to date. Looking forward to trying dinner here soon.
(5)Richard F.
Last weekend, we were looking for a place to dine in Downtown Denver and Latimer Square area was recommended. We were able to secure a reservation at Bistro Vendome on short notice and were very pleased with the result. We had the Peppercorn Steak/Frites and the Loin of Lamb. Both entrees were well prepared and excellent AND very well priced. The Steak only came with frites, but the lamb came with two small, cheese stuffed tomatoes and a salad of green peas and creme fraiche. The atmosphere was very french and the place had just the right amount of "buzz" to be enjoyable. The wine list ranged from several good and very affordable choices (less than $50) and many much more expensive - a very good overall list. I will definitely return on my next trip to Denver.
(5)Scott T.
Although still the nicest patio south of 16th, I don't think I rate the food as I once did. The menu has changed little, but the level of service was down, and attention to the details, which make it or break it, were not as spot as they once were. My hollandaise was obviously a tragic victim of too much time under the heat lamp. To the point of pools of broken, clarified butter hiding under my cup of generic crunchy-melon fruit salad. (Wait, in prime fruit season? When it all could have been local-sourced and TASTY? Sad...) All in all, still a splendid, memorable occasion, but far more for the company and the setting than the unfortunate Sodexo-like food.. (I can only hope the dinners are better.)
(3)Devon P.
I really enjoyed this place! The decor was very fun and elegant. A group of us went there for a friends Birthday. We tried a ton of items on the menu and passed the dishes. I loved their mussels and French fries. Their fries have sugar and vinegar and are different. I had scallops and they were large and very good. I recommend this restaurant, I will be back, I want to go for brunch.
(4)Ran D.
Mehhhhkk! Service great, bartender made the best classic french martini, ambiance, comfy. I hope the meal we had, was due to 5280 craziness but we were VERY disappointed to say the least. Appreciated being able to explore the entire menu, unlike all of the other 5280 participants, but...Foie gras, small, overcooked accompanied by a batter dipped 'shrooms, figs...mmmmm..not even!..have had so much better. Escargots, beyond bland, steak tartare, horribly covered in over powering garlic sauce. Dinner, I had the rabbit, swear it was turkey, yuck! Hubby had chicken, again, nothing spectacular. Creme brulee, cold, almost frozen in the middle. I swear everything seemed to be pre-prepared and came out super fast, not cooked to order...wasn't even that busy! Oh and the super quick, "how was your dinner" from the mgr., Beth?, she didn't even wait for our answer before turning away with a sour puss look on her face, which she had on all night. Granted it's probably 2 weeks of hell with 5280 but in light of the fact that so many people said Bistro was so authentic and delish.... I disagree...not even close...bland, bland, no layers, BLAND...$140 after for just the 2 of us..not returning..not impressed.
(2)Tiffany S.
This place was what a fine dining experience should be but without the pretentiousness(can't spell, you get it). The drinks were good, the service was top notch and the food was scrumptous. Never been to France but I would imagine this place was pretty close to the real deal. Who cares, it was a great restaurant. Can't wait to go back. It is pricey so it will be a romantic treat in the future.
(5)Melissa C.
Took my foodie friend from out of town to Bistro Vendome on a whim. Was blown away by the service, ambiance and delicious food. The scallops were melt in your mouth amazing.
(5)Sophia L.
Oh Bistro Vendome, how I covet your brunch. So much that I'm pretty sure I've tried everything on the menu. The crepe du jour is ALWAYS a standout (The last one I had had brussels sprouts and chicken. Yummm). Love the potato galette with duck confit and the mussels. And I finally understand the obsession with their french fries. I've taken practically all of my friends here. Most of them usually beg to come back. When my parents visited me, we went for brunch AND dinner in the span of two days. I think the brunch menu is a little stronger than the dinner menu, but they still make a mean roast chicken (With a cauliflower gratin that is just awesome). And the desserts!!! Those homemade ice creams/sorbets and that chocolate tart! Overall, just a great place for a delicious solid French inspired meal...really wish there was a place comparable to this in Seattle!
(4)Kristin K.
The first time I went to LoDo last summer I walked past this restaurant and have been wanting to try it ever since because the menu and European decor inside and out looked very captivating. We ordered the escargot and charcuterie appetizers, and the duck and au poivre for dinner. I thought the escargot was missing something, it was kind of bland. The meat sampler was tasty although nothing special either. However the duck and steak were amazing! It was the first time I tried duck and thought it was absolutely perfect. No gamey taste at all. The steak and fries were also incredible. We really wanted to try dessert but were too stuffed. This is a place you should definitely try if you are looking for a nice evening out!
(4)Karen W.
Always a favorite of mine!
(5)Josh P.
There is no better brunch in Denver. Tucked away behind one of Denvers oldest and most unique blocks lives bistro vendome. The food is great, amazing wine list, perfect service everytime, and the restaurant offers a very unique experience that makes me wish every day was Sunday.
(5)Eric K.
Better french food here than Paris. I ordered some sort of fish entree and it was awesome. Id say its the best seafood I've had in Denver. The American size portions also makes this place a good choice.
(5)Jared G.
Vendome, how I miss you. You weren't completely unaffordable. You had a nice patio. You had Guillermo the waiter. You had patently unhealthy steak tartare and those lovely frites. That one time, you had venison and while I felt so bad for bambi, she tasted so good. Take your friends, tell stories, and drink more wine. Take your partner and whisper sweet nothings over coffee and dessert. Take me the next time I'm in town.
(4)Jonna J.
A lonely night in Denver and needed some great food....found this place via Yelp and was thoroughly impressed. My mom is a French Chef so needless to say I grew up with discerning taste. The service - warm, friendly, professional and with perceptive timing to my needs. The food was delish! Traditional onion soup, paired with yummy french wines, herbed chicken with an intoxicating Cauliflower au gratin and the ending....wait for it.....strawberry rhubarb crepe with buttermilk creme and a dallup of ice cream OMG, devious really. Great patio off a delightful street downtown, romantic even without a date. Go there! You won't be disappointed.
(5)meghan w.
One of my favorite restaurants to visit...even if its just for the pomme frites and a martini with blue cheese stuffed olives.
(5)Micah S.
I don't know much about fine dining but I know if you're a blue collar guy/girl looking for a special night out, this is a fine place to do it. The veal is amazing, the mac and cheese side is slap-yo-mammy good, the crepes vendome is the best appetizer I've ever put in my mouth, and the service is as good as it gets. The wine is on the pricey side but just look at is as a surcharge for the lovely building and great patio.
(5)Mike R.
Picture yourself sitting at a tucked-away sidewalk cafe in Paris, with some guy named Francois adding to the ambience with some classical accordion music. The smell of fresh-baked baguettes harmonize in the air with spring lilacs, truffle oil and rich onion soup. Call that a traditional French dining experience, and I'll say that Bistro Vendome's patio is the next best thing. And you don't need to know your french to dine there. Granted, you will need it to read part of the menu. Lucky you, the descriptions are translated. On a hidden corner in Larimer Square, Jennifer Jasinski's acquired concept brings french romance and charm to one of the best locations in LoDo. You'll feel like you're worlds removed from this state you call home as you dine here for a Saturday or Sunday brunch. When you walk through the classically adorned french doors, you find yourself in a quaintly romantic spot. Seating is scarce (especially when the patio is closed) so make your reservations ahead of time for this experience. Once you're in, however, this concept is ridiculously complete. Everything from the menu boards printed on mirrors on the far side of the dining room, to the darkly wooded dining sets, fresh baguettes, rich french onion soup with the perfect gruyere finish, fine lace curtains, and of course the patio. It's all french to me. As if the atmosphere wasn't enough, the food hits the spot as well. Vendome has one of those menus where you wish you could order one of everything. Focusing on brunch this time around, they feature one of the best bloody marys in town (granted smaller than the usual, but don't miss this one) accompanied by a number of other traditional morning cocktails. Properly dubbed Gueles de Bois, or 'hangover drinks' eluding to last night's events, you can take your choice of biere rouge (red beer) or a collegiate favorite, the screw driver. We're not talking minute maid and smirnoff here though. The food speaks for itself, once again bringing you back to the streets of Paris. With a lot of smaller plate options, you can mix and match to your pleasure, share a few appetizers, and top it off with a proper finish. On our gorgeous saturday, we opt for the onion soup to start. With a rich, savory beef and onion base and a tinge of sweetness, this well rounded delicacy is an ace from start to finish. They even manage to keep the baguette chewy and crispy, and that, my friends, requires finesse. Next up: Salade Campagnarde. Not to be confused with canard, there's no duckling in this one. I made that mistake with my shoddy french. Granted, I was pleasantly surprised and not disappointed. Perfectly al dente redskin slices adorned with mushroom duxelle border a bed of dijon-tossed greens, drizzled with truffle oil. Gastronome meets homestyle with a sunny-sided egg, completing the dish and creating an impromptu sauce. Do yourself a solid: order a dish with fries and another side of them. Trust me, you will be fighting for the crumbs here. Move over nine75, there's a new kid in town. And he just beat up your honor student. Made with Kennebec Potatoes and coated in a sweet champagne gastrique with herbs de provence, these pommes are finger-licking. You really can't go wrong with your main dish choice. But for days ending in 'Y', tackle out a Gaufre Maison for dessert. This light, fluffy waffle kisses your palate with Nutella whipped cream that will make you think you're in a dream sequence. Topped with Sauterne poached pears, dark chocolate and candied walnuts; texture meets smooth succulence. You may even reconsider sharing this and keep it all to yourself. Gluttony you say? You'll understand. The service rocks too. Dish it up. Food:10.0 Ambience:9.0 (for a late dinner, the music at Lime can be distracting) Service:9.5
(5)J C.
Okay, so I'm in Denver for a business trip. Yesterday, my compadres went off to do their own thing, so I'm stuck with the daunting task of trying to find a nice restaurant. The first day I was in town, we were strolling around the vicinity of the 16th Street Mall area, and I happened to come across this little alcove, totally out of the blue. "Where does this lead to?" I wondered. To a French restaurant, as luck would have it (I looove French food!). Now, we ended up eating somewhere else, but my interest was piqued. Having the next evening free, I decided to check it out. Bistro Vendome has the most captivating outdoor seating. It's like something out of a Pre-Raphaelite painting (minus the knights and the bosomy maidens). Taking a seat outdoors, I was promptly greeted and given a bottle of Fischer (an Alsacian beer). While everything on the menu looked yummy, I eventually opted for steak frites Roquefort (topped with Roquefort cheese in a port reduction). I was expecting hangar steak, but the cut of beef I got looked more like London broil. It tasted fantastic! Plenty of cheese, and the beef was nice and tender. A word about doneness, though: I ordered medium rare, but several slices of beef (the steak was pre-sliced) were rare on the inside. Now, I can deal with that, but if you prefer your meat more cooked, you might want to inquire with your server. The frites: they do 'em differently here. They were cooked with herbs and served with an aioli mixture. Quite good, but more like a change of pace as opposed to something I'd crave all the time. But it gave me a new twist on an old classic. While I didn't find out about it until after quaffing my first beer, they had a wine sampling the day I was there (their website says they do it every Tuesday). You get three different glasses of wine for $10, and they weren't stingy with the pours either! The verdict: I wish I had a date to take here, as this is a great place to woo your significant other. The food's delicious, and the picturesque seating doesn't hurt 'neither!
(4)Sara C.
Great ambience- try the outside patio with the twinkly lights. Food, wine, and service were excellent.
(4)Sandi D.
Not sure why I haven't Yelp'd Bistro Vendome before now --- I've certainly been here enough; mostly for brunch, lunch, drinks and appy's, as I'm just not fond of the dinner menu. I do, however, love,love the outdoor patio. In nice weather it's a wonderful way to spend time with friends chatting over a decent French Red. The wine selection is MUCH better then their competition (Le Central, etc...), as is their fare in general. I hear it's very difficult to do "affordable French" , and to be fair, Bistro Vendome does it pretty well. I guess I would just prefer to pay a few bucks more and have the real deal with quality ingredients -- Hanger Steaks are for fajitas, not for Steak Frittes. I now stick with what I know is good; mostly soups, appys and wine, and soak in the great atmosphere.
(4)Ari H.
A little taste of France right in Lodo. I love this place. One of the better French bistros you'll find anywhere in the country. Perfectly done from décor to food. It would easily hold its own on the streets of New York City. If you're looking for food recos, they have a strong Moules frites and Steak Frites.
(4)David R.
Really lovely little place. I don't know what it is, but "lovely" just comes to mind when I think Bistro Vendome. An impromptu "organized" night out led us here a few weeks ago and I was pleasantly surprised. We made a last second reservation for 8...alas, it was almost 9 before we were seated in this fairly small place...but that was OK. A little standing/sitting at the bar gave us a chance to sample a few of the really tasty drinks the bar offers. The "St. Martin" cocktail was great and only about 9 bucks. Not bad. Once we were seated, our waiter was great...informal and approachable and full of suggestions. He helped us pick out a couple fantastic wines and never tried to push us out of our reasonably low price range. Now, I'll fully admit, we were pretty smashed by the time we ordered...but from what I recall, everything was great. The Moules frites were great...absolutely fantastic flavor on the mussles and the fries were crispy and had an almost sweet thing going on. Actually, now that I think about it, they may actually sprinkle a little sugar on them... Regardless, very tasty. As far as entrees, I'll only comment on my own...again, the "smashed factor" was pretty strong...so I may miss some salient details... :) The pork chop was absolutely amazing. Juicy, garlicy, and basically perfectly cooked. The sides, which included some sort of potato thing...again, I was smashed...was wonderful as well. The only downside...which, I suppose could have been a major downside if I had been sober...was that, once I reached the bone of the chop, it was definitely undercooked. Thankfully it was the end of the meal and we were eager to get out to the bars so I really didn't care, but that's the only thing keeping me from giving this place 5 stars. Anyway, a lovely experience and next time in back "home" we'll be hitting up Bistro Vendome!
(4)d p.
Great tucked away little spot. Came here for brunch looking for some good french food. It didn't let me down. The steak tartare was exceptional, the croque monsieur very good and the charcuterie plate nicely done. The only semi complaint. The service was sluggish. Could've been that the staff was a little hungover! It was Sunday brunch after all.
(4)Tim O.
Absolutely delicious. While on a business trip, my friend and I found this place through Yelp. It was excellent. The mussels were extremely good and the halibut cheek was also delicious (though just a small tad overcooked). And did I mention the fries? Wow. Service was great - very friendly and responsive. I would definitely go back.
(4)Carol W.
We had been to the exhibit at the Denver art Museum and wanted something nice for late breakfast/early lunch so we came to Bistro Vendome. The girl that seated us was lovely and very sweet but things went downhill from there. We were seated and it took a while to get something to drink but we were enjoying the day so that was OK. I ordered coffee which never did come. My husband ordered the blue cheese burger and frites and I ordered the beet salad. We are not very picky eaters but at least like our meat cooked and our fries fresh. The hamburger was surprisingly rare and the frites were not fresh. Also, both had a sweet sauce which for the burger was OK because it was an onion relish. The frites though has some sort of sweet liquid poured over them which was a bit strange. The salad(and I am sorry I don't remember the exact name of it) was very sparse and I was HUNGRY. It had some roasted zucchini sliced thin, a couple of baby carrots and of course the beets. It was OK but not memorable. I was starving so kept hoping our waiter would come by and I could get a baguette like the people near us were eating but he had disappeared and we did not see him for about 25 minutes. When he finally came by we requested our bill. There was another woman sitting near us who I watched for about 20 minutes waiting to pay her bill. I think had our waiter been more attentive, I could have given 3 stars.
(2)Marc W.
Pricey but worth it. Good French food for Denver.
(4)Anna M.
This restaurant is wonderful! I have eaten here a couple of times but the last experience was great. We had 9 p.m. reservations and they sat us right away . The appetizers were portioned just right with the perfect blend of flavors. The time between the Hors Devours and the main course was perfect and the portions were just enough . The service was attentive but not overwhelming. I can not emphasize the quality of the food! It was a savory delight!. The price for the food and drinks throughout the evening was exceptional. I was surprised when we received the bill.
(5)cindy w.
I love this place. I've been here once for dinner and twice for breakfast. The chicken that I had for dinner was the most amazing chicken that I have ever eaten. It tasted like someone took a needle and infused it with butter under the skin. Breakfast on Sundays is quite the hit, and it's full, so make reservations. The wine choices and brunch selections are excellent. The folks at the bar are great in helping you decide the best wine for the meal. For brunch, I had an Heirloom tomato salad with caramelized onions that was defnitely 5 stars. Duck sitting atop the fried potato hashbrowns and eggs? YUM. The outside patio is very pleasant in that you're seating in a quite courtyard versus on the street sidewalk. No traffic noise/smells.
(5)Ana C.
One of the few places I have been over and over and loved every time. For brunch, the french toast is amazing but so is the toast with rose hip preserves; the floral aroma and taste is so refreshing and different. For dinner, anything you order will be lovely. Their duck dishes are always very well done and their vegetarian offerings are unique and appetizing instead of the typical, veggie pasta most places offer. It's not on the menu anymore but they used to have a creamed spinach with hazelnuts that was unbelievable. The staff is good, the wine list extensive and this is always a place for an hours-long dinner out on their beautiful patio. This is one of my favourite places.
(5)Winston C.
I am normally not a huge fan of French cuisine, so it was easy for Bistro Vendome to exceed my expectations. With that said both the food and service were very good. I enjoyed the cheese plate and steak tartar and asked for the Steak Fritas for brunch which they gladly accommodated. The steak was excellent, and the prices were reasonable.
(4)Elizabeth H.
A very fine, yet expensive meal. Been there a few times, and have nothing to complain about, and would have to say they have the most delicious Creme Brulee I've ever tasted.
(4)Treana H.
You will never, and I mean never, be able to eat another burger that compares to the burger they serve for brunch here. I would fly from Phoenix back to Denver simply to eat there again. Honestly, don't skip it on your next trip. Every bite will blow your mind. The service was INCREDIBLE and the matre'd even came over because we had said how great the food was... also... our bill...was $27!!!!
(5)Shawn A.
This is one of our favorite brunch spots. To be able to sit out side in the middle of January certainly helps with the experience. They have a great French wine list by the glass. I would say that the Campaigns served by the glass are very reasonable. This weekend we didn't want a huge meal so we asked if they would accommodate us outside for drinks and an order of mussels. The staff was VERY accommodating and happy to have us. The mussels were great served with a lot of garlic, white wine, fresh herbs and a little cream. The mussels don't come with their famous frites, although the manager gave us a small portion when we asked. The service was great and very refreshing!
(5)Chris V.
My wife and I ate here last Summer and it was one of the best meals we have ever had. IT was colorful, creative and just plain delicious. I would recommend this restaurant for a nice night out with a few friends or significant other.
(5)Manoj P.
I went to brunch on a Saturday afternoon while visiting Denver recently. The salmon eggs benedict was delicious - probably the best eggs benedict I've ever had! I don't have much else to add about the food but I did want to mention that BV made this solo diner feel completely at ease. Next time I'm in Denver, I'll definitely be returning!
(4)Alicia N.
The atmosphere is Paris, the waitstaff is attentive and very helpful, but the food... Well... loved the pommes frites, but my steak au poivre cooked "medium" came out very rare. When I sent it back, it came back deader than a door knob. In the meantime, I tried some of my husband's (we ordered the same thing) and the pepper was SO overwhelming, I could barely taste the meat. Same with mine when I finally got it back. Not sure if it's to mask the fact that it's not a very good cut of meat - or so it seems. On top of it all, they cut the steak into slices - what am I 10? When I get a steak, I want a FULL steak - not cut into pieces like London Broil (although that might explain the poor cut of meat). Maybe I am just a spoiled New Yorker, who's too used to Provençe (the OLD one), L'orange Bleue, Les Halles, La Jumelle, Balthazar, Felix, and Chez Jacqueline - but this paled by comparison... That said, the manager did take my dinner off the bill, and our waitress, Michelle, is the reason I will go back for another try and get the mussels this time around. But please, stop cutting the steak, and lighter on the "au poivre!" I want to be able to taste the dinner, not have my senses dulled by pepper.
(2)Monica B.
My honey and I went here for Valentine's Day, and I have to say the service was not in the spirit of love and romance. Despite the fact that we had a reservation, we had to wait about 15-20 minutes. I understand it's a holiday, but they should have done a better job of allotting more time between reservations (due to the 4 course menu, people ordering apps and desserts for the special day, etc.). And the way were informed by the hostess that they were running behind was not at all apologetic, which further turned me off. A smile and an apology can go a long way. Keep in mind that this restaurant required a credit card to hold the spot on open table and I'm sure if we were 15-20 late we would have lost our table.... When we were finally seated, I could hardly get into my seat because the tables were packed so closely (note: not a big girl here). The server joked that it was so we could all feel the love. We wanted to order a cheese plate right away (and already had wine from the bar) so as we sat down we asked the server to put in our order for one. He told us it would "work better" if he could take our entire order at once. I see where he was going with this, but really he should have just put in the order for the appetizer, given us some time to look at the menu for the entrees, and then returned to take our entree order. The cheese plate was pretty good, although they only gave us two small pieces of toast and two small slices of pear with it--not nearly enough for the cheese. My trout was alright (6.5/10) but my guy loved the steak frites but the fries got very sticky by the end of the meal. I may go back and try something new on the menu, but the service left a bad taste in my mouth.
(3)Jav V.
The prices aren't bad. The service was a little awkward. The food was good, but not great. It's worth going, but don't expect to be blown away.
(3)Steve U.
a buddy and i ended up here for dinner the other night. it was a tuesday night so there wasn't much competition for a table, we were seated immediately and got down to obnoxiously catching up on the past couple of months. the bar has a pretty thin selection of gin's. your standard stuff, but nothing particularly interesting. the menu was solid french fair and hit the spot. allow me to digress for a moment, the fries here are freakin' awesome. i got the steak and fries and i was told that the fries were insanely good. i took that to mean that they were pretty good, i underestimated that claim. these fries are really, really f@#king good. the next day when a coworker asked me what i did for dinner the previous night, their response was "did you have the crack fries?" nuff said.
(4)Dugg D.
Great French food at reasonable prices. Very "bistro-esque" feeling in great setting combined with steak-frites au poivre... all for $23 = goodness. This place just has a good vibe.
(4)Erin S.
I love bistros and Vendome did not disappoint. We had to wait about 20 minutes for an outside table, but that was ok b/c the bartender was friendly and the outside patio in the evening is magic - I really recommend it. Dinner was very delicious. Very romantic. A good time.
(3)Jennifer B.
Went here for Sunday brunch with my sister and it was delicious! We split the charcuterie platter and I had the duck confit eggs and hash brown concoction while she had the house waffle with nuttela whipped cream. The service was great and the atmosphere is nice without being pretentious. Just as nice for a girls get together as it is for a nice family meal.
(4)Tina B.
Great dining experience in Denver. Service and food were wonderful. Very reasonably priced for an upscale restaurants. Food was meticulously prepared. Great for foodies. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Cheryl M.
Very good restaurant in a beautiful setting. The food, service, wine list, and ambience are all wonderful. Great place for a date or to take clients. You can just relax and enjoy your meal.
(5)Trevor P.
One of my best meals in Denver, hands down. Went on a Wednesday night and got the last table on the patio. The waitstaff was helpful, friendly, and down to earth. Escargot was very good- the texture of the meat was perfect even if the puff pastry was a little heavy. I got the classic steak frites, which was arguably one of the best cuts I've had in years. The frites are salty/sweet and dusted with thyme, which I thought was a delicious combo, even if nontraditional. Flourless chocolate cake for dessert was also very good; very light for a flourless cake and paired with cherries and vanilla mousse. The food came out quickly and was always the right temperature. No beers on tap, but they had bottles of Kasteel Donker and a few other good Belgians. The wine list is good, but a little expensive. Overall, it came to about $45 per person, but that included drinks, appetizer, dinner, and dessert. Excellent value. I can't wait to come back. If you do go: call ahead, make reservations, and sit on the patio. The indoor experience isn't the same.
(5)Zach A.
This was probably the richest meal of my life. Every bite was spectacular. Every year I choose one day to eat veal, which happened to be my girlfriend's birthday. (past 2 years), the medallions were like great sex. Seriously, they were to die for. The country salad was delightful, with a fresh dressing that was not overbearing and not underwhelming so that the truffle mushrooms could still shine through. I managed to get my girlfriend to try escargot for the first time, and the butter garlic vessel was a trip to heaven. perfectly done and very hot, the snails slip into your mouth and dissolve, dissipating a delicious savory butteriness. And the wind we got was fairly cheap and really, really good. And we couldn't finish it so they were kind enough to cork it and let us take it with us. And the waitress we had was very kind, (Amanda?). The blueberrry lavender napoleon. Yummmmmmmmmmmm. There are not enough moans to describe the ecstasy of that pastry. And the interior is spectacular, as is the location. Go here, whenever you can. Spend $100 at least, because it's worth it.
(5)Caitlin K.
all i can say is...WOW. seriously one of the best meals i have had in denver. the hubby and i sat out on the patio, and truly felt like we were back in montmartre at one of the cute cafes where all the painters set up shop. the water served from glass bottles and the paper bags of warm baguettes set the mood even more so. one woman (who i thought may have been one of the owners, but can't be certain) was exceptionally warm and friendly. everything we tried was delicious. i got the steak frites which was amazing. the steak was perfectly cooked and the fries had a sweetness to them which really complimented the aioli they were served with. really exceptional meal, service, ambiance, etc. a little on the pricey side so definitely a special night out kind of place. but we will for sure be back for another experience like the one we had!
(5)Stacey L.
This is a cute french bistro with great food. The service was exceptional. We made reservations but showed up a little early, so we opted to sit outside in the patio. The patio is nicely kept and decorated - very cute. The weather was a little breezy but they have heat lamps. The food was really tasty and it took us a long time to get through our meal, but we really enjoyed the time we spent there. Being seated outside in the patio gave us a lot more privacy since the tables inside aren't spaced out that much. The waiter was friendly and helpful. There are a few garbage bins behind the fence near our table and the lid was flipped open during our time there. It startled us but was no biggie. He quickly took care of closing the lid, apologized, and comped my cappuccino for the inconvenience, which I thought was really nice.
(4)Ann P.
Yum! This was our favorite place we tried for DRW! The crepe appetizer was delicious. The trout was delicious and flavorful. The chocolate butterscotch tart was wonderful. 3 diners and we all enjoyed our meals. Wonderful service, knowledgable waitress. The only reason its 4 stars is that we were so spoiled with the DRW price. This is why I love RW. It can be hit or miss but sometimes you try someplace you end up really liking.
(4)Sarah R.
I really enjoyed Bistro Vendome. I highly suggest sitting out on the patio if you can...it is so quaint! The food is great and the service is very good!
(4)jay b.
My visit here for brunch this morning was pretty extraordinary. As I walk in I'm hit immediately with a good feel - the mood is bright and relaxed, and the server is at once both fun and absolutely on top of things. Being in a big group we order and share quite a bit of food, and the flavors are consistently brilliant across the board. We start out with french press coffee and for good measure I order a bloody that turns out to be uniquely light and perfectly spicy. The hot croissants come with a delicious floral-infused jelly. The mild curried rabbit crepes (with a basil hollandaise) are first rate, and the waffles topped with a blueberry/mango compote are some of the best I've ever had ... and even the bites I manage to pilfer from my friend's pan-seared salmon with duck sausage and beer braised cabbage are fantastic. Hmmm.... starting to run out of superlatives so I should probably wrap this up. :) One final thing we noticed was that the room seemed to absorb the noise rather than amplify it (as seems to be the case at far too many restaurants) and the result was a quiet, loose atmosphere that saved any strain on our ears and voices. An absolutely top notch place.
(5)Emily G.
great mussels and fries, wine, bread
(5)Jake L.
I really thought I had reviewed this place. This was my fourth time at Bistro Vendome. I am a fan of French restaurants, and Denver has a great shortage of good French places. One of the first things one will notice when they are seated at this place is the authentic Parisian bistro ambiance. It has a loud busyness that one can find in Paris. The wine bottles used as tap water bottles are a sign as well. What made me come back after my first visit, was the addictive French fries. I even tried to create them in my own kitchen. Initially, they were only served with the Steak Frites, however they are now offered as a side dish, due to their popularity. They have kind of a sweet taste, seemingly orchestrated with honey and Herbes de Provence. I have finally branched out from the Steak Frites and ordered the medallions de Veau. Don't let the 's' fool you, as there was only one medallion. That was fine as it was cooked perfectly and accented well with the spaetzle. Another adventurous trip for me was the Steak Tartare. I dare many of you to order this if you haven't. It was fantastic. Get past the raw meat and savor the various flavors. They say the third time is generally a charm, but the fourth proved to be a charm as well.
(4)Linnabah S.
My husband and try to at least have the mussels and frites there once a week because they are that good, and cheap - 10 bucks. Although I am not writing about the mussels, what I do want to give a shout out to is their latest addition to their brunch menu, Bison Burger. My husband and I love burgers, so when we saw this new addition we had to try it. I know this is a strong statement, but the burger was the best burger I've had. It was very tasty, and very moist.
(5)Greg B.
Have to say its a great location with a patio that feels secluded and private. I have been many times and love the atmosphere. though i feel the food used to be a little better. Still a great place, love the seasoned fries (which you can get at brunch as well as lunch/dinner), and the steak tartare. the mussels are also great. fun place.
(4)Lisa T.
The restaurant is charming and tucked away from the hustle of Larimer Street. First come first serve for outdoor seating, but I'm sure it's worth the wait on a nice summers evening. Unfortunately, I think we were there on an off night? Our cheese plate appetizer took 45 minutes and we still hadn't ordered. We had to ask our server, Margaret, to take our order as she constantly walked by our table without making eye contact? We asked Margaret for bread 3 times before finally asking the hostess who delivered some yummy hot bread! Margaret seemed to be providing her other tables with good service? Whatever! The onion soup was really good with the perfect amount of cheese. For dinner I ordered a Halibut which was on a bed of avacado parfait. The avacado parfait was ice cold which made the Halibut cold. I sent it back (I can't remember the last time I sent a meal back?) and it was the same. Cold. It wasn't bad...it was just cold. My friends shared the Roquefort Steak Frites and based on their oooh's and aww's...they really enjoyed it! Another friend had the Quiche, which received a positive review as well!
(3)Stephen W.
Food is quite good. Not as good as french food in france, but it is in Denver. Fois Gras was really tasty, Steak Frites was decent. Tarte vegeterien was good, asparagus was good for me. Downsides: sevice completely sucked, it was a sunday and they were empty but it was unacceptably slow for the price. Wine list is good. AVOID the house wine, it is Mouton Cadet (ick).
(3)Sari W.
you go to paris a few times, and nothing is good enough for you anymore. but this place.... oui oui!! we were visiting denver for one day and wanted a nice romantic dinner. the second we saw this place, we knew it would be wonderful. the baguette comes warmed (but it's sourdough, not french bread. weird, mais tres delicieux!) the palette prep was a salmon mousse, which i didn't try but my husband gladly ate my serving. per usual, the steak frites (au poivre) were ordered by the husband. i tried the plats vegetarians, which was a crepe with diced eggplant, mushroom, squash, in an asparagus cream sauce. this turned out to be absolutely unbelievable (i hate eggplant--ugh!--but it was so so so good!). if you go to this restaurant and don't try the frites, you are a darned fool. they are crispy and sweet and we ended up asking the waiter what they were made with because they were so......scrumdidiliumpcious (such a ridiculous word for ridiculously amazing fries). atmosphere= romantic, french, cozy, quiet. service was great, refilled our lemonade without our asking. prices were reasonable (steak was $22 and vegetable plate was $16) and we were full afterwards. didn't get a chance to enjoy their dessert menu, wish we had. this restaurant will leave you wanting more and asking "voulez-vous couchez avec moi, ce soir?"
(5)Mindy A.
perfect ! great food MUST eat here excellent service 5 stars
(5)Shiho F.
Just an adorable Bistro. Great Wine and Cheese specials on Wednesdays!
(4)Staralfur G.
yummy and super-romantic. (if that's your deal.) when it gets warm, hit the patio. it's off the obnoxious beaten path of larimer square, and it's almost charming, which is saying a lot for that area of town.
(4)