When you wake up in the middle of the night to hear your wife moaning something in ecstasy you hope that it's about you and not the Mac n' cheese she ate for brunch - but in this case, I think I can understand - it was AMAZING!!! We shared the aforementioned mac, but I also has the seared ahi tuna and she had the crab cake benedict. The food was all incredibly tasty and our service was great - but the delivery time was a bit longer than I would have liked. I look forward to our next visit - we may even add a bit of culture and check out the art museum!
(4)
Lucy W.
Busy, as I arrived for a lunch meeting during the art museum's free Saturday admission, so the place was packed. Beautifully minimal decor- large glass windows overlooking a big outdoor patio with seating, lots of space with the indoor dining area. I ordered the sea bass, which came with mashed potatoes and microgreens with a red wine reduction. It was gorgeously plated and delicious. Service was friendly and efficient, without being overbearing.
(4)
Wen Z.
Got there pretty late for lunch on Sunday 2pm, lamb burger came really fast, medium is just amazing. Sauce, not the regular ketchup, is also a perfect match for the fries!
(4)
Alice G.
Palettes is a sleek sophisticated Kevin Taylor restaurant located within the beautiful Denver Art Museum. It is always so wonderful to have a first-class dining option when you're inside of a museum. One of our favorite things to do is to combine brunch with one of the exhibits that comes through the DAM. Today the group all enjoyed beautiful bloody Marys with tons of garden and just the right amount of spice for six bucks a pop! What a bargain! We all ordered off of the brunch menu and three out of four of us chose the shrimp and blue crabcake Benedict. Delicious. Our plates were very clean. The crabcakes were crispy and delicious, with perfectly poached eggs served with crispy potatoes and delicious fresh fruit. The perfect brunch. Our gluten-free friend wanted the Benedict but they were quite honest that there were gluten products in the crabcakes. So she ordered and quite enjoyed the omelette. This was, as usual, a great upscale but low-key dining experience in Denver's cultural district.
(5)
Veronique C.
I have never visited Palettes for dinner, but I have been there quite a few times for lunch when going to an exhibit at the museum. It seems to be perfect to combine lunch or brunch there with a visit to the DAM. The atmosphere is quite sophisticated, service has always been perfect and the food quite good. I also like the fact that you can can choose from both the brunch and lunch menu on weekends.
(4)
Stacie G.
I.FREAKING.LOVE.THIS.PLACE. Awesome, flavorful, artistic, innovative, interesting, current, healthy, beautiful, delightful menu items! You really can't go wrong. I am even willing to go out on a limb and proffer that it does not matter what you select from the menu - it will be satisfying and great! I can personally recommend the salmon, the Rueben, the Eggs Benedict, the Grilled Brie Sandwich with French Onions and Cranberry Compote, the Bloody Marys .... The staff is consistently patient, helpful and friendly. They can suggest how to make a menu item gluten-free and they are also able to suggest perfect pairings. The pricing is ever-so-slightly higher than your typical "restaurant" but it is SO worth it. One of my favorite things to do is to spend a late Saturday or Sunday morning strolling through the Denver Art Museum followed by brunch or lunch at Palettes. Bliss! I wish you the same joyful experience. Bon appetit!
Had a business dinner here with 100 other women and the staff was wonderful. Even with that amount of people having a full sit down dinner the service was impeccable. The fish I had was incredible as was the bib lettuce wedge salad. My only complaint was the clueless kitchen worker that decided to clean the grill during the speaker part of our meeting. Very distracting and irritating I would surely return for lunch or dinner
(4)
Gwen G.
Lunch with my BFF before viewing the Cartier exhibit calls for reservations at Palettes. Who am I kidding? If it were just Tuesday, we would be here. Fabulous service punctuated with quiet efficiency hints that you are in a Kevin Taylor restaurant. And you would be right. Here's the very best tip I can pass along... if there is a 'prix fixe' offering (and there usually is) - do it. 'Prix fixe' is French for 'these people know fine dining so let them do what they do'. Absolutely everything passed our expectations. The bonus is that they usually like to mirror one of two of the dishes to the current exhibit. Our deserts had jeweled accents (raspberry gem jelly with glittery course sugar and a pane of amber colored sugar glass studded with pumpkin seeds) that made us look forward even more to the Cartier sparkle waiting for us upstairs.
(5)
Dianne H.
This place is amazing!! I was lucky enough to come at a great time to enjoy the "Passport to Paris" menu. I ordered the Salmon Tartare, Seared Diver Scallops, and the Chocolate Layered Gateau. Best meal of my life so far! I highly recommend the "Prix Fixe". You basically get to choose a First (appetizer), an Entree, and a Dessert for $28. I also highly recommend the "Prix Fixe" from the whatever the special theme menu is. Oh and I definitely recommend the Bloody Mary. It's so refreshing and perfect. The restaurant is located right at the front of the museum on the ground floor. There is plenty of street parking.I believe they open at 10am. You don't have to, but you may want to make reservations just in case. So if you're planning a trip to Denver or even if you already live there, go to the museum, enjoy free admission every 1st Saturday of the month and for the sake of knowing what delicious food is, GO TO PALETTES.
(5)
Robert C.
Pros: Super location. Love the atmosphere. Pictures on the website properly show the decor. We had some minor mishaps with service (we had to remind waiter to serve us a small course that he had forgotten), but the handling of the issue and people were good. Food was average. Cons: I was hoping we would experience a foodie experience to match the decor. Not. I think the place translates better for a lunch location, rather than dinner. I would give higher stars if we had our gnocchi and braised short rib for lunch. Otherwise, it was an Average dinner cuisine.
(3)
Dan A.
Pretty good lunch. On the expensive side for the quality. IMHO Desert should never have a salad dressing on the plate - the artwork dessert thingy. Cool ambiance with the art and all, menu reads way better than it is. I mean don't get me wrong it still was good.
(3)
Helen Z.
Went there to grab a bit before heading into the museum on my vacation. Wasn't expecting much at first, but the food was actually pretty good!! The soup, salmon salad and sandwiches were all really great! And fair for the price they have! Wine was pretty good too!! Def worth checking out in downtown Denver!
(4)
Geoff G.
This was a totally unexpected find. Came in for the usual museum nosh, but were treated to a wonderful meal, beautifully presented, and great service. Our salads were wonderful and could not pass up the butternut squash bisque. We had an exceptional eggplant gateau w ratatouille, and a wonderful gnocchi! Awesome!
(5)
Sidney S.
I know what you are saying...Sidney, five stars, really? All you had was soup and salad, some lovely fresh baked bread; and a diet soda. And before you get all huffy on me, as well as talking in the third person, know that it was a very good soup.... with a very good salad... with a very good view of the Denver Art Museum away from the King Tut hordes... in a very lovely setting... with lovely artworks... fantastic service by lovely server named Erin... and lovely companionship by my museum mate :) Five stars indeed :)
(5)
Lindsey K.
A-ok is a suitable description for Palettes. I love the location and the fact that the DAM has a decent spot for lunch that is not just a coffee shop (Though they have one of those in the gift shop area as well). The windows make for a bright and cheery environment that's great for people watching. Food: I ordered the tuna after asking the server about it. She said it was her favorite dish on the menu, so I was expecting good things. When it came out the presentation was decent, but not exactly artful. It consisted of rice, bok choy, a piece of seared tuna and a spicy broth. The food was about as bland as the presentation with very little depth of flavor, which is unusual with tuna. There is so much you can do with it that I have a hard time trying to defend such a lack of seasoning. The other women at the table neither raved, not complained about their dishes, so take that as you will. Service: Friendly, but very slow. I'm not sure whether that was a reflection of a busy kitchen or just our particular server, but I noticed tables around us getting their food first, though we were seated before them. Overall, I will be back and will try something different. If it continues to be lackluster I'll probably head across the street, where I can sit outside when the weather permits.
(3)
Allie R.
I stopped in for lunch at Palettes with my mom and sister while we were waiting to visit the YSL exhibit at the museum. Around 1pm the whole restaurant was full of patrons. Mostly the cherry creek ladies who lunch crowd, but also some regular people and a few children. Very nice spot for people watching as lots walk by the large windows all day. The service was good. The food was not high enough quality to be serving at the prices they're charging. My mother got the salmon salad, my sister the pasta, and I got the half club with mushroom soup. All were just ok, nothing to write home about. And especially not in the price range of 14-16 per lunch entree. Needless to say I wouldn't return. Much better lunch spots out there.
(2)
Zahara S.
Heavenly cuisine. The passport to Paris menu is divine and so much fun. There were four of us. We each selected the prix fixe menu. Nice value for an elegant dining experience. This place is about excellent service and beautiful food. I am so hooked on the energy of this Palettes. Especially for a post art experience. Which by the way carries over into the restaurant. I think Havu Gallery does their interior art. Very poppy and colorful.
(5)
Toni D.
I was really impressed with the food and service. I had a Groupon for $30. My dad and I went on a Saturday for Brunch. I ordered the chicken mac and cheese with a side salad. My dad ordered French toast. Everything was just delicious. Also, huge portions! The bill was just about $36 plus tip. Kinda expensive for Brunch. However, if you're looking for a really nice restaurant with good food this is the place to visit.
(5)
Ana P.
I stopped by here after a quick tour of the DAM. I thought their prix fixe menu was a great deal. Everything tasted great. Loved the soup app, trout entree, and apple tarte dessert. I highly recommend this place. My waiter was great but the hostess could be more friendlier.
(4)
Nique F.
Coming from the SF Bay Area where, let's face it, we are spoiled with some of the best dining options in the country, I was not expecting Denver restaurants to rock my world. I'm jaded, I admit it. But wow...Palettes really won me over. Major points for a drool-inspiring menu AND artful presentation. You're eating in a museum, after all. We actually were hosting a business dinner at Palettes, and I was expecting the menu to be a cheaper, more basic version of their a la carte menu. Instead they seemed to put all their best dishes on our party menu. Calamari, Tuna tartar towers, pan-seared halibut, and desserts that made me wish I had an extra stomach -- lemon icebox (seems to be a Denver thing), fancy banana splits, chocolate mousse teardrops...ah! It was almost too good. Interesting wines too. Instead of the typical oaky house Chard & Cab ours were more exotic versions from Argentina and Spain, respectively. Great event venue, professional service and a menu I would feel comfortable closing my eyes, pointing, and ordering whatever my little finger landed on.
(5)
David M.
Palettes is usually a taste treat, but on this occasion they didn't do that great a job. There were 2 of us there for lunch. Things started off well, in that many people without reservations were waiting, but the front of the house had saved a nice table for us when we were 5 minutes late. Service was excellent, as it always has been, but the food was undistinguished, at best. A high quality seared tuna with ginger in a miso sauce, while albeit of superb quality, was wayyyy too spicy (and I'm a guy who loves to wasabi-out with his raw fish). The caesar salad was over-dressed and lacked character; the soup was good, but not great. So, what's the right rating when you have excellent servers serving only OK food? Three stars, at most. And yes, I'll return, but maybe not for a while. I'm a Kevin Taylor fan (with Limelight and Palettes being the most accessible/affordable of his restaurants), but this experience didn't knock my socks . . . or anything else . . . off.
(3)
Sugar L.
Palettes is a fantastic spot to catch some dessert before or apres museum tour! My full review of the desserts here - sugarloco.com/2012/05/th… - they have a special menu now through July 8 with coincides with the YSL exhibit, which is amazing! Try the Rhum Babas, you'll love the pineapple mixed with Rum Cake. OH MY! A work of art, really (har, har)
(5)
Jennifer F.
First of all, LOVED the location and dining room. Denver has a gem in its Art Museum! Palettes' food was okay but not fabulous. Our lunch included some stale chips and a so-so sandwich. Service was uneven but friendly when it appeared. Dessert disappointing. That said, you cannot beat the location. It makes for a welcome break from DAM.
(3)
Rachel C.
A meal I won't soon forget . . . and one that will bring me back to this incredible lunch dining experience soon to try a dinner. Couldn't have been more pleased with a restaurant. We had reservations, but were late . . . no problem! They seated us in a perfect corner window seat. Perfect for watching the crowds on the museum mall. We started our meal with a Pharaoh Sling . . . at first a little tart, but it warmed the very petals of my soul. Doubt if the ancient Egyptians had anything as good as these to drink. The main course (I had a curried chicken sandwich and a tangy gazpacho) was absolutely incredible. I wanted to lick the plate like I used to do when I was three. I did not want to leave a single drop or crumb. My dining partner had grilled halibut in a mushroom wine reduction sauce. She raved about it and didn't leave a morsel either. Our service was above and beyond. Perfect. We shared a chocolate mousse pyramid for dessert with great coffee. Lunch was not just lunch; it was an experience. Thank you Denise Taylor.
(5)
Scrotie M.
the food here is unique and tasty. i will be coming back, their fixed price menu for $28 a person is a good deal. the proportion sizes are not the largest but that is not why you come to a place like this. I left full and happy!
(4)
Dorothy V.
Cards on the table, I am a regular. I love that they recognize me and give me my favorite table. It is the perfect place to land after an Art Museum adventure. Have a salad, maybe a glass of wine and discuss the latest and greatest exhibit at the DAM. My favorite is the tuna, but sauce on the side because it's so bloody hot, spicy hot. Portions are reasonable. Deserts obscene and frankly unnecessary so I skip it and back to the wine. My tiny dream is that they will consider giving DAM members a small discount. That would be nice....;) Whomever changes out the art in the restaurant does an amazing job. Always tempting to purchase a piece. They used to be open late on Friday's, bummer that they don't do that any longer. It was a great date night location.
(4)
Fay H.
I've got to say, I really enjoyed Palettes brunch. I got the blue crab cake Benedict and it was pretty delish. My hubby got the breakfast burrito which he polished off while I was still on my first crab cake. The $12 bottomless mimosa was also pretty sweet. These guys are thinkers cause they serve your mimosa with an extra side glass filled with that great golden goodness.
(4)
Dana M.
The ambiance was nice. Service was slow. Food was decent - nothing to write home about. Mimosas were awesome. $12 bottomless and they were. All in all, not a bad experience but I'm planning to explore other options before heading back again.
(3)
Michele P.
My boyfriend treated me to a nice lunch at Palettes Contemporary Cuisine on Saturday. I've heard great things about this place, so when we walked in, I was thrilled. The decor is very cool! love the clean, stark lines of the architecture and minimalist decor. We were seated by a window which made for awesome people watching! The staff was good. We were immediately greeted by a waiter who filled our water glasses and he was good! Every time I took a drink he magically appeared to refill my glass. Woo-hoo! I love that! I enjoyed the mac and cheese and it certainly was a tasty treat! I would recommend the dish to anybody that likes old fashioned mac and cheese. My boyfriend enjoyed the black bean soup and the curry chicken sandwich. I'm not a curry fan, but I had a taste and I was impressed with the dish. If you need a place to go on a Saturday check out Palettes. Good food and service, great decor, and fun people watching.
(4)
Crystal C.
It has been been a month since I have been there. I think the food in general is all right -- not out of the world great and not bad either. The location really helps the restaurant. My boyfriend was visiting so we decided to go to Palettes for brunch then walk around the museum. Drinks: I had the Bloody Mary. Yum! But gosh, definitely a big kick to it. Peppery kick... it took some getting used to but I enjoyed it. And it definitely warmed me up. Appetizers: We ordered the mussels and I really enjoyed that. Probably the best thing we ordered. The broth was delicious and has a great little kick to it. Entrees: I ordered the mac and cheese because of the review. It was very rich and VERY filling! I won't say it is the best mac and cheese I ever had. I had better. The portion is huge and I was so stuffed afterwards even though we couldn't finish it. My boyfriend got the breakfast burrito. Not bad... I think the food is pretty decent. I would come back for their mussels and Bloody Mary.
(3)
Travis B.
Palettes is a great place for lunch or dinner with friends. It is an open contemporary setting that isn't so loud you cant hear dinner conversation. And when you're done you can stroll through the DAM!
(5)
Joshua F.
In a word- disappointing. My wife and I went there for brunch before hitting up the museum, and it was lackluster at best. The service was VERY slow. The food was decent, but definitely overpriced. For the two of us, our brunch was around $100 (we had wine) and we DEFINITELY could have had a better experience elsewhere for the price.
(2)
L I.
Very disappointing...went for brunch last weekend and the food was SO disappointing. I ordered the bagel and lox plate--the bagel was a supermarket bagel and the salmon was old and very fishy smelling. For $15, I expected a lot more. My husband had the omelet, which was actually pretty good (esp. the mushrooms). It's a shame the food was so bad b/c the location is great.
(2)
Jennifer M.
I hate to write a review after only brunch at a restaurant that does much more, so take this for what it's worth. I bought the Living Social brunch deal and was very disappointed in the experience. After circumnavigating the globe to avoid the Colfax marathon, we finally got to Palettes, had a little trouble finding the entrance, got inside and were greeted by an empty hostess stand. A grumpy waitress finally came over and walked us to our table - right through what seemed to be the wait station/pass through to the kitchen - odd. Took awhile for a drink order to be taken and even longer for it to be filled. Got the impression they didn't have iced tea made because it was very weak. The food took forever and was lackluster. I had the crabcake benedict and the crabcakes were tiny discs that seemed to be a prefrozen product - there were no discernable lumps of crab. I also got several shells, so I abandoned those quickly. The hollandaise was barely on my dish - and it was dried up like it had sat in the window for awhile. The side of potatoes was nothing special. Nor was I ever offered ketchup to help them taste better. I definitely get the impression the famous chef is nowhere to be found for brunch service and the tired second string cooks are on the job. Too bad because this coupon could have turned a lot of people on to this place and brought them back for dinner. It has done the opposite for me, I won't be back.
(2)
Jasmine C.
We waited 10 minutes until a server came by and waited another 20 minutes for our coffee. They weren't that busy either. No apologies were offered by the inattentive service. Food was mediocre. Won't go back.
(1)
Jayne J.
OK, now I'm mad. In my previous review of Palettes I wrote that my Eggs Benedict had no shrimp in it as promised, but I didn't especially care. Today, at lunch, I ordered Moroccan Couscous, with vegetables and marcona almonds. There were no almonds, and today I did care--it's what made the dish sound more a bit interesting than the Cobb Salad and burger with fries. I pointed it out to the waitress, and she said that that dish isn't made with almonds. But it's on the menu, I said, and she offered to bring me a side of almonds, which I didn't take her up on. No point in making a fuss about a bunch of nuts, but it bugs me. The principle of the thing is that the dish you're served should match the description on the menu, especially at a high end restaurant.
(2)
C R.
The single most strange eating experience. The food was actually good. BUT. The service was incredibly slow as many others have noted. They are either not trained well or understaffed or both. Our server seemed to be hustling but wasn't getting things right. We all ordered lump crab salad to start. About 30 min later we each got a salad. No crab to be seen, clearly the wrong salad (had pears and cheese etc). The server said the chef just forgot to add crab and brought us a big bowl of lump crab. Strange. Then the entrees came and twice he brought the wrong entrees. Then he took them away and brought different ones. When I say brought the wrong entree I mean two of us ordered the lobster roll and first got fish, then scallops, then finally the roll. It was so bizarre and slow. But he was nice and had the right demeanor for one making mistakes so we couldn't/ didn't get mad at him. Felt like the twilight zone. Guess this is the place to go when you are at the museum, not in a hurry and not expecting too much.
(3)
Lynn L.
I've been contemplating writing this review for a while, because I'm definitely the dissenting opinion. But, Yelpers need to know! The bf and I came here for dinner one night on a Friday night. The place must do a great lunch business because it was EMPTY. I mean, only 2 other tables empty. Because the decor is minimalist, it made for a strange dining experience. The food was delicious. Top to bottom, we enjoyed everything. Food was flavorful, presentation was gorgeous, and we ate every last drop! The service, however, was AWFUL! We ordered a bottle of Sinskey Rose of Pinot Noir. The server came back and said they were out, but we should consider one of the two bottles in her hands, in the same price range. She presented a Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon. I was surprised and remarked that the two bottles were QUITE different than what we ordered. She said, extremely condescendingly, "well, Pinot Noir is going to be a red wine." I was pissed. Excuuuuuuse me, lady, a ROSE is a "pink" one, and it would be in the refrigerated section. WTF? Don't give me that tone - you are a server and your job is to know your menu and wine list (wine list was only 2 pages, so not that hard!). I couldn't believe it. It really overshadowed our experience. We asked her to go back and check, which she did, and SURPRISE! She found the wine. She gave some sort of strange excuse about "not hearing us correctly". In the meantime, our first courses had already come out, and the host had come by to figure out what was going on. I think the host was mortified because he serviced our table for the rest of the night (except she brought the check to us - lame). The host was awesome, and definitely of the caliber I would expect of a Kevin Taylor restaurant. When the waitress brought out the check, we realized that they did not charge us the prix fixe menu prices, even though we ordered 3 courses each. Apparently you have to state that you want the prix fixe at the beginning of the meal, even though you can mix and match any dishes you like. She of course, didn't advise us of this, and was surprised when I asked her to re-do the bill. We will not be back based on the experience. I am a huge fan of Kevin Taylor's restaurants, but I'd rather have the complete dining experience and enjoy.
(3)
Tina C.
While the location can't be beat for fascinating people watching, the food left me uninterested. I had the crab cake benedict and it was dry and flavorless. While a great mimosa is certainly a good thing, it wasn't good enough to bring this meal up to par. A few simple changes in cooking technique and seasoning would take the food from blah to rah!
(2)
Caitlin G.
After a tour of DAM courtesy of J's mom/our personal docent, Palettes was the last I had in Denver--and a great one too. The restaurant itself is a gorgeous space--open, airy and definitely true to the feel of the art museum. I loved how once everyone is seated, they get a different angle with a different view or piece of artwork. Light and airy dining room that is formal without being affected. Ok, but the food... I had the tomato watermelon gazpacho, which was great. I prefer my gazpacho a little more chunky, but I enjoyed this smoother version that played with taste as the occasional morsel of watermelon graced the palate. I also had the grilled chicken club sandwich, which was delicious. Chicken sandwiches, in my opinion, are not easy to get right. They're often too dry, too soggy, too cold, too hot as if they've been under a warming lamp. This chicken sandwich was perfect and served with the best rosemary potato chips. Who knew potato chips could taste so good?? Definitely check Palettes out if you'd like to do something nice for dinner after visiting DAM.
(5)
Kelly K.
This restaurant is located at the Denver Art Museum and serves top notch food with top notch service in a comfortable and spacious atmosphere. I was impressed!
(5)
Jessica L.
I LOVE this place, in fact I am going to make a point of coming here every time I am in Denver. It is just that good, with great service and its at DAM!! I have eaten here 3 times. Each time the food was unique and wonderful. They have a fantastic pre fixe lunch deal - app, entree and dessert $23. With certain temporary shows at DAM they have special menu options. For example, during the Louvre show they offered some odd French salad (which was good) and other French dishes. I have had: Their version of caprese salad, which has prosciutto on it and one of the best pesto sauce garnishes I have ever tasted. The diver scallop - cooked perfectly The grilled portabello with asparagus and mashed potatoes The weird French salad can't remember but it was good. The space is large and open with views of the Denver Public Library. They also have a private room if you need or want to have a meeting there. YUM!
(5)
Kaaren D.
Fairly pricey compared to what I am used to (glass of wine $9) for lunch. Sis and I got two desserts: they were wonderful, and huge. One would have sufficed for us. Portions for the other diners seemed to be quite large. Wonderful place to have a nice meal inside the Denver Art Museum.
(4)
Mollie T.
Went here before going to the King Tut exhibit. I had the 1/2 cubano sandwich and squash soup. It was delish! and the perfect size.
(4)
Amy B.
I went here for lunch for my birthday, and ended up leaving disappointed. We ordered a couple of glasses of wine, I had soup and my husband had a macaroni dish. The food was good, but the service was pretty terrible. When we first sat down, the restaurant was pretty full. By the time we were wrapping up our meal, there were only a few other tables left. The server seemed reluctant to give us another glass of wine, since he really wanted to get out of there, and the music was turned off. Like a store in the mall, getting the bum's rush turned off. The staff gathered by the back door near where we seated and they were just hanging out, talking loudly, obviously waiting for us to leave. It made us feel really awkward. For spending over $80 for lunch, I expected to be able to finish without being rushed.
(2)
Jeff B.
Our first meal in Denver was our best at this museum restaurant in the heart of the city. While the dining room looks high price, and the food looks high price, the value of the pre-fixe menu is amazing. For $25 a person, you get a fabulous appitizer, a healthy portion of entree, and an amazing dessert. It might be one of the better values I've ever seen. My wife enjoyed ahi tuna tartar with cucumber guacamole and a spicy chile sauce, while I enjoyed steak tartar with horseradish and egg. Both dishes were amazing. For our entrees my wife enjoyed pan-seared halibut in a port wine reduction, while I feasted on a mammoth three-cheese mac n' cheese. The fish was prepared to perfection and the sauce complemented the dish very well, while my mac n' cheese went beyond anything I expected. We hardly had room for dessert. One was a seared banana split with homemade ice cream, and a huge creme brulee topped with fresh berries. The meal wasn't food, it was an experience. The service was quick and attentive without becoming snobby or patronizing (as can happen at artsy places). Our server made a decent rose wine recommendation and was easy to talk to. This place is really amazing. After the meal and playing only $50 for what tasted like a $100 experience, I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)
trish t.
Fabulous food and a great dining experience for a reasonable price!
(5)
D C G.
One of my favorite places in Denver. Great food in a great atmosphere for a great value. The mussels are to die for. Too bad they aren't open for dinner every night.
(5)
Sandra S.
Maybe it was the Chef's day off on July 1, 2012, or someone in the kitchen was not having a good day. My spouse and I ordered #1, a half-sandwich of pork cubano sandwich (described as pulled pork) and bowl of corn soup and order #2, omlette with asparagus & cheese. After half an hour, we asked server to check on our order. She brought order #1 which was a rather nice sliced ham sandwich with melted cheese and a bowl of what looked and tasted like a rather bad-tasting fille gumbo base. For order #2 she brought a barely warm omlette with old-tasting chips. I was concerned that the order #1 was someone else's order. The server spoke to the cook, who sent word that it was indeed corn soup, just finely pureed, and the sliced ham was pulled pork. I love to cook & have made corn soup and pulled pork, and that's not what it was! The chef should apologize if the kitchen is out of an order & ask to substitute. It's not our fault - we were extremely polite, and the server did her best. As we left, with the awful-tasting soup uneaten, the server offered a refund which we declined. A professional restaurant review-writer would have fun with this one! Why would they offer something like that awful-tasting "soup"!
(1)
Doug H.
Palettes has one of the best dining rooms in Denver; it's light, airy, open, and spacious. It's the perfect place for a power lunch with a city council member (if you could get around that tricky gift ban!) or to impress a date after a stroll through the new DAM wing. Unfortunately, the food is a bit blah for the surroundings. The pasta was soupy and undistinguished. Most recently, I had a burger there, and it was massive and heavy. The roll was some sort of weird bready monstrosity which was covered in rosemary that drowned out any taste of beef. The roast chicken, which my wife had, was better, crispy and juicy at the same time, but also another massive portion. In that dining room, they really should go for simple, elegant servings. Value is good; if there was just a little more attention paid to the food, it's the kind of white table cloth place you imagine yourself going to all the time.
(4)
Alan J.
The staff were frantic, which made for an unsettling lunch. I had to point out that my glass had lipstick marks from a previous user, and the prosciutto in the pasta was chunky and gamey.
(2)
Jonathan S.
I enjoyed a lunch at Palettes after visiting the King Tut exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. My Chicken Club sandwich was excellent and the chips were excellent. The staff was also quite friendly. If you're heading to the Art Museum, you may as well stop for lunch at this place.
(4)
Judi M.
The food at Palettes was delicious and $25 prix fixe lunch menu was well worth it. The only problem was our server had too many tables to attend to at the end of a Saturday lunch period (3PM) and did not refill drinks adequately. The restaurant "ran out of bread" which may not be a surprise if everyone else ate it as voraciously as we did. But really? Running out of bread? The food is delightful in presentation and flavor. The desserts were miniscule which helped out on calories since they sounded so decadent on the menu. Overall a pleasant experience.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Garage 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
Dustin F.
When you wake up in the middle of the night to hear your wife moaning something in ecstasy you hope that it's about you and not the Mac n' cheese she ate for brunch - but in this case, I think I can understand - it was AMAZING!!! We shared the aforementioned mac, but I also has the seared ahi tuna and she had the crab cake benedict. The food was all incredibly tasty and our service was great - but the delivery time was a bit longer than I would have liked. I look forward to our next visit - we may even add a bit of culture and check out the art museum!
(4)Lucy W.
Busy, as I arrived for a lunch meeting during the art museum's free Saturday admission, so the place was packed. Beautifully minimal decor- large glass windows overlooking a big outdoor patio with seating, lots of space with the indoor dining area. I ordered the sea bass, which came with mashed potatoes and microgreens with a red wine reduction. It was gorgeously plated and delicious. Service was friendly and efficient, without being overbearing.
(4)Wen Z.
Got there pretty late for lunch on Sunday 2pm, lamb burger came really fast, medium is just amazing. Sauce, not the regular ketchup, is also a perfect match for the fries!
(4)Alice G.
Palettes is a sleek sophisticated Kevin Taylor restaurant located within the beautiful Denver Art Museum. It is always so wonderful to have a first-class dining option when you're inside of a museum. One of our favorite things to do is to combine brunch with one of the exhibits that comes through the DAM. Today the group all enjoyed beautiful bloody Marys with tons of garden and just the right amount of spice for six bucks a pop! What a bargain! We all ordered off of the brunch menu and three out of four of us chose the shrimp and blue crabcake Benedict. Delicious. Our plates were very clean. The crabcakes were crispy and delicious, with perfectly poached eggs served with crispy potatoes and delicious fresh fruit. The perfect brunch. Our gluten-free friend wanted the Benedict but they were quite honest that there were gluten products in the crabcakes. So she ordered and quite enjoyed the omelette. This was, as usual, a great upscale but low-key dining experience in Denver's cultural district.
(5)Veronique C.
I have never visited Palettes for dinner, but I have been there quite a few times for lunch when going to an exhibit at the museum. It seems to be perfect to combine lunch or brunch there with a visit to the DAM. The atmosphere is quite sophisticated, service has always been perfect and the food quite good. I also like the fact that you can can choose from both the brunch and lunch menu on weekends.
(4)Stacie G.
I.FREAKING.LOVE.THIS.PLACE. Awesome, flavorful, artistic, innovative, interesting, current, healthy, beautiful, delightful menu items! You really can't go wrong. I am even willing to go out on a limb and proffer that it does not matter what you select from the menu - it will be satisfying and great! I can personally recommend the salmon, the Rueben, the Eggs Benedict, the Grilled Brie Sandwich with French Onions and Cranberry Compote, the Bloody Marys .... The staff is consistently patient, helpful and friendly. They can suggest how to make a menu item gluten-free and they are also able to suggest perfect pairings. The pricing is ever-so-slightly higher than your typical "restaurant" but it is SO worth it. One of my favorite things to do is to spend a late Saturday or Sunday morning strolling through the Denver Art Museum followed by brunch or lunch at Palettes. Bliss! I wish you the same joyful experience. Bon appetit!
(5)Jen L.
We had a reservation. We came to DAM for passport to Paris. We skipped the brunch menu for the regular menu. We all got the prix fixe 3 course meal. Great deal for $28 First: crab salads and salmon tartar and the southwest soup all 5/5 Main entree: Mac and cheese good, shrimp enchilada very tasty, eggplant was good. The best was the Brie grilled cheese, gnocchi and the scallop ravioli. All three get 5/5 Dessert: must have the orange creamcicle. The pumpkin goat cheesecake was ok (very unusual- the crust was the best part of that one). Creme brûlée was good. Green apple tartin was also good (loved the ice cream). Service: waiter Cesear was awesome. A++++ Great view of the courtyard area to people watch and discuss the tour we had at the museum. It's a must when we are in town.
(5)Susan R.
Had a business dinner here with 100 other women and the staff was wonderful. Even with that amount of people having a full sit down dinner the service was impeccable. The fish I had was incredible as was the bib lettuce wedge salad. My only complaint was the clueless kitchen worker that decided to clean the grill during the speaker part of our meeting. Very distracting and irritating I would surely return for lunch or dinner
(4)Gwen G.
Lunch with my BFF before viewing the Cartier exhibit calls for reservations at Palettes. Who am I kidding? If it were just Tuesday, we would be here. Fabulous service punctuated with quiet efficiency hints that you are in a Kevin Taylor restaurant. And you would be right. Here's the very best tip I can pass along... if there is a 'prix fixe' offering (and there usually is) - do it. 'Prix fixe' is French for 'these people know fine dining so let them do what they do'. Absolutely everything passed our expectations. The bonus is that they usually like to mirror one of two of the dishes to the current exhibit. Our deserts had jeweled accents (raspberry gem jelly with glittery course sugar and a pane of amber colored sugar glass studded with pumpkin seeds) that made us look forward even more to the Cartier sparkle waiting for us upstairs.
(5)Dianne H.
This place is amazing!! I was lucky enough to come at a great time to enjoy the "Passport to Paris" menu. I ordered the Salmon Tartare, Seared Diver Scallops, and the Chocolate Layered Gateau. Best meal of my life so far! I highly recommend the "Prix Fixe". You basically get to choose a First (appetizer), an Entree, and a Dessert for $28. I also highly recommend the "Prix Fixe" from the whatever the special theme menu is. Oh and I definitely recommend the Bloody Mary. It's so refreshing and perfect. The restaurant is located right at the front of the museum on the ground floor. There is plenty of street parking.I believe they open at 10am. You don't have to, but you may want to make reservations just in case. So if you're planning a trip to Denver or even if you already live there, go to the museum, enjoy free admission every 1st Saturday of the month and for the sake of knowing what delicious food is, GO TO PALETTES.
(5)Robert C.
Pros: Super location. Love the atmosphere. Pictures on the website properly show the decor. We had some minor mishaps with service (we had to remind waiter to serve us a small course that he had forgotten), but the handling of the issue and people were good. Food was average. Cons: I was hoping we would experience a foodie experience to match the decor. Not. I think the place translates better for a lunch location, rather than dinner. I would give higher stars if we had our gnocchi and braised short rib for lunch. Otherwise, it was an Average dinner cuisine.
(3)Dan A.
Pretty good lunch. On the expensive side for the quality. IMHO Desert should never have a salad dressing on the plate - the artwork dessert thingy. Cool ambiance with the art and all, menu reads way better than it is. I mean don't get me wrong it still was good.
(3)Helen Z.
Went there to grab a bit before heading into the museum on my vacation. Wasn't expecting much at first, but the food was actually pretty good!! The soup, salmon salad and sandwiches were all really great! And fair for the price they have! Wine was pretty good too!! Def worth checking out in downtown Denver!
(4)Geoff G.
This was a totally unexpected find. Came in for the usual museum nosh, but were treated to a wonderful meal, beautifully presented, and great service. Our salads were wonderful and could not pass up the butternut squash bisque. We had an exceptional eggplant gateau w ratatouille, and a wonderful gnocchi! Awesome!
(5)Sidney S.
I know what you are saying...Sidney, five stars, really? All you had was soup and salad, some lovely fresh baked bread; and a diet soda. And before you get all huffy on me, as well as talking in the third person, know that it was a very good soup.... with a very good salad... with a very good view of the Denver Art Museum away from the King Tut hordes... in a very lovely setting... with lovely artworks... fantastic service by lovely server named Erin... and lovely companionship by my museum mate :) Five stars indeed :)
(5)Lindsey K.
A-ok is a suitable description for Palettes. I love the location and the fact that the DAM has a decent spot for lunch that is not just a coffee shop (Though they have one of those in the gift shop area as well). The windows make for a bright and cheery environment that's great for people watching. Food: I ordered the tuna after asking the server about it. She said it was her favorite dish on the menu, so I was expecting good things. When it came out the presentation was decent, but not exactly artful. It consisted of rice, bok choy, a piece of seared tuna and a spicy broth. The food was about as bland as the presentation with very little depth of flavor, which is unusual with tuna. There is so much you can do with it that I have a hard time trying to defend such a lack of seasoning. The other women at the table neither raved, not complained about their dishes, so take that as you will. Service: Friendly, but very slow. I'm not sure whether that was a reflection of a busy kitchen or just our particular server, but I noticed tables around us getting their food first, though we were seated before them. Overall, I will be back and will try something different. If it continues to be lackluster I'll probably head across the street, where I can sit outside when the weather permits.
(3)Allie R.
I stopped in for lunch at Palettes with my mom and sister while we were waiting to visit the YSL exhibit at the museum. Around 1pm the whole restaurant was full of patrons. Mostly the cherry creek ladies who lunch crowd, but also some regular people and a few children. Very nice spot for people watching as lots walk by the large windows all day. The service was good. The food was not high enough quality to be serving at the prices they're charging. My mother got the salmon salad, my sister the pasta, and I got the half club with mushroom soup. All were just ok, nothing to write home about. And especially not in the price range of 14-16 per lunch entree. Needless to say I wouldn't return. Much better lunch spots out there.
(2)Zahara S.
Heavenly cuisine. The passport to Paris menu is divine and so much fun. There were four of us. We each selected the prix fixe menu. Nice value for an elegant dining experience. This place is about excellent service and beautiful food. I am so hooked on the energy of this Palettes. Especially for a post art experience. Which by the way carries over into the restaurant. I think Havu Gallery does their interior art. Very poppy and colorful.
(5)Toni D.
I was really impressed with the food and service. I had a Groupon for $30. My dad and I went on a Saturday for Brunch. I ordered the chicken mac and cheese with a side salad. My dad ordered French toast. Everything was just delicious. Also, huge portions! The bill was just about $36 plus tip. Kinda expensive for Brunch. However, if you're looking for a really nice restaurant with good food this is the place to visit.
(5)Ana P.
I stopped by here after a quick tour of the DAM. I thought their prix fixe menu was a great deal. Everything tasted great. Loved the soup app, trout entree, and apple tarte dessert. I highly recommend this place. My waiter was great but the hostess could be more friendlier.
(4)Nique F.
Coming from the SF Bay Area where, let's face it, we are spoiled with some of the best dining options in the country, I was not expecting Denver restaurants to rock my world. I'm jaded, I admit it. But wow...Palettes really won me over. Major points for a drool-inspiring menu AND artful presentation. You're eating in a museum, after all. We actually were hosting a business dinner at Palettes, and I was expecting the menu to be a cheaper, more basic version of their a la carte menu. Instead they seemed to put all their best dishes on our party menu. Calamari, Tuna tartar towers, pan-seared halibut, and desserts that made me wish I had an extra stomach -- lemon icebox (seems to be a Denver thing), fancy banana splits, chocolate mousse teardrops...ah! It was almost too good. Interesting wines too. Instead of the typical oaky house Chard & Cab ours were more exotic versions from Argentina and Spain, respectively. Great event venue, professional service and a menu I would feel comfortable closing my eyes, pointing, and ordering whatever my little finger landed on.
(5)David M.
Palettes is usually a taste treat, but on this occasion they didn't do that great a job. There were 2 of us there for lunch. Things started off well, in that many people without reservations were waiting, but the front of the house had saved a nice table for us when we were 5 minutes late. Service was excellent, as it always has been, but the food was undistinguished, at best. A high quality seared tuna with ginger in a miso sauce, while albeit of superb quality, was wayyyy too spicy (and I'm a guy who loves to wasabi-out with his raw fish). The caesar salad was over-dressed and lacked character; the soup was good, but not great. So, what's the right rating when you have excellent servers serving only OK food? Three stars, at most. And yes, I'll return, but maybe not for a while. I'm a Kevin Taylor fan (with Limelight and Palettes being the most accessible/affordable of his restaurants), but this experience didn't knock my socks . . . or anything else . . . off.
(3)Sugar L.
Palettes is a fantastic spot to catch some dessert before or apres museum tour! My full review of the desserts here - sugarloco.com/2012/05/th… - they have a special menu now through July 8 with coincides with the YSL exhibit, which is amazing! Try the Rhum Babas, you'll love the pineapple mixed with Rum Cake. OH MY! A work of art, really (har, har)
(5)Jennifer F.
First of all, LOVED the location and dining room. Denver has a gem in its Art Museum! Palettes' food was okay but not fabulous. Our lunch included some stale chips and a so-so sandwich. Service was uneven but friendly when it appeared. Dessert disappointing. That said, you cannot beat the location. It makes for a welcome break from DAM.
(3)Rachel C.
A meal I won't soon forget . . . and one that will bring me back to this incredible lunch dining experience soon to try a dinner. Couldn't have been more pleased with a restaurant. We had reservations, but were late . . . no problem! They seated us in a perfect corner window seat. Perfect for watching the crowds on the museum mall. We started our meal with a Pharaoh Sling . . . at first a little tart, but it warmed the very petals of my soul. Doubt if the ancient Egyptians had anything as good as these to drink. The main course (I had a curried chicken sandwich and a tangy gazpacho) was absolutely incredible. I wanted to lick the plate like I used to do when I was three. I did not want to leave a single drop or crumb. My dining partner had grilled halibut in a mushroom wine reduction sauce. She raved about it and didn't leave a morsel either. Our service was above and beyond. Perfect. We shared a chocolate mousse pyramid for dessert with great coffee. Lunch was not just lunch; it was an experience. Thank you Denise Taylor.
(5)Scrotie M.
the food here is unique and tasty. i will be coming back, their fixed price menu for $28 a person is a good deal. the proportion sizes are not the largest but that is not why you come to a place like this. I left full and happy!
(4)Dorothy V.
Cards on the table, I am a regular. I love that they recognize me and give me my favorite table. It is the perfect place to land after an Art Museum adventure. Have a salad, maybe a glass of wine and discuss the latest and greatest exhibit at the DAM. My favorite is the tuna, but sauce on the side because it's so bloody hot, spicy hot. Portions are reasonable. Deserts obscene and frankly unnecessary so I skip it and back to the wine. My tiny dream is that they will consider giving DAM members a small discount. That would be nice....;) Whomever changes out the art in the restaurant does an amazing job. Always tempting to purchase a piece. They used to be open late on Friday's, bummer that they don't do that any longer. It was a great date night location.
(4)Fay H.
I've got to say, I really enjoyed Palettes brunch. I got the blue crab cake Benedict and it was pretty delish. My hubby got the breakfast burrito which he polished off while I was still on my first crab cake. The $12 bottomless mimosa was also pretty sweet. These guys are thinkers cause they serve your mimosa with an extra side glass filled with that great golden goodness.
(4)Dana M.
The ambiance was nice. Service was slow. Food was decent - nothing to write home about. Mimosas were awesome. $12 bottomless and they were. All in all, not a bad experience but I'm planning to explore other options before heading back again.
(3)Michele P.
My boyfriend treated me to a nice lunch at Palettes Contemporary Cuisine on Saturday. I've heard great things about this place, so when we walked in, I was thrilled. The decor is very cool! love the clean, stark lines of the architecture and minimalist decor. We were seated by a window which made for awesome people watching! The staff was good. We were immediately greeted by a waiter who filled our water glasses and he was good! Every time I took a drink he magically appeared to refill my glass. Woo-hoo! I love that! I enjoyed the mac and cheese and it certainly was a tasty treat! I would recommend the dish to anybody that likes old fashioned mac and cheese. My boyfriend enjoyed the black bean soup and the curry chicken sandwich. I'm not a curry fan, but I had a taste and I was impressed with the dish. If you need a place to go on a Saturday check out Palettes. Good food and service, great decor, and fun people watching.
(4)Crystal C.
It has been been a month since I have been there. I think the food in general is all right -- not out of the world great and not bad either. The location really helps the restaurant. My boyfriend was visiting so we decided to go to Palettes for brunch then walk around the museum. Drinks: I had the Bloody Mary. Yum! But gosh, definitely a big kick to it. Peppery kick... it took some getting used to but I enjoyed it. And it definitely warmed me up. Appetizers: We ordered the mussels and I really enjoyed that. Probably the best thing we ordered. The broth was delicious and has a great little kick to it. Entrees: I ordered the mac and cheese because of the review. It was very rich and VERY filling! I won't say it is the best mac and cheese I ever had. I had better. The portion is huge and I was so stuffed afterwards even though we couldn't finish it. My boyfriend got the breakfast burrito. Not bad... I think the food is pretty decent. I would come back for their mussels and Bloody Mary.
(3)Travis B.
Palettes is a great place for lunch or dinner with friends. It is an open contemporary setting that isn't so loud you cant hear dinner conversation. And when you're done you can stroll through the DAM!
(5)Joshua F.
In a word- disappointing. My wife and I went there for brunch before hitting up the museum, and it was lackluster at best. The service was VERY slow. The food was decent, but definitely overpriced. For the two of us, our brunch was around $100 (we had wine) and we DEFINITELY could have had a better experience elsewhere for the price.
(2)L I.
Very disappointing...went for brunch last weekend and the food was SO disappointing. I ordered the bagel and lox plate--the bagel was a supermarket bagel and the salmon was old and very fishy smelling. For $15, I expected a lot more. My husband had the omelet, which was actually pretty good (esp. the mushrooms). It's a shame the food was so bad b/c the location is great.
(2)Jennifer M.
I hate to write a review after only brunch at a restaurant that does much more, so take this for what it's worth. I bought the Living Social brunch deal and was very disappointed in the experience. After circumnavigating the globe to avoid the Colfax marathon, we finally got to Palettes, had a little trouble finding the entrance, got inside and were greeted by an empty hostess stand. A grumpy waitress finally came over and walked us to our table - right through what seemed to be the wait station/pass through to the kitchen - odd. Took awhile for a drink order to be taken and even longer for it to be filled. Got the impression they didn't have iced tea made because it was very weak. The food took forever and was lackluster. I had the crabcake benedict and the crabcakes were tiny discs that seemed to be a prefrozen product - there were no discernable lumps of crab. I also got several shells, so I abandoned those quickly. The hollandaise was barely on my dish - and it was dried up like it had sat in the window for awhile. The side of potatoes was nothing special. Nor was I ever offered ketchup to help them taste better. I definitely get the impression the famous chef is nowhere to be found for brunch service and the tired second string cooks are on the job. Too bad because this coupon could have turned a lot of people on to this place and brought them back for dinner. It has done the opposite for me, I won't be back.
(2)Jasmine C.
We waited 10 minutes until a server came by and waited another 20 minutes for our coffee. They weren't that busy either. No apologies were offered by the inattentive service. Food was mediocre. Won't go back.
(1)Jayne J.
OK, now I'm mad. In my previous review of Palettes I wrote that my Eggs Benedict had no shrimp in it as promised, but I didn't especially care. Today, at lunch, I ordered Moroccan Couscous, with vegetables and marcona almonds. There were no almonds, and today I did care--it's what made the dish sound more a bit interesting than the Cobb Salad and burger with fries. I pointed it out to the waitress, and she said that that dish isn't made with almonds. But it's on the menu, I said, and she offered to bring me a side of almonds, which I didn't take her up on. No point in making a fuss about a bunch of nuts, but it bugs me. The principle of the thing is that the dish you're served should match the description on the menu, especially at a high end restaurant.
(2)C R.
The single most strange eating experience. The food was actually good. BUT. The service was incredibly slow as many others have noted. They are either not trained well or understaffed or both. Our server seemed to be hustling but wasn't getting things right. We all ordered lump crab salad to start. About 30 min later we each got a salad. No crab to be seen, clearly the wrong salad (had pears and cheese etc). The server said the chef just forgot to add crab and brought us a big bowl of lump crab. Strange. Then the entrees came and twice he brought the wrong entrees. Then he took them away and brought different ones. When I say brought the wrong entree I mean two of us ordered the lobster roll and first got fish, then scallops, then finally the roll. It was so bizarre and slow. But he was nice and had the right demeanor for one making mistakes so we couldn't/ didn't get mad at him. Felt like the twilight zone. Guess this is the place to go when you are at the museum, not in a hurry and not expecting too much.
(3)Lynn L.
I've been contemplating writing this review for a while, because I'm definitely the dissenting opinion. But, Yelpers need to know! The bf and I came here for dinner one night on a Friday night. The place must do a great lunch business because it was EMPTY. I mean, only 2 other tables empty. Because the decor is minimalist, it made for a strange dining experience. The food was delicious. Top to bottom, we enjoyed everything. Food was flavorful, presentation was gorgeous, and we ate every last drop! The service, however, was AWFUL! We ordered a bottle of Sinskey Rose of Pinot Noir. The server came back and said they were out, but we should consider one of the two bottles in her hands, in the same price range. She presented a Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon. I was surprised and remarked that the two bottles were QUITE different than what we ordered. She said, extremely condescendingly, "well, Pinot Noir is going to be a red wine." I was pissed. Excuuuuuuse me, lady, a ROSE is a "pink" one, and it would be in the refrigerated section. WTF? Don't give me that tone - you are a server and your job is to know your menu and wine list (wine list was only 2 pages, so not that hard!). I couldn't believe it. It really overshadowed our experience. We asked her to go back and check, which she did, and SURPRISE! She found the wine. She gave some sort of strange excuse about "not hearing us correctly". In the meantime, our first courses had already come out, and the host had come by to figure out what was going on. I think the host was mortified because he serviced our table for the rest of the night (except she brought the check to us - lame). The host was awesome, and definitely of the caliber I would expect of a Kevin Taylor restaurant. When the waitress brought out the check, we realized that they did not charge us the prix fixe menu prices, even though we ordered 3 courses each. Apparently you have to state that you want the prix fixe at the beginning of the meal, even though you can mix and match any dishes you like. She of course, didn't advise us of this, and was surprised when I asked her to re-do the bill. We will not be back based on the experience. I am a huge fan of Kevin Taylor's restaurants, but I'd rather have the complete dining experience and enjoy.
(3)Tina C.
While the location can't be beat for fascinating people watching, the food left me uninterested. I had the crab cake benedict and it was dry and flavorless. While a great mimosa is certainly a good thing, it wasn't good enough to bring this meal up to par. A few simple changes in cooking technique and seasoning would take the food from blah to rah!
(2)Caitlin G.
After a tour of DAM courtesy of J's mom/our personal docent, Palettes was the last I had in Denver--and a great one too. The restaurant itself is a gorgeous space--open, airy and definitely true to the feel of the art museum. I loved how once everyone is seated, they get a different angle with a different view or piece of artwork. Light and airy dining room that is formal without being affected. Ok, but the food... I had the tomato watermelon gazpacho, which was great. I prefer my gazpacho a little more chunky, but I enjoyed this smoother version that played with taste as the occasional morsel of watermelon graced the palate. I also had the grilled chicken club sandwich, which was delicious. Chicken sandwiches, in my opinion, are not easy to get right. They're often too dry, too soggy, too cold, too hot as if they've been under a warming lamp. This chicken sandwich was perfect and served with the best rosemary potato chips. Who knew potato chips could taste so good?? Definitely check Palettes out if you'd like to do something nice for dinner after visiting DAM.
(5)Kelly K.
This restaurant is located at the Denver Art Museum and serves top notch food with top notch service in a comfortable and spacious atmosphere. I was impressed!
(5)Jessica L.
I LOVE this place, in fact I am going to make a point of coming here every time I am in Denver. It is just that good, with great service and its at DAM!! I have eaten here 3 times. Each time the food was unique and wonderful. They have a fantastic pre fixe lunch deal - app, entree and dessert $23. With certain temporary shows at DAM they have special menu options. For example, during the Louvre show they offered some odd French salad (which was good) and other French dishes. I have had: Their version of caprese salad, which has prosciutto on it and one of the best pesto sauce garnishes I have ever tasted. The diver scallop - cooked perfectly The grilled portabello with asparagus and mashed potatoes The weird French salad can't remember but it was good. The space is large and open with views of the Denver Public Library. They also have a private room if you need or want to have a meeting there. YUM!
(5)Kaaren D.
Fairly pricey compared to what I am used to (glass of wine $9) for lunch. Sis and I got two desserts: they were wonderful, and huge. One would have sufficed for us. Portions for the other diners seemed to be quite large. Wonderful place to have a nice meal inside the Denver Art Museum.
(4)Mollie T.
Went here before going to the King Tut exhibit. I had the 1/2 cubano sandwich and squash soup. It was delish! and the perfect size.
(4)Amy B.
I went here for lunch for my birthday, and ended up leaving disappointed. We ordered a couple of glasses of wine, I had soup and my husband had a macaroni dish. The food was good, but the service was pretty terrible. When we first sat down, the restaurant was pretty full. By the time we were wrapping up our meal, there were only a few other tables left. The server seemed reluctant to give us another glass of wine, since he really wanted to get out of there, and the music was turned off. Like a store in the mall, getting the bum's rush turned off. The staff gathered by the back door near where we seated and they were just hanging out, talking loudly, obviously waiting for us to leave. It made us feel really awkward. For spending over $80 for lunch, I expected to be able to finish without being rushed.
(2)Jeff B.
Our first meal in Denver was our best at this museum restaurant in the heart of the city. While the dining room looks high price, and the food looks high price, the value of the pre-fixe menu is amazing. For $25 a person, you get a fabulous appitizer, a healthy portion of entree, and an amazing dessert. It might be one of the better values I've ever seen. My wife enjoyed ahi tuna tartar with cucumber guacamole and a spicy chile sauce, while I enjoyed steak tartar with horseradish and egg. Both dishes were amazing. For our entrees my wife enjoyed pan-seared halibut in a port wine reduction, while I feasted on a mammoth three-cheese mac n' cheese. The fish was prepared to perfection and the sauce complemented the dish very well, while my mac n' cheese went beyond anything I expected. We hardly had room for dessert. One was a seared banana split with homemade ice cream, and a huge creme brulee topped with fresh berries. The meal wasn't food, it was an experience. The service was quick and attentive without becoming snobby or patronizing (as can happen at artsy places). Our server made a decent rose wine recommendation and was easy to talk to. This place is really amazing. After the meal and playing only $50 for what tasted like a $100 experience, I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)trish t.
Fabulous food and a great dining experience for a reasonable price!
(5)D C G.
One of my favorite places in Denver. Great food in a great atmosphere for a great value. The mussels are to die for. Too bad they aren't open for dinner every night.
(5)Sandra S.
Maybe it was the Chef's day off on July 1, 2012, or someone in the kitchen was not having a good day. My spouse and I ordered #1, a half-sandwich of pork cubano sandwich (described as pulled pork) and bowl of corn soup and order #2, omlette with asparagus & cheese. After half an hour, we asked server to check on our order. She brought order #1 which was a rather nice sliced ham sandwich with melted cheese and a bowl of what looked and tasted like a rather bad-tasting fille gumbo base. For order #2 she brought a barely warm omlette with old-tasting chips. I was concerned that the order #1 was someone else's order. The server spoke to the cook, who sent word that it was indeed corn soup, just finely pureed, and the sliced ham was pulled pork. I love to cook & have made corn soup and pulled pork, and that's not what it was! The chef should apologize if the kitchen is out of an order & ask to substitute. It's not our fault - we were extremely polite, and the server did her best. As we left, with the awful-tasting soup uneaten, the server offered a refund which we declined. A professional restaurant review-writer would have fun with this one! Why would they offer something like that awful-tasting "soup"!
(1)Doug H.
Palettes has one of the best dining rooms in Denver; it's light, airy, open, and spacious. It's the perfect place for a power lunch with a city council member (if you could get around that tricky gift ban!) or to impress a date after a stroll through the new DAM wing. Unfortunately, the food is a bit blah for the surroundings. The pasta was soupy and undistinguished. Most recently, I had a burger there, and it was massive and heavy. The roll was some sort of weird bready monstrosity which was covered in rosemary that drowned out any taste of beef. The roast chicken, which my wife had, was better, crispy and juicy at the same time, but also another massive portion. In that dining room, they really should go for simple, elegant servings. Value is good; if there was just a little more attention paid to the food, it's the kind of white table cloth place you imagine yourself going to all the time.
(4)Alan J.
The staff were frantic, which made for an unsettling lunch. I had to point out that my glass had lipstick marks from a previous user, and the prosciutto in the pasta was chunky and gamey.
(2)Jonathan S.
I enjoyed a lunch at Palettes after visiting the King Tut exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. My Chicken Club sandwich was excellent and the chips were excellent. The staff was also quite friendly. If you're heading to the Art Museum, you may as well stop for lunch at this place.
(4)Judi M.
The food at Palettes was delicious and $25 prix fixe lunch menu was well worth it. The only problem was our server had too many tables to attend to at the end of a Saturday lunch period (3PM) and did not refill drinks adequately. The restaurant "ran out of bread" which may not be a surprise if everyone else ate it as voraciously as we did. But really? Running out of bread? The food is delightful in presentation and flavor. The desserts were miniscule which helped out on calories since they sounded so decadent on the menu. Overall a pleasant experience.
(3)