Highland's Garden Cafe
Denver, CO 80212
Phone: (303) 458-5920
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Osceola Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 5pm-9pm, Sun 4pm-8pm
Editorial Review for Highland's Garden Cafe – by Ephraim Mallery
In Short
Highland's patio is like a secret garden, shaded by trees and surrounded by flowers and a lush lawn. Inside, small dining rooms give diners a feeling of intimacy. The menu is packed with fresh goods from the farmers' market. Entrees include halibut in spicy tomato broth beneath fresh mozzarella and basil; Paella with scallops, lobster chunks and chorizo; and meaty tenderloin. A warm brownie smothered in ice cream and caramel is a must-have dessert.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitRomantics rendezvous amid the rose bushes at discreet table M1, framed by a white picket fence and blooms (seats two).
ParkingThere are handicapped-only parking spots available behind the restaurant.
User Reviews for Highland's Garden Cafe
07/02/2008 Posted by changling1
What do people think "lush gardens" are? When we arrived for our anniversary dinner expecting blooming flowers and private seclusion, we were wholeheartedly disappointed. The patio and porch seating described on the restaurant site and through these reviews was very sparse and open and had virtually no flowers. Simple overgrown bushes does not an environment make. Even some white Xmas lights would pretty things up. For this special event we were directed to a table next to the door, easily the most visible and least romantic possible location. The "porches" was essentially one small wooden slab in the bushes. Uncomfortable and unbalanced plastic chairs seem to encourage an early departure. On to the food: When the pate and brie plate was served, it was extremely ordinary. The brie was still solid cold as if it was served directly from the cooler at Safeway with the pate fairly bland. For dinner, my wife truly enjoyed the duck with its sweet glaze and succulent skin. I ordered the fettucinni and tenderloin tips with sun dried tomatoes and arugala with gorgonzola, a mix of all of my favorites. While I really enjoy gorgonzola, the other ingredients were truly undistinguishable. The cheese was so prevalent that it completely drowned the other elements of the dish. It was inedible. The waiter offered another option but at this point I'd lost the desire to continue. I was somewhat put off when questioned if I'd like to take the meal with me to possible enjoy later, as if my palate was going to change and simply realize the true splendor of the dish, after microwaving??? With the high prices, I expected a much more elegant experience in all areas. It seems as though this neighborhood establishment is best left to the neighbors who may be happy to enjoy the huge portions which overcompensate for the limited value. While the under 25 and over 55 crowd may be satisfied, stick with dowtown if you prefer a greater sense of sophistication.
Pros: ok wine list
Cons: high prices for neighborhood feel, not romantic
05/19/2007 Posted by uncledave
To be fair, I've had some great meals here. Certainly, some one the most romantic places in town when you can sit outside on a lovely summer evening. But, I've sometimes felt that if you don't kind of express your desires when dining inside you'll get shuffled to some table in Siberia in the back room - not so nice. I've also experienced serious sticker shock. Portions are generous, sometimes maybe too generous, but they should be with entrees easily creeping over the $30 mark. The wine list is lovely but also very, very pricey. Pat does have a way with fish and you better like it because the menu is heavily weighted towards fish and seafood. If you have a meat and potatoes spouse or date - this is probably not the place to go. I'm not much of a dessert eater but her bread pudding with caramel sauce is TDF. All things considered, I think there are better places at these prices. Do I still go? Sure, especially if someone else is paying. The gardens are truly beautiful and it can be a lovely evening if you're not having a heart attack about the prices.
Pros: romantic, beautiful garden
Cons: very expensive, food can range from perfect to mediocre, service can be spotty
Users Like You Also Viewed
Elway's
2500 E First Ave
Denver, CO 80206
Barolo Grill
3030 E Sixth Ave
Denver, CO 80206-4328
