Hi everyone, it’s Brian! Our taxretreat.org website doesn’t have the best way to share detailed info with you, so I figured this was the perfect excuse to dust off my old blog, Accountants Who Cook! I just realized I haven’t posted here since the “Tax Retreat Pizza Party” back in 2023, which is still one of the most fun nights I’ve ever had at a conference (or anti-conference).
Last year, we organized group dinners at select restaurants and then asked attendees to pick their top three choices. We made reservations for about eight people per table, at different times and spots, then grouped everyone based on their picks. The goal? To make sure anyone who wanted a reservation had one, and to give everyone a chance to break bread with someone they might not have met yet.
We’re doing it again this year! You’ll get an email soon with the link to the selection form (via Cognito). Be sure to review the restaurant list below and make your picks quickly because these last year, these filled up fast! The form will also include a few additional Tax Retreat questions to help us finalize other event details.
We can’t wait to see you in Denver!
Update 7/9/2025 – When all the seats at the reservation are taken, I’ll be marking the restaurant is FULL so you know ahead of time. If a restaurant is popular and full, we will be attempting to add some additional reservations, but we can’t guarantee they will have any additional openings.
NEW Added 7/07/2025
Watercourse Foods – ★ 4.0 (2.5 k Yelp reviews), $$
Denver’s top plant-based spot for scratch-made comfort food and a full cocktail bar. Think creative vegan dishes like creamy mac & cheese, buffalo cauliflower wings, and indulgent desserts—all in a welcoming, eco-friendly setting.
Visit Website →
FULL – Rioja – 4.3 Stars $$–$$$
A Denver culinary icon and James Beard Award winner, Rioja is known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients. Located in historic Larimer Square, it’s a warm yet chic spot where you’ll find handmade pasta, inventive small plates, and the legendary goat cheese rosemary biscuits that Denver locals rave about.
Visit Website →
FULL – Osteria Marco – 4.1 Stars $$–$$$
For hearty Italian fare with a modern twist, Osteria Marco delivers. Tucked beneath Larimer Square, this cozy yet lively restaurant specializes in hand-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and house-cured meats. Don’t miss their burrata and house-made salumi—perfect for sharing with friends or colleagues.
Visit Website →
FULL – Tamayo – 3.8 Stars $$–$$$
Tamayo blends bold, contemporary Mexican flavors with a beautiful rooftop overlooking LoDo. Created by Chef Richard Sandoval, it’s the perfect place for tacos, creative margaritas, and unique dishes inspired by Mexico City street food—plus that unbeatable rooftop view.
Visit Website →
Corinne – 4.0–4.5 Stars $$
Located inside the Le Méridien Denver Downtown, Corinne offers a fresh take on classic American comfort food. Their menu highlights simple, high-quality ingredients with dishes ranging from hearty steaks to lighter seasonal fare, all served in a stylish, approachable atmosphere.
Visit Website →
FULL – Stout Street Social – ~4.0 Stars $–$$
If you’re looking for variety, Stout Street Social has it all. This energetic gastropub features everything from sushi and fresh seafood to burgers and craft beer (over 50 taps!). It’s a spacious, lively spot ideal for groups looking to socialize over casual eats.
Visit Website →
Wynkoop Brewing Company – 3.7 Stars $$
Founded in 1988, Wynkoop is Denver’s first brewpub and a cornerstone of the city’s craft beer scene. It’s located in a historic building near Union Station, serving hearty pub fare alongside an impressive lineup of house-brewed beers—including creative options like a gummy bear stout!
Visit Website →
Thirsty Lion Gastropub – 3.6 Stars $–$$
Right near Union Station, Thirsty Lion Gastropub offers a globally inspired menu featuring scratch-made dishes like spicy tuna rolls, gourmet burgers, and hearty bowls. It’s casual and upbeat, with plenty of TVs and a welcoming vibe for groups or solo diners alike.
Visit Website →
La Loma Mexican Kitchen – 4.1 Stars $$
One of Denver’s longest-standing Mexican restaurants, La Loma has been a favorite since 1973. Known for their homemade tortillas and spicy green chile, they serve comforting Mexican classics in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that feels like home.
Visit Website →
Carmine’s on McGregor Square – 3.7 Stars $$
Located right next to Coors Field, Carmine’s serves up hearty, family-style Italian dishes that are perfect for sharing. Expect generous portions of classic favorites like chicken parmesan, baked pastas, and fresh seafood, all in a lively setting.
Visit Website →
Nola Jane – 4.1 Stars $$–$$$
Get a taste of the Big Easy in Denver at Nola Jane, a fun, late-night Cajun-Creole restaurant in LoDo. Expect comforting Southern favorites like gumbo, shrimp & grits, and BBQ shrimp mac & cheese—plus live jazz and a lively bar.
Visit Website →
ChoLon Modern Asian – ~3.5 Stars (Yelp) / 4.6 Stars (OpenTable) $$–$$$
For something different, ChoLon offers an upscale Pan-Asian dining experience in downtown Denver. Their small plates are meant for sharing, blending flavors from across Vietnam, China, and Thailand. Their signature French onion soup dumplings are a must-try.
Visit Website →
West Saloon & Kitchen – ~4.0 Stars $$
Housed in a historic 1891 building on the 16th Street Mall, West Saloon & Kitchen serves creative, scratch-made American fare. Expect cowboy-chic vibes, approachable comfort food, and craft cocktails in a space that feels both rustic and upscale.
Visit Website →
🍳 Specialty Cooking Classes (for a fun, hands-on dining experience!)
Stir to Learn – Asian Cooking Class (Sushi) – $120/person
Roll up your sleeves and learn to master sushi-making! This hands-on class covers sushi rice, California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and more, plus you get to enjoy everything you create. A fun option for adventurous foodies.
Class Info & Calendar →
Asian Classes →
Cook Street – Culinary Date Night: Spain – $132/person
Perfect for couples or friends, this Friday night cooking class focuses on Spanish cuisine, from tapas to traditional entrées. Cook together and then sit down to enjoy your handmade meal in a cozy, social environment.
Class Info → (Look for “Culinary Date Night: Spain” on Fridays)
That’s the full lineup! Be sure to check out the restaurant links, explore the menus, and have your top choices ready when the selection form hits your inbox, because spots will fill up quickly. See you soon at the Tax Retreat!
Leave a Reply