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The Fort RestaurantvsRioja
Both restaurants are recommended by professionals. On balance, Rioja scores significantly better than The Fort. Rioja has a TripExpert Score of 94 with praise from 11 reviews like Where, Denver Post and Zagat.
The Fort Restaurant
Fodor's
Frommer's
Michelin Guide
Gayot
Zagat Frommer's
19192 Hwy. 8, Morrison, CO 80465
From $31/night
Fodor's "This adobe structure, complete with flickering luminarias and a pinyon-pine bonfire in the courtyard, is a perfect reproduction of Bent's Fort, a Colorado fur-trade center." Full review
Frommer's "The Fort built its reputation on high-quality, low-cholesterol buffalo, of which it claims to serve the largest variety and greatest quantity of any restaurant in the world." Full review
Michelin Guide "Housed in an adobe replica of 5outheast Colorado's Bent's Fort, this Denver institution perches amid the area's famed red-rock terrain."
Gayot14.0
"Founder Sam Arnoldâs daughter, Holly Arnold Kinney, now owns what may be the ultimate destination for the person hungry for wild western culinary culture." Full review
Zagat4.3
"This “replica of Bent's Old Fort” in Morrison is a “fun, educational experience” centered on a regional American menu featuring steak and a “wide variety of game dishes”." Full review
Frommer's "Known for elk, quail, and buffalo, The Fort is a Colorado original, thanks in large part to the legacy of late founder Sam Arnold, whose vision still helps guide the menu today." Full review
Rioja Fodor's
Insight Guides
Travel + Leisure Gayot
Denver Post
Rough Guide Zagat
The Infatuation
Where
Condé Nast Traveler Show All Reviews
1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
From $41/night
Fodor's "Chef Jennifer Jasinski's intense attention to detail is evident in her tribute to Mediterranean food with contemporary flair." Full review
Insight Guides "A polished downtown spot for American cooking that includes house-made tortellini or Colorado lamb sausage."
Travel + Leisure "The small patio invites those walking through the LoDo neighborhood to stop for a Rioja “picnic” of artisan meats, cheeses, nuts and olives." Full review
Gayot15.0
"The simple décor---crisp white tablecloths, mango-colored walls, exposed brick and warm golden-brown booths---creates a pleasing play of textures." Full review
Denver Post3.0
"Yes, you can order calamari and octopus, and olives have a revered place in the Rioja universe, but you can also find Skuna Bay salmon lomi lomi with macadamia-ginger pesto." Full review
Rough Guide "Creative and hugely enjoyable Mediterranean cuisine, with robust meat, fish and pasta entrees from around $20, and some tables outside. Dinner daily, lunch Wed–Sun."
Zagat "Creatively presented Mediterranean fare." Full review
The Infatuation "Strung lights and handsome brick buildings are a fitting backdrop for Rioja, one of the pioneers of the Denver restaurant scene." Full review
Where "Chef Jennifer Jasinski prepares flavorful culinary delights and diners rave about the ever-changing menu, which has consisted of lavender bread, black-truffle gnocchi and seared nori-wrapped sea scallops." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "In a male-dominated industry, Rioja's Jennifer Jasinski was the first Denverite to win a James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest." Full review
