Angelo's Taverna ~ Denver, Colorado

Latest visit: Jun 2024 (Littleton)

First visit: 1996 (Wash Park)

Founded: 1974

After two months, it was time for Mrs. RJG's Official Mom to go back home to Prescott Valley, Arizona. She's 90 and doesn't speak English. Which essentially means she can't get around nor figure things out on her own. so she needs the direct flight to Prescott for another Official Sister to pick her up. That direct flight only leaves from Denver, so we made the 90 minute haul up there to get that all situated. Once that was settled, Mrs. RJG and I were looking for a (relatively) early dinner. We haven't been together for a dinner since early April when we took the impromptu trip to Salida. She'd been craving Italian, and Angelo's popped in her mind. We haven't been here since our summer townhome years. I hadn't realized they opened a second location in Littleton. Recalling both Rude Dante's review plus my own memory, the Wash Park locale would likely be too crowded and parking always a challenge. So let's try the newer one. It's close to a 50 minute drive from the airport, but it does position us better for our drive back home to the Springs.

So much for "not being crowded". This massive location shares acreage with Breckenridge Brewery, and there's construction going on to expand the parking lot, so even out here "in the country", we had trouble finding a place to park. And it was 4:30 on a Saturday. Angelo's also now has their own winery as well (Carboy), and that attracts even more folks. They sure have expanded since their humble days when I first visited with Rude Dante way back in 1996 when we were like-minded coworkers looking for "old school" places.

Despite the big crowd, getting a table was no trouble and we were promptly seated. The place is very large and seemed to be very popular with the Millennial crowd. Lots of young families and some odd looking characters (the type of hipsters I might see at a record show for example), but for Mr. RJG I'm just comforted to see young folks still going out. Don't see too much of this type of activity here in the Springs. Certainly not at an Italian restaurant.

We both tried the Carboy House Red which was quite good, and a healthy pour at that. It was all we needed for the duration of the meal. To start, I ordered a Caesar salad and she got the House salad. Mine had a very nice spicy kick in the dressing and the lettuce was cold and crispy. Mrs. RJG liked hers but said the dressing was too thick, likely a vinaigrette based Dijon. 

For the main course I went for their chicken parm. I like their variation with a slice of prosciutto in between. The edges were crispy but most of the chicken was not. The side of spaghetti was cooked al dente and I enjoyed the the red sauce, a perfect combo of sweet and bitterness. The big issue here is that the pasta wasn't hot. More like warm. And that unfortunately sunk Mrs. RJG's dish of Spaghetti and Italian Sausage. It just wasn't hot enough. So she was disappointed, though we both liked the link of sausage. It featured some backend heat that was unusual. Service was efficient and the prices really aren't that bad for this day and age, though hardly cheap.

So for Mrs. RJG's first night out in two months she stated: "I'd rather eat at home." Sigh. I liked it but maybe not hankering for a return visit. Though, as Rude Dante suggests, perhaps pizza would be in order next time, if there is a next time.

Worth mentioning, one of our official niece's and nephew-in-law absolutely love Angelo's. So much so that they had their "Elopement" celebration catered by them back in 2021. 

--- RJG 

--- Rude Dante review 5/16/22 ---

RJG reviewed this place based upon visits we did shortly after both of us moved to Denver. It remained largely unchanged until somewhere 2012-2015 when new owners and managers decided to spruce it up a bit. Their 'sprucing' included a nice patio, a back dining room that sometimes books for private events, some decor updates and an expansion of the food & bar menus. At least one of the new owners had a passion for seafood, particularly raw oyster bar, meaning that they usually have at least 4 varieties on the menu. They also char-grill their oysters - a VERY nice alternative to frying - and have some great presentations for the cooked varieties (bacon & gorgonzola, garlic & butter with cheese, etc). There are also a good variety of pastas, salads, and other temptations, but what brings me back is their pizza.

The pizza is a slightly thinner variation on the mid-crust pies we enjoyed in my hometown of Elkhart, Indiana. And they have some really good specialty recipes. Sir Psycho Sexy is perhaps the best meat pie I have ever had, and Higher Ground or Suck my Kiss are really interesting alternatives. One thing I like is that you can make a pie with red sauce, white sauce or just olive oil - just to mix it up a bit. Many of their specialty pies use the white sauce, so read the whole recipe before ordering.

Only downside to this updated venue is that it is VERY popular. Even on week nights and with their expanded space, you will likely wait for a table anytime after 5:30. Take out is certainly an option - or just plan to go for an early meal.

--- Rude Dante ---

--- original 10/1/10 RJG notes (from the Denver's Old School Italian Restaurants post)

And speaking of desired neighborhoods, Washington Park's Angelo's (well, close enough to Wash Park anyway) is probably the closest representation to an Old School place in the area. Inside feels like an old church and they have a nice patio/backyard as well. Prices are dirt cheap for the area. The place gets mixed reviews, primarily because the restaurants in the area tend to be more hip and modern. And most (not all) of the criticisms come from that sector. Angelo's is the opposite of hip and modern. If it were located on 38th Street west of I-25, then I'm sure it would have more followers. A gem in the rough as far as the RJG is concerned. Not the best Denver has to offer, but worth an occasional visit. No website.

1996; 1/2/98; 10/1/10; 6/4/11; 5/29/21; 5/16/22 (new entry); 6/22/24