We went for a date night and couldn't have been more pleased! The staff was friendly and super knowledgeable. We opted for the walk with us option so the chefs could take the reigns and it did not disappoint. The wagyu was melt in your mouth, cod was delicious, pave, liver mousse, all such great complimentary flavors throughout the courses all the way to the end with the miso ice cream. Highly recommend when you want to splurge, great atmosphere, phenomenal food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Olivia Stoner
I’ve been a fan since this restaurant opened and they continue to deliver. Staples like the shaken rice and new dishes from the special board always bring me back for more. Glad to have this restaurant in the neighborhood.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Alissa T.
Such a fun experience! The food was clever and also delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thar Soe
This was on my list of restaurants to try for a while. I finally had an excuse to go and here I am.
I think I was pretty whelmed. This was one of the restaurants that like people like to make fun of Denver for: like really expensive, mediocre food with a 22% surge charge.
It started promising (kinda) with the beef tartare which was mixed with gochujang and some pine nuts. As a side note, I also love that a lot of tartares are incorporating bold Asian flavors (this one and the one at Brasserie Brixton). However, these are supposedly “shareable”; like, if it’s shared by ants then sure.
Then came the wagyu! First of all, I wasn’t asked a temp so I was like ok, maybe they cooked it mid-rare (I usually do rare). The temp was bordering on medium. And my god, that was probably the sweetest steak I’ve ever had. I think it was marinated with a bunch of sugar to “complement” the savory dip that comes with it. For me, that doesn’t work. The steak itself should be absolutely delicious without a sauce but not at Hey Kiddo apparently.
The sides (which you have to order separately) weren’t that impressive. There’s an “array of pickles” you can order and the special charred bokchoy with chili crisps on top. They were all things I could make at home and I was stuck wondering why I didn’t just make dinner at home.
Ended awkwardly with the sashimi, which was pretty ok but had like 4 pieces of hamachi surrounded by a (rather delicious) sauce. As far as crudos go, it’s no where near the top of what I’ve had.
I found the concept of the menu to be really confused, as in it’s trying to incorporate Asian ingredients/flavors into dishes that weren’t executed well or designed to begin with, and you can really taste it in its dishes. lol and service, forget about it and it wasn’t even a busy night at all.
In my humble opinion, this is one of the most overrated restaurants in the city and the amount of good words this has is astounding. Good for them and its fans tho!
Did I mention there’s an automatic 22% surcharge? If it was a good dinner I’d be more than happy to pay but like when steak ate sweet and the sides are underwhelming, I feel really cheated.
Maybe I went on an off-season?
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Emily
I was completely underwhelmed and disappointed. Like others have mentioned the price is astronomical for the quality you are getting. We had their cocktails, chicken, ribs, fried rice and Caesar salad. Ribs had barely any meat, the salad was just ok, the fried rice and fried chicken wasn't anything to write home about. I'm pretty sure the cocktails made my husband and I queasy after we left. Nothing we ate or drank warranted a $200+ tab. My husband and I don't mind splurging for a nice dinner but this felt like a total rip off. The only reason I give this place even 2 stars is because our server was attentive and nice. Very perplexed by the high reviews.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
Tadd McAnally
Its unique location and rooftop bar make for an interesting and fun atmosphere. The menu is limited and the actual menu style and descriptions seem to have more intention of being cute and gimmicky rather than giving their food the attention it deserves. The food is always excellent. It is a little upscale, so it is on the pricier side but not overpriced for the quality. The bartenders know their stuff and will make you unique drinks based on your taste and style preferences and their cocktails are always really tasty. The restaurant is not very large, so recommend calling ahead for a reservation - especially during peak dining times. The reason for my 2 star rating on service is because of the automatic 22% gratuity added to my bill (for two people). The tipping culture in Denver has gotten out of control, and it's starting to erode the quality of service that is delivered. This is the sort of thing that will unfortunately prevent me from dining there again. Stop taking liberties with your customer's money and consider what the point of tipping is. This is not helping your employees in the long run as it prevents customers from wanting to come back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Kira Ellsasser
The food was incredible, we had the best time and everyone from the hostess to the server was phenomenal. We’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alyssa Kind
It’s our go to place in Denver, especially When people are visiting. The food is phenomenal and reasonably priced. Plus you get the Tennyson street to stroll afterwards for ice cream or after drinks at their speak easy. x
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica Ellis
This was such an amazing experience. We got to try so many different dishes. Our server Cassy was so friendly and helpful. We can't wait to come back. The red miso ice cream was to die for! All of the food was so good.
Stopped in for the first time for an early dinner at the bar. Service was inattentive and not terribly friendly. Honestly always found the menu a little strange so it’s kept me away. Glad I tried it because it was the best Fried Chicken I’ve had in a long time. Nice caesar salad too. The oysters on the other hand, a mix of east and west coast, were not good. I paused as I ate them wondering if I should risk finishing. I didn’t get sick but they were not fresh tasting at all. Beware the oysters. Everything else was great but too expensive for what it is makes it a poor value.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Sarah Behuniak
It’s fairly expensive, but the food was great overall. The potatoes are delicious!
Derek Plafcan
I never write reviews but dang, we’ve never felt so ripped off from a restaurant. Insanely mediocre service. Wildly sub-par to average food. I don’t know if I’m just old or what but are the younger folks spending obscene amounts of money at places like this and writing 5 star reviews to justify their crappy experience? I don’t understand how this place is still in business, and that’s coming from a 15 year industry worker. The 22% auto gratuity IS illegal as it’s not clearly stated on the menu.
Go to Hop Alley and support a business that actually cares about the quality to price ratio.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
2NDN 2020
Amazing twist on fried chicken and ribs! Extra Koji sauce for dipping is recommended. Can’t wait to go back for more! Hospitality, atmosphere and location was on point. Don’t forget to check out the speak easy “parent bar” in the back for a special libation concoction and presentation. Yum yum
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brittany Johnson
The service is excellent. The staff are accommodating, helpful with questions, and personable. I tried the cucumber pickle, popcorn chicken, milk buns, and the wagyu beef. I liked the food but was only wowed by the milk buns. They also have a tasting menu option for $95 per person, your whole party has to do the tasting menu. My friends have a two-year old and clocked that the restaurant has high-chairs available and would actually be a good place to bring a young kid since the dining room is a little loud/lively.
Fun experience. Small plate tastings.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken, Wagyu Beef Galbi, Chicken Liver Mousse, Milk Bread, Potatoe Pave, Waygu
We went for a date night and couldn't have been more pleased! The staff was friendly and super knowledgeable. We opted for the walk with us option so the chefs could take the reigns and it did not disappoint. The wagyu was melt in your mouth, cod was delicious, pave, liver mousse, all such great complimentary flavors throughout the courses all the way to the end with the miso ice cream. Highly recommend when you want to splurge, great atmosphere, phenomenal food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve been a fan since this restaurant opened and they continue to deliver. Staples like the shaken rice and new dishes from the special board always bring me back for more. Glad to have this restaurant in the neighborhood.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Such a fun experience! The food was clever and also delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was on my list of restaurants to try for a while. I finally had an excuse to go and here I am.
I think I was pretty whelmed. This was one of the restaurants that like people like to make fun of Denver for: like really expensive, mediocre food with a 22% surge charge.
It started promising (kinda) with the beef tartare which was mixed with gochujang and some pine nuts. As a side note, I also love that a lot of tartares are incorporating bold Asian flavors (this one and the one at Brasserie Brixton). However, these are supposedly “shareable”; like, if it’s shared by ants then sure.
Then came the wagyu! First of all, I wasn’t asked a temp so I was like ok, maybe they cooked it mid-rare (I usually do rare). The temp was bordering on medium. And my god, that was probably the sweetest steak I’ve ever had. I think it was marinated with a bunch of sugar to “complement” the savory dip that comes with it. For me, that doesn’t work. The steak itself should be absolutely delicious without a sauce but not at Hey Kiddo apparently.
The sides (which you have to order separately) weren’t that impressive. There’s an “array of pickles” you can order and the special charred bokchoy with chili crisps on top. They were all things I could make at home and I was stuck wondering why I didn’t just make dinner at home.
Ended awkwardly with the sashimi, which was pretty ok but had like 4 pieces of hamachi surrounded by a (rather delicious) sauce. As far as crudos go, it’s no where near the top of what I’ve had.
I found the concept of the menu to be really confused, as in it’s trying to incorporate Asian ingredients/flavors into dishes that weren’t executed well or designed to begin with, and you can really taste it in its dishes. lol and service, forget about it and it wasn’t even a busy night at all.
In my humble opinion, this is one of the most overrated restaurants in the city and the amount of good words this has is astounding. Good for them and its fans tho!
Did I mention there’s an automatic 22% surcharge? If it was a good dinner I’d be more than happy to pay but like when steak ate sweet and the sides are underwhelming, I feel really cheated.
Maybe I went on an off-season?
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
I was completely underwhelmed and disappointed. Like others have mentioned the price is astronomical for the quality you are getting. We had their cocktails, chicken, ribs, fried rice and Caesar salad. Ribs had barely any meat, the salad was just ok, the fried rice and fried chicken wasn't anything to write home about. I'm pretty sure the cocktails made my husband and I queasy after we left. Nothing we ate or drank warranted a $200+ tab. My husband and I don't mind splurging for a nice dinner but this felt like a total rip off. The only reason I give this place even 2 stars is because our server was attentive and nice. Very perplexed by the high reviews.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
Its unique location and rooftop bar make for an interesting and fun atmosphere. The menu is limited and the actual menu style and descriptions seem to have more intention of being cute and gimmicky rather than giving their food the attention it deserves. The food is always excellent. It is a little upscale, so it is on the pricier side but not overpriced for the quality. The bartenders know their stuff and will make you unique drinks based on your taste and style preferences and their cocktails are always really tasty. The restaurant is not very large, so recommend calling ahead for a reservation - especially during peak dining times. The reason for my 2 star rating on service is because of the automatic 22% gratuity added to my bill (for two people). The tipping culture in Denver has gotten out of control, and it's starting to erode the quality of service that is delivered. This is the sort of thing that will unfortunately prevent me from dining there again. Stop taking liberties with your customer's money and consider what the point of tipping is. This is not helping your employees in the long run as it prevents customers from wanting to come back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
The food was incredible, we had the best time and everyone from the hostess to the server was phenomenal. We’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It’s our go to place in Denver, especially When people are visiting. The food is phenomenal and reasonably priced. Plus you get the Tennyson street to stroll afterwards for ice cream or after drinks at their speak easy. x
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was such an amazing experience. We got to try so many different dishes. Our server Cassy was so friendly and helpful. We can't wait to come back. The red miso ice cream was to die for! All of the food was so good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Stopped in for the first time for an early dinner at the bar. Service was inattentive and not terribly friendly. Honestly always found the menu a little strange so it’s kept me away. Glad I tried it because it was the best Fried Chicken I’ve had in a long time. Nice caesar salad too. The oysters on the other hand, a mix of east and west coast, were not good. I paused as I ate them wondering if I should risk finishing. I didn’t get sick but they were not fresh tasting at all. Beware the oysters. Everything else was great but too expensive for what it is makes it a poor value.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
It’s fairly expensive, but the food was great overall. The potatoes are delicious!
I never write reviews but dang, we’ve never felt so ripped off from a restaurant. Insanely mediocre service. Wildly sub-par to average food. I don’t know if I’m just old or what but are the younger folks spending obscene amounts of money at places like this and writing 5 star reviews to justify their crappy experience? I don’t understand how this place is still in business, and that’s coming from a 15 year industry worker. The 22% auto gratuity IS illegal as it’s not clearly stated on the menu.
Go to Hop Alley and support a business that actually cares about the quality to price ratio.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Amazing twist on fried chicken and ribs! Extra Koji sauce for dipping is recommended. Can’t wait to go back for more! Hospitality, atmosphere and location was on point. Don’t forget to check out the speak easy “parent bar” in the back for a special libation concoction and presentation. Yum yum
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service is excellent. The staff are accommodating, helpful with questions, and personable. I tried the cucumber pickle, popcorn chicken, milk buns, and the wagyu beef. I liked the food but was only wowed by the milk buns. They also have a tasting menu option for $95 per person, your whole party has to do the tasting menu. My friends have a two-year old and clocked that the restaurant has high-chairs available and would actually be a good place to bring a young kid since the dining room is a little loud/lively.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Loading...