Angelo’s Taverna is a long-standing Italian restaurant in Denver, Colorado, known for its unique blend of classic Italian fare and a vibrant oyster bar.
Here is a detailed look at the restaurant, based on the available information:
History
Angelo’s Taverna has been a staple in the Denver area since 1974, operating on Sixth Avenue. It was originally owned and operated by the Laveo family until March 2013. At that time, Craig Jones and Eric Hyatt purchased the restaurant. While they kept the beloved old-world family recipes, they modernized the menu with new twists. Angelo’s Taverna is now on its second set of owners and continues to thrive in the same neighborhood.
Uniqueness and Highlight Menu Items
Angelo’s Taverna bills itself as Denver’s original pizza and oyster bar, making it the longest-running restaurant of its kind in the area. This eclectic pairing is a key part of its uniqueness.
Highlight Menu Items:
- Oysters: They are known for shucking the freshest oysters in Denver, delivered daily with varieties from both the East and West coasts.
- Char-grilled Oysters: This is a signature, unique dish, served hot and bubbling with special sauces. The preparation is so compelling that it’s said to please even non-oyster eaters. Varieties of the char-grilled oysters include those dressed with:
- Garlic butter
- Bacon and Gorgonzola
- Chipotle bourbon butter
- Modern Twists: The current owners added modern items to the menu, such as balsamic glazed ribs.
- Italian Fare: The restaurant also features a stacked lineup of classic Italian dishes.
- Housemade Limoncello: This is a recommended item that customers should not skip.
- Happy Hour: The location boasts having “Denver’s best happy hour,” during which they move over 7,000 oysters a week.
Customer Feedback and Awards
The restaurant is well-regarded by customers and critics, with a five-star review noting:
“Love this place. Been coming here for years and recommended to all my friends. The best chargrilled oysters highly recommend. All food here is delicious. Pay this place a visit, you won’t be disappointed.”
It has also received numerous accolades and press mentions, including:
- Best Restaurant in Capitol Hill (2024)
- Best Oysters (2024, 2019, 2018)
- Best Oyster Happy Hour (2024)
- Best Red-Sauce Italian Restaurant (2014)
- Inclusion in Westword’s list of “The 100 restaurants we can’t live without in 2023”
Significant Events
Beyond the change in ownership in 2013, which preserved the restaurant’s legacy while adding modern flair, other notable events include:
- Adapting during a Health Crisis: In November 2020, the restaurant was featured in a video detailing how they adapted to new city capacity regulations by setting up an extensive outdoor eating area.
- Catering to Events: The venue is a popular space for events, with a private banquet room, an outdoor patio, and a combination room that can accommodate up to 130 guests for occasions like corporate events, wedding receptions, and business gatherings.
Contact and Links
The Denver location of Angelo’s Taverna is in the Capitol Hill area.
- Address: 620 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80203, US
- Phone Number: (303) 744-3366
- Website:
- Denver Location: https://angelosdenver.com/
- Main Website: https://angelostaverna.com/
