Denver Spotlight: Root Down

Root Down in Denver, Colorado, is a highly acclaimed restaurant renowned for its globally-inspired cuisine, commitment to sustainability, and unique design aesthetic. It’s often cited as a cornerstone of the city’s innovative dining scene.

Here is a detailed look at the restaurant, primarily focusing on its original Lower Highlands (LoHi) location.

What Makes Root Down Unique

History and Location

Root Down’s primary location is arguably its most distinct feature: it is housed in a reclaimed 1950s-era automotive service station. The owner, Justin Cucci, envisioned a space that would be a funky neighborhood joint with a sophisticated vibe. The entire design embraces this history, with dual patios and dining areas filled with “funky mid-century details and off-beat Ebay finds.”

The name itself is a nod to jazz history, paying homage to the late 1960s jazz musician Jimmy Smith’s song, “Root Down (And Get It),” which lyrically means to “return to the root of the song and get back to the basics.” This concept guides the restaurant’s philosophy: focusing on the fundamentals of good food with a unique, improvisational twist.

A Focus on Sustainability

Root Down is a leader in the sustainable dining movement in Denver. The restaurant is a Certifiably Green Denver Business and features a “field-to-fork” mentality.

Key sustainable practices include:

• Using sustainable, locally farmed, and mostly organic ingredients, often sourced from their own Beat Box Farms.
• A comprehensive food donation and composting program.
• Using biodegradable to-go containers, recycled paper products, and green cleaning supplies.
• Being partially wind-powered.

Customer Feedback and Highlights

Root Down holds a strong rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps, with diners consistently praising the inventive menu and atmosphere.

Customer Highlights

• Atmosphere: Reviewers frequently describe the space as having a “cool little vibe” and an “upscale industrial casual” decor, making it a popular choice for a date night.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Root Down is celebrated for its abundant and creative vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. One reviewer called it “Inventive, Delicious and Vegetarian Friendly.”
• Service & Value: Many diners praise the “Great food-Great service” and highlight its weekly specials, such as the Sunday night 3-course dinner, as excellent value.

Highlight Menu Items

While the menu is seasonal, globally-inspired, and changes regularly, certain dishes and concepts have garnered significant praise from customers:

• Goat Cheese Biscuits: A frequent favorite for brunch, mentioned as the “Best Goat Cheese Biscuits” by one enthusiastic patron.
• Tofu Dishes: The tofu preparations, such as a BBQ glazed tofu, have been called some of the “best I’ve ever had.”
• Small Plates: The restaurant specializes in “creative American small plates,” allowing parties to share and sample a wide variety of the globally-inspired cuisine.

Significant Events and Additional Locations

In addition to its role as a neighborhood hub, a key expansion for Root Down was the opening of its second location:

• Root Down at Denver International Airport (DIA): Opened in 2013, this location brought the restaurant’s commitment to healthy, sustainable, and timely food options to travelers, quickly becoming known as the best of the hometown restaurants that opened at DIA that year.

The restaurant is also known for its seasonal offerings, such as Thanksgiving dinner to-go packages, showcasing its ability to scale its gourmet, sustainable approach to major holidays.

Contact and Location Information

Root Down (Original LoHi Location)