The Bindery is a unique and acclaimed dining destination in Denver’s vibrant Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhood, known for seamlessly blending an elevated New American restaurant, a market, and a bakery under one roof.
What Makes The Bindery Unique
The Bindery’s concept is a reflection of Chef/Owner Linda Hampsten Fox’s global culinary journey, offering a sophisticated, yet inviting, all-day experience.
- Integrated Eatery and Marketplace: Its most distinguishing feature is the combination of a market and bakery with a fine-dining experience. Patrons can enjoy a full meal and then purchase artisanal foods, handcrafted products, baked goods, and take-home meals from the marketplace, creating a European-style “eatery” where you can both shop and eat.
- Culinary Vision: Chef Linda Hampsten Fox, inspired by her mother’s kitchen and her apprenticeships in Switzerland, Italy, and France, leads the culinary program. Her menu is an inventive take on New American cuisine with significant Mediterranean and global influences, resulting in dishes that are both grounded in tradition and playfully modern.
- Ambiance and Location: The restaurant features a spacious, bright, and industrial-chic dining room with an open layout and high ceilings. Its location on the edge of LoHi provides world-class views of the downtown Denver skyline from its three patios. The venue’s design also contributed to the LoHi neighborhood achieving its status as an official Designated Sustainable Neighborhood in 2017.
History and Opening
The Bindery opened in October 2017, quickly becoming a highlight of the Denver food scene. The name itself, “The Bindery,” is a subtle nod to the craftsmanship of tying ingredients together to create something complete, reflecting the care taken in their artisanal food and dining experience.
Customer Feedback and Highlights
The Bindery has a rating of 4.4 stars and is known for its excellent food quality, attentive service, and appealing ambiance.
What Customers are Saying:
- Many reviewers praise the innovative and beautifully presented food. As one diner noted, “This is one in a million restaurant where the chef is so particular about ingredients, presentation and quality… The Bindery is on the top of our list.”
- The atmosphere is often described as warm, inviting, and professional, with good acoustics despite the large space.
- The convenience of free parking in the garage behind the restaurant is a frequently mentioned advantage.
- It is a popular choice for special occasions due to its unique setting and memorable dining experience.
Menu Highlights (Seasonal and Acclaimed Dishes):
The menu changes seasonally, but several dishes and items have received significant praise:
| Category | Highlighted Dishes & Items | Description |
| Brunch & Breakfast | The Daily Bake Croissants/Hand Pies, Soft Scrambled Eggs, Dutch Baby (a sweet, large, puffy pancake), Hunter’s Eggs (with king trumpet mushrooms and Parmesan broth). | The bakery items are a core component of the market and often praised. The brunch menu is especially noted for being inventive and delicious. |
| Appetizers/Share | Lemon + Feta Boreka (a pastry with stracciatella and tomato jam), Bay Scallop + Barramundi Ceviche, Frena (with babaganoush and garlic confit). | These dishes reflect Chef Fox’s Mediterranean and global influences. |
| Mains | Chestnut Honey + Thyme Baby Back Ribs, Goat Cheese + Cherry Ravioli (with spicy Italian sausage), Butterflied Branzino (with green harissa), Milk and Honey Lamb Chops. | The pasta dishes are hand-made, and meat mains are often highlighted for their tender preparation and flavorful sauces. |
| Dessert | Lemon Posset, Strawberry Rhubarb Olive Oil Cake, and the inventive Baked Colorado. | The desserts are designed to be refined and satisfying. |
Note: While most feedback is excellent, some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies in dish execution and service during peak hours, particularly on the more inventive menu items.
Significant Events
While The Bindery regularly hosts private events and celebrations, its major public and industry-related significance includes:
- Design Week Recognition (2017): Shortly after opening, the restaurant’s sleek and sustainably crafted design was featured during Denver’s Design Week, which helped the LoHi neighborhood achieve its Designated Sustainable Neighborhood status.
- Chef’s Table Events: The Bindery frequently hosts a recurring Chef’s Table event, typically on the third Thursday of the month, offering a multi-course, intimate culinary experience.
- Industry Competitions: The Bindery has been a participant in industry-wide events like Lamb Jam Restaurant Month, showcasing their culinary excellence in national competitions.
Location and Contact Information
The Bindery is situated near Highland Gateway Park and the Denver skyline.
- Address: 1817 Central St, Denver, CO 80211
- Phone Number: (303) 993-2364
- Website: http://thebinderydenver.com/
