Denver Spotlight: Ultreia

Ultreia, located in the historic Denver Union Station, is a popular Spanish and Portuguese-inspired “gastroteka” known for its vibrant atmosphere and focus on shared plates.

Here is a detailed look at the restaurant, covering its uniqueness, history, menu highlights, customer feedback, and contact information.

What Makes Ultreia Unique?

Iberian Shared-Plate Concept: Ultreia sets itself apart by bringing the authentic culture of the Iberian peninsula’s tapas and pintxos bars to Denver. The name “Ultreia” itself is a medieval Latin word used by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, meaning “Onwards!” or “Go further,” which is a fitting reference for a restaurant located within a historic transit hub.

Historic Location: Its prime location inside the bustling Great Hall of Denver Union Station provides a unique, high-energy, and historic backdrop. The space is a split-level area designed with an Old World patina, featuring high ceilings, moldings, pendant lamps, and murals, with a long, granite-topped bar serving as the establishment’s heart.

Gin Bar Focus: The restaurant is also known as a dedicated gin bar, boasting an extensive list of gins, particularly focusing on the popular Spanish-style Gin Tonic.

History and Team

Ultreia is the latest venture from Crafted Concepts, the hospitality group behind other award-winning Denver favorites like Rioja and Bistro Vendôme. It was opened by James Beard Award-winning Chef Jennifer Jasinski and her business partner, Beth Gruitch. Their intention was to capture the fun, social, and accessible dining experience found in the pintxos bars of cities like San Sebastián, Spain.

They have also launched Camino by Ultreia, a “little sister” concept in Union Station, which offers grab-and-go options like Spanish and Portuguese hot-pressed sandwiches (bocadillos and bikinis), catering to commuters and visitors.

Highlighted Menu Items

Ultreia’s menu is split between “bare hands” foods (pintxos and tapas) and larger “tools required” plates. Some of the most highly praised items include:

• Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Stuffed with goat cheese and finished with a pimentón drizzle, these are frequently cited in customer reviews for their perfect blend of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors.
• Croquetas de Jamón: Gooey, deep-fried croquettes filled with salty ham.
• Patatas Bravas: Crispy potatoes served with a spicy salsa brava and aioli.
• Jamones (Hams): The restaurant prides itself on its selection of Spanish hams, including the deeply flavorful, acorn-fed Jamón Ibérico de Bellota.
• Gilda: A classic pintxo skewer with an olive, a pickled pepper (piparras), and an anchovy (boquerones).
• Postres (Desserts): Don’t miss the traditional Portuguese custard tart, Pastel de Nata, or the Churros con Chocolate y Caramel.
• Happy Hour: Pinche Pintxos: A daily happy hour with traditional and innovative pintxos, including their popular “Chorrera” (crispy deviled egg with jamón serrano and Mahón cheese), and a selection of $5-$7 drinks like Sangria, Gin Tonic, and Vermouth.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback generally praises the convivial atmosphere, the quality of the small plates, and the location:

• The Vibe and Service: The service is often described as excellent, with staff being attentive and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is generally considered vibrant, upmarket, and cozy, fitting the Union Station setting.
• The Food: The small plates and tapas, especially the bacon-wrapped dates, croquettes, and ham selections, are consistently lauded as delicious and authentic. The menu selection is described as mouthwatering, featuring fresh seafood and creative cocktails.
• Areas for Improvement: Some older reviews have suggested that larger entrées can occasionally be inconsistent compared to the excellence of the small plates, recommending that guests focus primarily on the tapas and pintxos.

Significant Events

As a restaurant located in the Great Hall of Denver Union Station, Ultreia and its venue are part of significant community events. While the restaurant hosts private events, its location ties it to Union Station’s annual happenings. For instance, the station hosts events like BOOnion Station (a large Halloween trick-or-treating event) and community tributes, such as an Ofrenda honoring the visionary legacy of Dana Crawford, who was instrumental in preserving the historic landmark.

Location and Contact Information