Strings: Standing the test of time with creative cuisine

When Noel Cunningham opened Strings opened in the mid-‘80s, he made a splash with contemporary cuisine and a trendy open kitchen. The restaurant helped put “uptown” on the entertainment map and made Cunningham a culinary star and philanthropic hero—he co-founded Denver’s

Taste of the Nation fundraiser and later, his own foundation. New hotspots have come and gone. But Strings has survived and still thrives, rolling with the economy, a remodel and menu tweaks -- above all, with top-quality food.

Today, the restaurant continues its namesake tradition of New American pasta creations augmented by seasonal menus full of fresh ingredients that are intertwined in unexpected ways. You’ll find marquee entrees such as Chilean sea bass topped with vanilla cream sauce and a splash of cranberry puree, served with saffron couscous.

Chefs use a number of local ingredients and organic products—their "shopping list" is featured on the website. Sunday nights feature a $52.80 prix-fixe dinner that changes weekly, and look for upcoming farmer’s market dinners, based on what’s purchased that day.

Weekend brunch includes a "make your own breakfast" option and also offers a hefty menu of adult morning-friendly beverages. Weekday happy hours from 4-7 p.m. receive rave reviews here...try the McNoel Nuggets that are light-years away from standard bar and fast-food versions. Check out the martini menu, more than a dozen concoctions designed for flavor and fun.

Sumptuous, five-course wine dinners featuring quality labels are being held with more regularity. For the next version and other upcoming events, click here. The patio remains a mecca for relaxed dining on warm-weather days and nights.

HelloDenver tip: Dining in Denver is generally a casual proposition, but Strings’ warm, upscale vibe attracts vibrant people who like to dress things up. You won’t be turned away in jeans, but might feel a tad out of place.

dinner lunch brunch New American contemporary patio happy hour