Three Denver Restaurants Among Most Romantic In U.S.: OpenTable

DENVER, CO — OpenTable released its list of the 100 most romantic restaurants in the country on Wednesday. Four Colorado spots — three of them popular Denver eateries — made the list.

This list was put together by analyzing more than 12 million reviews throughout 2021, OpenTable said in a news release. Overall scores were calculated by looking at "overall diner rating, user Klout, total number of reviews, and regional overall rating."

"Qualifying restaurants were then scored and sorted according to the percentage of reviews, for which 'romantic' was selected as a special feature," the release said.

As pandemic restrictions are lifting across the country, OpenTable's surveys have found that 34 percent of adults who celebrate Valentine's Day have not celebrated the holiday by going out to dinner since before 2019.

"Our data suggests that Valentine's Day dining is rebounding this year, with reservations up 30 percent nationwide compared to last year," said Susan Lee, chief growth officer at OpenTable. "We're excited to see this momentum leading up to what has traditionally been one of the biggest dining days of the year for restaurants."

Shanahan's Steakhouse was one of three Denver spots featured on the list. Located on S. Syracuse Street, Shanahan's has more than 7,500 reviews and a 4.8-star rating on OpenTable. Reviewers highlighted Shanahan's steak and service as being the "best."

Ocean Prime, located on Larimer Street, also made the cut. Boasting just over 6,100 reviews on OpenTable and a 4.8-star rating, this fine dining restaurant offers great views and a full menu loaded up with seafood and steak options.

Reviewers largely noted the high-quality food and atmosphere found at Ocean Prime.

Guard & Grace — an ambitious concept restaurant from chef Troy Guard — also made the list, with more than 3,500 reviews and a 4.8-star rating on OpenTable. Located on California Street in downtown Denver, this restaurant boasts one of the largest patios in Denver, a large, private dining area and an open kitchen.

Like its peers, diners at Guard & Grace took note of the high-class food and service the restaurant provided, calling it a "wonderful dining experience."

Hearthstone Restaurant, the fourth and final Colorado restaurant to be featured on this list, is Located on S. Ridge Street in Breckenridge. It has more than 3,500 reviews and a 4.8-star rating on OpenTable. Located within a 135-year-0ld Victorian house, Hearthstone has been a local favorite since its opening in 1989.