When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
ChoLon - Downtown
Why ChoLon - Downtown is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
ChoLon Downtown offers a unique and vibrant dining experience that makes it an excellent place to meet up with friends for a memorable meal. Located in Denver, this restaurant showcases Chef Lon Symensma's innovative blend of traditional Far Eastern dishes with modern European culinary techniques. The menu delights with creative takes on Asian classics, such as whimsical French onion soup dumplings and innovative small plates, perfect for sharing. The atmosphere balances liveliness and a welcoming feel, making it suitable for casual outings or special gatherings. Guests often highlight the attentive service and the thoughtfully curated artisanal cocktails that perfectly complement the cuisine. Notable dishes include the Kaya Toast with coconut jam and egg cloud, which provides a sweet and savory flavor profile that many diners rave about. Happy hour offerings from 3:00 to 5:00 pm daily provide a great opportunity to enjoy crafted drinks and appetizers at a relaxed pace. Whether you’re craving a casual lunch, a lively dinner, or a place to celebrate with larger parties, ChoLon Downtown delivers a dynamic and engaging dining environment that encourages shared enjoyment and culinary discovery.
Here's what people think of ChoLon - Downtown
As of recent, ChoLon - Downtown holds a 4.4-star rating based on 1850 reviews.
ChoLon Downtown has garnered a strong overall rating of 4.4 from 1,850 reviews, reflecting a majority of satisfied guests who appreciate the restaurant's creative approach to Asian cuisine and the quality of service. Positive reviews frequently praised the innovative menu, highlighting dishes such as the Soup Dumplings with French onion and Gruyère cheese as standouts. Guests also enjoy the lively atmosphere paired with attentive service, mentioning that the staff's knowledge and care enhance the dining experience. Many reviewers recommend ChoLon as a great place for fun nights out with friends or family, appreciating both the inventive food and the cocktail program.
However, a portion of guests have expressed dissatisfaction, pointing to inconsistencies with food quality and timing issues where dishes arrive at different times or not at the expected temperature. Some found particular dishes less appealing, and these negative experiences often led to recommendations to avoid the restaurant. Despite these critiques, it seems these views are in the minority compared to the generally positive sentiment.
In conclusion, the majority of reviews portray ChoLon Downtown as a creative and exciting dining destination in Denver that excels in innovative fusion flavors and well-executed service, making it a recommended spot for those looking to explore modern Asian cuisine in a dynamic setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mindy Lai
Service was the highlight of this place! The food was great as well, but just a little too greasy for us. If you’re debating on a few things, the fried rice is the way to go! That butter that comes with it is insane!!! So yummy!!!! Soup dumplings is what they’re also known for, but I find that the dough and flavor is too far from the original. Not my favorite but I can see those flavors being a hit if you’ve never had soup dumplings. And for dessert the matcha strawberry shortcake! That combo is just perfection and you won’t regret it!
Kristen Harness
It’s been over 10 years since my last visit to ChoLon. My husband and I went for happy hour and we had 4 cocktails and 7 small dishes for $96, which was not too bad! The food overall is delicious. The French onion soup dumplings are very good. My only issue was with the fries that look and taste like they came frozen from a bag. Not sure but I wouldn’t order them again. My Espresso Martini (their version) was amazing! We will definitely be back for happy hour because their prices are way more reasonable during that time.
Trudy Guerrero Corbitt
A Mixed Bag of Culinary Delights and Service at Cholon Denver Cholon in Downtown Denver offers an intriguing culinary experience, and while there were certainly highlights, a few aspects prevented it from being an entirely stellar outing. To start, the service was a bit rocky at the beginning of our meal. It felt a little inattentive, and we experienced some delays. However, I'm pleased to report that the service significantly improved as the evening progressed, becoming much more attentive and efficient. This positive shift certainly helped salvage the overall impression. Now, onto the food! ChoLon truly shines with many of its dishes. The soup dumplings were a ok – bursting with savory broth but a little too thick/doughy (not like traditional dumplings with delicate skin that’s easy to pierce). The pork belly was an excellent choice, rich and flavorful. The gyozas and lamb skewers were also good, contributing to a generally positive experience with the savory items. And for dessert, the donuts with caramel and ice cream were an absolute delight – a sweet and satisfying end to the meal. Unfortunately, the fried rice with beef, which was also the most expensive item on the menu for lunch, was quite disappointing. It lacked the flavor and execution one would expect, especially given its price point. There brown butter ruined the fried rice flavor by being much too overpowering. The bread with coconut and dip was also unfortunately a little disappointing in that there was very little coconut sauce on the top and big bowl of what tasted just like more butter. Getting so much better flavor again and so little coconut flavor missed the mark. Overall, ChoLon offers a compelling menu with some truly exceptional dishes, making it a place I'd recommend for those seeking an adventurous culinary experience. While the initial service hiccups and the particularly underwhelming fried rice kept it from being an "excellent" experience, the improvement in service and the quality of most of the food certainly made it a very enjoyable meal. With a bit more consistency in both service from the get-go and ensuring all dishes, especially the pricier ones, live up to the standard, ChoLon has the potential to be a truly top-tier destination.
j b
We went for a few snacks after a show...happy hour was still going on. We ordered a couple things and everything was amazing. The egg cloud was probably the highlight....well...maybe the scallion pancake with hoison butter....mmmm...the calamari.... The french onion soup dumplings were probably our least favorite...they were good...kinda basic compared to everything else
Natalia Morari
Nice restaurant. Great service great atmosphere. Not impressed with the food, dry without flavor. Crème brûlée and strawberry matcha shortcake was the biggest disappointment, Creme Brûlée over cooked with the wrong texture and the shortcake dry.
How to reach ChoLon - Downtown
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Why ChoLon - Downtown may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at ChoLon - Downtown with your friends?
Gathering friends at ChoLon - Downtown is an ideal way to combine great company with a vibrant culinary adventure. This restaurant, boasting a strong rating of 4.4 from over 1,850 reviews, offers a unique dining experience that appeals to groups looking for something more than just a meal. The atmosphere balances a polished, sophisticated vibe with a relaxed, welcoming feel — making it effortlessly cool and comfortable. It’s a place where you can feel at home yet also experience a touch of elegance, perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a memorable night out together. The food at ChoLon is crafted to excite the palate, offering innovative Pan-Asian and modern Chinese cuisine with bold, adventurous flavors that spark conversation and delight every member of the group. Sharing dishes here is not only socially engaging but also a sensory journey where each bite brings something new and exciting to the table. When you want a blend of atmosphere, exceptional service, and a menu packed with surprises, ChoLon - Downtown stands out as a rally point for friends and family wanting to connect over unforgettable food.
What activities can you enjoy at ChoLon - Downtown that make it perfect for a meetup?
ChoLon - Downtown isn’t just a restaurant to eat at; it offers a full experience designed to engage groups beyond the basic act of dining. Since the portions tend to be small and shareable, it naturally encourages communal dining—a perfect way for friends to taste multiple dishes and discuss their favorites. You can embark on a culinary exploration with dishes like the famed shrimp dumplings, which many describe as flavor explosions worth savoring time and time again. The menu’s mix of unique twists on Southeast Asian classics allows friends to share and compare, turning the meal into a lively tasting event. Beyond food, ChoLon features a full bar with a curated selection of cocktails, whiskeys, and wines, setting the scene for pre-dinner drinks, cocktail rounds between courses, or late-night wind-downs that keep conversations flowing. The service is known for being attentive yet unobtrusive, ensuring the group feels cared for without disruption. Moreover, the ambiance strikes a balance between lively and intimate, making it suitable for both casual gatherings and celebrations—a versatile backdrop for any group seeking to spend quality time together.
Why is ChoLon’s food ideal for group sharing and socializing?
At ChoLon - Downtown, the food menu is purposefully crafted for sharing, making it an ideal spot to enjoy with friends or family. The small plate style invites diners to order a variety of dishes, encouraging everyone to sample multiple flavors across different culinary traditions. This approach naturally fosters conversation as guests discuss their personal favorites and experience the intense flavors of dishes like Bao Buns with pork belly or the inventive Soup Dumplings filled with unexpected ingredients like French onion and Gruyère cheese. The interplay of textures—crispy, soft, chewy—and complex flavor profiles creates a rich tapestry of tastes that each dish brings, ensuring no two bites feel the same. The adventurous nature of the food encourages diners to step out of their comfort zone, sharing the thrill of discovery together. Whether it’s the sweet-savory Kaya Toast with coconut jam or the more savory potstickers with candied ginger mustard, each dish is designed to be sampled and praised among friends, making the meal not just nourishment but a dynamic social experience.
How does the atmosphere at ChoLon - Downtown enhance a group gathering?
ChoLon - Downtown has an atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between being polished and laid-back, making it conducive to large groups wanting to enjoy a relaxed yet stylish setting. The interior design and lighting create a warm ambiance that feels both intimate and energetic, ideal for lively conversations and laughter. Whether you’re seated at a cozy table or the vibrant bar area, the environment invites guests to stay and savor the experience rather than rush through a meal. The buzz of the restaurant, filled with satisfied diners, adds to a sense of shared enjoyment without becoming overwhelming or noisy to the point of distraction. This makes it suitable for groups looking to both eat well and catch up in comfort. The friendly and knowledgeable staff further elevate the mood by providing seamless service that anticipates the needs of groups, helping the evening flow smoothly. All these elements combine to make ChoLon a place where friends and family can connect, relax, and build lasting memories.
What makes the service at ChoLon - Downtown fit for a group meetup?
The attentive yet unobtrusive service at ChoLon - Downtown significantly contributes to making the restaurant a great venue for group gatherings. Staff members are knowledgeable about the menu’s wide range of dishes and can offer thoughtful recommendations or even guide group orders based on dietary preferences or desired experiences. This kind of personalized attention helps reduce the stress often associated with coordinating a meal for many people and ensures everyone feels included and cared for. Reviewers frequently note that the staff balances professionalism with a friendly approach, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere throughout the dinner. Furthermore, the kitchen is efficient enough to serve several small dishes in a timely manner, which helps keep the group engaged and prevents long waits that could disrupt the flow of conversation. This smooth coordination between front-of-house and kitchen makes hosting meetups at ChoLon particularly hassle-free and enjoyable.
How does ChoLon - Downtown cater to food adventurers in groups?
ChoLon - Downtown is a fantastic choice for groups who love to experiment and enjoy adventurous eating together. The menu features innovative Pan-Asian and modern Chinese dishes that offer twists on familiar favorites alongside novel combinations not often found elsewhere. This culinary creativity invites groups to share discoveries and compare impressions, deepening the dining experience beyond the usual. Dishes like the General Cho's Soup Dumplings, with warm, slightly spicy broth enveloped within delicate dough, or the Kimchi Fried Rice with pork belly and wok-fried egg, give bold flavors that invite discussion and delight. Because the food is prepared for sharing, groups can order several dishes to cover a wide spectrum of tastes—from sweet and savory Kaya Toast to crunchy potstickers with nuanced sauces—ensuring there is something for everyone. For those who appreciate a dynamic and memorable meal, ChoLon provides the playground and menu variety that encourages exploration and makes every visit unique.
What is the overall experience of hosting a meetup at ChoLon - Downtown?
Hosting a meetup at ChoLon - Downtown means treating your friends or family to an evening that marries exceptional food, lively conviviality, and a stylish but comfortable setting. With a high rating reflecting widespread guest satisfaction, it’s clear the restaurant excels at creating a welcoming environment conducive to connection. The way menu items are designed to be shared brings people physically closer as they pass plates and trade bites, while the exciting and sometimes unexpected flavor combinations add an element of fun and surprise. Combined with a well-crafted drink menu, efficient and friendly service, and an atmosphere that adapts well to different group sizes and occasions, ChoLon offers a holistic experience that makes any meet-up a celebration. Whether you’re reunifying old friends, celebrating milestones, or simply indulging in good food with those you care about, ChoLon - Downtown provides the ideal setting and energy to elevate your gathering from ordinary to unforgettable.