In honor of Denver’s Restaurant Week, I thought it would be most fitting to highlight some of the restaurants Jim and I enjoy in the Denver metro area. To kick it off let’s take a trip to Pasquini’s Pizzeria.
Pasquini’s has several locations around the Denver Metro area, with a fairly new one becoming popular in Lone Tree and another being built in the Denver Tech Center. They also have restaurants in the Highlands, on 17th Avenue in Uptown, and on North Broadway at Louisiana. The location on Broadway is the original, and most definitely our favorite so far.
The first time we visited Pasquini’s together we walked in the door and were greeted by an old couple sitting at a small table, enjoying a pizza and a glass of wine. With a simple hello and a wave of her hand, the women directed us to head upstairs to find a table while never abandoning her pizza slice. On our way up the stairs I remember telling Jim that she reminded me of some of my Italian aunts. Way to find a family owned, neighborhood restaurant!
All of the tables and chairs at this location are mismatched, creating a very eclectic look that you might expect to find at a poetry reading in Wicker Park, Chicago. After reading the history of Pasquini’s on their website, I learned that the tables and chairs were purchased at local thrift stores when Pasquini’s couldn’t afford to spend a lot of money. To Jim and I, the mismatched furniture and eclectic look are a special part of the restaurant’s character.
Immediately our server came out with a plate of bread sticks. Now if you have known Jim and I for any amount of time you would know that I am passionate about bread and Jim is passionate about food that comes free before the meal. We were stoked! The bread sticks at Pasquini’s are homemade and covered in garlic, buttery-goodness. They are, in fact, the best bread sticks I have ever had and I firmly believe I could survive on just those for quite a long time. Thankfully, when you finish your plate of bread sticks, they bring you more.
Knowing that Pasquini’s had received culinary accolades as a pizzeria, I thought it only fitting to order one of the pizzettas. Jim is quite the calzone fan, his mom makes some of the best calzones you will ever eat, and therefore he decided to try one Pasquini style. I ordered the Pizzetta Margherita and Jim ordered a pepperoni and mozzarella cheese calzone.
I was worried after eating so many bread sticks that I would be too full for my meal. However, after catching the first whiff of our meal as it was delivered to our table, my stomach suddenly had enough room. The pizzetta was great. The thin crust was just right, very reminiscent of the delicious bread sticks, and it was the first time I have had buffalo mozzarella on pizza. I loved it! Jim’s calzone was awesome and, unlike some calzones that are mostly just bread, it was loaded with pepperoni, mozzarella, and Pasquini’s own red pizza sauce.
Since our first visit, we have been back to Pasquini’s many times both to the Broadway and Uptown locations. We love the food and we love the neighborhood feel. We are excited to try the location in the Highlands as well the to new ones down South. If you have a hankering for Italian and are looking for great food, unique atmosphere, and something affordable, definitely head to Pasquini’s.
Definitely check out the website for Pasquini’s and read the history behind this great Denver restaurant.
