Seemor
Water Grill DenverA-Worth Trying
1691 Market St, Denver, CO 80202
· Restaurant, Seafood restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (939 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Destination raw bar and seafood spot with creative touches, strong hospitality, and premium pricing; excellent most nights, but holiday service pacing can wobble.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Water Grill Denver delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by a celebrated raw bar and creative contemporary seafood, paired with appealing design and location in LoDo. Consistency challenges during peak periods and occasional service coordination gaps prevent grade A territory, though regular-night execution remains reliable and competitive with the area's better seafood destinations.
Restaurant Summary
Set in LoDo near Union Station, Water Grill feels polished and lively without tipping into chaos on typical nights. Guests rave about the raw bar and the show of live shellfish tanks. One diner summed it up: "Fresh seafood, stylish room, and service that makes choices easy." On peak holidays, however, pacing can slip and the room can feel overstretched. The cooking leans contemporary seafood with global accents—think miso-glazed collars, togarashi-seared tuna, and a deep oyster list—layered onto classic crowd-pleasers like cioppino and sea bass with brown-butter gnocchi. It suits diners who enjoy pristine product and creative touches rather than fussy theatrics. Pricing matches premium sourcing, and most guests feel quality justifies the spend. For families, the menu has several wins: fish and chips, a bacon cheddar burger, fries, and simply prepared seafood. Sushi rolls and mild chowder can work for adventurous kids. There is no explicit kids menu, so families may want to steer toward the more familiar items and avoid the spicier, fusion-leaning plates.
At a Glance
- Exceptionally fresh oysters and a standout raw bar
- Creative seafood with Asian accents alongside comforting classics
- Attractive space with attentive service on regular nights
- Holiday pacing and large-party coordination can falter
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- extensive_raw_bar_program
- live_shellfish_tanks
- creative_seafood_with_asian_accents
What People Love
- That first briny snap of perfectly shucked oysters
- Silky, beautifully seared Chilean sea bass
- Warm, engaging service that guides choices
- A room that feels special without being stuffy
Points of Concern
- Holiday prix fixe nights show long delays between courses and late seating for reservations
- Occasional temperature and doneness issues (undercooked fish, lukewarm chowder) reported
- Large tables have experienced slow coordination and limited managerial intervention
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($42-$55 mains) which may surprise casual diners
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$72-$105 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with a half-dozen oysters and a crisp white; share one hot appetizer like octopus; split the sea bass and a side of fries for balance.
Perfect For
- Date night with seafood focus
- Oyster and champagne pre-game before events
- Business dinners needing polished service
- Celebrations where raw bar impresses
Location Insights
Area: Bustling downtown district mixing offices, sports crowds, and nightlife; polished but approachable.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; standard urban awareness at night.
Nearby: Near Union Station, Coors Field, Larimer Square, bars and garages; convenient for transit and events.
LoDo (Lower Downtown)LoDo is Denver's historic district known for its renovated warehouses, trendy bars, upscale restaurants, and lively nightlife. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual eateries to high-end seafood and steak restaurants, attracting a crowd that appreciates quality and ambiance in a walkable urban setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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