Seemor
ChoLon - Downtown
1555 Blake St #101, Denver, CO 80202
· Asian fusion restaurant, Asian restaurant, Bar
· 4.4/5 Google (1918 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination-worthy Asian fusion with standout soup dumplings and craft cocktails; prices are high and portions run small, with occasional service slowdowns and a mandatory surcharge to note.
Restaurant Summary
ChoLon Downtown hums with modern, lively energy a few steps from 16th Street Mall, where bartenders talk through sake flights and servers pace shareable plates. One guest captured the vibe: "The bar walked us through a tasting before we chose." However, there are some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. In the kitchen, the approach is creative Asian fusion rather than traditional dim sum: French onion soup dumplings with gruyere, lemongrass leche de tigre on crudo, and wok aromatics on crisp calamari. The highs are very high—those dumplings and cocktails have true fan followings—while a few dishes can lean oily, egg-heavy, or shy on seasoning. Expect polished flavors, small portions, and prices that reflect downtown location and chef-driven tweaks. For families, the menu offers some kid-accessible bites like fried rice, fries, bao buns, and jasmine rice, but bolder, sour-spicy notes may challenge picky eaters. There is no dedicated kids menu on the current list; happy hour portions can make sampling more affordable.
At a Glance
- Signature French onion soup dumplings are a must-try
- Thoughtful bar program with sake guidance and balanced cocktails
- Portions run small relative to price
- Mandatory ~6% kitchen/DFW surcharge surprises some guests
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- signature_french_onion_dumplings
- creative_sake_and_cocktails
- downtown_walkability
What People Love
- That first burst from the soup dumplings
- Attentive bartenders guiding drink choices
- Crisp, wok-kissed small plates
- A sleek room that feels special without fuss
- Happy hour that softens the spend
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($28-49 mains) and portions are modest
- Service can slow on holidays and peak nights; occasional missed or late dishes
- Flavor balance occasionally skews oily or sour, and some noodles read bland
- Mandatory ~6% surcharge and automatic gratuity on occasions frustrate some diners
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$58-78 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair soup dumplings with a bright cocktail to cut richness
- Share one large and two small plates per person to balance cost and variety
- Add jasmine rice ($4) to stretch saucy mains
Perfect For
- Date night with cocktails and shareables
- Pre-show bites near 16th Street
- Out-of-town visitors seeking inventive flavors
- Solo bar dining with a quick dumpling fix
Location Insights
Area: Vibrant LoDo block near 16th Street Mall and Union Station; popular with office crowds, visitors, and pre-show diners.
Safety: Generally safe, busy and well-lit with steady foot traffic; typical downtown urban environment.
Nearby: Steps from 16th Street Mall, an easy walk from Union Station; bars, offices, and event venues nearby.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday15:00–20:00
Tuesday11:30–21:00
Wednesday11:30–21:00
Thursday11:30–21:00
Friday11:30–21:00
Saturday11:30–21:00
Sunday15:00–20:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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