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Restaurants in Cole

Shells and Sauce

4.5
1,667 Google reviews$$ · Moderate

One of 27 restaurants we've tracked near Cole.

Things to Know

Shells and Sauce is a tight Capitol Hill Italian bistro known for house-made pasta and impeccable execution, located in Denver with a thriving happy hour scene.

Reviewers consistently praise the flavorful, well-executed pasta dishes and attentive service, though tight seating and an undisclosed table time limit can frustrate diners seeking a leisurely meal.

  • Warm, crispy bread with balsamic dip served complimentarily before meals
  • Perfectly executed chicken piccata with bold lemon, garlic, and tender chicken
  • Excellent happy hour with good bourbon and whiskey selections, including 4 Roses bourbon specials
  • Consistently high-quality dishes across the menu with knowledgeable, attentive servers
  • Very tight seating with tables packed close together makes for an intimate but cramped experience
  • An 85-minute table time limit is enforced during peak hours but not clearly communicated to guests before or during their meal
  • Website information about policies is outdated (references mask-wearing instructions), creating confusion about house rules

Based on Google reviews · AI summarized

Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 3:30 – 8:30 PM

Wednesday: 3:30 – 8:30 PM

Thursday: 3:30 – 8:30 PM

Friday: 3:30 – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 3:30 – 9:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

Open now

People Order

  • Chicken piccata
  • Bistro style shrimp scampi
  • Lasagna
  • Chicken parmigiana
  • Caprese burrata
  • Salmon salad

Things To Do Nearby

What Visitors Say

E

Erin Breckenridge

2 months ago

This was a gem. Complimentary bread was warm, with crispy crust, served with a basalmic to dip. My table enjoyed the lasagna and chicken piccata. As my dish of choice anywhere, I must emphasize how delicious this picatta is - salty, lemony, full of garlic, tender and juicy chicken. Perfectly executed! Attentive, polite service. Note, the dining room is very tightly seated. I highly recommend a reservation (open table is my go-to) as many we're discouraged by the 45 minute wait quote given on a Friday evening peak!

H

Hillary Cwiak

3 weeks ago

A very exciting dinner turned super disappointing. Out with 4 friends and had a reservation. Appetizers, salad, entrees and multiple glasses of wine were ordered. When we asked about dessert dishes and drinks, we were told our time limit was up and we had to leave. We had been at our table for 85 minutes. This was a first for all of us. We were NEVER told by the hostess or the server about a time limit… even in a friendly or educational manner when we were sat or during our meal. Mind you, we were only checked on once after entrees were served. While I now see it was on their website, we did NOT view this information prior to our dining. While on Open Table researching our experience , the information discusses mask instructions wearing while away from your table which indicates it it’s very dated information. We could have been a very large upsell. We had not been sitting around stalling with empty glasses and dishes. We were even told no when asked about ordering food to go once we were denied ordering dessert. Extremely disappointing for a local restaurant I used to enjoy going to. So beware and eat/drink quickly if you want a full meal experience!!

J

Jonathan Mirow

3 months ago

Tight Capitol Hill Italian bistro. Get there early! Absolutely stunning food served with a dash of neighborhood charm. The warm bread before the meal, the Caprese Birrata...and the special I had...damn: Bistro Style shrimp scampi! Just WOW! Get the booth in the back by the kitchen window. If I lived anywhere near here I'd be at Happy Hour 3 times a week for the Salmon. Mmmmmm.

C

Callie Cuff

2 weeks ago

Had an amazing dinner here! I split the duo shells and chicken parmigiana. Both were so flavorful and absolutely scrumptious. Our server Austin was attentive, kind and patient with my chaotic family. He provided excellent service! Overall a wonderful experience, will definitely be going back!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shells and Sauce worth it in Cole?

Reviewers consistently praise the flavorful, well-executed pasta dishes and attentive service, though tight seating and an undisclosed table time limit can frustrate diners seeking a leisurely meal. Known for: cozy italian gems with neighborhood charm.

What should I order at Shells and Sauce?

Popular choices at Shells and Sauce include Chicken piccata, Bistro style shrimp scampi, Lasagna, Chicken parmigiana, Caprese burrata, Salmon salad.

What do visitors love about Shells and Sauce?

Warm, crispy bread with balsamic dip served complimentarily before meals Perfectly executed chicken piccata with bold lemon, garlic, and tender chicken Excellent happy hour with good bourbon and whiskey selections, including 4 Roses bourbon specials Consistently high-quality dishes across the menu with knowledgeable, attentive servers

Is there anything to know before visiting Shells and Sauce?

Very tight seating with tables packed close together makes for an intimate but cramped experience An 85-minute table time limit is enforced during peak hours but not clearly communicated to guests before or during their meal Website information about policies is outdated (references mask-wearing instructions), creating confusion about house rules

How expensive is Shells and Sauce?

Shells and Sauce is moderately priced, with a 4.5-star rating from 1,667 Google reviews.

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