Getting Friendly with Stout Street Social

I’ve been called a “Chatty Cathy” on many occasions. I like getting into a good conversation with friends and also with  total strangers. So a place with the word “Social” in its name intrigued me. I like the philosophy behind Stout Street Social – provide good food and drink in an atmosphere that encourages being social, whether it’s talking directly to other people or charging up at one of the many outlets at the bar so you can go all social media on the world. While there are plenty of tables for one or two, there is plenty of seating for larger groups that also allows for lots of people-watching and interacting with people at other tables. The bar area is large and the bartenders are very friendly and happy to talk to you. The sushi bar is even placed at the front of the restaurant where people can see the artistry taking place – all as if to say “hey, come on in, glad you’re here!” It’s a good vibe.

Eating was our focus on a recent visit, more than chatting, so we dug into the menu that offers something for a variety of tastes. We started with Kimchi Fries ($5.95), one of those things you think “why didn’t anyone else think of this?!” A pile of really good fries was topped with a mild version of Kimchi, drizzled with a spicy mayo. It was a natural combination, giving some kick without bringing tears to your eyes.

We’d been told the sushi was exceptional, and that the restaurant had a female sushi chef, Yani. The platters with generous portions of sushi we saw going past us were, indeed, works of art. Anything tempura-fried calls to me, so we ordered a shrimp tempura roll, one of the specials of the day. Beautiful and tasty, the shrimp was a little tough and dry, but otherwise very good. I wish I’d gone with the more “true” sushi – next time.

My date’s Braised Beef Short Rib was a big hunk of tenderness, nestled in a sweet potato mash with root vegetables ($18.95). The meal was hearty and warm, not only in temperature but also in spices that hinted of cinnamon, allspice and maybe anise. Although tempted by seafood, bison steak and burgers, I settled on the Smoked Prime Rib Sandwich, piled high with shaved meat, served with a horseradish mayo and au jus on the side ($16.95). A note on the menu says “(while it lasts).” Way to encourage demand, people! It worked on me. I had to have it. Having already had fries beneath the kimchi, I opted for a side salad that was absolutely delicious! A sweet and tangy white balsamic dressing bathed (a tad too heavily) lettuce, red onion, carrot shreds and bacon. It was a perfect foil to the very meaty sandwich.

Other things worth noting about Stout Street Social:

• While being social is promoted, there are plenty of nice seats for two, making it as good a place to go on a date as with a crowd.
• In addition to the female sushi chef, Stout Street also has a female Certified Cicerone (beer sommelier) on staff, Vanessa Combs. Stout Street has a major beer program and are paying for all of the serving staff to get their Level 1 Cicerone certificate. So they know their stuff. Ask for recommendations and try something new.
• There’s a 3-course, $30 theater menu with $7 valet parking so given its close proximity to DCPA, make dining there part of your theater-night-out plan.
• Why should the weekends get all the fun? Stout Street has drink and food specials Monday-Wednesday from 6pm-close. Visit the website for those details.

Stout Street Social’s location is primo, being right across the street from the Colorado Convention Center, and along the Light Rail route – be careful, the 14th and Stout location is where cars and Light Rail pass each other frequently. There’s free valet parking during lunch on the weekdays and it’s a discounted rate of $7 evenings and weekends at the Embassy Suites right next door. Come for lunch, happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch and get social.

Note: We just realized that Stout Street Social is owned by the same restaurant group that owns Table Mountain Inn and Table Mountain Inn & Cantina, which we raved about and wrote about in a travel blog about Golden, Colorado. Further proof that they have their restaurant and hospitality act together.