Uchi Denver

"From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, the RiNo outpost of Tyson Cole’s acclaimed Austin flagship transforms from a splurge to a steal. Not only does the modern Japanese kitchen send out staples like nigiri and crudo for half or less of their standard price at $6 to $12, but it also creates happy hour exclusives that rival anything on the dinner menu, like Wagyu meatballs in miso dashi with Gruyère foam and hand rolls stuffed with panko-fried tofu and avocado. Wash them down with drink specials that hover between $6 and $10." - Ruth Tobias

"Denver's Uchi offers the chain's signature mix of Japanese, American, and European flavors in its sushi offerings." - Nadia Chaudhury

"In addition to its regular menu, Tyson Cole’s dazzling Japanese destination is offering a 10-course omakase to kick off 2025. Priced at $375 for two people, it includes such delicacies as seared scallop with chestnut beurre blanc, lemon relish, and caviar; smoked tartare gunkan with potato furikake, smoked egg yolk, and black truffle; and wagyu New York strip with poached salsify, guasacaca, and still more truffle (as well there should be). Reservations are sure to go fast, so act accordingly." - Ruth Tobias

"Denver lucked out when highly acclaimed chef-restaurateur Tyson Cole chose RiNo as the site for his first branch of Uchi outside of Texas. The modern Japanese destination has lived up the hype surrounding it since its 2018 opening, executing not only sashimi and sushi from scrupulously sourced fish but also a wide array of original creations both raw and cooked: amberjack crudo in blueberry-Chartreuse zu with purple daikon, say, or lobster in miso butter with bok choy kimchi. The seafood-averse will be no less wowed by the kinoko nabe (a rice dish with mushrooms) or the ham and eggs, a pork belly roll garnished with yolk custard and beer mustard." - Eater Staff

"Mention Uchi to most people in Denver, and their eyes will probably light up. Whether it’s the best, most buttery piece of maguro they’ve ever eaten, the sizzling wagyu hot rock, the crunchy rice loaded with mushrooms, or, better yet, the 10-course omakase tasting that changed their life, a lot of people have a memory of Uchi that makes them eager to come back. And while there are so many different ways to do Uchi—bar seating, the lounge area, private rooms, and a large, wood-filled dining room—the lively bar is where you want to be. " - allyson reedy