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Citizen Rail, Denver, CO

Citizen Rail

4.4
4.4
1537 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Top Tags:
Citizen Rail features regional American classics and contemporary riffs. The concept of grilling over a wood-fire resonates deep within the American culture, and our guests have a firsthand view of the show. An impressive wood-fired grill that incorporates the use of native hard and fruitwoods is the anchor of the restaurant space, kitchen, and menu. At its core, Citizen Rail is a restaurant that connects with the soul and fulfills Denver’s desire for restaurants & bars that are genuine, authentic and reflect the true passion of the artisans behind the stoves.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    American, Grill, Steakhouse
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Mon–Fri 7:00 am–2:00 pm Sat, Sun 8:00 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (303) 323-0017
  • Website
    http://www.citizenrail.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Christian Graves
  • Catering
    Citizen Rail features multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces within the Hotel Born, please see our Private Dining page for more information, or give us a call.
  • Private party facilities
  • Private party contact
    Jaclyn Patrick : (720) 592-1438
  • Location
    1899 16th St, Denver, CO 80202-5901
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / LoDo
  • Cross street
    16th Street and Wewatta
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    Located directly across from Denver's Union Station
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Thanksgiving

    $115.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Dinner Citizen Rail will be offering a 3 course Prix Fixe menu for Thanksgiving for $115.00 per person. We are also offering a children's menu for $35 per person. Check out our website, menu to come soon! www.citizenrail.com

What 1,537 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

1,537 Reviews

  1. DeeC

    Denver

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    i ordered the vegan squash dish and it was amazing!!! Jim had a great burger! The highlight was the gem salads!!! everything was great and Jason is an incredible server

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  2. Brackles

    Denver

    8 reviews

    1.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall1food1service2ambience2
    Something has gone terribly wrong with Citizen Rail. It used to be one of our favorite restaurants, but it's time to move on. Apparently, they had a fire in January and cannot serve their specialty— dry-aged steaks anymore. The current menu selections are a far cry from what they had in the past ( a hamburger on the dinner menu??) — essentially it's been reduced to over-priced pub food— and none of it was good. We went somewhere else for coffee and dessert to save the evening from being a total disaster.

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  3. SpencerB

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Smoked short rib entree and Hamachi appetizer were amazing. Will come back again!

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  4. GeoffreyK

    Denver

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food1service3ambience2
    This restaurant should be more forward with reservations to inform them they are no longer a steak restaurant. Despise what the massive glass refrigerator of steaks would have you think. Went for a birthday steak dinner. When informed they didn’t serve the clearly visible steaks they recommended the squash. We are ate an overly salty and chewy hamachi appetizer because we felt bad leaving with just the drinks. Will not return.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Traveller2

    Phoenix

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    We are dinner here after the Broncos game. They seemed to steer the more casual crowd to the bar high tops rather than the dining room. Our server, Jason, was very nice. Professional, helpful, and enthusiastic. The menu is limited items and while trying to get their spin on dishes, they are unusual without being successful. The lobster roll offering is really as if making some lobster meat into a hot dog. It was super salty and the meat is tough due to overcooking. The little gem salad was fine but nothing to rave about. Ambiance is okay.

    Is this helpful?

  6. AliciaD

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The food was good. But I miss the Tomahawk steak. Hope it comes back after the construction is done from the fire damage. The customer service was superb. We're always nervous taking our kids out, because they are loud. But this restaurant kept our kids manageable as they helped with coloring and talking to them. Thanks guys

    Is this helpful?

  7. Sutralicious

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The food is good. The staff was very helpful with my allergy concerns, which is much appreciated. The downside is - there aren't many options on the menu that could cater to auto-immune issues. So I went back, I would probably have to get the same thing. So that's a bummer. I would definitely recommend this place to a friend. As long as that friend didn't have the same type of dietary restrictions.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best date night EVER! I want to first start by thanking the Citizen Rail team for accommodating my seating request to be able to sit next to my date. The food was really delicious & the service was impeccable.

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  9. lesleygoth

    Denver

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Amazing food! Service was bit slow and part of our order was completely forgotten but seriously, the quality of the food was wonderful!

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  10. Mary

    Denver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place for brunch! Food was delicious and service was excellent.

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  11. Bosox406

    Denver

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ty was a great waiter. Excellent service!!! We will be back for sure!

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  12. gridley

    Denver

    43 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I ate here a couple of years ago - a different (and much better!) restaurant now. The crudo was terrific and a great idea in coconut cream with chili sauce. The short rib was also a great idea - smoked and marinated in gochujang (could have been spicier and a little less sweet, but that's picky). Very good service. I'll be back.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great brunch!!!!!!!!!!!!! A+++!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  14. Willy

    Denver

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it! The food was delicious and the space exquisite.

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  15. HelpUsHelpU

    Denver

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Matt was an amazing waiter who provided the right blend of interest and space for us to enjoy our dinner. The food was delicious and excellent portions.

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  16. RyanO

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Outstanding service, the only real bummer was the wood fires not being in service. Sounded like they'd be back up and running soon

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    4 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall1food5service1ambience1
    The hostess was terrible. Super rude and didn’t want to seat us.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2
    We waited for 20 minutes after our reservation, while the staff “made sure the table was set”. It was a hot day and the umbrellas on the patio were weirdly positioned away from the tables..we were baking. We had to be sure to order everything at once, because the server was never available, and they forgot simple things like cream for the coffee, and a side dish, not once..but twice. Super frustrating, and impersonal. This was not the fun, Sunday brunch that my group of 6 had hoped for. I will not book this restaurant for a group or for brunch again.

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  19. SarahY

    Denver

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    A bit of a let down, to be honest. I was expecting a full scale steakhouse and was met with a hotel bar kind of vibe, 20% of the entrée offerings were out of stock (1 of only 6 options), only 1 steak option, my cocktail was missing an element, and the food was just ok for the price. The service was amazing, our waitstaff person was wonderful, but the vibe and menu options were a little underwhelming.

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  20. Pete

    Denver

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food! Try the duck fat potatoes, they are delicious; the beet salad was also fantastic, as was everything else we ordered! The service was top notch and they validate parking at the hotel parking lot. Definitely check this place out!

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service1ambience5
    The hostess was really rude about seating us and acted very inconvenienced because she was “so busy”.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The service was great and the food was great! We did have nats or some type of small bug flying around us which was very distracting and kind of gross. They need to mitigate that though.

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  23. Anonymous

    Atlanta Metro

    29 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience5
    Went for breakfast two days while staying at the hotel and service is very slow and disappointing, especially compared to the hotel staff. Food was ok, but restaurant lacked hospitality. If you have a $10 voucher that you get with the $30/day hotel amenity fee, let the server know at the beginning of your meal. I let her know when I asked for the check, and the server had already printed it prior to me asking so she seemed really annoyed she had to go back and reprint it lol

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  24. LauraR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I dined at Citizen Rail twice during our stay at the Limelight Hotel for our anniversary weekend, and we really enjoyed our meals! The staff was friendly, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was nice!

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  25. DLWw

    Exclusive

    59 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    59 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is an excellent restaurant. The food is amazing and the service is extraordinary. We plan to return.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Food was good and service and cocktails were excellent. I was a little disappointed they changed their menu since the last time I was there. I was excited about having a nice ribeye, but disappointed it (and the tomahawk) were not on the menu. So, just check the menu first!

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  27. MatthewT

    Denver

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I Had a business meeting there, and we were probably a tough table to deal with. They were excellent! All around great experience.

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  28. DavidK

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Good meal though there is apparently no vegetarian mains. We recognize it's not necessarily a place for vegetarians but you'd think there would be an option. Our friend ordered the gnocchi which made no mention of meat yet had meat in it. At very least I hope they update their menu.

    1 person found this helpful

  29. Roger5280

    Denver

    8 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Mothers Day Brunch today was SO disappointing, especially after having several decent dinners here since the restaurant opened. The food lacked “love.” That’s the best way I can describe the preparation and presentation. It was like the kitchen didn’t want to be working today. The prime rib lacked flavor/seasoning, the crab legs were dry (and I thought borderline spoiled), there was a tray of store-bought pastries, but no salad or vegetables except potatoes. The chilaquiles were a soggy mess. The best items on the menu were the charcuterie and cheese board and the made to order omelets. They came out well prepared and fairly quickly. Unfortunately, service wasn’t much better. Our waiter kept trying to clear plates when we were clearly still eating from them (were they short of plates???) and when he did clear the table good luck getting new silverware. I was also surprised no one (not the server or anyone from management) stopped by to ask about our meal. Given the price we expected much, much more. 

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  30. LaurieG

    Tampa

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    If you were having a brunch buffet for Mother's Day, I would have expected this to be posted on your website. While the food was good, the value was not.

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  31. KimberlyHB

    Atlanta Metro

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed the happy hour value. The food was excellent in taste. The ambiance awesome.

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  32. AndrewR

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Burger and Old Fashioned were great! Went before the game and had a great time.

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  33. Servicesnob

    Denver

    88 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    88 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Delicious brunch, drinks and atmosphere, the service was very good and a great time!

    Is this helpful?

  34. BWSanDiego

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall2food4service3ambience2
    Went at lunch and the only menu “brunch” was limited and then they notified us they had no chicken (so no friend chicken sandwich nor chicken on top of 3 of their salads). Just very odd and just didn’t make sense. Maybe it is a good choice for breakfast or something, but it felt very odd and thus wasnt a great experience. The food I ended up having egg in a hole (poached egg on top of fried zucchini with red sauce was quite good while the rest of my party had traditional breakfast orders that were basic and bland. Just underwhelming.

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  35. Jason

    Omaha

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Some fantastic flavors and culinary ideas going on. Set in a relaxed casual space. Good service, also on the casual side. Maybe higher than average prices, but a bargain for the quality. The happy hour menu shows you can get a their amazing burger and fries for $14, which is a steal.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is always great and the service is impeccable! Sam was our server and she was fantastic!

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  37. LauraLovesFood

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful meal! The Fois Gras mousse was possibly the best we have ever had. The Salt Roasted Beet salad was in a creamy dressing that was fabulous. I had the gnocchi with a citrus sauce - yum! My husband's grilled New York Steak was cooked perfectly. The Fremont Bean side dish with Tasso ham was incredible. Kudos to Chef Anna for making this a wonderful dining experience!

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  38. EllenL

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Easter brunch was amazing! Definitely on the more expensive end but all the food was fantastic! Would go back again!

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  39. FOoOdie

    Denver

    24 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Easter brunch was less than, especially at $80 ea. My son's first omelet was made incorrectly, and we had to order the replacement from a passersby as our server never came to check on our food and drinks once the meal was delivered. We also ordered condiments, utensils, and drinks from others as we couldn't find our server. All drinks were ala carte, even coffee ($6 ea)

    Citizen RailResponded on April 10, 2023

    Hi there, I would definitely like to learn more about your experience during Easter Brunch. I'm so sorry it wasn't up to our guest expectations and would love to give feedback to my team to improve. Please reach out directly to me at mary.taylor@citizenrail.co. Thanks so much!

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    We were there for Easter brunch and our first time! It was way over priced, $80 per person! Food was average and not hot! We wouldn’t go back!

    Citizen RailResponded on April 12, 2023

    Hello, my name is Jason Gordon and I am the General Manager at Citizen Rail. I am very disappointed to read your review, certainly not the first impression we should make. I would like to learn the specifics of your meal, please connect with me directly, jason.gordon@citizenrail.co

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Citizen Rail offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (303) 323-0017.

Citizen Rail is rated 4.4 stars by 1537 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Citizen Rail

1899 16th St, Denver, CO 80202-5901

Additional information

  • Cross street
    16th Street and Wewatta
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / LoDo
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Mon–Fri 7:00 am–2:00 pm Sat, Sun 8:00 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    American, Grill, Steakhouse
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    Located directly across from Denver's Union Station
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Christian Graves
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.citizenrail.com/
  • Phone number
    (303) 323-0017
  • Catering
    Citizen Rail features multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces within the Hotel Born, please see our Private Dining page for more information, or give us a call.
  • Private party facilities
  • Private party contact
    Jaclyn Patrick : (720) 592-1438

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