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Shells and Sauce, Denver, CO

Shells and Sauce

4.7
4.7
3110 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
2600 E. 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80206

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 43 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for happy hour
  • Good for special occasions
General Manager, Oscar Venegas and Executive Chef Marcus Jimenez are serving authentic Italian American food in the heart of Congress Park. Shells and Sauce brings Old Country taste to a cozy neighborhood restaurant. If you’re craving home-made lasagna, meat or fish, Shells and Sauce has a variety of savory appetizers and entrees to chose from. We also boast an extensive wine list to pair with anything you choose, and we offer delicious desserts to top off your evening. Whether you sit on our rooftop or in our main dining room to watch our open kitchen, Shells and Sauce is a great place to entertain friends or family in an inviting setting. Step into our kitchen and let us share our passion for food!

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, American, Comfort Food
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 3:30 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (303) 377-2091
  • Website
    http://shellsandsauce.net/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Marcus Jimenez
  • Catering
    We cater all events. You are welcome to pick up the food or have it delivered from our Catering Menu. We have catered all occasions; from small birthday parties to President Obamas Tour and Media when running for his second term.
  • Private party facilities
    We do private events events from 10-130 guests. We have two floors. Our first floor seats 70 our second floor seats 60. There is a bar on each floor. The second floor is perfect for everything from Wedding Dinners to Corporate Parties. The second floor can be used Privately or Semi Private with Food and Beverage Minimums.
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Location
    2600 E. 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
  • Neighborhood
    Cherry Creek
  • Cross street
    12th and Elizabeth.
  • Parking details
    Easy to find parking on the street, or park in our lot behind the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    Bus #10 & 12
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 3,110 people are saying

Shells and Sauce reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Shells and Sauce is a delightful neighborhood gem known for its "exceptional service" and "delicious food." The staff is "very friendly" and attentive, accommodating dietary needs, including gluten-free options. Guests enjoy the "great happy hour" and creative specials. Despite being noisy and cozy, it offers a "warm, inviting atmosphere" and is a go-to spot for many.

3,110 Reviews

  1. Mark

    Denver2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    One of our favorite restaurants. We sure celebrate a lot of important milestones here. Great food and outstanding service. It's just crowded and loud.

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  2. Tyler

    Denver1 review

    2.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    I made reservations and when we got there while they had an open table it wasn’t for us. I was floored. Here we were on time with reservations and they didn’t honor them. The open table was for another person with reservations and when got there they took him right to the table without making him wait. This was our first time there and we went there as it was my husbands birthday. With the way they treated us I doubt I’ll go back. It is a shame as they didn’t even offer any apology for their screwup.

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  3. Emerson

    Denver3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Me and my girlfriend went to Shells and Sauce before going to see a show in Denver and I was not disappointed in regard to the food and price. Our waitress was pretty busy which I understand completely, which caused us wait almost 10 minutes after we had already sat down before ordering drinks or appetizers. The drinks were absolutely delicious (I ordered the Pearfect Martini), and the food came out very quickly after ordering. The Bolognese was average at best but the Sweet Potato Shells in the “Stuffed Shells Duo” on the menu were to die for. If I am to return I would opt to just have all 4 shells have the sweet potato filling, as they were one of the most delicious things I’ve ever had. We finished our night off with the Crème Brûlée and it was the perfect portion for two. Overall I would like to return if in the area.

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  4. Caitlin

    Denver1 review

    3.0

    Dined on April 25, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Solid but not as good as a few years ago. Always good to see Maria though

    Is this helpful?

  5. Heather

    Denver16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Such a cute neighborhood restaurant with very good food. Service is always very friendly. I have a food allergy and they are very helpful and accommodating. The downstairs dinning room can be a little busy, but we learned on weekends the upstairs dinning room is open, so will try that next time.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Sarah

    Denver2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful experience and phenomenal service. Couldn’t ask for a better evening.

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  7. Pamela VIP

    Denver16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We go for the regular menu, but often order from the list of weekly specials. Amazing staff as well.

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  8. Irene VIP

    Denver1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great neighborhood restaurant. Owners are so welcoming and aim to please. Food is great as well as service. Highly recommend .

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  9. Colin

    Denver4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service, cuisine, and atmosphere. Top notch drinks as well!

    Is this helpful?

  10. BradleyD

    Denver2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server James (sp?) was absolutely phenomenal. Probably the best service I’ve ever received at a restaurant. He is a total gem and I will 100% be back just for him. The food was amazing and fairly priced for the portion size. Great overall experience!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Shells and Sauce offers delivery in partnership with Postmates. Shells and Sauce also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (303) 377-2091.

Shells and Sauce is rated 4.7 stars by 3110 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Denver / Colorado
  4. Denver
  5. Cherry Creek

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 43 times today
Google Map for Shells and Sauce

2600 E. 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80206

Additional information

  • Cross street
    12th and Elizabeth.
  • Neighborhood
    Cherry Creek
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 3:30 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, American, Comfort Food
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Easy to find parking on the street, or park in our lot behind the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    Bus #10 & 12
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Marcus Jimenez
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Website
    http://shellsandsauce.net/
  • Phone number
    (303) 377-2091
  • Catering
    We cater all events. You are welcome to pick up the food or have it delivered from our Catering Menu. We have catered all occasions; from small birthday parties to President Obamas Tour and Media when running for his second term.
  • Private party facilities
    We do private events events from 10-130 guests. We have two floors. Our first floor seats 70 our second floor seats 60. There is a bar on each floor. The second floor is perfect for everything from Wedding Dinners to Corporate Parties. The second floor can be used Privately or Semi Private with Food and Beverage Minimums.
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