Shells and Sauce

Name: Shells and Sauce
Address: 2600 E. 12th Ave, Denver, CO, United States, 80206
Telephone: (303) 377-2091
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

2792 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

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!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(303) 377-2091

Other options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, American, Comfort Food
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 3:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 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.

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

Featured in

The Best Italian Restaurants in Denver

Popular dishes

Calamari Fritti$11.95
Crispy calamari, artichokes and cherry peppers served with marinara and roasted garlic aioli
Sausage, Peppers and Onions$8.95
Sauteed in red wine butter sauce
Crispy Brussel Sprouts$8.95
Toasted almonds, parmesan cheese and chipotle aioli
Truffle Mac and Cheese$9.95
Roasted shallots and panko crusted
Crab Cakes$11.95
Hydro arugula-heirloom tomato salad, chipotle aioli and roasted garlic aioli
Cheese Ravioli Fritti$7.95
Served with spicy rosa sauce
Fried Mozzarella$8.95
Served with housemade marinara

Salads

Add chicken $5, salmon $8 or shrimp $6 to any salad or entree

Caprese$10.95
Vine ripened tomatoes topped with fresh mozzarella, micro greens finished with balsamic and herb oil drizzle
Classic Italian Caesar$11.95
Living baby romaine, parmesan crisps, anchovies and roasted garlic and caesar drizzle topped with buttered croutons
Full Mixed Greens Salad$12.95
Gorgonzola, shaved red onions, cherry tomatoes, spiced walnuts, applewood smoked bacon, Granny Smith apples, black ash salt and chianti-basil vinaigrette
Chopped$10.95
Crispy hearts of romaine, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese, red onions and cucumbers tossed in red wine vinaigrette and crispy capers

Flatbreads, Gluten Free Pizza

Add $3

Mushroom and Spinach$11.95
Burrata, mozzarella and parmesan with truffle oil, roasted garlic and herb oil
Margherita$11.95
Fresh garlic oil, fresh mozzarella, roma tomatoes topped with basil chiffonade
Bolo$11.95
Ground sausage, beef, mozzarella, parmesan, fresh herbs, brunoise mirepoix and fresh ricotta
Classic Pepperoni$11.95
Housemade marinara, mozzarella, parmesan and Italian herbs

Pastas

Gluten free options available for most pasta dishes. Substitution charge for Gluten Free Pasta is $1, Gluten Free Ravioli $2

Spaghetti & Sauce$16.95
Housemade marinara and choice of meatballs or Italian sausage
Ziti Style Italian Cheese Ravioli$18.95
Italian meatballs, sausage and baby spinach tossed in rosa sauce then baked with Italian Cheeses
- Substitute Penne$18.95
- Meatless$15.95
Bolognese$17.95
Homemade ragu sauce in penne with fresh shaved parmesan cheese
Stuffed Shells Duo$15.95
Two sweet potato, butternut squash and Haystack goat cheese served with pesto cream sauce accompanied by two Italian six cheese stuffed shells with marinara
Homemade Lasagna$17.95
Ground beef and Italian sausage, baked provolone and ricotta cheeses, marinara sauce and melted mozzarella
Penne Ala Vodka$15.95
Sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus and spinach in spiked vodka rosa sauce
The Genoa$17.95
English peas, ground sausage, roasted red peppers, roasted garlic and angel hair in pesto cream topped with fresh ricotta and toasted pistachios
Stroganoff$19.95
English peas, egg pappardelle, Angus bistro tender and mushrooms in red wine cream
Capellini D'angelo$17.95
Broccolini, roasted garlic, shallots, Italian Sausage and basil in white wine butter sauce with fresh ricotta
Italian Sausage Mezzaluna Ravioli Florentine$17.95
Grilled chicken and oven roasted tomatoes in spinach parmesan cream sauce
Shrimp Diavolo$20.95
Seared shrimp, roasted asparagus, tomato, baby spinach, penne and crumbled goat cheese tossed in spicy rosa sauce
Carbonara$15.95
Fresh peas, asparagus tips, applewood smoked bacon, imported fresh parmesan, penne pasta and chives in parmesan cream sauce

Entrees

Add Chicken to any entree for $5, Shrimp $6, Salmon $8

Grilled Handcut Salmon$19.95
Whipped potatoes, grilled asparagus and roasted red pepper coulis
- Substitute Chicken$17.95
Wild Mushroom Marsala
Garlic, tomatoes and fresh herbs served with whipped potatoes
- With Chicken$17.95
- With Veal$20.95
Red Wine Marinated Pork Chop$19.95
Gorgonzola mashed potatoes, spinach and balsamic reduction
Traditional Parmigiana
Baked with mozzarella cheese and served with spaghetti marinara
- With Veal$20.95
- With Chicken$17.95
- With Eggplant$15.95
Creamy Piccata
Artichokes and capers served with a white wine lemon cream sauce, capellini pasta and tossed with aglio spinach
- With Chicken$17.95
- With Salmon$19.95
- Veal Scaloppini$20.95

Sides

Meatballs$7.95
Asparagus al Forno$5.95
Fresh Whipped Potatoes$4.95
Truffle Parmesan Fries$4.95
Spinach Aglio$4.95

Housemade Dessert Menu

Chocolate Flourless Cake$6.95
White Chocolate Bread Pudding A'la Mode$7.95
Chocolate Dipped Cannolis$6.95

Children's Menu

For children 10 years old and under, includes beverage and ice cream (included when dining in only)

Cheese Flatbread$5.95
Pepperoni Flatbread$10.95
Chicken Fingers$7.95
with french fries
Four Cheese & Spinach Ravioli$6.95
Chopped spinach, rosa sauce and mozzarella
Kid Mac and Cheese$6.95
Spaghetti Marinara$7.95
Also available with Italian sausage or meatball

Draft Beer

$5.95

Seasonal, Colorado
Peroni, Italy

Domestics

$3.95

Bud
Coors Light
Bud Light
Miller Lite

Imports & Micros

ask your server about local seasonals

Heineken$4.95
New Castle$4.95
Stella Artois$4.95
Titan$4.95
Corona$4.95
Rekorderlig Pear Cider$4.95
Fat Tire$4.95
Blue Moon$4.95
Apricot Blonde$4.95
Guinness$5.50

Bottled Water

$5.95

San Pelligrino, Sparkling
Aqua Panna, Non-Carbonated

Signature Drinks

Oscar's Perfect Martini$9.95
Grey Goose Le Poire, pear puree, lemon and moscato
The Cabana Boy
Rum and cinnamon infused horchata with caramel & espresso vodka topped with cinnamon whipped cream
Papa Collins
Scotch Whiskey, Lime, Bitters, Rosemary Simple and Ginger Beer
Negroni Sbagliato "Mistake"
Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Prosecco & Orange
Cucumber Breeze
Cucumber Vodka, basil with a splash of Regatta Ginger Beer
Apple Cinnamon Sangria
Apples, Pears, Fireball, Red Wine and Spiced Rum
Peach Lavender Sangria
Peaches, Lavender, Peach Liqueur, White Wine and Rum
Spicy Paloma
Ghost Tequila, Grapefruit Pop, Lime, Jalapeno Simple & Chili Rim
Strawberry Basil
Vodka, Limoncello, Gin, Lime and Sugar
Honey Lavender Prosecco
Happiness
Gin, Campari, Grand Marnier, fresh lemon and a splash of soda

What 2,792 people are saying

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
4.8Service
4.5Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

HC
HeatherC
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food & excellent service! My husband and I went here for a date night and ordered several dishes and loved them all. The service was quick, friendly and helpful. We can’t wait to come back so we can try some other dishes. Highly recommend!
NJ
NelleJ
Denver
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience3
Try having a place away from tables where the staff is collecting and dropping dishes upon cleanup. It’s one of the easiest things to remedy and it’s necessary. It’s incredibly intense and disruptive as an experience when it’s happening a foot away.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Celebrated a retirement. Service was terrific. Food and wine were delicious.
T
Taylor
Greensboro
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
we loved shells and sauce! definitely plan to go back!
AD
ADiner
Denver
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience2
I have been going to shells and sauce for many years since i lived in congress park. sadly this was a really bad night. Food was not even worth eating. we got 2 pasta dishes and a salad. I wont be back anytime soon,
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is our local go to for consistently delicious food and excellent drinks. The staff are all amazing and we love it here.
VL
ValerieL
Los Angeles
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food. Fair price. Friendly staff. Excellent experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
the food was AMAZING and the service was so professional and quick!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Emily was our server and she was fantastic. The food is delicious. We can’t wait to go again the next time we’re in town.
r
randyd
Denver
86 reviews
vip
4.0
86 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
Shells and Sauce was a nice dining experience. Good food and wine.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and service, will definitely be back! Loved the cocktails and so hard to decide on dishes but we loved both that we got.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was great, we’ll definitely be back!
MM
MichaelM
Denver
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Our wait person Jamis was outstanding! The entrees were great, as always.
e
eliza
Denver
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our food and our service were both excellent! Please bring back brunch!!
GM
GinaMay
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have found my new go-to comfort AND celebration restaurant in Denver! The special was the red wine glazed pork osso bucco with broccolini and potato cake and it was FANTASTIC. Crab cakes were amazing, and so was the pot de crème dessert. Service was wonderful.
JM
JessicaM
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Born and raises in Denver and had never gone to Sauce and shells. Went last night to celebrate my birthday and was so incredibly pleased and happy with my choice. Run, don't walk!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Please add another non alcoholic beer to your menu. Coors N/A Edge Bud Zero Heineken Zero
TM
TravisM
Denver
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Excellent food! We started with the roasted garlic cheese curds which melted in our mouth. My favorite dish at our table was the Genoa which was penne pasta with ground sausage, pesto cream and pistachios…..yum. My son had spaghetti and “softball size” meatballs….. which made a great left over meatball sandwich the next day. Cool atmosphere, a little loud, but fun.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Oscar was amazing at accommodating and modifying our reservation. The food was outstanding as always! The service was amazing, personable, and timely. 100% recommend
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious. We ordered apps, pasta, specials, and dessert. It was all delightful!
r
robert
Denver
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic as always - this place never disappoints. thank you!
B
Brian
Denver
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Been awhile since we’ve been. Last couple of occasions the food was lacking and once a pick up order was wrong resulting in us having to go back due to a food allergy. Happy to report that the food was very good and our server Jamis was fantastic. Entire staff was pleasant to talk too. Thanks for a great evening. We will visit again. Only complaint was the limoncello cake had dried out a little and the sauce for the sachetti was pretty bland/lacking flavor.
W
Will
Denver
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It's ALWAYS outstanding from the good to the service. I live in Colorado Springs and I really enjoy coming here when I can. You'll love it!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything about dining here was excellent…will definitely go back!
LP
LeeP
Denver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the new decor. Jose was incredible and attentive! The food was amazing. Can’t wait to come back!
r
robert
Denver
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Terrific! Love the longtime staff, it’s like seeing family
SS
SarahS
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Italian place in Denver! We were spoiled living on the east coast with all the authentic Italian cuisine and it’s been hard to find here. We don’t have to look anymore! Shells and Sauce is a must try spot
LV
LisaV
Denver
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
A little chaotic and loud when waiting for our table but once we got to our table (during restaurant week), we had a great table, great food and excellent service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
13 reviews
vip
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience3
Arrived early but no table so came back and then waited 25 minutes past reservation, service was very very slow throughout dinning, food was great especially the pasta and GF dishes, but the special pork loin was dry and tough
a
aliceh
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was exceptional. Had a great table upstairs.
MM
MariaM
Denver
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
And this is why restaurant week is wonderful. Found our new favorite Italian restaurant. The menu is exciting and authentic; the food fresh and tasty. Wish it were in our neighborhood but it is worth the drive. Definitely will be back…. and back again.
PS
PriscillaS
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
First time here, great food and service. Very crowded though.
SP
SmartyPants
Denver
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was fantastic as always! Jamie our server was the best, we were a bunch of noisy and indecisive women and he took good care of us. Food came quickly and portions were nice, a few of us will have lunch tomorrow!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
They took great care of us, as always!
IT
ImThatGuy
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Shells and Sauce might be the best Italian I’ve ever had. Everything was so delicious and portions felt perfectly sized. Only down part of the night was I wanted to order a special and they were all out (but I can’t blame them for making such a good-sounding special).
MF
MoniqueF
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely loved our experience start to finish. The food was incredible!! I can’t wait to go back and try something else! Our waiter was friendly and attentive-
AU
AnnaU
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the crab cakes that were amazing! They were a great size not your usual one bite appetizer. Delicious. Filet Mignon stroganoff was also a very large portion. Great flavors. We shared desserts. Cheesecake was the best! We will definitely be going back. So nice to have a great night out with delicious food!! Hard to find these days and reasonably priced.
Y
Yummy
Denver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Quaint family owned business food was amazing. In and out under 1 hour. Well worth the money
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came to Denver for a weekend and this place is by far the best place we ate at. The service was great, food amazing.. we will definitely be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fabulous food and service!! Went back twice in a week! Highly recommend.

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
- Contactless payment available
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

FAQs

Shells and Sauce does offer 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 2792 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(303) 377-2091

Other options

2600 E. 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80206

Additional information

Cross street
12th and Elizabeth.
Neighborhood
Cherry Creek
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 3:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
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

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.

Featured in

The Best Italian Restaurants in Denver

Shells and Sauce

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

The Best Italian Restaurants in Denver

Crab Cakes

Spaghetti & Sauce

Homemade Lasagna

Appetizers

Calamari Fritti$11.95

Sausage, Peppers and Onions$8.95

Crispy Brussel Sprouts$8.95

Truffle Mac and Cheese$9.95

Crab Cakes$11.95

Cheese Ravioli Fritti$7.95

Fried Mozzarella$8.95

Salads

Caprese$10.95

Classic Italian Caesar$11.95

Full Mixed Greens Salad$12.95

Chopped$10.95

Flatbreads, Gluten Free Pizza

Mushroom and Spinach$11.95

Margherita$11.95

Bolo$11.95

Classic Pepperoni$11.95

Pastas

Spaghetti & Sauce$16.95

Ziti Style Italian Cheese Ravioli$18.95

Bolognese$17.95

Stuffed Shells Duo$15.95

Homemade Lasagna$17.95

Penne Ala Vodka$15.95

The Genoa$17.95

Stroganoff$19.95

Capellini D'angelo$17.95

Italian Sausage Mezzaluna Ravioli Florentine$17.95

Shrimp Diavolo$20.95

Carbonara$15.95

Entrees

Grilled Handcut Salmon$19.95

Wild Mushroom Marsala

Red Wine Marinated Pork Chop$19.95

Traditional Parmigiana

Creamy Piccata

Sides

Meatballs$7.95

Asparagus al Forno$5.95

Fresh Whipped Potatoes$4.95

Truffle Parmesan Fries$4.95

Spinach Aglio$4.95

Housemade Dessert Menu

Chocolate Flourless Cake$6.95

White Chocolate Bread Pudding A'la Mode$7.95

Chocolate Dipped Cannolis$6.95

Children's Menu

Cheese Flatbread$5.95

Pepperoni Flatbread$10.95

Chicken Fingers$7.95

Four Cheese & Spinach Ravioli$6.95

Kid Mac and Cheese$6.95

Spaghetti Marinara$7.95

Draft Beer

Seasonal, Colorado

Peroni, Italy

Domestics

Bud

Coors Light

Bud Light

Miller Lite

Imports & Micros

Heineken$4.95

New Castle$4.95

Stella Artois$4.95

Titan$4.95

Corona$4.95

Rekorderlig Pear Cider$4.95

Fat Tire$4.95