How is Departure Restaurant + Lounge, Denver - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

Departure Restaurant + Lounge, Denver - Permanently Closed, Denver, CO

Departure Restaurant + Lounge, Denver - Permanently Closed

4.5

596 Reviews

$31 to $50

Asian

Top Tags:

Asian culture is synonymous with soothing balance and intricate details, as well as fiery flavors and high-energy. Departure embraces this culture wholeheartedly with a space as daring yet harmonious as its cuisine. Emerge into the sexy and unexpected interiors that take you into flight on a memorable and ever-changing destination. Departure once again reinvents its culinary brilliance with a menu that elevates the masterful remixes of land and sea, alongside authentic dishes of Asia in their perfection. With sushi and sashimi, dim sum favorites, kushiyaki skewers and wok fired specialties, Departure offers the opportunity to share meals of inspired, indulgent global flavors. The journey continues beyond the kitchen with an homage to Asian bar traditions showcasing an intricately curated sake, whiskey and ice program, as well as balanced cocktail creations highlighting specialty fruits and spirits.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Asian, Sushi, Pan-Asian
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–10:00 am Sat, Sun 8:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Sat, Sun 2:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(720) 772-5020
Website
http://www.departuredenver.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Khamla Vongsakoun
Private party facilities
Departure and Elevated in Cherry Creek North are the perfect destinations for your next private event!
Private party contact
Taylor Thorn: (720) 772-5023

Location
249 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206
Neighborhood
Cherry Creek
Cross street
Between 2nd and 3rd Avenue
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 596 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

599 Reviews

AB
AmandaB
Denver
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
The food was delicious, the trout tartar is definitely award winning. The only thing is I feel like they don’t really specify that this is tapas which it is. We had to ask multiple times for advice on how to order because it wasn’t really clear if items were made to share or not. I’m not sure if it was just the way our server was explaining things or if they are told to not say tapas but the word was never mentioned and would’ve been very helpful and less time consuming when trying to order.
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YR
YourRealEstateGuy
Denver
75 reviews
vip
3.0
75 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2019
overall3food5service2ambience5
The vibe and food were absolutely amazing... great menu with tasty choices. The service was definitely not up to par.... delays, blames on other staff and when my 15 dollar drink is served in a super gross dirty glass, please replace the drink, not simply pour it into a clean glass. My favorite on this visit was the Brussel Sprouts, original and delicious. This is not going to be the your cheapest meals of the week.... but it will be the best tasting. Will definitely be back.... but with so many great choices in the city, who knows when.
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MZ
MichaelZ
New Orleans
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Anniversary
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c
coloradosteve
Denver
125 reviews
vip
4.0
125 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
We will miss Departure until it is reborn. It is a “keeper” on the regular rotation. Bless the Chicken Pops.....a best in town
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DI
DotInDenver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Departure Restaurant dishes surprised and delighted us! We recommend to share dishes, and as much as you can. Even common dishes like Brussels sprouts were prepared like nothing we experienced before. Make sure to leave room for dessert, it's worth it. Our server was knowledgeable about the wine list and recommended a delightful white wine. Departure is now on my go to list, when I am in the Cherry Creek area. by the way, parking garage right across the street was perfect.
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KI
KaitieI
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 6, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience4
The food was outstanding but the environment is unfortunately what you would expect of Cherry Creek, pretentiousness and judgmental behavior from even the hostess (the only reason any grading received less than 5 stars).
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s
swdt
Denver
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Simply delicious! Based on traditional Asian dishes but with creative modern twists. The jasmine daiquiri is my new favorite cocktail.
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CO
COnative
Denver
22 reviews
3.0
22 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2019
overall3food4service3ambience3
The food really is good. All dishes were prepared well and dessert was good. BUT, they charged $45 a person for restaurant week and it was WAY overpriced for what you got. We went to multiple restaurants at the varying price points and got more food and better service for $25 and $35 a person. The food runners were efficient and fast but our waitress was pretty terrible. We had to ask to get her and flag her down multiple times to get any service. That really stood out. Don't charge $45 a person when you are competing with other locations in Denver that will provide the service AND food to back it up. The sushi rolls were not rolled well and fell apart but I guess they tasted fine. There are much better places for sushi in Denver if that's what you are looking for. The bartenders were good and knew their stuff, but overall, just overpriced and really lacked something to make it stand out.
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AV
AngelaV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 3, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved Departure! The ambience is hip and the place has a really cool vibe, but the food is the star. It is spectacular! Deconstructed chicken wings served on a stick...who would want the others on a bone after this? Wow! We also had chicken and shrimp egg rolls which were delicious, along with barbecued short rib and striped bass. Every plate was amazing and a delight to eat. I look forward to Departure's re-opening in it new location (when available). So glad we got to participate in this wonderful experience during Denver's restaurant week.
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N
Nicole
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 3, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal start to finish. The strawberry ice cream was the best ice cream I think I've ever had. All the wait staff was highly attentive especially the nice older man refilling waters. So sad they are closing soon. Hoping for a new location to reopen once they find one! I'll definitely be back.
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AK
AshleyK
Detroit
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 2, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I really enjoyed every aspect of our visit to Departure. The most concerning part was the complete lack of people in the restaurant. I think the entire time we were there (which totaled less than an hour) we saw maybe 4-5 other guests? The food was fantastic and I think the portions were perfect given the quality.
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RS
RedSoxFan
Denver
208 reviews
vip
5.0
208 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot in Cherry Creek for great hospitality and creative Asian cuisine
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N
Natalie75015
Denver
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience5
This place is a solid average all around. Average food & very average service. The restaurant week menu was pretty underwhelming and the staff knowledge was very minimal. They also brought food out at random for a group of 5. So often people’s meals were cold by the time we started eating. The ambiance is very nice! But likely will not be back.
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M
Murphy18
Salt Lake City
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2019
overall4food4service3ambience3
Food was delicious. However, the service was rushed - we received our entree when we had not finished the appetizer yet. We also arrived early, to an empty restaurant, and were given the worst table. Upon nicely asking if we could have different table, we were told that we couldn't. (The table we had suggested was empty the entire time that we dined.) It tainted the evening, and in hindsight, we should have left.
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SJ
SusanJ
Denver
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
The food was very tasty. You don’t really get a typical “dinner plate” of food, the food is small plate style meant for sharing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing! We were so happy with the experience. Had the chef tasting menu, which I highly recommend so you can try a little of everything. The food is unique but very approachable. And obviously delicious! I will definitely be back!
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N
Nurtured
Denver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the atmosphere, food and service! What more could we ask for?!
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JR
JoeinRanchoMirage
Denver
178 reviews
vip
3.0
178 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2019
overall3food3service4ambience4
really good menu, great service and great location. They do a good job of handling a lot of guests, we had great service and the food comes out pretty fast for a Saturday night. It was tasty and they have vegan choices too.
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A
Aaron
Denver
22 reviews
vip
4.0
22 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience5
Food was exceptional. Drinks were a little overpriced and quite a small poor. Would definitely come back for the food but will limit my drink purchases.
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MK
MelissaK
Denver
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience5
LOVED the food, our waitress Lauren, and the atmosphere! I have to say when we got there we put our name in and the hostess took our coat. We went to get a drink at the bar and were ignored until we found an open seat at the bar. Not sure if that is the policy but the bar service could be improved. Three bartenders saw us standing there.
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PF
PanhandleFoodie
Dallas
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I followed the Top Chef season with Gregory Gourdet and have wanted to try his restaurant ever since. This did not disappoint! We dined with our four kids and they were so pleased that there were fun, non-alcoholic drinks available for them. I love the small plate concept of dining because I want to try everything on the menu! Every single thing we ate was outstanding both in presentation and flavor-I particularly enjoyed the pork belly and poke. The desserts were artistic masterpieces-a chocolate forest with strawberry ice cream was the special. I don't think there has been a day since we got home from our trip that somebody hasn't commented wistfully about going back, just for the food. Service was good, we never felt rushed, and the whole restaurant is a gorgeous space.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
My favorite restaurant in denver. Their miso bass is soooo good! The service is outstanding as well. I can't wait for it to reopen (in a different location)!
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EK
EricnKerri
Denver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our Valentines Day date night. Food was delicious, service prompt. We loved that it was mostly shared place. To quote my wife, “We will be back”
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TC
TimC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service, quality and taste are amazing. Portions are small, but fun to sample lots of different food types.
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DS
DavidSC
Denver
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Swank Asian in Cherry Creek great for a date night or special occasion. The pine nut shaved veggie salad was amazing as was the service at the bar. Highly recommend!
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P
Ptigner
Denver
55 reviews
vip
5.0
55 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again a fantastic dining experience. The special items added to the menu for Valentine’s Day were delicious. You can never have a bad experience at Departure. We will gladly recommend Departure to everyone. You need to have this wonderful dining experience.
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KB
KimB
Atlanta Metro
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience5
Food was incredible! Ordered from the vegan menu. The curry dish is not to be missed! Sweet potato roll and Brussels Sprouts excellent as well! A mix up with Open Table reservation, but we fortunately snagged seats at the bar. Add this place to your list!
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a
aogd
Denver
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent! Departure has become one of our favorite date-night spots. The food is excellent, the servers are attentive and quick, and we love the ambiance. Great choice for dinner our in Cherry Creek North!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great, hip spot. Wait staff was super. Food was tasty. Specialty cocktails had a few too many ingredients.
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J
Jordon
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Departure happens to be one of my favorite restaurants in Denver, and they never seem to fail. Service was perfect from the get-go, and the food was absolutely outrageously special despite me being here 3 time previously. The Bass...... get the bass. Don't worry about the $40 price tag, it's way worth it!
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TV
TonyV
Orlando
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
A late brunch / early lunch before heading to a matinee. The food was simply incredible. The three of us found it almost impossible to just select three items from the menu. Superb service and ambiance as well. Absolutely epic.
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PP
PamP
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brunch was great!
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w
williamweinstein
Denver
66 reviews
vip
5.0
66 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
GREAT INNOVATIVE AND TASTY DINNER WITH EXCELLENT SERVICE AND UNIQUE DISHES. WAITER WAS HELPFUL, BILL WAS NOT CHEAP BUT WORTH THE COST, AND IT WAS A COMPLETELY MEMORABLE DINNER,
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D
Dono
Denver
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Consistently Great Food. Fantastic Originality. Good drinks. Service excellent! Can’t recommend it enough. In Denver or Portland Oregon, don’t miss it . It might be named DEPARTURE but it should be your DESTINATION!
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KR
KyleR
Denver
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good for a business lunch. Not too crowded or noisy. The food was delicious (Hawaiian Tuna Poke Bowl), but portions are smaller, FYI. I will definitely be back!
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BF
BoulderFoodie
Denver
57 reviews
5.0
57 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Amazingly flavorful and creative food. Every dish we had was amazing - packed full of great flavors and unique combinations. We were seated in a booth in the back. The service was very attentive but left good time to chat and enjoy the food. Our favorites were the fried chicken bun, the wontons, and the gyoza. Really, it was all our favorite! This place was just put on the 5280 Top 25 list and I think it has earned its place well.
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G
Guido
Denver
93 reviews
vip
4.0
93 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
After dining once at the Departure Restaurant, I had mixed feelings overall. The impressive positive aspects were the great ambiance, the fine service, and some great dishes, like the octopus. The downside, unfortunately, was that despite the artistic presentation, some of the dishes were not particularly tasty. The shrimp tempura roll was meh. Much better is found at Sushi Den, Izayaka Den. I think the Szechuan dumplings didn't stand up to those found at some of the better and more authentic Chinese restaurants. Departure is relatively expensive, dinner for the four of us, with 2 glasses of wine, came to about $350 with tip and tax. So this is the upshot: if fine ambiance and great service are primary in a pan Asian meal, then Departure fits the bill. If instead you are looking for a great tasting Asian meal, there are other choices at far lower cost.
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ML
MarkL
Denver
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 19, 2019
overall3food4service2ambience4
Establishment was not full nor that busy for a snowy Friday night. Server took a long time to get to our table. Once we ordered she only took away one menu but left the other and the specials menu as well. We placed them on the visible open seat next to us and they were never removed our whole stay. Server took another long time bringing us our drinks. Food was good and brought out timely. Not sure if we will go back or recommend to friends.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
Good food and great service! I wish there were more vegetarian options on the brunch menu
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BS
BrianS
Denver
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
We moved from Chicago 20 years ago and this was definitely one of the best overall meal we've eaten in Denver!
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FAQs

Departure Restaurant + Lounge, Denver - Permanently Closed is rated 4.5 stars by 596 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

249 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206

Additional information

Cross street
Between 2nd and 3rd Avenue
Neighborhood
Cherry Creek
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–10:00 am Sat, Sun 8:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Sat, Sun 2:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Asian, Sushi, Pan-Asian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Khamla Vongsakoun
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.departuredenver.com/
Phone number
(720) 772-5020
Private party facilities
Departure and Elevated in Cherry Creek North are the perfect destinations for your next private event!
Private party contact
Taylor Thorn: (720) 772-5023