Back in July, James Beard finalist and beloved Chef Dana Rodriguez opened the doors to her new concept on the corner of 26th and Larimer – formally known for housing the Denver Italian favorite – Il Posto. Rodriguez has created an adventure in your backyard – or concrete jungle in this case – at Carne, a global steakhouse serving up bold flavors and vibrant experiences.
An unexpected sensation comes over you when you walk through its doors. This is not your typical steakhouse made stuffy with chandeliers and white tablecloths instead, Carne welcomes you with an open floor plan, 70’s inspired decor, a wine wall, floods of natural light and 360 views of Larimer. On its ground level, Carne is designed with a homey, living room approach that was remodeled in 2 and a half months by Scott Shoemaker, Rodriguez’s life and business partner, and his team of about 15 others. Its inviting presence only aids in its philosophy of creating a restaurant, “that people can come back to again and again,” said Shoemaker.
A short turn from the door is its impressive wine wall made to be grabbed off the shelf and opened at your table. And just a few steps from that is its outdoor seating area, perfect to dine on if Colorado keeps experiencing warm fall days. On its second level, also known as the ’74 Lounge, you’ll find a more intimate vibe with velvet curtains, an orange fireplace, skyline views and leather cushions perfect for a dinner date or catching up with friends. It’s also equipped with a bar and disco ball that keep the space buzzing all night long. The bar boasts a bold small bites and drinks menu, available for late night dining, where all the cocktails are $16 each. One Way to Oaxaca (pineapple, ancho, lemon, 400 Conejos Tobala mezcal and Luxardo) and Revolverado (Yellowstone bourbon, perchaud’s, Mr. Black house-made Mexican cola syrups and horchata foam) are among the cocktails, while caviar service, fois gras creme brulee and croque monsier are just a few of the food items that line the menu for you to traverse.
Visiting the menu is a fun journey with Chef Rodriguez as the pilot, where she navigates you through her menu of international meats, cleverly named Meat the World, a menu for the big spenders called Baller Moves and the not-so-baller Normies menu as well as Party Plates and desserts. Start the meal off right with the Party Plates that offer a range of meaty as well as vegetarian-friendly options. We recommend the Beef Tiradito, a delicious twist on beef tartare with jalapeno aioli and avocado sauce served on a tostada; and the Palmito Salad made with arugula, heart of palm, baby heirloom tomatoes, piquillo peppers, parmesan, lemon vinaigrette and avocado sauce. Curate your own “girl dinner” with its Bread Service, Buscia’s Brown Butter Noodles, Caesar Salad and Caliente French Fries.
Once you’ve started the journey, international meats are the next destination. Choose from our backyard with its Colorado Lamb (roasted Colorado lamb lolipops, umami rub and au poivre sauce) and South American Roasted Fish (colorado striped bass, citrus-thyme mojo and horseradish); or from Central America’s Mexican Recado Negra Costillas (achoite marinated pork ribs, charred pasilla negra peppers and salsa fresca). From South America, Peruvian Pollo Asado (adobo roasted 1/2 chicken, aji peppers and salsa fresca), Argentinian Bife de Chorizo (dry tri tip, chorizo and red chimichurri) and Brazilian Picanha (grilled sirloin cap steak and green chimichurri). Go overseas to Western Europe with Carne’s French Duck Confit (crispy duck confit legs, cardomom and orange glaze) or Italian Veal Osso Bucco (braised veal, white wine, mustard and rosemary).
For those looking to splurge, the Baller Moves menu offers options of food and bubbly like a 32 oz tomahawk, caviar service and champagne. Although called “The Normies,” the menu boasts three options: 6 oz filet, 8 oz bavette and 10 oz NY strip with your choice of rub. We all know there’s nothing better than something sweet after devouring a savory meal, and Carne has that ready to satisfy with its options of creme brulee, chocolate brownie and baked Alaska to name a few. Just like taking a flight with an in-service menu that has a wide range of options, so does Carne, ensuring that everyone can find their fit and can be a normie one week, but a baller the next. Included in this mission of inclusive dining is Carne’s ability to accommodate all dietary restrictions.
Its drink menu, curated by beverage consultant, Steve Waters, is perfect for those who love drinks that transport you to the beach or a rooftop view. Many of the cocktails boast a sweet note for those who love a little sweet with their spirits. Its Hawaiian Blue – pineapple, coconut, hpnotiq, blue curacao, tequila, lemon, lime and rum – takes you to the tropics with a sweet kick of island fruits. Or try its Panther’s Milk with Loca’s dairy-free horchata as well as honey, ginger, madre, espadin mezcal and chocolate. Less sweet options include the Thomas Collingswood (Ford’s gin, green and pink peppercorn, lemon and bubbles), Buddy Basket (Maison rouge cognac, Cointreau, honey, suze and lemon) and Carne Fashioned (Stranahan’s Blue Peak, single malt, Rittenhouse Rye, amaretto and chocolate bitters). Have a large group or want to customize your own martini? Try its Tabeside Martini for $20 per person with $10 refills for your choice of Tito’s vodka or Tanqueray gin and house fixins of olives, dill, pickle brine and even, vintage Playboy magazines decorating the bottom of the cart (not available with the martini).
If you haven’t had a chance to take an adventure at Carne yet, it’s not one you want to miss.
Carne RiNo is located at 2601 Larimer St., Denver. Its hours are Tuesday – Thursday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday – Saturday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. It is closed Sunday – Monday. Happy hour is Wednesday – Saturday 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Brunch is served 10 a.m. on Sundays.
All photos by Joni Shrantz.