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Restaurant Reviews for Samba Room - Denver

Samba Room - Denver

1460 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80202

Evoking memories of a 1960's jet-set Rio De Janerio getaway, Samba Room revives the lost rhythms of Cuban, Brazilian, Peruvian, Argentine and Caribbean style in the upscale, white-linen Latin cuisine.

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Price: $30 and under
Parking: Public Lot
Cross Street: 15th

See more Samba Room - Denver details

Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating		4.0 out of 5 (100 Reviews)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

special occasion (40)
fit for foodies (38)
vibrant bar scene (38)
hot spot (34)
romantic (30)
good for groups (23)
notable wine list (14)
late-night find (13)
neighborhood gem (11)
great for lunch (6)
scenic view (4)

+ see more special features/tags

Samba Room - Denver Reviews List

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The food was excellent, and we are from Latin America (Cuba/Panama), so we know we are impossible!....the maduros were a bit small, but tasty. The tostones were excellent...but we needed mango butter. Excellent service; second floor normally gets short shrift, but our waitress was perfect. The entrees were fantastic...scallops were great. The black bean soup was worth the risk of overeating. Even though it is cheaper to but a pitcher, I would recommend buying the mojitos by the glass. The presentation of the mojito could use a bit of improvement (glass not chilled, mint not muddled in the glass, tasted like they use a mix now...a bit disappointing). Overall, one of the better Latin restaurants in Denver, moderate pricing, and we had a blast"

Special Features: special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

FEATURED REVIEW

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/19/2009

(review submitted 11/21/2009)

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Review 2 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Good)

"I made reservations for six people well in advance, and we ended up at a small round table. It would have been nice to have a larger table with a bit more space. Good food, great mojitos."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/12/2010

(review submitted 03/19/2010)

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Review 3 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Very good service provided by staff. MOst of the food was excellent as well, of the 4 people in my party only 1 of us did not care for our entree. The desserts were all very good - we tried all but 1!"

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/14/2010

(review submitted 03/16/2010)

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Review 4 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The last time I was at the Samba Room it was a Friday night and incredibly noisy. This time was early on a Saturday night as we were trying to make the 6:30 show at the Comedy Works a few doors down. We sat upstairs and it was much quieter and with lower lighting was a bit romantic. Since we were in a hurry we only had a couple of drinks and appetizers. The food was wonderful, but even at this early hour, it took a long time to get our drinks. But the waiter was attentive and conscience of our show time. He was very good. I love this place and will always come back as I love the lively atmosphere."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/13/2010

(review submitted 03/15/2010)

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Review 5 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This was our fourth time to visit the Samba Room and it never disappoints! While some dishes outshine others - there are always surprising and delightful flavor combinations to tantalize your taste buds. Also the mojito pitchers are fantastic. Great service with a fun atmosphere. I highly recommend this one!"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/27/2010

(review submitted 03/12/2010)

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Review 6 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Good)

"I wasn't too impressed. I expected th 5280 menu to be a bit better. The tamale was good, the mojito was delicious but the main course, the chicken, was dry.
I will most likely not be returning. My friend got the garden salad and it looked like something we could have made at home.
Also, it was so loud we were having a hard time hearing one another.
Overall we just weren't to impressed."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/05/2010

(review submitted 03/09/2010)

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Review 7 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Nice restaurant with a good menu. As it was 5280 week, the service was a little slower than expected, but the waiter was very courteous."

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/01/2010

(review submitted 03/04/2010)

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Review 8 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"So disappointed. First time I have sent back food in years. Was one of my favorite spots. Did not impress my friend either. No ice in water. No onions for drinks."

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/01/2010

(review submitted 03/03/2010)

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Review 9 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"My first time to dine at the Samba Room was a fantastic meal and the environent was great. The service was outstanding. The menu had several unusual things not commonly served in Denver. I recommend it without reservation. - Larry D. Ellis"

Special Features: late-night find, notable wine list

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/18/2010

(review submitted 02/20/2010)

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Review 10 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"As usual with Samba room, the food was excellent, with an interesting mix of flavors and a spiciness that tends to build and linger. Also as usual with Samba Room, the service was inconsistent. There is a certain amount of enthusiasm by the staff, but a lack of execution. There wait between courses was too long, and when we tried to find our waiter to get our check, he was nowhere to be found for close to 10 mins. We were trying to catch a show at DPAC, and we ended up having to run, my wife in her heels. That should never happen."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/12/2010

(review submitted 02/18/2010)

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Review 11 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"My husband felt the salad was too small(house salad) and was very salty. He thought his portion was small considering the price. I enjoyed my paella."

Special Features: romantic

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/17/2010)

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Review 12 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Fun and trendy. The food is amazing. Great scene for 30 somethings"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/16/2010)

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Review 13 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Great food and service! Unique drinks and meals!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/05/2010

(review submitted 02/08/2010)

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Review 14 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This is the second time at Samba Room. Once again excellent dishes and unique, great-tasting beverages (Xingu black beer and white sangria). We will return!"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/06/2010

(review submitted 02/08/2010)

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Review 15 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Four of us went to the Samba Room Saturday night for my husband's birhtday. Our waitress was excellent and the food was to die for.I had the polenta with pork tenderloin and spinach; my husband had short ribs and our friends had the BBQ. All of us loved the food, the service and the ambience. We all agreed that we would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to our friends."

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/23/2010

(review submitted 01/26/2010)

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Review 16 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Exceeded all expectations. Great scallops and pork tenderloin entrees. Excellent appetizer, salad, soup. Very interesting spices and flavors in all."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/23/2010

(review submitted 01/24/2010)

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Review 17 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The ambiance was very Cuban, with bright colors and appealing music. The food was also very good."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/14/2010

(review submitted 01/17/2010)

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Review 18 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"We were there for a nice dinner,and the place has a very nice atmosphere. However, our server was nonchalant at best, and the food was nothing great. Lighting was spotty on the second floor."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/15/2010

(review submitted 01/16/2010)

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Review 19 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We had a nice time at the Samba room celebrating my daughter's birthday. The wait person did a nice job and followed my online request to bring my daughter a glass of champagne after we were seated. The only issue we had was the little boy who was beating on the bongo drum off and on throughout dinner. Might want to consider moving those when you seat table with young children. Otherwise, a tasty and filling evening of food and wine!"

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/28/2009

(review submitted 12/30/2009)

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Review 20 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Loved it! Had a great time. Great food. You carry Xingu beer! We have been looking for it in liquor stores for months and find out that you have it. Awesome."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/19/2009

(review submitted 12/22/2009)

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Review 21 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Good)

"3 of the entrees were very good, the mahi-mahi, salmon, barbacoa. However the chicken was very tough and overcooked.Service was excellent.Tres leches cake was delicious!Overall it was very good, however as my husband usually picks the restaurant for clients and his entree was the one that was overcooked, not sure when we will be back here."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/19/2009

(review submitted 12/21/2009)

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Review 22 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Food was really good, we had a table of six and all ordered different dishes, ALL were very good! Appeziters are very good as well. Drinks were quite tasty! Definite keeper!"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/19/2009

(review submitted 12/21/2009)

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Review 23 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The food was excellent, our waitress was perfect, and the background music was nice!
I recommended the restaurant to co-workers & friends & will be back to dine for lunch/dinner. Thank you!"

Special Features: great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/17/2009

(review submitted 12/21/2009)

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Review 24 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Good)

"We were at first seated at a table that was much too close the another table. If the gentleman next to me would have needed to leave, I would have had to stand up and move my chair. It took a while to be moved to another table with more space. I was with my 6 year old grandson who ordered the Latin Spice Sliders from the kid's menu. They were quite spicy - too spicy for him. I think they should either tone down the spice or note that they are spicy. He eats Mexican food all the time with no problem so I think these are perhaps too spicy for a lot of kids. They were very accomodating about changing his order with no charge to us, so I can't really complain. However, his mother and I were almost done with our food when his came."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/19/2009

(review submitted 12/21/2009)

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Review 25 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"My boyfriend had been to the Samba Room a few times before and really loved it. I had never been before nor had our two friends. The food was amazingly delicious if a bit expensive, the service fantastic with a very attentive waiter. The only downside I can think of is that it was very noisy. We had a table as far away from the crowds as possible and we still had to raise our voices to be heard. They have an upstairs room which I was told is quieter but it was being used by a private party which may have added to the decibel level of the place. I would definitely recommend it as a fun, hot-spot for great food & great drinks but not if you are looking for a quiet, romantic dinner. I will definitely go back."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/18/2009

(review submitted 12/20/2009)

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Review 26 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"My girlfriends had our holiday lunch there and we absolutely loved it. It was our first time there but it won't be our last. I mentioned it to some of my colleagues and they went there the next day for lunch and also loved it."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/16/2009

(review submitted 12/18/2009)

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Review 27 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Very good ambiance; excellent service - attentive and responsive but not intrusive. Mojitos are the very best around, esp. the pineapple mojito recommended by the waiter. Three of four food entries (fish) were excellent and well priced. The fouth - a thick porkchop, was overpriced and came out dry and a bit tough - disappointing. However, the rest of the plate was very good and well presented."

Special Features: special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/15/2009

(review submitted 12/17/2009)

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Review 28 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"The dining experience was great. However, the food was not, it did not taste fresh. Like it was prepared a day or so prior. The dessert was very good."

Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/15/2009

(review submitted 12/17/2009)

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Review 29 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Great for a special occasion. My wife and I were very impressed with the service from the waitress, privacy that we were allowed, and the food was INCREDIBLE. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone!"

Special Features: late-night find, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/12/2009

(review submitted 12/14/2009)

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Review 30 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"The pumpkin soup was amazing, but my entree (the Sea Bass) was overcooked. For a $25 dish, it it shouldn't have felt like I was eating at a big chain restaurant - not good. And it was about 100 degrees in there. I get that we are going through a winter freeze warning, but it was uncomfortably warm in the restaurant. Our server was very friendly though."

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/09/2009

(review submitted 12/11/2009)

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Review 31 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We had a generally positive evening at Samba Room. The only negative was that once we were seated, we were ignored until I asked a passing waiter if he would wait on us. From then on the service was just fine. so that must have been a freak miscommunication by staff. Food was great, holiday decorations nice. Once we got going it was good."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/05/2009

(review submitted 12/07/2009)

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Review 32 for Samba Room - Denver

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The dining experience was very good and the food was amazing. My only complaint is how long it took to get our entrees. It was almost an hour from the time we ordered until our entrees were delivered to our table. The waiter was very good refilling our water and checking on us but the delay for the entree was something I wouldn't expect at a restaurant like this."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/21/2009

(review submitted 11/23/2009)

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Ratings-Only Reviews for Samba Room - Denver

Based on the average of (68) ratings-only reviews

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

Restaurant Reviews for Samba Room - Denver

Samba Room - Denver Reviews List

Review 1 for Samba Room - Denver

Review 2 for Samba Room - Denver

Review 3 for Samba Room - Denver

Review 4 for Samba Room - Denver

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Review 31 for Samba Room - Denver

Review 32 for Samba Room - Denver