For over four decades the Saucy Noodle Restaurante has been a Denver landmark at the same location at 727 South University Boulevard. The little spot, known to locals throughout the Washington Park, Cherry Creek and Bonnie Brae districts was originally known as Jim Sano's when it was purchased by the Badis family in 1964. Sam Badis, a former Big Band Leader and Denver entrepreneur, held court with a gregarious smile and warm welcome and served up what is arguably the best pizza and pasta in town. Traveling the country in the '60's and 70's Sam would frequently buy unique antiques in small towns and haul them back to the Saucy Noodle to adorn the restaurant's, now famous, red velvet walls.
"True family style Italian. One of the best, if not the best, Italian food in Denver and worth the drive no matter where you live in Denver. This is the only Italian restaurant my Italian wife gushes about. Their sign says "If you don't like garlic, go home", so keep that in mind if that flavor is too strong for you, and don't bother with any salad dressing other than their gorgonzola, it's the best you'll ever have."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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"terrific food, terrific value. old school red checkered tablecloths neighborhood italian institution. go-to choice when you don't know where to go, with real comfort food. best lasagne i've had in years!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Very good restaurant for the value, in a nice neighborhood, great customer service, great food. Not fancy, but definitely comfortable, cozy, and clean. There are old fashioned photos all over the restaurant, and I think it's still owned by the same family who started it 48 years ago. A neighborhood gem for sure. They make a homemade linguine that is fabulous, and the garlic levels are just right in the sauce. We had a very nice evening and dinner here."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"We were VERY PLEASANTLY SURPRISED. We have driven by the Saucy Noodle dozens of times, and, I guess, its somewhat unimpressive exterior caused us to disregard it. What a mistake! The interior is charming, the service was excellent and the classic-Italian menu items we chose were terrific. We will definitely go again and we recommend it highly."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Asked the waitress what she thought of a couple of items and instead of saying "good", she told us what was in it, what she liked about it, talked about the chef by name, said that she ordered of the items but not the other. Loved the honesty and actually followed her suggestion of the Wilber pizza (ton's of meat as she said). Told her that we want it Delgato style, she actually came by to ask how we liked the variation and told us things she's tried and liked. She was a little new, so we told her of things we have tried there. It's always worthwhile when you can have an exchange with the staff that both walk away a bit smarter and happier."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"I've been going to the Saucy Noodle for more than 10 years and it's always been great. I hadn't been in over a year and was really disappointed. Our server kept telling us he was 'new' and 'didn't know' - whenever we asked questions about the menu. Also, the menu wasn't that great. We ordered mushroom risotto with shrimp - which was mushy, overcooked and bland, and Mama's lasagna - also bland. Also, the ambiance was more like a pizzaria; all the lights were turned up so it was super bright and really loud. The dining room on the right used to be dimmed and much more pleasant. I don't know what happened - maybe just a bad night? Saucy Noodle use to be soooo good."
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"The Saucy Noodle is a regular with us and we have often recommended it to folks interested in good Italian fare. Several years ago I celebrated my 60th birthday there with many family and friends. Noise was OK this time around, but we were there on a Monday evening. Weekend nights can be more hectic."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We have lived in Bonnie Brae for 35 years and have been very loyal customers. We are always happy with our dining experience because we order the same dish--we split a full order of home made linguine with red sauce. We skip the dry, saw dust like meatball and fat laden sausage. Then we order an extra salad. Our total with tip and one glass of wine is about $32. Recently we ordered a pizza and after one bite we hated it. We also ventured off course once and tried the eggplant parmigiana which was all breading and just horrible. When we have a craving for pasta, Saucy Noodle is the place for us. Often it's difficult to get a table, so go early. This is a very family friends place and often gets quite loud."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Great little neighborhood place! Food is excellent and plentiful. Waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and very patient when we couldn't decide right away. We will be going back a lot!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"$52.80=GREAT DEAL!!! They know what they are doing. Kids can eat the pizza while adults eat what they want. Porttions are regular size (Huge). No one goes home hungry. If a couple...get coupon for pizza on a later date (2 months to use). It had been over a quarter century since we had last been there as a couple. Only things missing is parking and Mr. B. Will be on our 2014 $52.80 reservations."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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"This was the first time coming here for my husband and myself and we really enjoyed it along with our friends. The only down side was it was a little too noisy where we were sitting. I'll be more specific where to sit to avoid the noise next time when I reserve on line. One helpful hint, get there early because the Saucy Noodle fills up fast on a Saturday evening."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"I took my boyfriend out for Valentine's day. His favorite is Italian so of course I tried to pick a place that would fit his favorite. The Saucy Noodle was super great. The food was awesome and it was perfect for a low key, causal date night. We would defiantly come back"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"This is one of our favorite restaurants. We come frequently for an informal date night, and bring our kids and grand kids whenever we can. The staff is always friendly, the service good and the food is great. Nothing fancy, just great food and plenty of it at very reasonable prices. The atmosphere is like a neighborhood trattoria, done in red and white with old family photos. The wine list is very approachable and the desserts are worth saving room for. If you are looking for traditional Italian dining in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere, this is the place. Very family friendly. Frequently very busy, we would recommend reservations."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Good food as usual. Waitress, who we had never seen there before, was a bit flighty. Forgetful and when she brought the wrong kids pizza, she said, "Well I heard this.", in regards to the ingredients. Then as I was about to say please replace this, she said she would get another. No apology or anything. Very strange, as the staff there is usually very friendly, actually a lot of fun to talk to or quick to answer any menu question. One time only problem, so no reason not to go back, as we go there on a monthly basis."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2007
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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