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Experience a taste of Southern Italy at Shells and Sauce, a cherished neighborhood gem in the heart of Congress Park since 2007. Their cozy and relaxed ambiance sets the perfect scene for an unforgettable meal crafted from scratch with fresh, local ingredients. Beyond classic Italian fare, the menu features daily specials and offers numerous gluten-free options to accommodate all diners. Complement your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list or a handcrafted cocktail for a truly exceptional dining experience. General Manager, Oscar Venegas is always here to welcome you to our Family.
Jazzy little trattoria serving classic & creative fare, plus brunch & happy hour on the roof deck.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2600 E 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Phone: (303) 377-2091
Website: http://www.shellsandsauce.net/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: shellsandsauce.net
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Shells and Sauce | Italian Restaurant in Denver, CO
A jazzy little trattoria serving classic & creative Italian American fare in the heart of Congress Park, Shells and Sauce brings Old Country taste to a cozy …
Shells and Sauce Restaurant – Denver, CO | OpenTable
Book now at Shells and Sauce in Denver, CO. Explore menu, see photos and read 3205 reviews: “We love every experience at Shells and Sauce.
Shells and Sauce | Denver CO – Facebook
Details. . 94% recommend (922 Reviews). . $$. . Open now. . 2600 E 12th Ave, Denver, CO, United States, 80206 ; Links. . shellsandsauce.net ; Services. .
Reviews
Erin Breckenridge
This was a gem. Complimentary bread was warm, with crispy crust, served with a basalmic to dip. My table enjoyed the lasagna and chicken piccata. As my dish of choice anywhere, I must emphasize how delicious this picatta is – salty, lemony, full of garlic, tender and juicy chicken. Perfectly executed! Attentive, polite service. Note, the dining room is very tightly seated. I highly recommend a reservation (open table is my go-to) as many we’re discouraged by the 45 minute wait quote given on a Friday evening peak!
… moreHillary Cwiak
A very exciting dinner turned super disappointing. Out with 4 friends and had a reservation. Appetizers, salad, entrees and multiple glasses of wine were ordered.
When we asked about dessert dishes and drinks, we were told our time limit was up and we had to leave. We had been at our table for 85 minutes.
This was a first for all of us.
We were NEVER told by the hostess or the server about a time limit… even in a friendly or educational manner when we were sat or during our meal. Mind you, we were only checked on once after entrees were served.
While I now see it was on their website, we did NOT view this information prior to our dining.
While on Open Table researching our experience , the information discusses mask instructions wearing while away from your table which indicates it it’s very dated information.
We could have been a very large upsell. We had not been sitting around stalling with empty glasses and dishes.
We were even told no when asked about ordering food to go once we were denied ordering dessert.
Extremely disappointing for a local restaurant I used to enjoy going to.
So beware and eat/drink quickly if you want a full meal experience!!
… moreWhen we asked about dessert dishes and drinks, we were told our time limit was up and we had to leave. We had been at our table for 85 minutes.
This was a first for all of us.
We were NEVER told by the hostess or the server about a time limit… even in a friendly or educational manner when we were sat or during our meal. Mind you, we were only checked on once after entrees were served.
While I now see it was on their website, we did NOT view this information prior to our dining.
While on Open Table researching our experience , the information discusses mask instructions wearing while away from your table which indicates it it’s very dated information.
We could have been a very large upsell. We had not been sitting around stalling with empty glasses and dishes.
We were even told no when asked about ordering food to go once we were denied ordering dessert.
Extremely disappointing for a local restaurant I used to enjoy going to.
So beware and eat/drink quickly if you want a full meal experience!!
Blake Howard
Quickly becoming a regular visit for us!
Excellent food, I’ve tried many dishes and haven’t had anything I don’t like yet. Really enjoy the lasagna, pasta with sauce, and the bolognese! The salads topped with shrimp or salmon are also very tasty, a nice light meal that doesn’t weigh me down but also fills me up.
Good service as well, very attentive waiters and waitresses. If it’s a weekend it’s not a bad idea to make a reservation for prime hours. Although I have never had issue with walking in and just getting a table especially during happy hour. They stay fairly busy but usually you can get in fairly quick.
Good selection of beer and wines, as well as the quality liquors. Whiskey and bourbon are my favorites and it’s nice to see 4 roses bourbon on a happy hour special. It’s pretty good bourbon for the price.
… moreExcellent food, I’ve tried many dishes and haven’t had anything I don’t like yet. Really enjoy the lasagna, pasta with sauce, and the bolognese! The salads topped with shrimp or salmon are also very tasty, a nice light meal that doesn’t weigh me down but also fills me up.
Good service as well, very attentive waiters and waitresses. If it’s a weekend it’s not a bad idea to make a reservation for prime hours. Although I have never had issue with walking in and just getting a table especially during happy hour. They stay fairly busy but usually you can get in fairly quick.
Good selection of beer and wines, as well as the quality liquors. Whiskey and bourbon are my favorites and it’s nice to see 4 roses bourbon on a happy hour special. It’s pretty good bourbon for the price.
Jonathan Mirow
Tight Capitol Hill Italian bistro. Get there early! Absolutely stunning food served with a dash of neighborhood charm. The warm bread before the meal, the Caprese Birrata…and the special I had…damn: Bistro Style shrimp scampi! Just WOW! Get the booth in the back by the kitchen window. If I lived anywhere near here I’d be at Happy Hour 3 times a week for the Salmon. Mmmmmm.
… moreCallie Cuff
Had an amazing dinner here! I split the duo shells and chicken parmigiana. Both were so flavorful and absolutely scrumptious. Our server Austin was attentive, kind and patient with my chaotic family. He provided excellent service! Overall a wonderful experience, will definitely be going back!
… moreLienna OLEKSIYENKO
It’s such a cute cozy spot. Extremely friendly welcoming staff.
I had sweet potatoes shells and they were divine. You can tell when pasta dishes are made from scratch and extremely fresh. The red sauce was incredible(not from can), It brought childhood tomato memories. I also had a bite of lasagna and it definitely exceeded my expectations. It had all the classical layers with multiple types of cheese, and was definitely worth the calories. I’m not a cannoli expert, but I’d go for jog again to have another one. They have a great happy hour and even half a salad or half pasta are great solid European full portion meals.
Give it a try- you won’t be disappointed. Everything made from scratch, extremely fresh and tender.
… moreI had sweet potatoes shells and they were divine. You can tell when pasta dishes are made from scratch and extremely fresh. The red sauce was incredible(not from can), It brought childhood tomato memories. I also had a bite of lasagna and it definitely exceeded my expectations. It had all the classical layers with multiple types of cheese, and was definitely worth the calories. I’m not a cannoli expert, but I’d go for jog again to have another one. They have a great happy hour and even half a salad or half pasta are great solid European full portion meals.
Give it a try- you won’t be disappointed. Everything made from scratch, extremely fresh and tender.
Criselda Sanchez
Shells and Sauce is a fantastic neighborhood spot with a cozy atmosphere and excellent service. From the moment we walked in, the staff was welcoming and attentive. Our server was especially great—knowledgeable, friendly, and spot-on with recommendations.
The dishes were outstanding, with fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Every bite felt carefully crafted, and you could tell they put love into their food. The cocktails were just as impressive—well-balanced, creative, and the perfect complement to our meal.
Overall, a wonderful dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting Italian food or a great drink, this place delivers. Can’t wait to return!
… moreThe dishes were outstanding, with fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Every bite felt carefully crafted, and you could tell they put love into their food. The cocktails were just as impressive—well-balanced, creative, and the perfect complement to our meal.
Overall, a wonderful dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting Italian food or a great drink, this place delivers. Can’t wait to return!
Lindsey Thomas
Omg I have been looking for the words to write this review since 2019 when I discovered their happy hour. I’ve since the dined inside, outside and on the roof!
That first time I got the happy hour salmon plate: Scallion whipped potatoes, sautéed broccoli and roasted red pepper coulis. Still obsessed with that one, I regularly crave and have since graduated to the full meal.
They offer otherwise amazing daily specials (what I usually order) , never been disappointed with anything on the menu except the flourless chocolate cake but that is no one’s fault but my own and the failed gluten-free phase. The chocolate was too chocolaty but I took it home and enjoyed with whipped cream and berries on top.
Here are my personal favorites:
VANILLA BEAN CREME BRÛLÉE! and WHITE CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING A’LA MODE
SPICY CUCUMBER MARTINI
Jalapeño and cucumber vodkas, lime and pineapple juice
SPICY PALOMA
Ghost tequila, grapefruit pop, lime, jalapeno simple & chili rim
$9.95
Other things to love: friendly and welcoming staff, amazing service the parking is not impossible, cozy ambiance.
… moreThat first time I got the happy hour salmon plate: Scallion whipped potatoes, sautéed broccoli and roasted red pepper coulis. Still obsessed with that one, I regularly crave and have since graduated to the full meal.
They offer otherwise amazing daily specials (what I usually order) , never been disappointed with anything on the menu except the flourless chocolate cake but that is no one’s fault but my own and the failed gluten-free phase. The chocolate was too chocolaty but I took it home and enjoyed with whipped cream and berries on top.
Here are my personal favorites:
VANILLA BEAN CREME BRÛLÉE! and WHITE CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING A’LA MODE
SPICY CUCUMBER MARTINI
Jalapeño and cucumber vodkas, lime and pineapple juice
SPICY PALOMA
Ghost tequila, grapefruit pop, lime, jalapeno simple & chili rim
$9.95
Other things to love: friendly and welcoming staff, amazing service the parking is not impossible, cozy ambiance.
Veronica Villarreal
Absolutely delicious food. Have been going to Shells and Sauce sporadically for years and the consistency and quality are still there. The crab cakes are phenomenal. Carbonara was delicious. Cannolis awesome. Everything is so full of flavor. 10/10 no notes.
… morechichi gates
1st visit – Weekend afternoon.
Seated immediately but, place was relatively occupied considering it was right after opening time.
Customers continued to come in, so, I definitely recommend making a reservation.
Very welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
Aside from the reg menu, they also have daily specials.
We ordered:
Stuffed Shell Duo
House Lasagna
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings (1 of the day’s special)
Stuffed Shell Duo was great.
2 types of sauces and filling that eating it was getting a great bite every time as versus having to eat that portion serving with just 1 type of sauce and filling.
One sweet and one savory.
The lasagna was a winner as well. Very big portion that it could be shared.
The chicken was just ok. (Sorry…)
Great service, however, our order took a little while, but, could be because we came during Happy Hour but ordered main entrees from the reg menu.
Still, we highly recommend this spot and we will be back.
… moreSeated immediately but, place was relatively occupied considering it was right after opening time.
Customers continued to come in, so, I definitely recommend making a reservation.
Very welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
Aside from the reg menu, they also have daily specials.
We ordered:
Stuffed Shell Duo
House Lasagna
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings (1 of the day’s special)
Stuffed Shell Duo was great.
2 types of sauces and filling that eating it was getting a great bite every time as versus having to eat that portion serving with just 1 type of sauce and filling.
One sweet and one savory.
The lasagna was a winner as well. Very big portion that it could be shared.
The chicken was just ok. (Sorry…)
Great service, however, our order took a little while, but, could be because we came during Happy Hour but ordered main entrees from the reg menu.
Still, we highly recommend this spot and we will be back.