| Denver |
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Watercourse Foods 
 based on 27 member reviews
837 E 17th Ave, Denver Colorado
80218
303-832-7313
Type: Ovo, Lacto, Vegan-friendly, International, Beer/Wine
Info: Vegetarian cafe in Denver. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sunny open space. Will make some dishes vegan upon request. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 8am-10pm. Price: Moderate.
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| "Oh Watercourse, how do I love thee..."
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My Rating |
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 3 |
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Posted on: Sunday, December 20, 2009 |
Review: My Fiance and I make an annual trip to Colorado to visit friends and do some backpacking. Watercourse Foods is ALWAYS a planned destination on our trips. We will go there at least 3 times, once for each meal of the day, and rack up a hefty bill in the process only because it is all so good we can't help ourselves but load up on food! We are vegans, and though Watercourse isn't 100% vegan everything on their menu can be ordered vegan so you really don't have any limitations there, and the breadth of their menu is quite impressive! I have never had anything there I didn't like. The Buffalo Setian wings are melt in your mouth delicious! The sweet potato homefries with green olives on the Mediterranean blue plate special are splendiferous and compliment the taste of their biscuits well. The smoothies are great - rich, creamy and delicious with lots of flavor! Don't even get me started on the desserts, which are always vegan all of the time! *drool* Let them know if you are gluten free or have other allergy concerns because they're very accommodating for that as well! I can't say enough good things about the place and clearly Denver citizens agree because every time of day I've been in there the place was always bustlingly busy. I've always had quick, friendly, good service too. The only complaint I have is that this past fall when visiting I was so looking forward to getting their Thai Iced tea again, made vegan, because it was sooooooooooo good! For some reason they discontinued it - probably because making vegan condensed sweet milk for it isn't exactly an easy thing to do I imagine. But gosh darn that was a good drink! The bottom line though is if you are Veg and passing through Denver, do not miss this one!
Pros: awesome food * quick service * large menu
Cons: no more vegan thai tea * wait on table during dinner rush * not 100% vegan |
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| "Vegetarian Comfort Food, as Promised"
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My Rating |
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 19 |
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Posted on: Sunday, June 14, 2009 |
Review: During a short stay in Denver, a friend of mine and I decided to see if Watercourse Foods, which we'd heard a lot of good things about, would live up to its reputation. Let me say that over the course of a month-long roadtrip it stood out as one of the, if not culinary highlights, restaurant-based highlights.
As an appetizer my friend ordered a bunch of Seitan Buffalo Wings. As a former die-hard fan of buffalo wings he absolutely loved them - though only managed to finish about half of the rather large portion.
Their drink menu, it should be mentioned, offers a pretty nice selection of wines and beers, at least for two Canadians from Quebec.
As an entrée I had the Monti Pasta with added seitan. Generally, it could have been a little bit more flavourful ut I enjoyed it none the less. My friend had what they call the "Grinder" sandwich. Again, he could only finish half. We noticed that most customers were bringing home the remainders of Watercourse's sizable portions.
For desert I had a slice of vegan carrot cake. Out of this world, let me tell you. The cost is a bit much but it's just a number on a bill; the taste in your mouth more than makes up for it.
I must also add that our server was a really helpful and charming guy; had a really cool mustache as well. The cafe-type atmosphere suited it well and there was an overall welcoming felling that the staff and other patrons gave off. A very enjoyable time.
Pros: Atmosphere * Menu *
Cons: * * |
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| "Slightly Addictive!"
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My Rating |
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3 |
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Posted on: Saturday, June 13, 2009 |
Review: I am slightly addicted to their seitan buffalo wings. As a vegan, they're always willing to accomodate- replace cheese, etc. I have not had everything on the menu, but most things I've had were fantastic.
Pros: great choices * great flavor * vegan desserts!
Cons: sometimes crowded (of course!) * parking can be an issue * |
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| "Healthy, delicious, reasonably priced"
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Thursday, June 04, 2009 |
Review: We had the blackened tofu wrap and the portabello reuben. Both were delicious, and the servings were large. I could easily have taken half home for another meal. The entree came with two sides; we tried sweet potatoes, coleslaw, quinoa salad, and mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes were delicious! The sweet potatoes were fried and were ok. The quinoa salad had corn, black beans and spices and was ok. The walls are covered with rabbits and other animal cartoons. There is a mini bakery selection at the front counter. Friendly wait staff.
Pros: Food variety * Prices * Large portions
Cons: * * |
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| "YUMMMMY!!! :)"
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My Rating |
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 2 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 |
Review: I've lived in Denver for the past few years and have had the pleasure of eating here many many times! It's DELICIOUS!!! I absolutely recommend it to anyone - vegetarian, vegan or otherwise! My meat-eating family is visiting from NY and we're headed there tonight- after looking at the menu online, they are even excited YIPPY! Their vegan bakery also makes the BEST peanut butter cookies EVER!!! Grab one to go if you're too full! ENJOY!
Pros: Buffalo Tofu Sandwich * Peanut Butter Cookies * Tomato Coconut Curry Soup
Cons: * * |
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| "LOVED IT!"
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My Rating |
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5 |
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Posted on: Saturday, March 28, 2009 |
Review: As a vegan I have found some vegetarian restaurants to be difficult but Watercourse is excellent. They have a wide selection of vegan options and are very helpful.
It was very crowded and busy but the service was great, the food was absolutely fabulous and my kids even enjoyed it too. A lot of veg restaurants are in some scary locations but this place is in a great location, has a great atmosphere and the service is great.
We really enjoyed it and plan to visit again if we are ever in Denver. I would recommend eating a little earlier than you might normally eat because this place gets really busy and you may have to wait for a table but it is definitely worth the wait!!!
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "Best Food I have ever had in my life!!!"
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My Rating |
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1 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 |
Review: This was the best food I have ever had in my life!!!! I went for V-day and they had a four course meal. It was so good my husband and I were speechless. All the flavors burst in your mouth. It was a perfect location, setting, decorations and food. I will always go there when I am in Denver. I think that everyone needs to make a trip to this resturant in their lifetime. Everyone was friendly. We even talked to the chef.
Pros: Healthy * Excellent Food * Friendly Staff
Cons: * * |
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| "Great Breakfast"
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My Rating |
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31 |
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Posted on: Monday, January 12, 2009 |
Review: I went with a friend for breakfast and there were so many vegan options, I was totally overwhelmed. I will agree with the other reviews, this place is definitely hipster--but I like it that way. I didn't have any problems with the waitstaff in the least. Our waiter actually stopped and made small talk with us. Also, I will contend: the vegan gravy is amazing.
Pros: Variety * Lots of Vegan options *
Cons: * * |
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| "Good food, big portions"
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My Rating |
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3 |
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Posted on: Sunday, January 11, 2009 |
Review: We had breakfast here twice while on vacation in May 2008. We were happy we found the place (the restaurant was actually a little hard to see among the construction on the building), because the food was great and the portions were huge. It was busy and there was a line, but not any longer than what we're used to (in Portland). The service was fine during our first trip, but the second time we had a very nice server that made our final morning in Denver a real pleasure.
Pros: many choices * big portions * yummy
Cons: usually crowded * a bit pricey * |
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| "Legit"
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My Rating |
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13 |
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Posted on: Sunday, December 28, 2008 |
Review: A buddy of mine and I ate here when I was in Denver on business earlier this year. I must say, it was a pleasure! We started off with the buffalo wings which were delicious. Both of our meals were tasty and vegan. I can't wait to return. The wait staff was nice enough and the atmosphere was pleasant as well. I back it.
Pros: Great food! * Location. *
Cons: Borderline expensive. * * |
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| "One of my favs"
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My Rating |
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3 |
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Posted on: Thursday, December 18, 2008 |
Review: I have been here several times when I come through Denver. I guess I have never been in on the "off times" that some others have experienced. My food has always been great along with the service. **Note** I am not a 20 something hipster** My absolute fav is the chicken fried seitan. Ugh....something I miss from my meat eating days. It's a lot of food so be hungry if you order this. The breakfasts are great and lots of options. Yummy soy lattes too!
Pros: tasty goods * lots of options *
Cons: * * |
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| "My money isn't good enough for them"
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My Rating |
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2 |
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Posted on: Friday, November 28, 2008 |
Review: Watercourse can be the best food in Denver. It can be so-so. It's is usually worth the trek. You should try it, but go in a group.
But two times in a row groups were seated before me. I'm sorry I'm not 20 and hip, no, I'm not, because I'd be like this insufferable staff.
I was waved toward the counter and it's two open seats and the patrons made sure to place their bags in the empty seats, and then lean on them.
I asked if the seat was taken and told yes, by both. the server then looked at me and said there'd be a 20 min. wait.
I left.
The company still got my money through City O'.
Eating solo? Just go to City O'.
Pros: food * *
Cons: snotty crowd, staff * * |
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• update: service, food has improved in the past month.
not quite worth another cow, but close.
. response by truepeacenik
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| "YUMMMMMMMMMM"
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My Rating |
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8 |
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Posted on: Friday, October 31, 2008 |
Review: My husband and I really enjoyed our dinner at Watercourse. The staff was friendly and really helpful. Our food was great and it was a nice walk from the pedestrian mall area in Denver. Get there early because they seem to stay busy.
Pros: food excellent * nice people * nice area
Cons: * * |
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| "updated review; not in my faves"
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My Rating |
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100 |
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Posted on: Friday, October 24, 2008 |
Review: Used to be in my top ten, but the past few visits no longer that high recommendation. Recently, I have found that the quality has dipped a bit, the waitstaff gave a vegan real cheese, and after eating here, it has not treated my belly so kindly. I used to feel healthy and light, like I made a wise decision. However, it has been less kind and less wise, heavy and burdensome feeling.
It is still the best place in Denver, but I think it has come down to the level of competition regionally. They are not giving the elite dining experience they once served. Dont get me wrong, before they moved I did think they were inconsistent, but there were peaks with those valleys. The valleys seem to have gotten lower since the aftershocks are painful (catch my drift).
I still suggest this place to those passing through. The quality may bounce back once in a while. The shakes are divine.
Pros: shakes * most times food *
Cons: some staff * INCONSISTENT * belly troubles |
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| "mmm"
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My Rating |
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2 |
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Posted on: Thursday, August 21, 2008 |
Review: I've traveled (and eaten) extensively, and this is hands-down the best vegan food I've ever had. Do what you have to do to eat at this place.
Pros: the food * cute servers * beer!
Cons: stupid name * * |
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| "BEST Restaurant between LA and Pittsburgh!"
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My Rating |
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6 |
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Posted on: Sunday, August 03, 2008 |
Review: Took a roadtrip from LA to Pennsylvania, and this is the best vegetarian restaurant I have ever been to, not only on this trip. Try the gravy...it'll make you truly happy!
Pros: Gravy * Pastries * nice staff
Cons: * * |
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| "Good but very expensive"
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My Rating |
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12 |
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Posted on: Saturday, July 05, 2008 |
Review: The food is really good, and they have alot of vegan options. Especially the salad dressings. BUT everything is really expensive. Its over $9 for a sandwich and side!
Pros: vegan options * flavorful * desserts
Cons: expensive * * |
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| "Amazing Food"
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My Rating |
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31 |
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Posted on: Sunday, June 08, 2008 |
Review: Just went tonight and the food was amazing! Everything can be made vegan and the wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable. A must if you live, work, or visit Denver.
Pros: Food * Price * Selection
Cons: * * |
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| "Our Favorite Veggie Restaurant"
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My Rating |
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2 |
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Posted on: Thursday, February 28, 2008 |
Review: My wife and I live near Atlanta Georgia, and we have sampled vegetarian restaurants in many locations. This is bar none, our favorite place. We rave about it all the time. I have been to Denver several times, and this is definitely among the high points. My wife was recently in Denver for a conference, and she managed to eat at Watercourse 3 or 4 times. After a hardy meal, I usually pass on desert. Not here!
Pros: Taste * Portion size * Price
Cons: Wait times for brunch * * |
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| "Hands down, the best vegan bakery in the USA"
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My Rating |
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19 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 |
Review: I have traveled all over the USA and have eaten everywhere from the Millennium in SF, Candle Cafe in NYC and Sublime in Ft. Lauderdale and this little place outside of downtown Denver is by far the best vegan bakery there is.
The food is diner type food, but it is very good and they are very vegan friendly. The staff is friendly and attentive and the prices are very reasonable. I never miss this place when I am in Denver.
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "This is the best Vegan restaurant BAR NONE!"
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Friday, January 18, 2008 |
Review: This place is awesome. After going there the first time on a business trip, I have gone every time since. It is always amazing and everything i have had has been unbeleivably tasty and beautifully presented. Take a non-vegetarian and let them be astounded at how good it can be. One of the most outstanding things to me is that this place actually has a lot of HEALTHY vegetarian food. Most veg food at restaurants is overprocessed and dead. Finding a place with great tasting live food and enough raw to make a difference, i am just blown away. Keep it up! You rock!
Pros: Live, Raw Food * VERY tasty * Nice Presentation
Cons: Only one restaurant * * |
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• they ain't vegan; in fact, my dad got some dairy since we didn't look into it closely enough. don't assume they are or you'll intake something bad "accidentally". they were nice about it but still; we ordered everything extra vegan. response by kindlizard
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| "some of the best food I have ever had"
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My Rating |
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10 |
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Posted on: Friday, August 31, 2007 |
Review: This is one of the best vegan restaurants I have ever been to, and I have been to a lot worldwide. It has a wide selection of food, everything, and everything that I have had is orgasmic. Try the Donna Lee for lunch and the biscuits and gravey/Amsterdam Hash for breakfast. The boston cream pie is excellent for dessert!
Pros: the best * excellent food * huge proportions
Cons: * * |
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| "Wonderful!!"
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My Rating |
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6 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 |
Review: My family went to eat here on the way to Seattle. The sampler appetizer with hummus, pesto dip and something else with mushroom (i think) was amazing! And all vegan - I could even give it to my baby without worrying it had dairy. I had the smothered fried "chicken.." with mashed potatoes and peas/corn medley. The "chicken" had the tangiest, crunchiest coating that resurrected tastebuds that had been asleep since my KFC days in the 1970's and 80's...It was so good that when we came back around on the way back home, my son and husband had to order it. The mashed potatoes were a little on the plain side (I can make better at home) and the desserts were very good but too sweet the first time, then too mild on second visit. Both times I had the chocolate mousse pie. Prices are not cheap. Both times we spent more than $50 for a family of four and a baby. The somewhat aloof staff (like at many veg restaurants for some reason?) warmed up when they dealt with you at the table. Nice location. In general, a wonderful experience. Would go again to try out the many other things they offer.
Pros: good food * nice atmosphere *
Cons: noisy * * |
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| "Great Food and Super Service!"
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My Rating |
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Posted on: Wednesday, July 04, 2007 |
Review: I just took my mom to Watercourse for a birthday lunch before a show. Yes, we waited a bit but it was Sunday @ noon (brunch time!) and the wait was still only 20 minutes. Once we were seated our order was taken promptly by a beautiful girl with tatoos (I'm sorry that I didn't get her name!) and the most AMAZING smile! My mom and I were a little nervous about the time because of the show we were going to but no worries necessary as our food was fairly promptly delivered. I had the Macro Plate and could only eat half and Mom had the Juan Wrap and, again, could only eat half - they both were so filling! Mom said her wrap was awesome and even better the next day for lunch and my teen-age daughter DEVOURED the remnants of my lunch the next day. I will definitley be back with the rest of my family again and again I'm sure. One more thing, the service was outstanding, our ice tea and water never reached the "half full" mark!
Pros: super food * outstanding service *
Cons: very, very hot inside * not enough space to wait * |
2 of 2 visitors found the above review beneficial
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| "Yum"
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My Rating |
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34 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 |
Review: My mom and I ate at Watercourse tonight. The food was hit & miss. Our appetizer, the Sampler Platter was okay. The hummus, tapenade. and pita were good, but the pestos had a strange texture, and were lacking in salt. My mom chose the blackened tempeh burger with quinoa salad and mixed vegetables. WARNING: the mixed veg is that school cafeteria standby of frozen peas, carrots, and corn. ?! But the burger was awesome and the quinoa was tasty. Pick a different side item. I had the portobello cap. The mushroom itself (polenta crusted with chipotle aioli) was excellent. The grilled carrots, refried beans, and pico de gallo were decent. However the brown rice was not fresh, and the guacamole was very blah. You can get the same portobello as a sandwich, so I would suggest that. I left most of the sides on my plate. We took our desserts home--the chocolate cake and the key lime pie--both of which are wonderful. My mom couldn't believe the cake was vegan. My gripe about the key lime pie is that it has coconut on top and more of a cheesecake texture. As a former aficionado of the dessert from living in Florida, this bothered me more than it should, since it tasted great anyway! My mom also loved her hibiscus tea. It all came to $50 after the tip. Not expensive for all we had. The staff all seemed normal and down to earth, no snooty behavior--just friendly service. Wait times for food was a bit long, but it was pretty busy. 3 1/2 cows
Pros: All vegan dessert tray! * Lots of variety * Good value
Cons: hit or miss on the sides * don't expect a quick meal * frozen veg medley! |
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| "Fantastic!"
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My Rating |
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Posted on: Sunday, June 17, 2007 |
Review: I love Watercourse Foods and make it a stop whenever I'm in Denver, which I wish was more often! The new building is nice and spacey, but it's still a little sterile. The food is amazing and I think the price is appropriate for the amount of food that you get. The wait staff was very friendly and I didn't have to wait long for my food either. The vegan ranch dressing is awesome!
Pros: excellent food * friendly staff *
Cons: * * |
2 of 2 visitors found the above review beneficial
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| "Awesome!"
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My Rating |
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17 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 |
Review: this place rocks. i don;t live in denver so i don't have the pleasure of dining here consistently, but the times i have been here, i have not been disappointed. as far as some people's complaints about the service - i've never had a problem. as far as prices, they are very reasonable! they have huge entrees for $10 - including protein, starch and vegetable. the assortment of food is fantastic, as well. everything can be made vegan. try the buffalo seitan "wings" - yowza!
Pros: tasty food * large portions * complete meals
Cons: no parking * * |
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| "Something's Wrong Here"
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My Rating |
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1 |
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Posted on: Saturday, September 09, 2006 |
Review: Hadn't been in a while. Don't work downtown anymore. So I can see the changes. Meal prices are getting insanely high-- not like they're cooking organic. Portions are smaller. Baked goods prices twice those of Whole Foods/Wild Oats. Building iS falling apart. Really noisy. No parking. They need to move. No credit/debit cards for orders under $10.00. Food is still excellent, though. Wish I knew their recipe for vegan gravy.
Pros: Food still outstanding * *
Cons: Becoming Bad Value * No parking * Building falling apart |
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| "Answer to my vege prayers"
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My Rating |
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33 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 |
Review: While on a road trip, around the west, this was the best vegetarian we found. The food is exquisite. the tastes are unique and wonderful. the service waits on you hand and foot, and it has a great relaxed cafe atmosphere. DO NOT MISS THE SESAME SEITAN!
Five stars out of five!
Pros: food * service * atmosphere
Cons: addictive * * |
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