I had a great experience with my girls here. I don't think there was anything that I didn't enjoy! We started with Bread and ButterBear, Burrata, Seremoni Rockfish Crudo, Waygu TarTare. We then had the Crab Tagliatelle, Ricotta Agnolotti and Lamb Shank. For dessert, we had the Carolina Gold Rice Pudding and BearPop. The ButterBear was super cute and tasty. The bread was super soft! The Burrata was surprising with the chili crunch. It paired really well! The crudo was tasty as was the tartare. I really enjoyed the crispy Cheddar Crisps. The tangy, salty cheese from the crisp cut the fat from the tartare well. The pastas were both good. I could probably have eaten an entire serving of the Crab Tagliatelle myself, haha. I thought it was really yummy. I think my favorite part of the meal was dessert. The Rice Pudding was so good! The coconut milk, the miso caramel popped sorghum, and the rhubarb compote were such a lovely combination on the rice pudding. I want to go back just for that dessert! The BearPop was also delightfully refreshing! The passionfruit paired super well with the Black Garlic Salsa Macha. Sweet and salty is timeless. Service was wonderful! I would definitely come back! read more

See all

We were super impressed overall! We loved everything. The burrata had a chili crunch, which was such a different combo for me, but it was truly delicious. The crab tagliatelle was good but for me it was a little too fishy, even though I love crab. The ricotta Agnolotti was my favorite! Perfectly balanced and rich at the same time. The bread and butter was delicious. The butter is seasonal; this time it was garlic and I could not complain. The Wagyu tartare was fresh and the cheddar crisps made it the perfect pairing. The rockfresh Crudo was good, but for me it was a little too acidic. We really loved the lamb shank. It was fall off the bone and had a beautiful fava hummus sauce with it. Service was phenomenal. The cocktails were also really good, but I loved the Pinot Noir! And I'm not even a big fan of Pinot Noir. It's a pretty unique one that taste more like a cab franc. The ambience is really welcoming and the lighting is perfect. A little dark where it needs to be but perfectly lit tables. We will be back! read more

See all

The chef is a mad scientist in the best way possible! Everything was incredible. I don't think there's a single item on the menu that isn't good. Also, happy hour is incredibly affordable if regular menu gives anyone pause. We had a mix of both and we totally see us coming back for the happy hour burger. Overall it was a great meal! read more

See all

One of my favorite openings of 2025 for a hip date night in RiNo. It comes from Chefs Harrison Porter and Rema Maaliki (who worked at Mercantile, Brasserie Brixton, Wolf's Tailor, and Alma). Tucked right into the heart of RiNo, this one's giving me all the date-night vibes: gorgeous atmosphere, a warm + friendly team, fun cocktails, and a food menu that's equal parts creative and craveable. Some of my favorites when I went (but the menu changes seasonally): tuna crudo that's perfectly balanced, tomato & melon starter with a sneaky jalapeño kick, chive & potato pierogis with charred leek butter, the prime NY strip, and the passion fruit ice cream popsicle with a spicy chili crunch. read more

See all

I really wanted to love LOVE this place as it's been on my list to try since it opened. Everything we ordered was flavorful, but it was almost as if each dish was trying too hard to be so complex and different. Everything was beyond rich and there were no lighter dishes to offer balance. We started with the bread and butter and hamachi and also had the french onion tartlet and pierogis. For our main, we shared the black cod chowdah. By the end of the meal, I felt so uncomfortably full and puffy. Would be nice to see a simple salad or some other greenery on the menu. We didn't have anything bad, per se, just seemed like everything was over the top. In addition, the place was beyond loud. I could not hear anything my dining partner was saying. Service was very friendly and attentive. We both had a few glasses of wine, though they were a bit on the pricier side for what you received. I plan on checking them out again once they change menus for the next season. read more

See all

Had a wonderful valentines dinner here! The ambiance immediately from walking in the door and heading downstairs was really cool with neon lights and unique decor and loud music keeping the atmosphere fun. Would be a great place for a girls night dinner I think. The service was excellent, we especially appreciated the help we got from their sommelier, who could not have been more friendly as well! Our dinner was fantastic overall, but with noticeable standout dishes. We started with the bread and butter bear, the bread was delicious and we loved the bear shape of the butter, I just wish we had gotten a savory butter as I would have preferred that. The tuna crudo was excellent, especially when getting a bite either everything- the cilantro, orange, pomegranate and aguachile. The roasted carrots were the least memorable for me, I think other options from the "middies" section sounded better, but if you are like my boyfriend and I, we always need a vegetable with a meal so this satisfied that need! The standout dish was the lamb shank, it was cooked perfectly and having a bite of the lamb with the pickled veggies and sauce inside the fresh pita was to die for!! Getting the house made gummy bears with the check was a fun nod to the name and theme, I would love to return to try a few more items on the menu. read more

See all

Our reservation was the day after Valentine's Day so they had a set Galentine's Day menu. I love having a set menu so that no decisions have to be made! Everything was delicious with a great variety. Will be back to try their regular menu. read more

See all

Everything at BearLeek from the food, ambiance, and service is on point. I love how intimate and alternative and the vibes of the restaurant are. It's perfect for date night or a fun night out with friends. The open kitchen concept is very neat as you can see your food be prepared right before your eyes. Now for the food: you can tell there is so much intention and thought behind each menu item. Each dish I had was delicious and innovative. It was familiar yet had a unique twist on it. Everything not only tasted delicious but also was beautifully presented. I believe they have a rotating menu which ensures there is always something new based on the availability of ingredients and the creativity of the chefs. The Bread and ButterBear tasted like the best version of sweet brioche hawaiian rolls. And the bear shaped butter is absolutely adorable. The cracker that came with the burrata was so crispy and thin and seasoned well with strong fennel notes. It paired perfectly with the creamy burrata and spicy chili crisp. The pierogi was creamy and rich from the potato filling and squash sauce but the sweetness from the chestnut conserva perfectly cuts through each bite. I'm from out of state but already know this will be on my list of places to return to when I'm back in the area. read more

See all

I was excited to try BearLeek as it had been listed as one of the best new restaurants in Denver. Everything was very good -- food, service and ambiance. The chef/owners are passionate about their restaurant and they mix and match different ingredients to create some memorable and tasty dishes. There are lots of Asian, Italian and French influences. The roasted beets were a wonderful start, and the tuna tartare was delicious. The Braised Short Rib was earthy, satisfying, rich and tasty. The Panna Cotta, shaped like a bear was cute, but not very good - bland. The restaurant is located down a long staircase. I don't think there is an accessible entry. Inside the place is lit up in vibrant neon. Kindy funky with a cool vibe. The restaurant is very loud, with nothing to baffle the sound from a full dining room. Service was very good. Wine and cocktail list are well done as well. read more

See all

I had high hopes for this place as reviews were raving and I thought it was decent, but nothing we got was mind blowing--except the burrata dish. The flavors in that were unlike anything I've ever had! You can't go wrong with the bread and butter either. We had the pierogies which were pretty basic and somewhat cold, along with the hamachi crudo which was just ok. The fish didn't really do it for me (and trust me I love a good tuna sashimi) and the sauce wasn't as flavorful as I was hoping. We also had the tartare and it wasn't anything I'd get again. They served it with potato chips, but they only give you a small handful. The wine and service were awesome, they were attentive and friendly and it felt very professional. I've been to this place before when it was ramen and the lighting felt like a cafeteria, so it is much better now. I've heard so many good things, so I want to go back and try other items on the menu, but overall my experience was mediocre for the price. read more

BearLeek - Bread and butter - American Near Me - Denver, Colorado

After you walk downstairs, you enter a dark, contemporary space. There were six of us, and we were seated at a long table. I saw there were people also seated at a chef's counter, which I think would be fun. I was on a mission to try all of the things that incorporated the bear shape! We shared a variety of things and enjoyed them all. Our service was great. When we got the bill after splitting everything, I thought it was very affordable. read more

See all

We came here for dinner because of the great Yelp reviews and we weren't disappointed. There's not much signage outside so you can easily miss it. You have to walk down a flight of steps to get to the restaurant. The ambiance is nice. The service is top notch. The restaurant was packed but Nellie was able to get us a seat...she was so nice about it! Our waiter Andrew was very attentive and others chipped in to get us fresh plates for every entree. We ordered something from each category, the buratta was very good so flavorful with the garlic sauce and the macadamia nuts, the gai lan was good but the sauce was a little spicy and over powered the Chinese broccoli leaves, the pork schnitzel was definitely both of our favorites. The pork was breaded and cooked just right with it being so moist and the sauce with the red cabbage and tangerine slices were such a unique combination of flavors...so yummy! read more

See all

Great addition to the Denver food scene and RiNo. It's a little grungy, underground, cool theme kinda place. The service was great and the food definitely foodie worthy. We had seats at the bar, which were very comfortable, we didn't sit directly in front of the kitchen but could see it. Food: Turnips- were a really nice fall dish, great flavor and beautiful plating. Bread and butter-the butter was excellent, I wanted to take it home. I'm not one for brioche, I prefer a great sourdough, but my husband loved it. The Pierogi-first of all, this is not a pierogi, it's a "pelmeni" and any Eastern European would know this. It was a great dish, it used the traditional flavors and elevated them and gave it a nice spin. Lamb Shank- was delicious, falling off the bone, fat was gone and it was just tender meat. The way it was served was great too, the pita was a nice touch. I ended up getting two glasses of Nebbiolo, and without my glasses I thought it was $18/glass not $28 which frankly was overpriced for what it was. Overall, we loved the atmosphere and the passion and skill they put into the food. I hope they change up their menu so we can try more dishes. read more

Just recently opened in RiNo, this is going to be a hit. Sexy vibes. Incredible food. Fantastic service. Canoodling space galore. Why aren't you here yet?!?!!!?? Bookmarked this for our date night and it did not disappoint. You'll almost miss it since it's got a discreet logo of the bear on the door deceptively tucked between other ho hum shops. Like any spot in RiNo, you'll have a park and jaunt over. Hey best way to work up appetite and work off the carbs end of night. Plenty of seating but make reservations since it's going to be a hot spot. We sat at the bar and always my type of seating. Brendan was attentive, knowledgeable and efficient. All the staff is very sweet and welcoming. Someone is always checking on you like a wonderful host. Love seeing the open kitchen and they turn food very quickly to ensure you aren't hangry. Cocktails, cocktails and more craft cocktails. I decided on Pretty Fly for a Chai Guy. Now I wouldn't have chai or whiskey any other way after this. I will have the Tropic Thunder next time for a more sweet take. Simple menu that offers quite the tasteful delights. Next time I am having the brioche bread. The chicken liver tart is yummy; the surprising tartness of cherry mixed with the savory pate is refreshing and addictive to not share. The sharing plates are generous. We couldn't believe our eyes on the chicken entree but I'm a carnivore. Naturally my favorite was the steak and cooked medium rare. While the special was a take on the traditional root beer float with Mexican beer, I couldn't resist the peach pavlova. THAT is killer. Well next to the homemade in house apricot gummy bear. The next best thing is to serve it frozen during the summer heat. Trust me... game changer. You're welcome. One star shy because the acoustics in here can be much. Not sure if the group next to us was inebriatedly loud or just the walls echoing. Forced me to whisper into the babe's ear and I had to do it often. Thanks BearLeek. Since I believe this used to be an underground ramen spot, I can see why the combination of neon lights, dark walls and being under can give someone vertigo. However, ironically one of the best music play list at any spot I've been to so far here in Denver outside of a hip club or EDM rave. I'll be back to see what else they come up with as well as to introduce my friends to a new spot. Bear Leek makes it seem like your own little world and but you don't need a wristband to get in here to be in it. read more

See all

My team and I decided to try out BearLeek when we were in town. The atmosphere was low-lite, modern, and upscale. To get to the restaurant you must walk down stairs upon entering the building and we were immediately greeted by the hostess. We ordered a LOT of food to include drinks (el oso, el prickly pear, and Joie sparkling wine), lamb shank, burrata, roasted carrots, and chocolate tres de leche. Everything was very good with the exception of the burrata and tres leches cake. The burrata was too chewy for us and none of us are generally speaking true fans of tres de leche so that wasn't a shocker. Service was excellent and always made sure our waters were full and that we were taken care of. If you want to try a restaurant that's out of the ordinary and willing to spend a moderate amount, I'd recommend trying BearLeek. read more

I have been wanting to check this place out since it opened, and we were lucky to find an 8:15p reservation for two the same day for a Saturday night. The restaurant is underground, with a skinny entrance at the street level and a staircase that leads you to a moody, dimly-lit waiting area. The hostess Tara, who I believe is a part founder, was very nice, and although our table wasn't ready yet, helped us order drinks to have something to sip on while we waited. We both tried the Sherman Klump - I love a cocktail with an egg White. I tried to see if they could swap the gin for tequila, but it was not an option with this drink as it was pre-batched. Once we were at our table, our server, Andrew was prompt and attentive. We started with the French onion tart, the beets, the burrata, and the bread and butter. The bread was sweet and soft, and the butter was shaped into their signature bear logo - a fancy and awesome touch. The beats were good, the creamy cheese they were sitting on was delicious, but I felt the dish could have benefited from a crunchy component or something to add a bit of texture. The French onion tart also had really great flavors, but I felt like the texture again left something to be desired. The tart itself seemed almost stale in the texture - crumby, crumbling with each bite, not what i expected but Maybe that was the intention. Don't think i would order it again. The burrata was delicious, the lavash crackers were a great pairing to keep it light and balanced while not overfilling you before the other dishes come out. Finally, we shared the lamb shank, it was so tender and well seasoned, this was really the hit of the meal. We also loved the unique bread it was served with, it was crispy yet soft and a perfect pairing. All in all, it was a good meal, most of the dishes were very fairly priced, and there were several I still want to try, including a famous dessert so I will definitely be back read more

See all

Tucked away in a dimly lit basement is where you'll find this new addition to the Denver food scene. My partner and i sat at the chefs counter as we normally do for any new restaurants we try. It was close to closing (2 hours prior) so it seemed like service was tapering off and the vibe of the restaurant reflected that. The food was delicious. Almost all of the dishes were able to accommodate my partner's allergies (crustaceans & nuts) which is a huge plus. The frier is also kept gluten free for all those who have celiac allergies. Everything we got was amazing. All of the flavors really came together in good way without being overly complicated. Our favorites of the night were the tuna crudo and the tomato melon salad. That salad was possibly one of the best i've ever had. The only dish i could critique would be the liver mousse tartlet. While the flavors were good, the texture of the hard shell and the smooth mousse were constantly fighting for dominance on my pallet. I think this dish would be better on that amazing milk bread they make in house but that's just my opinion! If you haven't checked it out yet this place is worth your time and money. read more

See all

Went here to celebrate my birthday and really enjoyed my meal. It's mostly shared plates with 3 "entree" options but all meant for sharing. 4-5 small plates for 2 people was plenty. My favorites were the French onion tartlet (so cheesy and full of caramelized onions in a perfect tart) followed by the tuna crudo (it's smoked and was on a bed of labneh and greens)!and pierogi (I was skeptical about fancy pierogis but they were delicious with truffle butter). The bread and butter as good if you like your carbs but otherwise I say skip this one so you have room for the more unique dishes. Tomato and Melon in Bear Cham was good but didn't wow me as much as I had anticipated. There's also a separate bar menu if you sit at the bar, though you can still have the regular menu too. Service was great with food coming out in stages rather than at once and coming to refill your water glass frequently. They don't clear plates in between courses unless asked but I don't think they're going for that vibe. It's located in a basement (formally Osaka ramen) and it's dark with blue lights. Staff were all friendly and informative. The hostess Nelly was the sweetest and wished me a happy birthday but otherwise they didn't do anything special for my birthday (I always appreciate a place that does a free dessert or drinks) Parking: it's RiNO so plan accordingly but apparently they're working on validating parking from a nearby lot read more

See all

Stopped in for a pre-celebration drinks/apps. The perogies were superb. Staff were friendly. The restaurant sounded like a lounge with loud music so we didn't stay long. read more

BearLeek - A white, round plate holds several ravioli pasta pieces covered in a yellow sauce. The dish is garnished with microgreens on top. The plate is placed on a dark wooden table, with a spoon resting on the edge of the plate, and a glass of water and other tableware visible in the background. - American Near Me - Denver, Colorado

A bear and a leek walk into a basement... and somehow Denver got one of its hottest new restaurants. BearLeek in RiNo is a total vibe, and I'm already planning my next visit. The food was fantastic overall. The tartare was easily one of the best I've ever had -- bold flavor and served with incredible fluffy bread. Speaking of bread, the Bread & ButterBear was such a fun, whimsical touch, and those rolls? Absolute fire. Other highlights for me were the burrata, tuna crudo, and pavlova. Drinks were just as impressive. The cocktails are balanced, complex, and beautifully made, and the wine list pairs perfectly with the menu. Add in a lively, moody atmosphere and welcoming service, and it's the kind of spot that works for date night, a friends' night out, or anything in between. The only miss for me was the fried chicken, which leaned a little dry (though the skin was flavorful). But even with that, the overall experience was excellent, and I'll absolutely be back -- especially to try their happy hour burger. read more

See all

Bear Leek: Chef Cred, Authentic Energy, and a Charred Radish Dish Worth Booking For TL;DR Promising new spot with a chef worth following. Some dishes still finding their way, but great service, lively vibe, and enough potential to make me want to return. Open just a week, Bear Leek already has buzz thanks to a chef with serious street cred and the main reason we booked on a recent Friday. The creativity is there, but some dishes felt heavy, with purées and sauces that muted flavors rather than showcasing the main ingredients. The burrata was creamy but lacked the heat which we anticipated from the BearLeek chili crunch, and the pine nuts tasted a bit past their prime. The pierogi filling was a bit grainy and had no chive flavor. The pierogi were buried under radishes that were covered by the oily charred leek butter. The tuna crudo was fresh and the peas were a bright addition, but the individual components never came together. The clear winner for me was the charred radish. It was spiky and was paired with a whipped chickpea miso that was light and cloudlike. Service was a highlight, friendly and genuinely authentic. The chef stopped by to swap stories on our favorite Denver dining spots, and one server recognized us from another restaurant, which was a warm, personal touch. The space itself is dark and industrial with trendy lighting, perfectly suited to the restaurant's subterranean setting. We'll be back because I'm curious to see how the menu evolves. From the menu: Burrata (BearLeek chili crunch, pine nuts, fennel sesame lovage) Pierogi (chive potato filling, radish, lemon, charred leek butter) Tuna Crudo (labneh, peas, lemon mint vinaigrette, sesame ponzu) Charred Radish (lemon vinaigrette, whipped chickpea miso) read more

See all

Not a bad item on the menu. From start to finish every dish was delicious and decently portioned - enough to satiate not necessarily enough for leftovers. The kitchen did a nice job at pacing the courses so we were able to try so many dishes without feeling stuffed right away. If they're on the menu, the Honey Roasted Turnips and Potato Rösti were my favorites! It felt like every staff member paid us a visit over the course of the night, we were incredibly well cared for during our time there. My only commentary is the noise volume. We were here for dinner at 7:30 on a Friday night, so the restaurant was full. Unfortunately, it was so loud I felt like I was yelling across the table. I kept leaning in to try and hear better but of course that's difficult when there's food on the table. read more

I've eaten here a few times and each time was perfection. The attentive service, the fun of the chef's counter, and the love of each ingredient put on my plate are all noteworthy. I have to say that french onion tart is insanity in the best way, it's really delicious. I'm so elated to have this place in the neighborhood, it's really a cozy dining experience with a lot of love for each ingredient. read more

See all

Four of us went to dinner at Bear Leek. The food and service were excellent. We enjoyed: --Spicy fresh tomato and melon: unusual dish, excellent flavor --French onion tart: Superb --Halibut and ratatouille: Perfectly cooked. Great flavors. --Fried chicken: Wonderful seasonings. Moist and tender. --Tres leches cake: Very good The entrance to the restaurant is at street level, then you descend stairs into a long, narrow room. The room is well lit and depending upon where you sit, you can see the open kitchen. read more

We really enjoyed our anniversary here! The food was creative and tasty! I thought the chicken was a little overpriced for chicken but overall we liked it and would go back. read more

See all

Staff are amazing and the vibe is interesting in a good way. I found the food to be simple and elevated with flavor. The bread and butter is their shtick, but I probably would not order again. I mean it is good, but it is brioche with infused butter. We had 4 dishes and I found them all to be balanced, interesting and delicious. For me, the dessert was lacking. There was basque cheesecake that looked good, but I do not like cheesecake. A popsicle that ties in that theme? Above my head and not anything that speaks to me which left the brownie which I found mediocre; however, my dining partner loved. For me there was no depth of flavor. read more

BearLeek is amazing! From the attentive service to the top notch food, you truly cannot go wrong with this place. Came in for Valentine's Day and had a great time! Certainly on the pricier side, but 100% worth it. read more

BearLeek - Schnitzel - A white plate holds fried chicken pieces topped with shredded cheese and garnished with orange segments. The dish is placed on a dark wooden table, with a small empty plate and utensils visible in the background, indicating a dining setting. - American Near Me - Denver, Colorado

See all

Came here for a birthday dinner. Everything was unique, delicious, memorable. Only downside - host was also our server. She was lovely. Just wished it was staffed separately. Prices are fair. read more

See all

Take all my money! BearLeek is now up there for my favs in Denver from their friendly and interactive service at the chefs counter, to the unique array of food options to the all around good vibes. All of our food was amazing and it even accommodated to my wife's dairy intolerance without any issues. This usually means the food will be missing something but dairy was just a bonus for me in this case. Oh another thing is I have never been somewhere that completely transforms fruit and vegetables the way this place does! The melon salad was incredible! My only complaint is having to walk up Those stairs after that massive meal but honestly it was probably needed after we practically inhaled all of that food read more

See all

Note you have to walk down steep stairs to enter this basement level resetaurant. My partner booked reservations ahead of time and read all the rave about this place; however, it unfortunately did not deliver. Service was good. Debatably too attentive. They refilled our water super frequently which kept interrupting our convos. I think in order to avoid that, just leave a jug of water on the table for us to refill ourselves. Bread and butter: Hot fresh brioche rolls with honey butter in the shape of a gummy bear. It was good but reminded me of Texas Roadhouse ones with cinnamon butter and those are free. Def not worth the $11 Burrata: This was a different take on burrata with hot chili oil. Not bad. More burrata than crackers provided. French Onion Tartlet: Overhyped, this was my least favorite. Flavors didn't mesh well together for me. Piergo: 4 pierogies. This was just OK. Nothing special. Hamachi Crudo: 4 pieces. Nothing special. Def not worth $20. Overall, we were super excited to come here but left disappointed. Didn't see what all the hype was about. read more

We had an incredible meal last night celebrating our last year of dating and one year till our wedding! I love getting to watch food being prepared and the dance of chefs in a kitchen, so the Chefs counter was a no brainer when booking. We were lucky to be served by Andrew who did an exceptional job on checking in on us all while plating and manning his station. There were just two of us and the amount we ordered left us satisfied but not overally full. The dishes were coursed out and we were there for about two hours. Chicken liver tart (we could eat the mousse by the spoonful) Beef tartare served with toast which was a lovely addition in comparison to the traditional cracker with tartare Tomato and melon salad that I might dream about. It was a mix of sweet, salty, hint of spice from the jalepeno slice. It's amazing. Perogies!! They were delicate and buttery seriously devoured within a few short minutes. Fried chicken was the winner for me. I have never had a crust on fried chicken like we had last night. The mix of gluten free flours encapsulated the chicken so well that it was incredibly moist inside. The fennel salad below was tangy cutting through richness of the chicken. We finished with the pavlova. It was good but not our favorite. The ice cream below was a little too frozen so it was a little hard to eat. I'm a sucker for sweet and salty but the amount of flaked salt on it maybe over poured the taste of peach. Overall, we will be back forsure. The atmosphere, food and service were memorable. read more

See all

I love going underground and how they have moody lighting but not dark. Sitting at the bar was the move. The happy hour menu is fantastic! We loved how each dish came out one at a time so we could savor each plate without getting overwhelmed. The bread with orange cardamom butter was a beautiful pairing of flavors. The burger was my favorite bite of the night. The tartlet is so decadent and rich! My happy hour drink (not pictured) the El Oso was great and so was the Sherman Klump on the regular drink menu. I can't wait to come back here. Great experience overall! read more

See all

We joined friends here for our monthly dinner outing, and wow - BearLeek absolutely delivered. From the moment we sat down, the vibe, the service, and the food were all perfectly in sync. We told our waitress to take us on the ideal food journey, and she nailed it. Every course built beautifully on the last - thoughtful, flavorful, and full of surprises. We started with the French Onion Tartlet, a flaky, caramelized bite of heaven - rich, comforting, and perfectly balanced. The Hamachi Crudo was next - bright, delicate, and fresh, a total contrast that worked so well. The Wedge Salad somehow managed to make a classic feel new again - crisp, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Then came the Pierogi - pure comfort with a gourmet twist. But the Burger... that's where BearLeek truly flexes. This isn't your average burger - it's a masterpiece. Perfectly cooked, layered with unexpected flavor and texture, and honestly worthy of its own cult following. (Seriously, look it up - there's a reason people are talking about it.) Every plate felt intentional, every bite memorable. The atmosphere was relaxed but refined, and the staff made the night feel effortless. BearLeek is one of those rare spots that makes you rethink what dining out can be - approachable, elevated, and just darn good. Denver, this one's a gem. They are young, so let's so them some love so they are around for a long time. read more

We had a wonderful time for date night on Halloween. Sat at chefs counter, which got a little toasty at times, but it was still very fun to watch the process. Music went from Khruangbin to 2000s rap, which we loved, True to the Denver vibe. We ordered the brisket skewers from the happy hour menu. I got a St. Germaine, Tito's, soda and lemon which was made perfectly. We added the hamachi crudo, wagyu tartare, burrata, and beets. It was all delicious. Will be back- and next time I will get an entree! read more

See all

One of the best meals we've had in Denver. There were two of us, and we shared three small plates, one entrée, a dessert, and four drinks. The total was just under $200, though we could have easily spent less. Everything we tried is shown in the photos, but the standout for me was the burrata, while my husband's favorite was the pierogies. The restaurant is on the smaller side, so making a reservation is a good idea. The staff were especially friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their own recommendations. Overall, it was a memorable dining experience and absolutely worth a visit. read more

See all

Tucked into a cute space in Denver's RiNo neighborhood, BearLeek IMHO IS one of the most exciting restaurants in Denver. A sleek, industrial-chic space that perfectly blends underground cool with culinary sophistication--a vibe that's both stylish and inviting, What truly sets BearLeek apart is its inventive and globally inspired menu. The Chef brings a fusion of unique flavors creating amazing surprising dishes. It also seems like the menu changes frequently with the seasons and fresh ingredient availability. Do not miss the thoughtfully prepared koji-brined, Sichuan-kissed fried chicken, tuna crudo with whipped labneh. The gummy bear-shaped butters and passion fruit cream pops are delicious and playful. The globally influenced mash-up of flavors somehow works and translates into heavenly bites. Complementing the food is an inventive beverage program that mirrors the kitchen's creativity, with high-technique cocktails and a curated wine list that elevate the entire experience. With its buzz-worthy atmosphere, standout dishes, and creative flair, I think BearLeek is a must destination. Great job! read more

I rarely write glowing reviews, but this establishment and its incredible staff deserve serious recognition. Every single item I tasted made my mouth water--this menu is a series of surprises, where each ingredient is intentional and perfectly balanced. It's clear the kitchen is run by people who care deeply about flavor, creativity, and presentation. The atmosphere transported me straight back to San Francisco--dark, intimate, and full of edge. I loved the neon lights and graffiti touches, which gave it a bold, urban character. That said, it wasn't so dim that I couldn't read my menu or see the stunning plates being served. I've sat both in the main dining room and at the chef's counter--both excellent choices, each offering a different but equally memorable experience. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just someone who appreciates a thoughtful, well-executed meal, this place will leave you impressed. read more

See all

So happy this spot opened up in RiNo--such a great upgrade from Osaka Ramen. The ambience is sleek and elevated, and the cocktails are amazing. We loved the milk punch (Rummin all over the world), Garden Grove, and the complimentary melon bearcello was a standout. The tuna crudo and tomato & melon in bear cham were both super fresh and flavorful. Also loved the Bear Pop--a fun, ice cream-style treat. Carlos took great care of us at the bar, and I'm excited they're launching a 4-5pm happy hour. I'm picky, but I'll definitely be back regularly! read more

See all

A fun alternative to other restaurants in the LoDo area. We sat at the bar and had a great time with the server. Cocktails are amazing. And food was really good. read more

Great atmosphere. Great service. Not a lot of gf options but the pork was good. Went on valentines Day.