I have only been here from brunch which is excellent but the set up is uncomfortable. Too many tables and chairs in a small space and bad decor. read more

Nope. Not learning this lesson again. I've tried this place so many times and I'm usually disappointed. I've had food poisoning twice now! Don't eat the seafood! read more

I have had yelp on my phone for years, and officially signed up today to validate the amazingness of the chicken and waffles I ate this morning. Incredible!!!! read more

Great food, drinks and service!!! Sometimes there's a, wait. But definitely worth it!!! My favorite brunch food is garden omelet! ! So so good read more

This place killlls the brunch game, Jelly, Snooze, forget those places. This is the spot

Awesome place...food..drinks..service was so goos. We were with a group and had trout. ..chicken ravioli. .ca prese salad and clams & linguini. ...loved the atmosphere read more

Could never get tired of this place. Amazing brunch and the best bloody mary's in Denver.

I really liked this place the one time I was there. Sometimes it's hard to find a place that has a good variety of Italian food that still keeps the the traditional red sauce and meatballs on the menu. I also had the cobia sliders that tasted fresh and where grilled to perfection. I would defiantly come back. read more

It's headed downhill. Been coming here for a couple of years. Around twice per month. Used to be consistently good. No longer. --Wine pours have gotten shorter... --Meatballs consistently luke warm... --Register prices and menu don't always match up. Check your ticket! Wish some other restaurants would move into the 'hood. read more

Gnocchi is awesome pasta in meat sauce was gr at and the calamari is incredible! I highly recommend this place!

I will say that this was a great experience. I really had to debate on the stars here...food and service were excellent, however out ticket time was almost 30-35 minutes for the entrées but it was a Friday night. My wife and I both went for the specials, and I'm glad we did. I had the duck with spinach and a risotto, and my wife that the rack of lamb. The duck was cooked to perfection and the pairing with the spinach and the risotto was a great match. My wife's lamb was mid rare (as it should be - purists here!!) and was ever so succulent. I highly recommend trying this fantastic, fun Italian bistro!!!!!! read more

An Italian restaurant where it seemed we were the only Italians on the property apparently. Waitress was very nice and accommodating but we had a difficult time understanding her accent and asked her to repeat herself several times. Wait staff in general very nice and friendly. Food was overall dissappointing: -Complimentary rosemary bread very doughy, hard to share. -Balsamic dip for bread heavy on the vinegar side. Unpalatable. NO SPOON for portioning out, hard to share sauce with large table passing it back and forth, spilling, etc. -Beet salad nothing to write home about; candied spiced nuts were too large, too hard and had funky taste. Dressing was just ok. -Malbec wine was fantastic. -Lemonade was good. -The appetizer was delicious: Pulled pork between cornbread-like fritters with avocado, salsa and sauce. Not Italian but very good. NO SPOON to gather the sauce. -Caprese salad was blah. I wiped the plate with the bread to soak up the oil and vinegar hoping it was better than the dipping sauce but the vinegar had too much of a bite. There were 5 of us dining and every dish was mediocre: *Lasagna: dry and not high on flavor whatsoever. *Chicken parm: just ok. *Spaghetti and meatball: sauce was blah, just ok. HUGE meatball nothing to write home about, pretty pink on the inside. *Tortelloni with bolognese (an unusual pairing to begin with): HUGE chunks of sausage and meat toppled like a mole hill atop tortelloni that was overcooked. NO DEPTH to the bolognese. Really lacked sauce and flavor. All meat, no sauce. *Crab encrusted salmon with potatoes and asparagus: Salmon cooked perfectly but the pool of sauce lacked oomph. I was waiting for that burst of flavor when I passed my fork through the sauce but was let down. Crab was tasty. Asparagus a bit tough. Potatoes were cooked perfectly but lacked seasoning other than salt. We passed on dessert so as not to add insult to injury, went someplace else for coffee and dessert; wanted to cut our losses. We sat out on the patio and the flies were relentless. Very peaceful, quiet, quaint restaurant but all of us were severly dissappointed. After leaving we continually joked, "Where are we going to eat tonight". I felt bad for my family who drove up from Colorado Springs for dinners that were just "Meh". A special night that had potential but was wasted. Bummer. Our visit took place on Sunday 9-6-15. read more

Best Italian food in Congress Park neighborhood. Service is ridiculously awesome. The specials are always so good I barely even need a menu anymore. read more

Came to shells and sauce as girls date night and it was amazing! The food was great from their bread, down to the main dish. And our server Jamie was so helpful with his suggestions and detailed even told us what broth was used in each dish. Great experience and definitely coming back! Our vday dinner was perfect read more

What excellent restaurant great food, even better service, incredible atmosphere if your in the Denver area please check them out.

I've been here about five or six times, both for brunch and dinner. For brunch I always get the chicken and waffles, which are great. Sometimes it gets too loud due to the space, and the service has been slow a couple of times. Overall, though, it's a good place. read more

Delicious food, amazing happy hour specials (3-6 I believe). I love the atmosphere, especially the outdoor patio. Great place for brunch! Be careful, some of the entrees are enough for 2 people! (Especially after the delightful fresh baked bread, and delicious Brussel sprouts). Yum. read more

I tried Shells and Sauce last night for the first time. I ordered the eggplant parmesan with side of bolognaise. My friend ordered the bolognaise and we shared a bottle of Cabernet. We sat outside and the atmosphere was lovely. Service was very good and we overall had a nice experience. The reason I'm only giving three stars is that I was very disappointed in my meal. While the portion was ample, the three eggplant cutlets were basically thick cut, over-breaded, plain, dry cutlets. There was hardly any sauce or cheese on the plate at all. I've seen photos on yelp with dishes covered in oven-browed mozzarella. This was not what I received. I almost wonder if they forgot to add the sauce and cheese. I probably should have said something, but I was a guest of my friend and didn't want to cause a scene. I also wasn't sure if this was the standard way of serving the dish. As an Italian, I wasn't very impressed with the bolognaise either. We also ordered cheesecake and again, it just wasn't the best I've ever had. I would suggest giving the restaurant a try. Just consider something other than eggplant parm. read more

Stuffed shells- possibly the best pasta I've had in my entire life. The service was great too. read more

This is with out a doubt my fav restaurant in Denver. Best seafood and stuffed shells I have ever tasted. I always try something different on the menu cause it's always so good. read more

All time favorite place to eat, great atmosphere and great customer service. The food is like a hug in your mouth. Straight fire

Simply put: the service is unmatched, the food is phenomenal, and the price is reasonable for the connivence of the other two amenities.

Delicious meal!! Loved the bread, the pasta, and a great evening outside on their patio!!

We were with a large party of 12 or more people on Saturday night. I ordered a second drink and after quite a long wait asked the waitress (Madison) if it was on the way. She said yes and walked away. After waiting for quite a bit longer my boyfriend asked if my drink would be here soon the waitress replied "as you can see we are very busy tonight" and walked away. She came back about five minutes later, handed me my drink and said "see, I told you that you would live" and walked away. Needless to say that cost her a tip on our end. However, she wrote in an 18% tip of her own. Only then did we call and complain to management who said they would call us back and never did. Hostile service combined with management that condones it. Never. Again. read more

My partner and I have heard amazing things about this place, and decided to give it a try tonight. To say that it's underwhelming is being kind. Our first mistake was planning out our entire meal from the online menu. When we got there, we were shocked at how many things weren't on the menu (from drinks to appetizers to pastas, and the list goes on). At first, we were told that Shells and Sauce was having a hard time updating the online menu (figure it out). Then we were told that the regular menu was pared down for restaurant week (believable). Our server apologized, but assured us the menu in our hands was correct. So we ordered, to include an appetizer of calamari with a side of the caper remoulade sauce. The menu said it was available with the crab cakes and the online menu said it automatically came with the calamari. Not so fast. That was no long available, even though it was on the printed menu. So much for the menu being correct. Also, their wifi wasn't working, and I had to point that out. Someone did come to our table, but never introduced himself, or made himself known as any sort of manager. That said, it was reset and started working. The food was OK, but nothing to write home about. Do NOT get the Cajun Pasta...who puts fried chicken in a pasta dish?!? While our server was kind, and could understand our frustrations, we were shocked at the lack of acknowledgement that nearly everything with our visit had an issue (had to ask for things twice, and unfortunately the list goes on from everything mentioned). Apologies and acknowledgements from someone other than our server (who clearly was just trying to appease us) would have been nice. Lastly, the kicker came with the bill. Full price for everything. No acknowledgement. No "let us make this right for you." Poor, poor customer service. So many other quaint Italian places in Denver (see previous reviews if you're looking for suggestions). Stay away from here. read more

We went with high hopes, but it was very mediocre. Started with Brussels sprouts, taste was ok but very greasy. He had stuffed shells, the sweet potato tasted like they had added sugar - never has been a fan of sugary sweet potatoes! I had the chicken piccata which was very average. Oh well. Probably won't go back. read more

Very filling! Service was excellent, and waitress was very knowledgeable about food and drinks. This place had a very welcoming feel, recommended! read more

Shells and Sauce is by far my favorite Italian restaurant in all of Denver. The food is always amazing, service is tremendous and the overall atmosphere is warm and inviting. My favorite is their Shrimp Diavola and I am never able to prevent myself from eating more than I should of their bread and the delicious sauce that comes with it. For anyone looking for a great date night or where to take friends when visiting, or simply want fantastic italian food, Shells and Sauce is your place. read more

Shells and sauce is an awesome restaurant that is very popular in the neighborhood. Reasonable prices, really delicious no frills food, and I love the roof top, you can just sit up there drinking a 3$ mimosa (or 5) and watch the neighborhood go by. We usually end up there for brunch. Large portions, very very friendly staff, and a delicious 3$ bloody mary as well. Eggs carbonara for brunch is KILLER. read more

Stopped in last night for a quick glass of wine and to place a take out order. It was about 7 pm and as such the downstairs dining room was all abuzz with energy. Not knowing that I was intending to grab some take out the hostess suggested that I head upstairs to the enclosed patio. I obliged and grabbed a seat at the bar up there. However, after waiting about 5 minutes and not getting any attention I headed back down to the dining room bar. No big deal, but they may want to add one or two more servers for the upstairs instead of having the bartender up there wait on all the tables as well. Once back downstairs, the bartender there poured me a nice glass of thier Nebiollo and placed my order, the stuffed shells (SWOON) and a side of the pumpkin gnocchi to-go. For a place named shells and sauce I figured it was a safe assumption that their "signature" dish would not disappoint, and was I ever glad that I went with that! Sweet potato, butternut and goat cheese filling topped with a pesto cream sauce, I wish they were bigger or that 4 came in the dish, but that would just make me a fat kid so 3 it was. Good thing I ordered the side of Pumpkin Gnocchi! They were very delicious, but as it goes with take away food, Gnocchi is something that you really should enjoy in the restaurant as it rarely reheats the same. Nonetheless, it was the perfect nibble of fall flavors that I was looking for. Quick note about the side - after I left, I thought about it and it appears (based on looking at the online menu and my itimized receipt) that I was slightly overcharged for the side. The menu lists it at $4.95 and my receipt shows $5.95. Oh well, all of these tastes were worth it. Also - even if you drop in to grab take out, they always include a fresh loaf of bread and their signature dipping sauce! Give it a try, you'll love it! read more

My new favorite place. Been in 4 times. Everything has been very good. Solid service. Nice atmosphere. Very reasonable. Get there early or make reservations. 4.5 really. read more

I came to meet the owner to just get a concert ticket and get I bite to eat and the kitchen was closed to get ready for the new years dinner. I was kinda bummed at first. But then they made me a special meal anyway! Great wine great food and great people! 2 thumbs up in my book! read more

We had an 8:30 reservation on a Saturday night. We arrived on time, but our table wasn't ready. We waited at the crowded bar for about fifteen minutes. Once our table was ready, we sat down and were quickly served delicious, warm, soft bread. Our waiter was fabulous - friendly, attentive, fun without forcing it. One of us had the asparagus/shrimp special, and the other had sweet potato stuffed shells. Both meals were really good. We also had the truffle mac and cheese, which was good, but not great - a little heavy and bland. We shared their homemade tiramisu for dessert and it was really delicious. We'll definitely be back to this place. It would be nice if it weren't quite so crowded and smallish (so that you're super close to other people), but no place is perfect. If you're in the mood for something quiet or romantic, this is not your destination. Otherwise, I'd highly recommend it. read more

Really Cute!! Exposed ceilings, roof and patio seating. Delicious food with generous portions.I ordered the Marsala with Chicken and it was amazing, as good as marsala I've had in Italy. It had a very nice touch of being served on garlic mashed potatoes. Average main dish $13-20. Great wine selection. Really nice fresh bread with dipping sauce( seriously amazing). They also had amazing cheaper pizzas ( which we didnt try, but looked SOOOO good). I would've given it a 5 except, we waited 10 minutes to even have a host greet us. We didn't have to wait for a table ( we made reservations, which btw was quick and easy). It was also very LOUD in the restaurant. We got there around 8 so it was dying down, but it we be difficult at its height to really enjoy conversation. Finally, there were several flies lurking around, which my fiance was disgusted by. read more

I went to shells and sauce on a Friday night not long ago after hearing so much hype and then purchasing a daily deal. I was excited to check this place out for myself and in the end only wished it lived up to the expectations. My first impression was that it was hot, temperature wise, in the building which was annoying. Our server was adequate, but nothing to wonderful. Everyone at the table ordered different things ravioli dish, shrimp fradiavlo, salmon piccata and pork chop and we all felt similarly. The food was certainly edible but nothing special at all, think step up from olive garden with nicer decor. The highlight was the bread brought to the table. While I went in with high hopes I was let down and don't see myself returning except perhaps to give brunch a whirl. read more

Fantastic! Went there multiple times, once with my parents who have food allergies and they were more than accomodating. The food is excellent and the portion sizes are just right. I'll be back again. read more

My wife and I showed up without a reservation and they helped us find a place at the bar which was fine by us. From the bartender to the owner, the staff was friendly and courteous. Our food was delicious. Our overall impression of this restaurant was really good and would recommend it to all of our friends. read more

Recently moved to the neighborhood and could not be more happy that this restaurant is just a couple of blocks away! Their Stuffed Shells with butternut squash, goat cheese, and pesto are the best I have ever head. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Doesn't get much better. read more

Great ambiance and atmosphere with some really solid food as well. Only (minor) complaint is that the building is a bit small, but there's little to be done about that! Very friendly staff will take good care of you. I recommend the clams! read more

Went for ":dunch" on Saturday afternoon. Servers are the greatest. And very patient when it comes to an indecisive boyfriend. It was happy hour so we had fries, slider, pizza. I also had the bacon wrapped chicken. YUM. I love that this place is right around the corner for me. But I would recommend it to people who live an hour away. Brunch is incredible. Dinner is incredible. Depending on what you order it isn't too pricey. Especially if you go at happy hour. read more