About

4.4
(
1103
)
Ajax Downtown offers a stylish dining experience focusing on wood-fired American cuisine complemented by craft beers and cocktails. The venue features a trendy patio, rooftop seating, and live music, creating an upscale and romantic atmosphere perfect for various dining occasions.
What's Included:
🔥 Wood-fired American dishes
🍺 Extensive craft beer selection
🍸 Creative cocktails and wine list
🎶 Live music and rooftop seating
Important Information:
Brunch and dinner reservations recommendedOutdoor seating availablePaid parking and valet servicesWheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seatingOffers vegetarian options and kids’ menu
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🍸 Try the Craft Cocktails: The bartenders, especially Jess, craft memorable cocktails that elevate the dining experience.
🥞 Don't Miss the Dutch Baby Pancake: A favorite brunch item that guests rave about for its perfect flavor and presentation.
🌇 Rooftop & Patio Seating: Ideal spots for enjoying live music and the trendy vibe, especially during warmer months.
🍽️ Reservations Recommended: For brunch and dinner, booking ahead ensures a table and reduces wait times.
⏰ Hours
Monday: 7 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 7 AM–9 PM
Friday: 7 AM–9 PM
Saturday: 8 AM–10 PM
Sunday: 8 AM–9 PM
👉 Best For
Brunch, dinner, special occasions, groups
📍
Ajax Downtown
1899 16th St Mall
,
Denver
,
CO
80202
Public Review Sentiment
.svg)
Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Ajax Downtown is praised for its upscale ambiance, standout service, and quality wood-fired American dishes, especially the tomahawk steak and Dutch baby pancake. Guests enjoy the craft beer selection and cocktails as well. Some reviews mention pricey entrees and occasional inconsistency in food quality, but overall the restaurant is highly recommended for its atmosphere and attentive staff.
Last updated on
July 7, 2025
🍽️ Standout Dishes
Tomahawk Steak, Dutch Baby Pancake, Avocado Toast, Caesar Salad, Halibut, Pork Chop, Truffle Fries, Mussels, Oysters, Swordfish, Charcuterie, Duck Fat Potatoes, Potato Cake, Chocolate Bomb, Coconut Pavlova, Shrimp with Romesco Sauce, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tart
📆 Best Times to Visit
Visit for brunch to enjoy the Dutch baby pancake or during happy hour 4–6 PM for truffle fries and craft cocktails. Weekday evenings see a lively but relaxed crowd.
♿️ Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating ensure comfort for guests with mobility needs.
🧑🍳 Reservation Policy
Reservations recommended for brunch and dinner
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✅ Cancellation Policy
None