Lucina Eatery & Bar

"I found the menu here very intriguing as I had never heard of several of the dishes. I spent some time researching before I could decide what I might want to order. That's usually not the case with my jaded palate, so it was fun to try something completely new. I enjoyed a great, properly-composed mojito which is not easy to find in Denver. We started with the empanadas, two very large pastries stuffed with shredded chicken braised in sherry with an herb remoulade. The pastry was perfectly crispy and the chicken was tender and delicious. I did find the portion of remoulade stingy and would have preferred twice as much. We continued with the tlacoyo cochinita, a native dish from Mexico that probably dates back to the Aztecs. This was a boat-shaped corn cake with slow roasted pork, refried beans, salsa macha (a native chile paste from Veracruz), pickled onions, and garlic sour cream. This was also a great mix of flavors with a perfect corn cake and tender meat. Most of the menu is appetizers and "small" plates. Our server proudly explained that the portions were very large. This left us confused and disappointed. We would have very much liked to try two more dishes, but one appetizer and one small plate filled us up. I don't understand the large portions with such an interesting, sharable menu. Other items on the menu wander from Spain to traditional dishes with Mayan and Aztec roots to Puerto Rico and El Salvador. Most of this is street food that has been tweaked and elevated to fine dining. We're eager to go back to try some of the other items. Service was great. Our server was very helpful and had many suggestions. The space is long and very narrow, especially the front with a row of tables very close to the bar. My handicapped friend had difficulty navigating and we had to ask several people to move. The sound level is stupefying. We could barely hear the server and carrying on a conversation was almost impossible. We'd still like to return, although probably right at opening time."

"Such a great experience at Lucina. Chris, our server, was lovely. Vibe is fantastic — recommend sitting at the bar if you can. Food was so delicious! Ceviche, paella, and tlacoyo all out of this world. And cocktails were awesome too."

"If there ever was a restaurant that deserves a perfect 5.0 rating, this is it. The way they blend flavors in the drinks and the food is absolutely incredible. The Tiki drink I had excited the sense of taste as much as smell. The burning embers, mint, and rum made for a combo like nothing I've ever had before. The burger may be the best burger I have ever had. And I seek out the best burgers, but I can't think of one that compares to this. The wagyu was perfectly cooked and the aioli made the perfect accent. The steak with chimichurri was perfect. The salad had a unique taste that was incredible. The Banana con Dulce de Leche topped off the evening. I really can't get over how well they blend flavors for a taste that is out of this world!"

"I had one of the best culinary experiences of my life at Lucina! The craft cocktail list was amazing. We were lucky enough to be personally welcomed by one of the owners, Ras. We let him guide our dinner as he chose recommended plates for us. It was phenomenal. We were worried we wouldn’t be able to have the paella because of a shellfish allergy. He assured us all dishes are made to order and he was able to substitute shellfish with chorizo, pork belly and summer squash. I will be forever dreaming of their house bread, the Tlacoyo Cochinita and every bite at this dinner. Come for the amazing food and enjoy the cozy atmosphere and hospitality. Sad they are not in NYC, I’ll have to return next time we are in Denver!"

"Best part: all the tapas ! Super flavorful and reasonably priced and filling ! The carrots, empanadas, and the pulled pork dish were all excellent! Not the best part: the main dish of the snapper was $70 and the least flavorful - kind of boring and way overpriced ! The atmosphere itself is fun and vibrant but was very loud. Would definitely come back again but would just stick to the tapas and share !"