Salt Water Social amps up the “surf” from The ONE Group, Denver-based owners of STK Steakhouse and other area restaurants
by Amanda Lacey
Colorado might have a long history as a steak state, but Salt Water Social is the hot new seafood restaurant concept from the Denver-based owners of STK Steakhouse. While there’s plenty of “from the land” on the menu, the highlight here is ultra-fresh, creative “surf” dishes.
And the ambiance plays to the underwater theme—fresh blues, fish-scale tiles, dangling light fixtures that conjure bubbles from the sea, plus mermaid art abounds. An in-house DJ mixes classic and current-day tunes, perfectly setting the mood and complementing the sleek nautical aesthetic.
Salt Water Social specializes in high-end surf and turf, but the deep dive doesn’t stop there. The lunch and dinner menus feature an array of signature and unique fresh seafood items complemented by the highest quality beef dishes and elegant, delicious cocktails. During happy hour, you’ll find a vast menu of craveable bites and drinks at unbeatable prices. Brunch boasts scrambles, bagels, benedicts and more.
Start your experience with an on–theme cocktail (think Watermelon Wave, Mermaid’s Brew, or Coral Crush). The showstopper that will not only elicit all the oohs and aahs but also leave your tastebuds dancing is the Seven Seas, featuring Hendrick’s gin, Pierre Ferrand Yuzu Curaço and blue lemongrass. If you prefer a classic cocktail, opt for the Dirty Pearls, and don’t forget to add a caviar bump to complement the blue cheese–stuffed olives. All featured cocktails can be made non-alcoholic as well.
As you nestle in and observe your surroundings, you’ll constantly turn your head at the fresh, vibrant and beautifully plated entrees passing by. The ever-changing selection of the finest seafood and shellfish is sourced to ensure the freshest flavors possible. The menu highlights the ocean’s bounty in various mouthwatering preparations. Whether you’re craving a classic seafood platter or a unique chef’s special, Salt Water Social satisfies every seafood lover’s taste.
There’s no question about ordering seafood; instead, it’s “What seafood to order?” The Imperia Royal Ossetra Caviar is ideal for sharing. You won’t want to miss out on the spicy yellowtail crispy rice with pickled Fresno chiles and unagi sauce. The Seafood Tower for Two is a must-have, featuring East and West Coast oysters, pickled jumbo shrimp, Maine lobster and more rounded out with green goddess sauce, rice nori crackers and soy chili sauce.
The ultimate comfort dish is the San Francisco–style cioppino filled with all the seafood your heart desires in herbed tomato seafood soup. Don’t overlook the rigatoni. This dish is rich and creamy with pecorino, braised mushrooms and shaved black truffle on top. One last tip: Get the crab fried rice, whether you need it or not—this premium side pairs well with everything.
Salt Water Social
201 Columbine St.
Denver
720.678.9523
saltwatersocial.com
