Editor’s note: This is part of The Know’s series, Staff Favorites. Each week, we give our opinions on the best that Colorado has to offer for dining, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and more. (We’ll also let you in on some hidden gems.)
“Where should we go out for dinner?”
The dreaded question that plagues my partner and me after a long week of making decisions for our family. When date night rolls around, we’re excited to spend uninterrupted time together, but choosing the right location is essential.
Choose wrong, and you could spend your one night out eating an average plate of food that costs far too much or drinking a glass of wine from one of those dreaded thick glasses. Yes, the weird or downright bad experiences become great stories for our friends, but there’s nothing like a truly decadent date night with great food, delicious drinks and service that makes every dollar spent feel worth it.
Once we discovered Le French at 9 + Co (9th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard), our date night decision became easy. Want to sit at the bar and enjoy drinks and apps? Le French. Celebrating a birthday or anniversary? Time to dress up and make a reservation at Le French. Need a glass of wine and dessert after a movie? Let’s swing by Le French right next door to the AMC.
The L’Antidote, right, and Smoky Sour cocktails at Le French on Oct. 11, 2026. (Tynin Fries, The Denver Post)
The Risotto Champignons at Le French on Oct. 11, 2026. (Tynin Fries, The Denver Post)
The Coq au Vin at Le French on Oct. 11, 2026. (Tynin Fries, The Denver Post)
The Avion aux Fraises cocktail at Le French on Oct. 11, 2026. (Tynin Fries, The Denver Post)
The Le Bissap cocktail at Le French on Oct. 11, 2026. (Tynin Fries, The Denver Post)
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The L’Antidote, right, and Smoky Sour cocktails at Le French on Oct. 11, 2026. (Tynin Fries, The Denver Post)
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The restaurant serves French food with influences from around the world, with a nod to the chefs’ Senegalese heritage. You can find small plates like escargot ($17), brie baobab ($19), les pastels ($14) and, one of my favorites, avocat & crevette ($19).
The French onion soup ($13) will warm your soul before the risotto champignons ($28) absolutely melts you. At my most recent visit, I ordered the risotto for the third time this summer, savoring every bite after learning the menus would soon be transitioned for fall.
Don’t fret, though; while my precious risotto will be missed, I have no doubt that it will be replaced with an equally tasty dish. I’ve never had a bad bite at Le French. There are mainstays that have been on the menu as long as I’ve been going, like the Moules Frites ($31), Notre Burger ($21) and Steak Frites ($39).
The cocktails are always a delight. The summer seasonal menu featured a Smoky Sour with mezcal ($16), the tropical L’Antidote ($17) and a summer bourbon cocktail called Avion aux Fraises ($17). But some of the classics, like Le Bissap ($16), give my partner, who’s from Côte d’Ivoire, a taste of home.
The best part of Le French is that its casual bistro vibe lets it swing from a lively patio happy hour to an intimate romantic dinner to a quick drink at the bar and even a nightcap. In short, it’s always a good answer to the question, “Where should we go?”
If you go
Le French has two locations in Denver: 846 Albion St. is open Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (303-558-0875). 4901 S. Newport St. is open Tuesday – Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (720-710-8963). lefrenchdenver.com
Dining and Cooking