Denver food enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate as Hop Alley, the acclaimed Chinese restaurant located at 3500 Larimer St, introduces an exclusive Chef’s Counter experience. The intimate six-seat counter now offers an ambitious 9-course tasting menu available Thursday through Saturday, providing diners with a distinct culinary experience from the restaurant’s main dining room offerings. This innovative dining option showcases the creativity that has earned Hop Alley recognition as a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient in both 2023 and 2024.
Reservations and Awards
The Chef’s Counter experience represents a significant evolution for the restaurant that was named 5280 Magazine’s #1 Restaurant in Denver/Boulder in 2016 and earned James Beard Semi-Finalist recognition for Best Chef Mountain Region in 2020. Reservations open 21 days in advance, with the restaurant accommodating certain dietary restrictions with advance notice. Adding to their commitment to excellence, Hop Alley has also upgraded all takeout packaging to compostable materials, demonstrating their dedication to quality extends beyond the plate to environmental responsibility.
Chefs Counter
The newly launched Chef’s Counter at Hop Alley offers Denver diners a unique opportunity to experience Chinese cuisine through an innovative lens. Unlike the main dining room menu, the counter features a nightly 9-course tasting menu that draws inspiration from multiple culinary traditions, seasonal produce, local suppliers, and progressive techniques. This intimate dining experience accommodates just six guests per service, creating an exclusive atmosphere where culinary boundaries are pushed and traditional Chinese flavors are reimagined in contemporary presentations.
Operations
For those seeking this premium experience, the Chef’s Counter operates Thursday through Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. Complementing the meticulously crafted dishes, guests can enhance their meal with optional wine pairings or select from a curated list of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. The counter experience exemplifies Hop Alley’s commitment to culinary innovation while honoring the traditional techniques and flavors that have made the restaurant a standout in Denver’s competitive dining scene since its inception.
Beyond the exclusive Chef’s Counter, Hop Alley continues to serve the Denver community with convenient takeout options that maintain the restaurant’s high standards. Operating Monday through Saturday from 5-10 p.m., the restaurant accepts takeout orders via phone starting at 3:30 p.m., while online ordering becomes available at 5 p.m. This dual approach to dining allows Hop Alley to accommodate modern preferences for at-home dining without compromising the quality that has earned them prestigious Michelin recognition.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to its environmental practices, with all takeout packaging now being compostable. While standard modifications can be challenging through the online ordering system, the staff encourages customers with allergies or specific dietary needs to call directly, ensuring personalized service regardless of dining location. This balance of innovation, tradition, and accessibility has positioned Hop Alley as both a special occasion destination and a reliable neighborhood favorite at their 3500 Larimer Street location in Denver’s vibrant RiNo district.
