Impossible Meatloaf
Chocolate Lab

Chocolate Lab

2504 E Colfax Ave, 80206, Denver, US, United States

Meat • Coffee • American • Desserts


"In the order of the dishes we tried: - Easy Livin sparkling hibiscus lemonade - Meat lasagna - Shrimp risotto - Whiskey tobacco cake - Flaming queen One dish that I didn't get to photograph (unfortunately, the picture didn’t save) was the pork belly over polenta. My partner remarked, "Each bite is a wonder," which is quite a compliment coming from him and a perfect summary of the entire meal. Each cocktail on the menu not only features unique flavors but also offers a whole experience—whether it’s smoke, flames, or the mix of ingredients. The Whiskey had an amazing aroma, and my partner said it tasted fantastic. The drinks are generously poured and certainly pack a punch. As I don’t drink alcohol, I mentioned it to our waitress, and she immediately suggested the sparkling hibiscus lemonade, which I loved. It complemented everything on the menu and helped me power through more of the cake. The pork belly on polenta, which was an appetizer, was cooked to perfection. This restaurant truly knows how to work with the meat they use and the flavors they choose to pair it with. The polenta was incredibly creamy and melted in your mouth, making it a perfect match for the equally tender pork. I tried a bite of the meat lasagna—even though I’m not a fan of lasagna—and was pleasantly surprised. It was well-seasoned, and the chocolate marinara sauce did not overwhelm the other flavors. The house-made bread was also delightful, practically melting in your mouth. My partner thoroughly enjoyed this entree. I ordered the shrimp risotto—which is a recurring theme for me, as I’m a shrimp lover—and it was one of the best risottos I’ve ever had. The chestnut chocolate risotto allowed all the flavors to shine without being too chocolatey, and the shrimp was perfectly cooked, enhancing the dish with its crunchiness from the chestnuts. Now onto dessert: the Whiskey tobacco cake, featuring an espresso ganache thanks to the espresso caramel. Each bite was an experience in itself, and it was served with a berry compote that cut through the chocolate richness. It was quite indulgent, but in a good way! Lastly, we had the Flaming Queen dessert, which my partner deemed "extra" as he requested something spectacular, and it arrived on fire! It paired beautifully with the other dessert and had a creamy flavor that I adored. I want to mention that dinner here is about $30 per plate, with appetizers, drinks, and desserts ranging from $15 to $20 each—so it’s good to be aware of that before you go. However, the atmosphere is very laid-back. We dressed casually, and there was a nice mix of people ranging from slightly dressed-up to casual yet stylish. The space is quite cozy, so be sure to make a reservation rather than hoping to walk in. I highly recommend visiting before they close!"