As a resident of south Denver, it’s not often that I make my way up to Boulder for dinner.  A recent visit to Restaurant 4580 reaffirmed for me however, that the fabulous dining options in Boulder are well worth the drive.  Located among the city’s scenic foothills in a hip uptown district, Restaurant 4580 takes its name from its physical address on Broadway Boulevard—an interesting restaurant trend that shows no signs of slowing down.

      
    Upon arriving at the restaurant, the sight of an amber-hued, intimate dining room was revealed through large windowed walls that surround three sides of the building—an inviting scene indeed.  I entered a cozy bar area filled with patrons seated at high-top tables enjoying apps and cocktails, and owner, Martin Hammer was there to personally greet and seat guests himself.  Hammer and his wife Susan own and operate this lovely venue that first opened its doors in April 2006.  Martin was previously the manager at Boulder’s renowned Flagstaff House for nine years before venturing out on his own—an experience that obviously equipped him with a keen eye for detail and thoughtful, personalized service for each and every guest.   

    The dining room’s warm ambiance is a subtle blend of urban sophistication and casual comfort.  The rawness of stacked stone walls and a high ceiling are warmed by rich, bold colors such as chocolate brown, orange and gold, while vibrantly colored paintings add a touch of whimsy.  This contrast provides a spacious, airy atmosphere that still remains comfortable and welcoming. The warmly lit room was filled with the boisterous chatter of nearby diners, clearly indicating that everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves.  During warmer months, a quaint patio accommodates up to 40 people and seems to be a pleasant option for al fresco dining while enjoying stunning views of the Flatirons.  In addition to the main dining room, the Hammer’s have also recently converted the next-door wine shop into a private dining room that can be reserved for special events.

    Glancing at the drink menu, I eyed a list of several tasty sounding specialty cocktails such as the 4580 French 75 made with gin, cointreau, limoncello and topped with sparkling wine; as well as the 4580 Martini made with mandarin blossom vodka, cointreau and a splash of pineapple.  Additionally, the wine list offers a handful of nice selections by the glass and a more extensive offering by the bottle representing wine regions from New Zealand, Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, California, Washington and Oregon.