The Briarwood Inn

Really this place used to be a Denver icon… NOT anymore, holy Toledo this place is a joke. Friday night my wife’s birthday ready to show my wife what’s up … NOPE .we are one of three people in the entire gorgeous restaurant … DEAD … The food comes out pre cooked salty as hell which means old and close to spoiling in my book … GROSS … My entrée came out in a paper bag. A paper bag That you can’t even cut into. Wtf?! Was this delivered by Swan foods? Anywho… Server was so nice and embarrassed after I told him that we were not falling for this not even half assed or even close to, food … Someone should buy this place And bring it back to life because it’s dead and smells rotten, I think the ghosts have jumped ship … SAD, Burger King has better steak … Please close and save us all our time and energy …

Really great place for a date. Fancy, yummy and classic. Good food, lovely and dated décor, great service. Very romantic.

I made reservations for a group of 8 for tea and it was a really nice time. Our server was kind and patient with 8 women who love tea and had a ridiculous amount of questions. The food was great. It’s definitely a more «traditional» look, but when you’re in the mood, why not?

$ 36 for a lunch size ordinary prime rib. Enough said?

I would’ve given The Briarwood five stars if it weren’t for the price. It is very expensive. Brunch and a drink are $ 35 not including tip.
The GOOD news: 1) The restaurant is decorated so beautifully for the holidays. Absolutely gorgeous, 2) The food was delicious! All nine of the women at my table ordered prime rib or the poached egg & prime rib combo. We all LOVED the prime rib, 3) the service was great! We had a very nice waiter and the other people attending to our large group worked hard to make our brunch a great experience.
If you have the money, I think this would be a great place to propose or have a romantic evening. The atmosphere is lovely.

My boyfriend took me here as our date night dinner for our vacation from Texas. The atmosphere was beautiful with Christmas decorations and the service staff was amazing. The food was prix fixe style and was absolutely fantastic. We were very pleased with our experience there. Thanks to the Briarwood staff for making our evening so fantastic.

Never go to this restaurant. It wasn’t handicap accessible, our party had to walk down 4 stairs, so there would’ve been no way it was accessible. When we told the manager this it was a «miscommunication» even though we clarified it was accessible twice with the staff. The appetizers were cheap. Crackers from King Sooppers. Half of the dips were frozen. «The finest Wisconsin cheese» look & tasted like easy cheese. Terrible service. We never got asked for more water refills. Had to ask for the wine list twice. Lobster Risotto was cold & had to be sent back. Spinach salad was basically just spinach. Farmer’s Salad tasted dirty. Two hours later we finally got our main course because they «forgot» about our order– or were just making a run to King Soopper’s. The Prime Rib was not edible, not to mention terribly salty. Couldn’t accommodate request to take garlic out of potatoes. Instead subsisted them with what appeared to be KFC potato wedges. Apricot Chicken had raw potatoes, chicken was dry, spinach that seemed to have come from a box. Not worth the money & definitely not a «5 star restaurant».

Never go to this restaurant. They said the restaurant was handicapped accessible and it was not. Inedible/​Salty food. Awful service. Management that doesn’t care. Outdated atmosphere. We had a group of 9 people and it was so bad we left without paying. Management didn’t have a solution for us. Never go to this restaurant.
Revised after management response:
Dear Mr. Duncan,
Thank you very much for your response as well as calling me a liar. If you put this much energy into your restaurant, you probably wouldn’t have these many issues. Let me give you the full rundown of the events of last night as I wasn’t specific in my review last night.
Upon arrival we were sat by two hostesses that were dressed inappropriately and extremely rude. They were also bickering to one another about seating people and it seemed they were trying to train someone new. Perhaps if Briarwood is a five-​star restaurant, provide your hostesses with a uniform instead of something you’d expect going to Hooters.
My handicapped, 90 year old grandmother was supposed to attend the dinner with us. We spoke to the hostess the night before to confirm that the restaurant was handicapped accessible and there were not going to be any issues. At the last minute she decided to not attend due to feeling ill. When we arrived, there were four stairs down to our table. The manager I spoke to said it was a miscommunication and they were sorry. I can understand misunderstandings happen but I wanted to know what they were planning on doing should she have attended. He didn’t have an answer other than we would have had to wait for a table to open up that was in the handicapped accessible area. I am sure you can imagine this would have been humiliating and unacceptable. The manager came over, apologized and said «I hope dinner is up to your expectations.»
Our dinner reservations were at 6:30pm. Cocktails, which were weak, and wine were served. When two of our nine guests asked for a wine recommendation, the server couldn’t provide one and had to ask for a wine list twice. She simply said, «It’s your choice, I don’t know.» Our appetizers were served from the fixed menu. The shrimp cocktail sauce along with the cheese dip was frozen and disgusting. We had to ask twice for additional crackers and they were not delivered in a timely manner.
Next our second course came to the table at approximately 8pm. The server apologized for the delay. Once we received the salads, that were dressed hours ago and now soggy, my husband had to send back his cold lobster risotto. A new risotto arrived and was actually good.
Onto the main course that arrived at 8:49pm… nine meals that were all disgusting and inedible. All of the prime ribs were too salty to eat. The chicken was dry and the potatoes were all cold and not cooked through. We all voiced our dissatisfaction at the same time. (Please keep in mind also that during this time our waters were never refilled once and we had to remind the wait staff every time that we ordered a cocktail.)
We asked the waitress if she would like to try the prime rib and her response was «I’ve worked here for eight years, I know it’s really salty.» During this time, never did she provide crackers or rolls or anything to tide us over. She asked me, «What do you want me to do?» There wasn’t anything on the menu that I trusted to eat, nor did I want to wait another hour for another awful course. No solutions were given and at that point and being seven months pregnant, I wanted to leave the restaurant and find another meal. Furthermore, I didn’t appreciate her rude attitude nor did I appreciate her mouthing the word «bitch» to her colleagues once she thought I wasn’t looking.
My husband let the manager know that were going to tip the wait staff but we were not paying for an inedible meal. The manager said, «ok, thank you.» Dessert was boxed up and we left. Please keep in mind that the dessert, that seemed to be outsourced, frozen and thawed for Briarwood guests, was completely lack luster.
As we left the restaurant, we overheard another table disgusted by their experience that they were not paying for this dinner either.
Let me assure you Mr. Duncan that my family is used to dining at five-​star restaurants. In fact, my family knew the previous owner of Briarwood and that’s why this experience was so disappointing. My 90 year old grandmother was the person that recommended we spend our holiday dinner at the Briarwood because she knew the previous owner. It’s a shame that a Denver staple such as the Briarwood has been run into the ground. Sadly, I don’t expect seeing the Briarwood open for business next holiday season. I will revise my initial review and post this review since it’s more detailed for your loyal Unilocal readers.
Thank you again for your time and response. Also, thank you for ruining our holiday dinner and forcing us to dine at a fast food restaurant at 10pm.

Bland, and overpriced with several serious problems. We came here for a Christmas party, and sadly most people left feeling less cheery.
First we tried their lobster risotto which was bland, with old lobster, in which they managed to leave SEVERAL shell pieces in there which was not pleasant, to say the least. We would have sent it back had we not been surrounded by coworkers.
We also had the seafood crepes which were disappointingly bland with teeny tiny canned shrimp and scallops, yuck.
The high note was the tomato bisque with grilled cheese sandwiches which had great flavor, yet managed to be over salted which was a feat considering everything else seriously lacked salt.
Sadly the only thing I would return for was the cinnamon tea, and possibly the tomato bisque with grilled cheese… if I was craving salt anyways. For a $ 60 bill it was a serious letdown.

We moved away 20 years ago, we used to love the Briarwood! Can’t say the same today. Over priced and the food seemed prepared a week in advance. Service is stellar. That being said there were only 4 tables of diners. Disappointed a Golden icon is no longer:-(too much to pay for nostalgia

My omelette was cold, not lukewarm, COLD! The cheese wasn’t even melted. They offered to get me something else, but you only get one chance to get me a warm meal. Flies kept landing on us and our food as well. The rest of our food was decent, but nothing to get excited about. We looked at their wedding venue, it looks nice. The big problem is that you can see, and hear the highway from the venue. I’d rather not hear semi’s speeding down the foothills during my wedding. Overall a terrible experience, and we will never return.

We were here for a wedding reception. The cocktail hour and dancing were outside, and the dinner was inside. The outdoor space, the grassy area and the patio with the fireplace are what really make this place special for a wedding.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the décor inside, and the buffet ran out of food, but I’m not sure if this is the fault of the wedding or the restaurant, but what I ate as very good! Again, the outdoor patio was perfect and the staff was very friendly.

The Briarwood Inn has been in continuous operation for over thirty years, and we’ve been occasional visitors throughout their tenure (usually when someone else is buying because they ain’t cheap). We went for brunch on a Saturday a few weeks ago (someone had given me a gift card, i.e., someone else was buying) — our first visit back in a few years. I didn’t know what to expect — I was surprised to see only a 3-​star Unilocal rating, and a number of reviews and comments that were far from stellar, because I have long considered them one of the relatively few higher end gems on the far west side. I’m pleased to report that our experience was altogether consistent with the total dining experience we have come to expect from the Briarwood.
The location is special — on Clear Creek, at the foot of Lookout Mountain at the confluence of 6^th Avenue and Highway 58 in Golden. What constitutes «elegance» varies from person to person, but to my tastes, the Briarwood is still elegant — dark wood, chandeliers, stained glass, china, nice glassware and cutlery, surrounded by pine trees in a lovely setting. However, bear in mind that I’m used to Corelle, so maybe I’m just easy to impress.
Our service was everything you would expect and hope for in a higher end venue — helpful, pleasant and attentive but not hovering, stuffy or pretentious. At $ 35, the brunch isn’t inexpensive, but the value was there for the total experience. Your table greets you with an assortment of fresh fruits and a multi-​tiered array of pastries. The pastries were delicious and the presentation bordered on artistic — the cream puff swans are really very cool. And did I forget to mention that they lead with a glass of champagne? Or, a mimosa. Or a concoction of champagne mixed with a berry liqueur. For entrees we had Prime Benedict (prime rib and eggs benedict), Eggs Columbia (poached salmon with asparagus cream sauce, baked in pastry, topped with poached egg and dill butter), and a special centered around London Broil. All were delicious.
Dinners can be ordered ala carte, but I imagine that most diners go for the $ 65 prix fixe option including appetizer tray, salad, entrée and dessert tray. I haven’t been for dinner in a while, but the last time we went, the appetizer and dessert trays were pretty memorable.
Bottom line, if the Briarwood had a slump resulting in low ratings and negative comments, our experience suggests that they are back. I need to visit again for dinner to make sure that experience matches the brunch, but as I said previously (and especially at $ 65 a person), I prefer the Briarwood when someone else is picking up the tab. That said, I’m free any night this week if anyone wants to invite me to dinner — I promise, I will report back promptly as to how the Briarwood is doing with their dinner experience these days.

Everything about this place says ‘class’. Only thing that threw me was the sharp drop in clientele standards. Granted I haven’t been there in 10 years but when I dress to the nines for a fine dining experience I am pretty much disappointed to see them seating people in the dining room in bluejeans, sneakers and polo shirts. Was a time they would’ve been turned away at the door or at most seated at the bar… But I guess that says more about the decline of society’s standards than theirs.
Food was impeccable, service was 5 star. Our personal experience left us fully satisfied. You can’t ask for a more professional or attentive service staff.

The Briarwood Inn provides charming atmosphere and good food, but for the price point, it should be exceptional, and it’s just not.
My in-​laws were nice enough to treat us to dinner here over the holidays. I was excited to try it as I’d never been. They were worried we’d have trouble finding a table, but I snagged an Open Table reservation easily, and the restaurant was less than half full, with one room completely empty. Our server was very pleasant and I would give him five stars.
Nothing’s wrong with the menu– it’s just that it would be inspired if it was 1990, not so much in 2015. Their «signature appetizer platter» exemplifies that, although I’ll give them points for being generous with the shrimp cocktail portion. The soups (French onion and lobster bisque) were good, but not extraordinary; I’ve had better for cheaper elsewhere. The sauce on my filet mignon was excellent, but the steak itself was a little too charred-​tasting for my liking and a little bit past my requested medium. The dessert platter was very good, and they have a nice wine list as well as a nice (but pricey) array of cocktails. The complimentary bread was very excellent, and probably my favorite part– but it’s underwhelming to have your favorite part of a five-​course meal turn out to be bread.
Nothing was wrong with our visit to Briarwood, but it only gets an «A-​OK.» If old-​world atmosphere is what you’re looking for, Briarwood Inn will definitely provide, but I think you could have a better and more reasonably priced meal at many places across Denver.

The first time I went here was for my brother-in-law’s wedding reception. The food was fabulous and the staff was just as great. They were extremely attentive and wanted to make sure everyone was happy and satisfied.
The second time I went was this past Sunday for brunch. Boy oh boy, may I say I was very pleasantly surprised? I would have been satisfied with the pastries and the free glass of champagne. But it didn’t stop there. A delicious fresh bowl of fruit also came with our brunch. I ordered the seafood crepes and my sister had the prime benedict. Neither of us walked away unhappy. The food was heavenly! We also each ordered a bloody Mary that was quite delicious. The only regret was watching the table next to us not even take one bite of their 3-​tiered pastries. It was all I could do not to walk by and steal a cream puff from their complimentary serving. Ha!
Not only will I be back to try the dinner menu (and not just a prix fixe menu like I had at the wedding reception), but I will definitely go again for the brunch. Until then, I shall dream of puff pastries and seafood crepes!

Service was very good last night! I felt like out waitress and other staff were very attentive throughout the whole dinner. Loved the ambience and the food was good too! My husband had the lobster bisque and I couldn’t stop stealing bites because it was so delicious!
We also had the prime rib and seafood au gratin. I thought the prime rib was almost perfect except that it was just a tad salty. Otherwise the dish was amazing with a really healthy portion. The seafood au gratin was rich but which is to be expected. I enjoyed every bite!
Overall, I’m glad we finally got to try this place out!

Don’t even bother with the afternoon tea if you are gluten free. Their attempt at a gluten free version of high tea that normally comes with tea sandwiches, scones, cakes, soup and pastries? A fruit cup. Oh, and a salad. For $ 35?! I opted instead for the tough prime rib (which comes with a generous pastry basket, or in my case, an offer of an extra «mostly melons» fruit cup).
Our server was inattentive and forgetful, never cleared a single plate during a four course tea, and clearly didn’t know his menu. When you compare this place to the Brown Palace high tea (which, by the way, has a complete gluten free tea that is phenomenal), the Briarwood falls comically short.

One of my favorite restaurant experiences was here 20 years ago. I haven’t been here in 3 – 4 years and was disappointed that that the old signature «shrimp tower» and pâtés was not a complimentary appetizer. That was my only disappointment. Prices have come down and the «shrimp & pâté» appetizer is $ 39 and in my opinion well worth it and fed 4 quite nicely. Pâtés and garnishments include an excellent smoked salmon, chicken liver, olive, spinach & cheese and others. (Fixed Price menu for $ 65 includes it by the way, not an option in past visits). See photos of menu tonight. Prime rib, filet, elk medallions and cioppino all wonderful, I tried them all and all 5-​star tonight. Napoleon potatoes have to be tried and an interesting creation based on «Au gratin» design. Salads, French onion soup both excellent and hard to find better. This is the only time I’ve had Onion soup made by pouring broth table side over cheese crusted bread that had been toasted and baked; Bryce told us it was a house specialty and worth ordering. Service exemplary, views spectacular if in main room, food delectable. Wine list is excellent and many good values and vintages, especially in California and NW varietals. This is still best restaurant for special occasion in Denver area that has never disappointed me in 20 years.
Bryce our server was local college student and so professional. Ask for him, he is going to be well recruited in whatever he does in life after college. Great service, spectacular view in the «grand west room», and food excellent, what more do you want.

I went to Mother’s Day Brunch this year (2013) at the Briarwood with my Mom, Grandma, Aunt & Sister. For a nice girls brunch on a special occasion I think it totally worked. Briarwood is cottage type place tucked away in Golden, close enough to the highway to make it easy to get too, but secluded enough to make it feel woodsy.
Their brunch is $ 32 and includes a glass of Champagne, a fresh medley of seasonal fruits, and an assortment of freshly baked pastries + your choice of entrée (which feature Prime Rib, Omelets, Crepes & Eggs Benedict). For the price, it is a great value. The atmosphere is very traditional and has the feel of a English Tea (perfect for Mother’s Day).
Our party partook in just about everything on the menu. Mother’s Day was hopping and I thought the food was very good for such a busy day. The Prime Rib was a generous portion and cooked to my liking (we even had a couple people who requested well done and they managed to find them a cut they liked — which is sometimes hard to do with Prime Rib). The Eggs Benedict Briarwood (English Muffin, tomato, avocado, poached egg, hollandaise, topped with 2 jumbo shrimp) was a nice semi-​lighter version of the traditional dish. I like the veggies in it, it gave it a nice flavor and I could pretend it was healthier than a normal benedict! My sister did the Monte Cristo and she loved it — although fried club sandwiches with jam never appeal to me, it was a generous portion and looked pretty on the plate!
I thought the wait staff was helpful and for the most part prompt and attentive. Once the meal ended it took awhile to get the check and get out of there, but otherwise they were fine. The atmosphere is terrific and the location is beautiful. I wouldn’t hesitate to to another special occasion there! A great overall value for a top notch experience.