Carmine's On Penn

Name: Carmine's On Penn
Address: 92 S. Pennsylvania Street, Denver, CO, United States, 80209
Telephone: (303) 777-6443
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

2554 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top tags:

Carmine's on Penn was established in 1994 as a neighborhood, family-style Italian restaurant. Our atmosphere is casual, festive, and friendly. Our servers bring the menu to life, describing dishes and offering advice on selecting just the right combination of food and beverage. We are currently accepting reservations for up to 14 people. Please include persons of any age in the reservation.

Hospitality included! Carmine’s is a service included restaurant.
22% Service Charge is shared among all hourly employees in an equitable manner. Tips are accepted, but not expected.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(303) 777-6443
Website
http://www.carminescolorado.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
David Villareal
Catering
Catering is an added feature of the restaurant with the goal of bringing our delicious food to you. We can cater business, personal, or off site events. For pricing, availability, or just to learn more about how Carmine's delivers exceptional catering; simply email: Catering@Carminescolorado.com
Private party facilities
Our Private Room accommodates parties ranging in size from 18 to 32. We offer inclusive pricing with food and wine selected for your party. If you are interested in hosting a private event, please give us a call at 303-777-6443.
Private party contact
Brad Ritter: (303) 777-6443

Location
92 S. Pennsylvania Street, Denver, CO 80209
Neighbourhood
Wash Park
Cross Street
Bayaud and Pennsylvania
Parking Details
Street parking in our neighborhood. There is a school between Cedar to the south, Bayaud to the west, Washington to the east, and Pearl to the west. It is a short block from us and since no one lives there, it is a reliable place to find a parking spot. Currently streets in the area are closed off or restricted for Covid-19 street dining.
Public Transit
Closest is Alameda Station
Entertainment
None
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,554 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Denver
Good for groups

2,554 Reviews

JU
JesusU
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Carmine's is a great place for great food Great and friendly staff, always making sure everything is good. You won't be disappointed
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EM
EMac
Denver
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience4
Service and setting was good. The food… not so much. I remember their food being good in the past, I’m no so sure what has happened. The free rolls were good.
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DC
DaxC
Denver
26 reviews
vip
3.0
26 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience4
As usual, the food was outstanding. The mandatory service of 22% that is shared with management, restaurant staff, and servers really turned me off. I tip well and since the server only received a portion of the mandatory service fee, I felt compelled to add significantly more tip. I really have a problem with this approach and will not be dining at Carmine’s again.
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MR
MalcolmR
Vancouver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had made a mistake with the reservation but when we arrived at the restaurant they were accommodating and the meal was excellent.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I always love the food here and have a fantastic experience!!!
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MB
MarkB
Denver
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
A few dishes, especially the garlic pasta were a bit bland. Serving sizes are great. No one went home hungry. The desserts are generous. The service was attentive and fast. It can get a bit loud even without music playing. Overall, it was a nice night out with family. I think everyone won’t home satisfied and sated.
Carmine's On PennResponded on September 18, 2023
Thank you for joining us for dinner recently, Mark.
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P
Parker
Denver
152 reviews
vip
5.0
152 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
We took some friends who had never been to CArmine's and they totally loved it. Everything we ordered and shared was flavorful and delicious!
Carmine's On PennResponded on September 18, 2023
We appreciated you sharing Carmine's with your friends, Parker. Thank you for your review.
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N
Nickname
Denver
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall2food3service5ambience2
Parking is a hassle. Dining area where we were had no windows.
Carmine's On PennResponded on August 22, 2023
Thank you for your comments. The area of the restaurant where you were seated is our private dining room in the rear which also is used for nightly reservations when not booked. Being located in the West Wash Park neighborhood for nearly 30 years, parking continues to be challenging with recently built apartment buildings (which absorbed our valet lot), neighbors parking near their place of residence, and the city's installment of bollards to each corner. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience3
We had a nice dinner out with family. Food overall was good, but not the great. There is a service charge added to the bill but adding an additional tip was brought up which was a little uncomfortable. I’ve never been to an Italian restaurant where the noodles were not included & there was an expensive charge to get noodles.
Carmine's On PennResponded on August 25, 2023
We appreciate you joining us for dinner recently. Adding any gratuity in addition to our hospitality fee that is included in the final bill is graciously accepted but not expected. We apologize that you were made to feel uncomfortable.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
Love the location and the staff was super friendly! The artichoke appetizer was very greasy and didn’t even taste like artichoke. The Cesar salad was delicious and the pasta was only okay. I think for the price point and additional 22% already added, it’s not worth it. I could spend that amount of money on something that tastes way better.
Carmine's On PennResponded on September 18, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us.
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FV
FrankV
Denver
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always outstanding. We started with the Rollatini as an appetizer. My wife had the short ribs accompanied w/polenta and it was fabulous! My daughter and I shared the lemon shrimp, equally as good. We all shared a nice bottle of Nebbiolo. It was served at the perfect temperature and was an excellent complement to our meal. I have been coming here for almost 30 years, over three (3) different owners and it is always superb! Carmine's never disappoints. We will be back again.
Carmine's On PennResponded on August 22, 2023
We are grateful and humbled by your kind comments, Frank.
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EK
EmilyK
Denver
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Horrible and disappointed. This is a place we enjoy for special occasions. It was my husbands 55th birthday - I had made reservations a week before and were put in a back room with no windows. The service was atrocious- it took 20 minutes to get a drink and over 1/2 hour for a simple Caesar salad. The food was lackluster to say the least. Sadly we will be finding another restaurant moving forward.
Carmine's On PennResponded on August 22, 2023
Emily: Please accept our apologies for disappointing you.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall1food5service1ambience1
1. Our reservation was at 6:30 and we were promptly seated. We ordered drinks around 6:40 and didn't receive our wine or see our server acknowledging us again at all (1 bottle and 1 glass) until after 7:05. In that 25+ minutes, our server was nowhere to be found. When the wine finally did arrive, it was the wrong bottle, which also took time to correct. We would have loved to have ordered our food in that long stretch but had no opportunity to given nobody would come over to our table 2. When the server finally came back to take our order, 2 of us were able to order and then he walked away without taking the order from the other 2. Cue up another 5 minutes of us trying to flag someone down to alert that we needed to order. 3. The salad plate used to serve one of our party was dirty, noticed by the server after already plating the salad. 4. Our waters were not refilled at all over the course of the meal (which ultimately took nearly 2 hours. My friend was not once asked if he needed another drink etc. 5. When our food finally did arrive, an entire dish was missing from the order. We pointed this out and were told the dish had been "dropped" and the replacement would be rang in right away. 25 minutes later, with everything else essentially finished, the food arrived. 6. The poor service was not once acknowledged by anyone at the restaurant. When our check finally came (15 minutes after we asked for it), it was dropped on the table with a "here you go". Pretty frustrating seeing a baked in 22% tip for legitimately the worst service I have seen at any restaurant in years. Keep in mind I am generally supportive of built-in hospitality fee setups, but to be told at the beginning of the meal that we are paying 22% automatically and then receive the service we did is a bit frustrating to say the least.
Carmine's On PennResponded on August 22, 2023
We appreciate the time you spent sharing your specific comments with us. We definitely let you down and sincerely apologize for disappointing you with the service you received.
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BT
BethT
Denver
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Terrrifc restaurant with amazing food. Can't wait to go back.
Carmine's On PennResponded on September 18, 2023
Can't wait for your return, Beth!
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W
connieW
Phoenix
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Great service food but no one was there?! Did everyone leave for the summer? A bit pricey too dinner for 5 $400 dollars? Geez some family friendly concept!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another great meal! Carmine’s is always on point.
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KM
KaMo
Denver
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
We enjoyed our plates and the portions for 2 out of 3 plates were generous enough for leftovers. Service was friendly. I'm glad to see that service charges are being standardized and distributed evenly, but was confused about how much additional tip we were supposed to leave exclusively for our server. I requested in my reservation to have a slice of birthday cake brought out, they either forgot or don't do that. It was fine though, we didn't leave room for dessert anyway. Overall, we had a good meal and enjoyed the ambiance.
Carmine's On PennResponded on July 31, 2023
We are delighted that you dined with us, KaMo. Sincere apologies for the confusion regarding the hospitality fee and any additional gratuity customers wish to offer. The choice is yours and not expected when it comes to exclusively leaving something for your server. Anything over the 22% hospitality fee, by law, is shared by all tipped service staff. We are embarrassed about not offering a birthday dessert, which is standard for us. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our denver favorites! The food is consistently delicious and everyone there is very nice. Awesome for larger dinners with the family style dining.
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R
Rabidgolfer
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great food and service. Parking was a bit of a problem. Valet has been closed.
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TP
TonyP
Denver
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Absolutely hate the 22% service charge added to bill automatically with a note that tips accepted but not required. Service was good not outstanding. That's what I would tip 22% for. Won't be going back anytime soon. Plenty of other restaurants out there that don't force a charge on you.
Carmine's On PennResponded on July 25, 2023
Thank you for your feedback regarding our operation. The move to the service charge was a lengthy and careful consideration. The past strategy to simply raise prices only serves the front of house staff and ironically puts greater downward pressure on kitchen employees. The strategy we execute has served to maintain wages for our servers while offering a meaningful boost for kitchen staff. This team concept offers everyone to share the benefits of more productivity and improved operations.
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AM
AnsleyM
Denver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Fabulous! The food was wonderful—be sure to get the tiramisu
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KP
KathyP
Denver
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 28, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience3
Been going here for years and the last 3 or so times, things have really gone downhill. Our waiter never checked on us after our food came (he only took our order) and never refilled our waters until we were ready for our check. They include a 22% service fee so not sure there is any incentive for the waiters to do a good job waiting on tables. Food was so-so. Overpriced and sub-par. Bill was over $180 for 4 drinks (1 non-alcoholic, 2 wines and one cocktail), one salad, and one pasta dish. Won't return.
Carmine's On PennResponded on July 2, 2023
Dear Kathy: We are most apologetic of your disappointment in our service and food. It is embarrassing and unfortunate that you felt you could not communicate with the server or management regarding your recent experience with us, therefore losing you as a customer.
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MD
MattD
Cincinnati
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Carmine’s On Penn is one of our favorite places for Italian! Never disappoints!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful evening out on the patio. Lots of people having a good time. Waiter was a very interesting person, generous with his conversation. Will definitely be going back again soon.
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g
gmcv
Denver
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We have been to Carmine’s numerous times and it never disappoints. Outstanding as usual!
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a
ahaa
Cleveland
29 reviews
vip
2.0
29 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2023
overall2food3service4ambience1
Food was just ok. Everything is served family style. Instead of menus, there are large menu boards in the restaurant that don’t have menu descriptions so we had to keep asking “what is ‘Chicken alla carmine’, ‘what is chicken Montana?’etc … ”(and we speak Italian!) Despite having reservations and being 1 of just 3 tables when we sat down; we were seated at a terrible table by the kitchen door & bus station where the staff congregated & talked and the staff was (understandably) bustling in and out of the kitchen (we were 4 adults) which made made it hard to hold a conversation and savor our meal. We were visiting our adult kids and had hoped for a chance to catch up over the 2 bottles of wine we ordered but it wasn’t to be. Staff was very nice, our table service was friendly & knowledgeable and food was decent but nothing special.
Carmine's On PennResponded on June 19, 2023
We appreciate your time in sharing your recent dining experience with us. We do attempt to accommodate guests' requests in terms of seating arrangements when asked. We apologize that your server did not offer proper explanations ahead of time from our menu board.
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JL
JohnL
Denver
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
The salads and eggplant Parmesan are always great.
Carmine's On PennResponded on July 15, 2023
Thank you for sharing your dining experience with us John!
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K
Kareno
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 12, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience4
Our waiter didn't write down our order and only half of it came out. When we asked where the rest of it was they said they would bring it but one of the missing items came out when we were already finished and one of them never came out at all. To compensate they did take our drinks off the bill and the waiter was very apologetic. But the service was abysmal and it really put a damper on our celebratory evening.
Carmine's On PennResponded on June 15, 2023
Thank you for sharing your recent disappointing dining experience with us, Karen. We are extremely apologetic that this new server missed the mark on many levels. It is always unfortunate when service expectations are not met, especially on a special occasion. We are grateful that you offered us your comments.
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j
jeffden2014
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Carmine’s is a must do every time we visit Denver. We have so many favorites on their menu, the pear salad, anything with their vodka sauce. Love the place
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LA
LoriA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really great authentic feel and food. All dishes are for 2 so don’t be concerned it looks expensive as it really isn’t. Since we always tip 20% it didn’t bother me tip was already included.
Carmine's On PennResponded on June 15, 2023
We are grateful that you shared your appreciation for our family-style concept that has been in place for 28 years, Lori. Many thanks for your kind comments.
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M
Marine
Denver
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dined there years ago and were delighted to see it is as good as before.
Carmine's On PennResponded on June 13, 2023
We look forward to having you return to dine with us again, Marine. Thank you for your kind review.
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AB
AnneB
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and amazing service!! Carbonara is a must, do not skip dessert! Great wine list too.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
7 reviews
1.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
...not the place it once was. I was very surprised how poor the quality of ingredients & food was, the dismal service and the 22% service fee I was charged on top of my bill for what I have no idea!?Truly disappointed all around. This placed used to be the spot!!!
Carmine's On PennResponded on May 30, 2023
Thank you for sharing your comments with us. We sincerely apologize for your disappointing dining experience with us recently. The 22% hospitality charge is distributed evenly by all hourly employees in lieu of gratuity. We regret you did not see this explained on your table tent, on our website or when making your reservation through Open Table.
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SJ
SueJ
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time, awesome food and service! Amazing Italian food!!
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A
Adriannah
Chicago
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful experience dining here. We will be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorite Italian spots in Denver! Can’t say enough good things about the ragu con fungi
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Carmines is always fabulous! Excellent service and amazing food! Be sure to try the Chicken Montana - it’s definitely our favorite, but we are always sure to get a couple of entrees and try a little of each. Probably my favorite place in Denver!
Carmine's On PennResponded on May 30, 2023
Thank you for your kind remarks!
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LD
LadyDi
Denver
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Our server Steven was fantastic!! Food was good & dessert was great.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the food. Feel a bit over priced for the order for two.
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E
Ebmarkfam
Denver
30 reviews
vip
3.0
30 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience2
Hadn't been there in many many years. Food was decent but service awful. We sat without any service for at least 20 min and then it took at least another 20 to be asked to order. No appetizers no drinks.
Carmine's On PennResponded on May 20, 2023
Our sincere apologies for the quality of service you experienced when dining with us recently. Your comments have be shared with our management staff.
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FAQs

Carmine's On Penn offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (303) 777-6443.

Carmine's On Penn is rated 4.5 stars by 2554 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

92 S. Pennsylvania Street, Denver, CO 80209

Additional information

Cross Street
Bayaud and Pennsylvania
Neighbourhood
Wash Park
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Street parking in our neighborhood. There is a school between Cedar to the south, Bayaud to the west, Washington to the east, and Pearl to the west. It is a short block from us and since no one lives there, it is a reliable place to find a parking spot. Currently streets in the area are closed off or restricted for Covid-19 street dining.
Public Transit
Closest is Alameda Station
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
David Villareal
Entertainment
None
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.carminescolorado.com/
Phone number
(303) 777-6443
Catering
Catering is an added feature of the restaurant with the goal of bringing our delicious food to you. We can cater business, personal, or off site events. For pricing, availability, or just to learn more about how Carmine's delivers exceptional catering; simply email: Catering@Carminescolorado.com
Private party facilities
Our Private Room accommodates parties ranging in size from 18 to 32. We offer inclusive pricing with food and wine selected for your party. If you are interested in hosting a private event, please give us a call at 303-777-6443.
Private party contact
Brad Ritter: (303) 777-6443

Carmine's On Penn

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

Chicken Montana

Carbonara

Eggplant Parmigiana

Menu

What 2,554 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Carmine's On Penn offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Carmine's On Penn restaurant rated?

Is Carmine's On Penn currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information