I’ve hit up Opal Restaurant twice in the past month because they have an ongoing “buy one entree get one free” ad in the Westword. Yup I’m currently on coupon patrol when dining out because I just reserved a cabin rental for next weekend in Buena Vista and taking two friends rafting. I also owe my co-worker for a grill he’s selling me, and those boxes of hardwood floor sitting upstairs aren’t going to install themselves.

Opal Restaurant features a bright modern dining room in the front with and a dingy lounge in the back – purposely dark I’m guessing since it could use some sprucing up. The two are separated by a large bar, making it practically two different establishments which can be a bit confusing.

The sushi selection is their highlight, but they also have a large Chinese menu with regulars of beef dishes, mu shu chicken, and wraps. In the dining room or lounge you can also order American norms like chicken sandwiches and onion rings – which is sort of an odd combination not unlike the establishment itself. They have two happy hours a night – and also $2 Coronas nightly from 4:30 – 7:30.

I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit Opal – but if you’re in the neighborhood and looking for a mellow bar for a drink and some aps its an average standby.

They’re located at 9th and Lincoln in downtown Denver. opalrestaurant.com