Earlier this year the Westword gave a not so great review to Encore Restaurant, the new establishment located on the east side of the Lowenstein Theater complex. In the article critic Jason Sheehan blasted their tables made from recycled material – in which the warped surface and offset legs were obtrusive enough to mar the otherwise decent dining experience.

In early December, shortly before they opened, I also wrote a post about their ridiculous hassles in obtaining a liquor license due their close proximity to East High School.

I’ve been meaning to visit this place since they opened late last year. I haven’t been in yet, only because I’ve wound up at my regular haunts when going out lately. When I walked in Monday night I was curious about these crazy tables – but only spotted normal looking round tables, comfy booths, and light wood chairs.

While dining on the patio our waiter informed me they ditched the old tables soon after reading the review. In any case I found Encore to be a good experience overall. We weren’t that hungry so ended up having the low priced but full portioned falafel burger with hummus, and the tomato basil flat bread pizza.

I guess the abandonment of the funky tables has worked out well – as I was impressed with the design and modern fixtures and look against the 1950s retro decor. There’s even a large grand piano in the main dining area for piano nights.

Good vibe, and the design takes full use of the Lowenstein’s lobby and patio. It compliments the East Colfax landscape well – and being my neighbor I’m sure I’ll be back.

Location, menu, and more at encorecolfax.com

a long p.s. about the bathroom, only because I don’t want to dwell on it during a food review: Encore’s bathrooms have two unique features that all public restrooms should have.

1. A powerful, almost car wash blow dryer powerfall, hand dryer by Xlerator. Most wimpy hand dryers leave your hands damp – because you’re sick of standing there rubbing them together and want to get the hell back to your table or whatever it is you’re doing. This is the first I’ve ever seen or used the xlerator, but it dries your hands in about 10 seconds. Noisy, but wow does it work.

2. Rather than lifting up the toilet seat with your foot, this one has a nice little handle. Not that its probably any less germy -but the placebo effect is nice.

hit “more” for photos…