Rolling Through Denver: Blue Sushi's Tapas-Style Maki

I was in Denver last weekend, playing catch-up with a friend and running some long-overdue errands. We’d spent the better part of the morning wandering through the Denver Botanic Gardens – an explosion of color even in late spring. By lunchtime, we were both ready for a serious dose of flavor, and Blue Sushi Sake Grill, with its promise of modern Japanese tapas, felt like the perfect reward.

The vibe is definitely "clubby," as their tagline says, but in an approachable way. It's lively without being overwhelming, and the menu is packed with options that encourage sharing – ideal for a catch-up session. We started with a couple of classic maki rolls. The Cali Roll ($8.5) was a solid, dependable choice, while the Crunchy Blue ($9.5) delivered that satisfying tempura crunch. But the real stars came from the specialty maki selection.

We decided to branch out and try a few of their more creative offerings. The South Pacific ($14.5) with its shrimp tempura, cream cheese, pineapple, and coconut flakes, sounded a little out there, but it totally worked – sweet, savory, and surprisingly refreshing. I also couldn't resist the Thriller ($15) with tempura shrimp and spicy crab mix – just the right amount of heat and a satisfying panko crunch. Sharing plates is definitely the way to go here; it lets you sample a wider range of flavors and textures.

If you're feeling adventurous, the Green Goo & Hana ($10.5) is worth a try. The yellowtail, garlic chip, wasabi tobiko, and spicy salmon combo is a real flavor bomb, though maybe not for the faint of heart. We rounded out our meal with the Hot Popper ($12), a jalapeno and cream cheese tempura roll with sriracha. It was surprisingly balanced, with the cream cheese mellowing out the jalapeno’s kick.

After lunch, energized by the fresh sushi, we considered a trip to the Denver Zoo, but ultimately opted for a more low-key afternoon browsing the Denver Art Museum. Blue Sushi Sake Grill is conveniently located for a pre- or post-museum bite.

Blue Sushi offers more than just sushi; it is a fun, flavorful experience. Next time I'm in Denver, I'll definitely be back to explore more of their menu. If you're looking for a place to share some interesting and well-prepared sushi in a lively atmosphere, this is it.