DENReview
Uncle
Uncle doesn’t take reservations, is only open five hours a day and charges $14 for ramen? Sheeiiit...that’s a lot of strikes to overcome before you even step in the door. But despite those strikes and the insane hype for this place, Uncle somehow pulls it off. It’s hard to imagine that Uncle would’ve been in this location even five years ago, but the rapidly gentrifying Highlands hood seems like the perfect fit now. This joint is small (40 seats or so) and you should be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends. Again, no reservations are taken and you can’t call ahead. On the upside, there are several bars nearby, so if you want to stick it out they’ll text you when your table is ready and you can even see where you stand on the waiting list online. If you’re rolling stag, you probably have a better shot than most at getting in and the bar is a great front row seat to the kitchen action.
The staff at Uncle is laid back, attentive, and their food recommendations are dead on. The beer and cocktail list is small, but respectable. Ramen portions here are big (which they should be for the price) and if you’re not feeling like something with broth, there are noodle bowls and plenty of small plates to choose from. The menu also changes regularly. Uncle is the kind of place that justifies the sentiment that Denver’s food scene is taking off. Unlike most of the new spots though, it’s the food, not the scene, that’s puttin' in work.
Respect.