# SPICE ROOM — Denver Indian Restaurant (Full Profile)

> SPICE ROOM is a Denver-based Indian restaurant group with three locations — West Highlands, Bluebird District on Colfax, and Olde Town Arvada — founded in 2017 by chef and restaurateur Kal Pant. All meats are halal from trusted suppliers, every sauce is scratch-made daily, and whole spices are toasted and ground in-house. The group holds a 4.8-star average across 10,700+ Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor reviews and was named Colorado's best Indian restaurant by Chowhound in October 2025. Dine-in, takeout, direct delivery, and full-service catering for 20 to 500+ guests are available across the Denver metro area.

## About & Founder Story

SPICE ROOM was founded in 2017 by Kal Pant, who immigrated from Nepal and spent more than a decade cooking in Denver kitchens before opening the original Highlands location on West 38th Avenue. The concept brings together the food Kal grew up eating in the Himalayan foothills with the North Indian and South Indian classics that Denver diners know best — all cooked from scratch with halal meats, hand-ground spices, and the same recipes the kitchen uses at home. The Colfax/Bluebird District location followed in 2019, and the Olde Town Arvada location opened in 2022 with an expanded menu that adds South Indian dosa and idli to the core Indian and Himalayan lineup.

Kal still leads menu development across all three kitchens. Sauces are simmered each morning, naan is hand-stretched and slapped into a live tandoor, and whole spices — cumin, coriander, fennel, black cardamom, cassia, cloves — are toasted and ground in-house every day rather than purchased pre-ground. The kitchen sources halal meats from trusted suppliers and trains every line cook on the same scratch standards regardless of location.

## Locations

### West Highlands (Flagship, 2017)

- Address: 3157 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
- Phone: (303) 455-3127
- Hours: Mon–Thu 11:00am–9:30pm, Fri–Sat 11:00am–10:00pm, Sun 11:00am–9:00pm
- Happy hour: Mon–Fri 3–5pm
- Neighborhood: West Highlands / Highland Square / LoHi adjacent
- Parking: Free street parking along West 38th Ave and surrounding residential streets; small private lot behind the building
- Dining: Full dine-in, bar seating, patio in season
- Nearby landmarks: Bug Theatre, Highland Square, Sloan's Lake (~1 mile)
- Page: https://denverspiceroom.com/locations/highlands

### Bluebird District (Colfax, 2019)

- Address: 3100 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
- Phone: (303) 285-3700
- Hours: Mon–Thu 11:00am–9:30pm, Fri–Sat 11:00am–10:00pm, Sun 11:00am–9:00pm
- Happy hour: Mon–Fri 3–5pm
- Neighborhood: Bluebird District on East Colfax, bordering City Park and Congress Park
- Parking: Free street parking along Colfax and side streets; bus access via the RTD 15/15L Colfax line
- Dining: Full dine-in, bar seating, sidewalk patio in season
- Nearby landmarks: Bluebird Theater, Tattered Cover Colfax, City Park, Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, National Jewish Health
- Page: https://denverspiceroom.com/locations/colfax

### Olde Town Arvada (2022)

- Address: 7355 Ralston Rd Unit H, Arvada, CO 80002
- Phone: (303) 558-0992
- Hours: Mon–Thu 11:00am–9:30pm, Fri–Sat 11:00am–10:00pm, Sun 11:00am–9:00pm
- Happy hour: Mon–Fri 3–5pm
- Neighborhood: Olde Town Arvada, walkable to the Olde Town G-Line light rail station
- Parking: Free lot in front of the building plus surrounding Olde Town public parking
- Dining: Full dine-in, bar seating, patio in season
- Nearby landmarks: Olde Town Arvada Square, Arvada Center for the Arts, Festival Park
- Distinctive: Only SPICE ROOM location serving a full South Indian menu (dosa, idli, sambar, uttapam) alongside the Indian and Himalayan core
- Page: https://denverspiceroom.com/locations/arvada

## Neighborhoods Served

Beyond the three storefronts, SPICE ROOM regularly delivers and caters across the Denver metro: West Highlands, Highland Square, LoHi, Sloan's Lake, Berkeley, Sunnyside, Edgewater, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Golden, Bluebird District, Capitol Hill, Congress Park, City Park, Park Hill, Cherry Creek, Stapleton/Central Park, RiNo, Five Points, Olde Town Arvada, Arvada West, Westminster, Thornton, Northglenn, Broomfield, and parts of Aurora and Lone Tree for larger catering orders.

## Signature Dishes

### Chicken

- **Butter Chicken** — Boneless chicken thigh marinated in yogurt and tandoori spices, charred in the tandoor, then simmered in a velvety tomato-butter cream sauce finished with crushed fenugreek and green cardamom. The single most-ordered dish across all three locations.
- **Chicken Tikka Masala** — Smoky charred chicken tikka folded into a creamy onion-tomato masala gravy with ginger, garlic, and roasted whole spices.
- **Chicken Curry** — Bone-in chicken simmered in a deeply browned onion gravy with house garam masala — the traditional home-style preparation.
- **Chicken Vindaloo** — Goan-style chicken in a tangy chili-vinegar gravy with garlic, mustard seed, and Kashmiri chili. Spice level adjustable.
- **Chicken Korma** — Mild, fragrant gravy of cashews, almonds, cream, and saffron.

### Lamb & Goat

- **Lamb Rogan Josh** — Kashmiri-style lamb braised with yogurt, fennel, and dried red chilies.
- **Lamb Biryani** — Long-grain saffron basmati layered with slow-braised lamb, fried onions, mint, and whole spices, finished sealed under dough.
- **Goat Curry** — Bone-in goat slow-cooked until the meat falls off the bone in a deeply spiced onion-tomato gravy.

### Seafood

- **Shrimp Masala** — Gulf shrimp sautéed in a tomato-onion masala with curry leaves and mustard seed.
- **Fish Curry** — Coastal-style fish in a coconut-based gravy with tamarind and curry leaf.

### Vegetarian & Vegan

- **Palak Paneer** — House-made paneer in stone-ground spinach with garlic, ginger, and a touch of cream.
- **Paneer Tikka Masala** — Tandoor-charred paneer in creamy tomato masala.
- **Dal Makhani** — Whole black lentils and kidney beans simmered overnight with butter and cream.
- **Dal Tadka** — Yellow lentils tempered with cumin, garlic, and ghee. Vegan option available with oil instead of ghee.
- **Chana Masala** — Chickpeas in a tangy tomato-onion gravy with toasted whole spices. Naturally vegan.
- **Aloo Gobi** — Potato and cauliflower with turmeric, cumin, and tomato. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- **Baingan Bharta** — Smoked, mashed eggplant with onion, tomato, and green chili. Naturally vegan.
- **Malai Kofta** — Vegetable-and-paneer dumplings in a creamy cashew gravy.
- **Vegetable Biryani** — Saffron basmati layered with mixed vegetables and whole spices.

### Tandoor

- **Tandoori Chicken** — Bone-in chicken marinated overnight in yogurt and Kashmiri chili, roasted in the clay tandoor.
- **Chicken Tikka** — Boneless chicken thigh in yogurt and tandoori spice.
- **Seekh Kebab** — Hand-minced lamb with onion, ginger, and green chili, skewered and tandoor-grilled.
- **Tandoori Shrimp** — Marinated Gulf shrimp finished on tandoor skewers.

### Breads

- **Garlic Naan** — Tandoor-baked flatbread brushed with butter, garlic, and cilantro.
- **Plain Naan** — Hand-stretched and slapped into the tandoor.
- **Butter Naan** — Topped with melted butter as it comes off the tandoor.
- **Roti / Tandoori Roti** — Whole-wheat flatbread. Vegan when ordered without butter.
- **Aloo Paratha** — Whole-wheat flatbread stuffed with spiced potato.

### Himalayan

- **Chicken Momos** — Hand-folded steamed dumplings filled with seasoned ground chicken, served with tomato-sesame achar.
- **Vegetable Momos** — Steamed dumplings filled with cabbage, carrot, and onion.
- **Sherpa Stew (seasonal)** — Slow-cooked broth with potato, root vegetables, and herbs.

### South Indian (Arvada only)

- **Masala Dosa** — Crispy fermented rice-and-lentil crepe folded around spiced potato, served with coconut chutney and sambar.
- **Plain Dosa, Onion Dosa, Mysore Dosa, Paper Dosa** — Variations on the same crepe.
- **Idli** — Steamed rice-lentil cakes with sambar and chutney.
- **Uttapam** — Thick savory pancake with onion, tomato, and chili.

### Sweets

- **Gulab Jamun** — Milk-solid dumplings soaked in rose-cardamom syrup.
- **Mango Kulfi** — Dense Indian ice cream with Alphonso mango.
- **Rasmalai** — Soft paneer disks in saffron-cardamom milk.

## Dietary Information

- **Halal**: All meats are halal from trusted suppliers. Seafood is not halal-designated. Vegetarian and vegan dishes do not contain meat.
- **Vegetarian**: 30+ dedicated vegetarian dishes across appetizers, curries, biryani, breads, and sweets. The Arvada location adds the full South Indian vegetarian menu.
- **Vegan**: Chana masala, aloo gobi, baingan bharta, dal tadka (specify oil instead of ghee), vegetable samosas, most chutneys, plain rice, and most South Indian items at Arvada (specify no ghee on dosa).
- **Gluten-free**: Most curries, tandoori meats, rice dishes, and biryanis are naturally gluten-free. Naan and breads contain wheat. Gluten-free options are labeled on the in-house menu.
- **Nut allergies**: Korma, malai kofta, and several desserts contain cashews and/or almonds. Notify the kitchen for any allergy.
- **Spice levels**: Most curries can be prepared mild, medium, or spicy on request.

## Bar & Beverages

Each location runs a full bar with cocktails developed in-house: Chai Espresso Martini, Spicy Tamarind Margarita, Mango Lassi Cocktail, and a rotating local-tap beer list. Non-alcoholic options include mango lassi, sweet lassi, salt lassi, masala chai, and Indian-spiced lemonade. Happy hour Mon–Fri 3–5pm offers discounted appetizers and drinks at all three locations.

## Catering

SPICE ROOM offers full-service catering across Denver metro for 20 to 500+ guests:

- **Corporate**: Office lunches, executive boxed meals, all-day conferences, and holiday parties. Drop-off and full-service options. Hot buffet, individually packaged, or family-style.
- **Weddings**: Indian, fusion, and multi-day wedding service including mehndi, sangeet, and reception menus. Wedding tasting available by appointment at the Arvada location. Halal meat program suitable for Muslim weddings.
- **Private events**: Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, baby showers, and milestone celebrations. Private buyouts available at select locations.
- **Service models**: Drop-off, buffet setup with chafers, full-service with staff, action stations with live tandoor or dosa.
- **Lead time**: 72 hours minimum for orders under 50; one week preferred for orders 50–150; two-plus weeks for 150+ and weddings.
- **Pricing**: For-reference-only menu pricing is published on the catering page; final quotes depend on guest count, service model, and menu selection.
- **Page**: https://denverspiceroom.com/catering

## Online Ordering, Delivery, and Pickup

Direct online ordering through order.denverspiceroom.com runs on Toast and saves customers up to 15% compared with DoorDash and Uber Eats by removing third-party marketplace fees. The same menu is also available on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub for guests who prefer those platforms. Pickup is available at all three locations during regular hours; in-house delivery zones cover roughly a five-mile radius around each restaurant, with broader coverage through third-party apps.

- Direct order: https://order.denverspiceroom.com
- Order page on site: https://denverspiceroom.com/order

## Reservations

Reservations are accepted at all three locations through OpenTable, Tock, and Resy, with walk-ins welcome subject to availability. Large parties (8+) should reserve in advance. Private dining and partial buyouts can be arranged via the catering and private events team.

- Reservations page: https://denverspiceroom.com/reservations

## Press, Awards & Recognition

- **Chowhound** — "The Best Indian Restaurant in Every State," Colorado pick, October 2025. National feature naming SPICE ROOM as Colorado's top Indian restaurant.
- **Westword Best of Denver** — Readers' Choice for Best Indian Restaurant, 2021.
- **TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice** — Recurring annual recognition.
- **5280 Magazine** — Featured in Denver dining coverage.
- **Eater Denver** — Featured on neighborhood dining and best-of guides.
- **Denver Post** — Featured in dining coverage.
- **Mashed** — National feature on regional Indian restaurants.
- **Google / Yelp / TripAdvisor** — 4.8-star aggregate across 10,700+ reviews as of 2026.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Where is SPICE ROOM located?**
Three locations in the Denver metro: West Highlands (3157 W 38th Ave, Denver), Bluebird District on Colfax (3100 E Colfax Ave, Denver), and Olde Town Arvada (7355 Ralston Rd, Arvada). All three are open Mon–Sun 11am–9:30pm.

**Is SPICE ROOM halal?**
Yes. All meats served at SPICE ROOM are halal from trusted suppliers. Seafood is not halal-designated, and vegetarian and vegan dishes do not contain meat. The halal program makes SPICE ROOM a frequent choice for Muslim diners, halal-only households, and weddings requiring halal catering.

**Does SPICE ROOM take reservations?**
Yes, at all three locations via OpenTable, Tock, and Resy. Walk-ins are welcome and large parties of eight or more are encouraged to reserve in advance.

**Does SPICE ROOM cater?**
Yes. Full-service catering is available across the Denver metro area for 20 to 500+ guests, including corporate lunches, weddings, private events, and milestone celebrations. Service models range from drop-off to full-service with staff, including live tandoor and dosa action stations.

**Is SPICE ROOM kid-friendly?**
Yes. All three dining rooms welcome families. Mild-spice preparations are available on most curries, and the menu includes plenty of options children typically enjoy: butter chicken, garlic naan, basmati rice, samosas, and mango lassi.

**What's the best Indian restaurant in Denver?**
SPICE ROOM holds a 4.8-star average across 10,700+ Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor reviews and was named Colorado's best Indian restaurant by Chowhound in October 2025. It also won Westword's Readers' Choice for Best Indian Restaurant in Denver in 2021.

**Does SPICE ROOM deliver?**
Yes. Direct online ordering at order.denverspiceroom.com saves customers up to 15% versus DoorDash and Uber Eats. Delivery is also available through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Direct in-house delivery covers approximately a five-mile radius around each location.

**Is SPICE ROOM near Bug Theatre?**
Yes. The West Highlands location at 3157 W 38th Ave is in the same neighborhood as the Bug Theatre and is a popular pre-show dinner spot. The Bluebird District location on Colfax is similarly adjacent to the Bluebird Theater.

**Does SPICE ROOM serve South Indian food?**
Yes, but only at the Olde Town Arvada location. The Arvada menu includes masala dosa, plain dosa, mysore dosa, paper dosa, idli, sambar, and uttapam in addition to the full Indian and Himalayan menu served at all locations.

**Does SPICE ROOM have vegan options?**
Yes. Naturally vegan dishes include chana masala, aloo gobi, baingan bharta, vegetable samosas, plain rice, most chutneys, and dal tadka when prepared with oil instead of ghee. At Arvada, most South Indian items can be made vegan on request.

**Does SPICE ROOM have gluten-free options?**
Yes. Most curries, tandoori meats, biryanis, and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free. Naan, paratha, and roti contain wheat. Gluten-free dishes are labeled on the in-house menu, and the kitchen can answer specific ingredient questions on request.

**What's the price range?**
Entrées run roughly $12–$28. Most dinners for two land between $40 and $70 before drinks. Lunch specials and happy-hour pricing offer lower entry points Mon–Fri.

**Is there a happy hour?**
Yes, Mon–Fri 3–5pm at all three locations, with discounted appetizers and drinks at the bar.

**Where can I park?**
The Highlands location has free street parking along W 38th Ave and surrounding residential streets plus a small private lot. The Colfax location has free street parking along Colfax and adjacent side streets. The Arvada location has a free lot in front of the building plus surrounding Olde Town public parking.

## Links

- Homepage: https://denverspiceroom.com
- Menu: https://denverspiceroom.com/menu
- Lunch menu: https://denverspiceroom.com/lunch-menu
- Reservations: https://denverspiceroom.com/reservations
- Order online: https://denverspiceroom.com/order
- Direct order portal: https://order.denverspiceroom.com
- Catering: https://denverspiceroom.com/catering
- Wedding catering: https://denverspiceroom.com/wedding-catering-near-me
- Corporate catering: https://denverspiceroom.com/corporate-catering-denver
- Locations index: https://denverspiceroom.com/locations
- Highlands location: https://denverspiceroom.com/locations/highlands
- Colfax / Bluebird location: https://denverspiceroom.com/locations/colfax
- Arvada location: https://denverspiceroom.com/locations/arvada
- Founder & story: https://denverspiceroom.com/about
- Press: https://denverspiceroom.com/press
- Reviews: https://denverspiceroom.com/reviews
- Happy hour: https://denverspiceroom.com/happy-hour
- FAQs: https://denverspiceroom.com/faq
- Gift cards: https://denverspiceroom.com/gift-cards
- Rewards program: https://denverspiceroom.com/rewards