Verde — Restaurant in Louisville

I was looking for a place to take my family to for dinner tonight in Louisville, came across Verde and started scrolling through reviews. Came upon a 1 star review rather quickly, which seemed a bit ridiculous and totally uninformative about anything to do with the actual food or service. Then I read the most amazing reply from Brandon, who I assume is the manager at Verde, and I knew I was taking my family to Verde tonight. Brandon was heartfelt and impassioned about his restaurant and how badly an impulsive review can hurt a new business, and he did a great job of communicating that. It is rare and so refreshing to see someone stand up for what they believe rather than cater to some foolish public comment. I would encourage anyone thinking of trying Verde to scroll down and read it, it's special. So thank you Brandon, and thank you one star review person, my 9 member family is really looking forward to experiencing Verde tonight!

I'll be happy to update this review later this evening with our actual experience at the restaurant.

Update: Well now I see why Brandon was so fiery in his defense of his restaurant, Verde is legit. Upon walking in you're greeted with a very spacious, design conscious space, very colorful and inviting. We had 5 kids in our party and were seated in a corner booth/table which is always appreciated. A perfectly competent waitress named Ashley served us right away and was very attentive the entire evening. My mother and sister had margaritas which they enjoyed, not sweet and definitely a more craft version. The draft beer list was a little small but included some staples like Odell's IPA and Upslope Citra Pale Ale. I had a Renegade Tangerine IPA which was stellar. We started out with the chips and salsa and guacamole and they were truly some of the best I've encountered in Colorado. Two different salsas, very different, one loaded with interesting and traditional flavors and the other completely non traditional fruit and spice flavors. Both amazing. Guacamole was spot on as well. The other thing I should mention is that the chips are remarkable, super thick and I'm assuming fried and prepared in house. If not, they're getting them from some very talented people, they were beyond delicious. The only misfire of the appetizers was the queso which we all were pretty convinced was Velveeta, almost the entire bowl was left when we were finished. An odd misstep in an otherwise flawless meal. For dinner all the adults got burritos, one carne asada, two machaca and I got a breakfast burrito and added grilled veggies. We all had them enchilada style, doused in green or red sauce and covered in cheese. I can't stress to you enough how good these sauces are. I had both on mine and they were by far the most authentic tasting enchilada sauces I've encountered yet in Colorado. My entire family is from Tucson, AZ, home of some of the best Mexican food in America, and we haven't found flavors like this since we moved here. Truly spectacular, just layers of flavor and so many that were new and interesting and unexpected. And what a perfect level of spice in both sauces, the green being a bit hotter than the red, both being so delicious. I could go on about these burritos for a few more paragraphs, they were above and beyond anything I ever expected coming out of Louisville. I would eat them every day of my life. And they give you this red cabbage garnish that you think is kinda strange and maybe you won't eat it, but then you do and it elevates everything in the burrito because these chefs are smarter than us and know what we need even if we don't realize it. Being a vegetarian I was really impressed that all the beans and enchilada sauces were vegetarian, made my options more plentiful. They also have vegetarian tacos that sounded great that I'll be trying next time, as well as interesting salad and fajita options. Most restaurants I go to there is literally one menu item I can order, definitely not the case here and it's appreciated.

That's all the characters they'll allow...

Verde has a great vibe that is a well needed addition in old town. The chips are fresh and tasty. The food is all very good but is also a little on the spicer side “i suppose” as one reviewer reported but nothing my kids couldn’t handle. This is nothing out of the norm for the type of restaurant it is. I guess for some who can’t handle the more authentic food should find a chain in Westminster. My family and I travel to different coastal regions of Mexico just about every year and this restaurant would do very well in Playa, PV, Cabo, etc. Please do yourself a favor and give this place a chance and in know way on Earth is this place worth only 2-3stars and that’s coming from a serious food snob. Seriously, to give a place 2stars because you didn’t like the decor in the bathroom is insane or 2stars because your kids can’t handle a little spice. That’s why you start them early eating a variety of ethnic food and great steaks, etc. and not spoil them with Mac and cheese and cheese pizza.

I could have given them 4stars for the lack of a proper table setting and not refilling our water... I’m trying to be picky but they are great. The service was quick however and my waitress was very friendly. The food was not rushed. The prices are on par for those who think it’s expensive...it’s not at all for the quality and quantity you receive in return. Taco Tuesday is $1off if you want to save a few bucks.

A side note- take the Blue parrot sign down. It’s ugly, confusing people who aren’t familiar with the area and the new restaurant. The food was never good to begin with. Totally cheap and bland “Italian” food. Seriously, I’ve been to Italy and would be embarrassed to take an Italian to the Blue Parrot. I swear the only people who currently liked it where old folks who grew up with it because nothing else was available nearby or never experienced real authentic cooking.

2nd side note- think about making the carnitas have a little more of a fried tasting exterior but keeping the meat moist. Pan frying it for the last minute....

Ordered before 6 on a Friday night from door dash, the driver told me he was on his way exactly on time, then he said the restaurant called and told him they left out items, so he went back. Upon delivery we were still missing multiple items on a 100$ order. Won't waste my time here again after that, a simple 4 person order should go like clockwork or you shouldn't be in business.

--Update This is exactly the response of someone that does not know how to run a business and is about to be bankrupt if they don't change their attitude and their process. I have managed restaurants from 3 people to fine dining restaurants with nearly a hundred employees catering 200 person + events AND operating the cities best fine dining restaurant at the same time.

Let us evaluate why this is a FACT. First you called me MAX my name is clearly written and right away this shows your lack of attention to detail.

Second instead of apologizing for your business making a mistake you waste your time and money to attack me. Doordash had an error rate of about 25% when i ordered from them. I therefore have canceled my membership and they refunded based on evidence provided with photos.

Third If you actually had any business skill you would be identifying how you can correct these issues through a process so that this simply can not happen. Obviously if you had to check the cameras you have no process in place and have no idea what is going out the door.

I will gladly turn your restaurant around in less than 3 months but it will cost you 70,000 a year for my services and you have to give me complete control to make measured and documented changes for the betterment of the business. Short of getting someone seriously educated about business to help you, this place will not be here in a few years, i have seen big and small companies fail and so far you are showing the same signs. Take this as a red flag warning sign and make...