A Michelin-recognized chef co-launching Molino Chido.
Insights
ChineseVegetarian Vegan FocusAsian FusionUpscaleDinnerBrunchCasualWine Bar
Last updated: 9/9/2026, 5:06:02 AM
Key Information
Hop Alley is a Denver-based restaurant offering traditional and regional Chinese cuisine, served family-style, with a modern twist on other Asian dishes. It is a concept from Tommy Lee and the Uncle team.
Customer Perception
Customers generally praise Hop Alley for its delicious and authentic Chinese food, creative dishes, and vibrant atmosphere. The family-style service is a popular feature, and many reviewers highlight the quality of the ingredients and the skillful preparation of the food. Some mention that it can be a bit pricey, but most agree it's worth it for the experience.
Additional Details
The restaurant's name, 'Hop Alley,' refers to Denver's historic Chinatown, which was located in the LoDo area. The Chef's Counter is available for reservations on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Started with the Lúthien cocktail—light and refreshing, with bright citrus and delicate floral notes. Their entire cocktail menu is superb.
The duck rolls were a standout and quickly became a table favorite. We also highly recommend the twice-cooked pork belly, and the “dancing” bonito added a fun, interactive touch to the fried rice.
The waitstaff was friendly and attentive, and the restaurant itself was clean with a great atmosphere. It was especially enjoyable watching the chefs at work in the open kitchen.
Hop Alley is an incredible Asian fusion spot with bold, creative, and truly unique flavors. We’re still dreaming about the beef and celery dumplings with chili crisp, apple, and cashew — perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat and crunch. The wood-grilled half chicken with goji berry and celtuce was equally outstanding — smoky, tender, and layered with flavor in a way that felt both surprising and intentional.
Beyond the food, the service is fantastic. You can genuinely tell the team wants you to walk away happy, full, and completely taken care of. They guide you through the experience in a way that feels warm and thoughtful. A memorable meal all around — can’t wait to go back.
5
One of my favorite Denver restaurants and consistently in my top recs for visitors. A meal at Hop Alley is fantastic, only made better if you sit at the chefs counter.
Please bring back the shrimp toast though!
5
An extraordinary meal where four of us basically ordered 90% of what was on the menu. It came out with a speed that was a bit overwhelming and we didn't know what to taste first. But the concept of all dishes being shared and apportioned to the number of guests at the table is already a huge plus: no agonizing over how to split orders - it's already been done. Highly recommend the Dragon Whiskers, Gai Lan, Pork Ribs, Duck Roll, Lamb noodles with neck, with sadly the expensive grilled bass being a pass: it was dry and lacked the anticipated flavor. The service was impeccable. Overall, a great night out!
1
As a former chef and chef instructor with 14 years in the industry, I was extremely disappointed with this restaurant. I was excited to try it after seeing it listed in the Michelin Guide, and I called ahead to order takeout after work. The food was ready on time, but that was the only positive.
I paid $144 for what was supposed to be “high‑end” Chinese food, and it was absolutely not worth the price. The short ribs were chewy, dry, and sliced thin—nothing like the thick, tender, bone‑in short ribs you’d expect for $29. The dish was mostly raw vegetables with tough meat. The dumplings had an odd flavor that reminded me more of pierogis than Chinese dumplings. Portion sizes were shockingly small for the cost.
Overall, the quality, flavor, and value were nowhere near what the owner is charging. Either the prices need to come down or the portions and execution need to improve. I wouldn’t recommend this place—save your money and go somewhere with better food, better pricing, and better portions. I won’t be returning.
