The Italian Underground Restaurant image

The Italian Underground Restaurant

Restaurant Bar Italian restaurant Family restaurant Northern italian restaurant

Traditional Italian dishes served in cozy digs with stone walls & red-&-white-checked tablecloths. People often mention delicious, sauce, spaghetti, pasta, Italian, time, restaurant, ordered, good, lasagna,


Address

715 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, United States

Website

www.theitalianunderground.com

Contact

+1 970-945-6422

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (1.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 4:30 to 9:30 pm
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 4:30 to 9:30 pm
  • Friday: 4:30 to 9:30 pm
  • Saturday: 4:30 to 9:30 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 4:30 to 9:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: delicious (17) sauce (14) spaghetti (11) pasta (10) Italian (10) time (9) restaurant (9) ordered (8) good (8) lasagna (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Marco P. 6 months ago on Google
    We’ve been coming here annually since the 1980’s. The last few years the food has been so so. Last night we ordered pasta al Genovese (pesto). The waitress asked if I wanted creamed pesto? What? I said I wanted al Genovese pasta. She had no idea what I was saying. The waitress was nice, but ADD as she couldn’t concentrate on our table when ordering, talking to folks at two other tables at the same time. The food was not good. No taste whatsoever. The pasta was over cooked and the pesto was bland and tasteless. So sad, beautiful location and ambiance but food was bad.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christine W. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was our favorite of our entire visit! The house made salad dressing was delicious, but it’s the pasta sauces that really stood out. The Alfredo sauce has nuanced notes of cheese, cream and pepper and was just freaking delicious. We loved the meatballs on the spaghetti and the sauce was just right, not too spicy not bland. And the tiramisu was a creamy coffee delight! We also love all the servers and their sense of humor! P.S. the Olive Garden does not compare to here and the reviews from that person is ridiculous!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Zailyn Prada B. 2 years ago on Google
    Okay, so let me preface this with the fact that we've traveled to Italy many times, and eaten in different regions of the country... that being said I have to say we were pleasantly surprised! The food was fresh, plated well, the bread was fresh baked, and the seasoning on point! The service was wonderful! This is a tiny, charming, basement restaurant thousands of miles from the ocean, but the linguine and shrimp broth was delicious. The only slightly off issue was the salad could have been fresher, but for a tiny town eatery it's well worth it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Z H. 6 months ago on Google
    In the basement of a building. Has living room style lighting. About a 30 minute wait when we went there on a Sunday evening it was a holiday weekend. They were a little heartbroken that we didn't want to have any wine with the dinner. The noodles were good texture . Pasta sauce was well cooked. The rolls that they kept brought to the table were little baby ciabatta buns,which were adorable. If you like Italian food you'll probably like this place. If Italian food reminds you of having spaghetti at home as a kid every week this will probably remind you of that spaghetti, but the best version of it. So depending on how you liked having spaghetti every week will depend if you want to go here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jen R. 1 year ago on Google
    I’m so glad we stopped and waited for an outdoor table to eat in this restaurant. I ordered the Spaghetti and meatball’s with the Anselmo family sauce…omg, delicious. The service was amazing. They served us a basket of fresh bread and delicious garlic butter. The spaghetti came with a side salad and it was brought before the main course. My friends had the spaghetti with Italian sausage and they loved it. This is a very special place. If you are in Glenwood Springs go check it out. The underground restaurant has a cool vibe too.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Evelynn E. 2 years ago on Google
    Best Italia. Food I have had in a long time! Landon at the bar was so incrediblely kind as well while we were waiting, so friendly and nice to talk to! Whipped butter is infused with fresh garlic, and the lasagna is fantastic! Definitely recommend and definitely will be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Theresa S. 1 year ago on Google
    We had Italian Margaritas, the traditional spaghetti with meatballs and an order of buttered noodles. All of which were very yummy. We loved Nancy at the bar. We sat there and she was super friendly. Would definitely recommend this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris M. 1 year ago on Google
    It was my first time here and I LOVED IT!! I recently binge watched Kobra Kai and the Karate Kid movies, and they always have references to chicken cacciatore. So when I saw that on their menu I just had to try it! It was my first time ever trying chicken cacciatore, and I just loved it. Very well prepared and great flavors. All the staff and my server were very friendly with outgoing personalities that made the atmosphere and my dining experience a great one! Strongly recommended!!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonas T. 1 year ago on Google
    The menu looked great but we both went with a special. Both our dishes tasted delicious, great presentation and large portions. I had the Osso Bucco -Braised Pork Shanks over parpadelle noodles. She had Deep Fried Cod with a creamy lemon caper sauce with side of spaghetti. Chyna was a fantastic server and the entire staff are very professional. Owners very hands on checking to make sure all their customers are well served and satisfied. Highly recommend dining at the Italian Underground in Glenwood springs!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nghia L. 8 months ago on Google
    I went straight here on our day in Glenwood Springs. We got the Chef's special, which was braised short ribs with a mushroom creamy sauce pasta. The short rib was so tender and the creamy mushroom sauce was delicious. We also got rigatoni pasta with spicy sausage tomato sauce, which was amazing! Both entrees were served with salad of your choice and bread. For dessert, we had tiramisu, which was well balanced in flavor.

  • 5/5 Patrick S. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely place for a family dinner! Making memories while visiting the hot springs. Staff is fast and friendly. Food is delicious, meatballs, pasta, and bread are excellent! Call a head for reservation.

  • 5/5 Linzie G. 3 months ago on Google New
    Was a bit hesitant based on reviews that were either hit or miss. Keep in mind we went on a weekday and it wasn't busy at all. Were sat immediately and given great bread and some tasty garlic butter. We both ordered alcohol drinks that were delicious. I ordered fettuccine Alfredo and it was perfect. Great portion, good noodle consistency, great flavor. My bf ordered the half lasagna and spaghetti dish and he loved it. I tasted it and the sausage in his dish was a bit too spicy (seasoning) for me. Overall great choice, left full and happy.

  • 5/5 Derps 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent little spot! You can tell it’s homemade all the way style. I judge a place on doing the basics well, and the pasta and meatballs is pure deliciousness. And… wine on tap!

  • 5/5 Colette B. 10 months ago on Google
    I just loved everything about this place. Travis my server was awesome. The food was delicious the place was adorable ❤️

  • 5/5 Katie E. 10 months ago on Google
    This is a cozy little place in the basement of the Silver Club Building under the Grand Avenue bridge. I have been twice, once with a large group and one alone. Both times the staff was friendly and helpful. I had the chicken cacciatore the first night and then the spinach lasagna the second visit along with the smoked salmon appetizer. The food was amazing! And the tiramisu was delicious. I'm looking forward to the next time I get to go. Update: May 17, 2023. I returned with my boyfriend this time. I had the chicken cacciatore again and he had the combination plate. Both meals were delicious and our waitress was attentive and helpful. I love this little restaurant.

  • 5/5 Hannah W. 9 months ago on Google
    Don't miss this hidden gem! This place is incredible! I stop every time I'm in Glenwood Springs. Speedy service and people are so nice. Delicious food. Quirky atmosphere. I would rate it 10 stars if I could. Highly recommend their standard spaghetti and meatballs dish with their house sauce and the tiramisu! Oh and the Moscato is divine! Well worth the price.

  • 5/5 Tetiana K. 8 months ago on Google
    A very busy place! They don’t take reservations, so you’ll have to wait around; our wait on Friday night was 45 minutes for 4. Great food, huge portions, and moderate prices! We will definitely be back!

  • 5/5 Adam 1 year ago on Google
    Travis is the best! Great food, packed underground historic restaurant. The four stars gave me pause but the lady at the frontier museum told us it’s a local favorite where the pasta and sauce is homemade. The food did not disappoint the combination is huge and delicious, expect leftovers. I ordered the linguine and clams from the secret menu but only get it if you love clams as their is a ton, make sure you top it with lots of cheese!

  • 5/5 Marc S. 1 year ago on Google
    I had to pass by this restaurant several times, but never stopped in to eat until this evening. Although they were busy, we got in within 20 minutes. Great selection on the menu as I had the spicy lasagna and pasta for dinner. The meal was outstanding, and the service was above and beyond. The staff greeted us coming in and when we left.

  • 4/5 Desiree T. 1 year ago on Google
    Was kinda bummed that I ordered meat sauce and got regular red sauce instead, but it was really good! Alfredo sauce was delicious. The meatballs are tasty and definitely homemade (did I detect a hint of tarragon?). Even the side salad was good quality with fresh mixed greens and homemade dressing. Love the homemade bread. Everyone who works here is super friendly. A little pricey but delicious. I’d eat here again.

  • 5/5 Caitlyn M. 1 year ago on Google
    By far my favorite place to eat on our honeymoon. I commented on how cute it was there and the owner told us the story of how the restaurant came to be. Our waitress has worked there many years. Food was delicious.

  • 5/5 Heather R. 1 year ago on Google
    AMAZING!! Would give it more stars if I could. Brushetta is so good. It's unique in that they roast the romas to dry them and do not add onion. It is a little pricey, but portions are very generous. Average cost of a plat is about $20. Because of the portion size, my husband and I decided to share a plate. They charged $2.00 extra, which I wasn't a fan of. Atmosphere is very eclectic and fun. Wait staff did a wonderful job. Great experience.

  • 5/5 Sarah D. 1 year ago on Google
    Adorable Italian restaurant! The atmosphere and decor are great. The menu is small but they do it well. Bread is served with a tasty garlic butter.

  • 5/5 Barry C. 1 year ago on Google
    The best Italian I've had in years. Excellent food, wonderful service, and a uniquely charming atmosphere. We arrived in Glenwood springs at dinner and put our name on the list in the middle of the dinner rush. We were informed that our wait would be about 25 minutes (very reasonable considering it was 6:00pm) so we took a stroll to the bridge and watched a train pass while the neon signs of this charming little town began to light up. Our wait ended up being only 15 minutes and we were seated promptly. We ordered the lasagna, the fettuccini al pesto, and a slice of Italian lemon cream cake for dessert. The lasagna was made with a spicy Italian sausage that really brought out a depth of flavor that I haven't tasted in lasagna in a very long time. It was rich, cheesy, and savory. The spice level was perfect. And when paired with a side of delicious spaghetti in marinara sauce it made an incredible meal. The fettuccini al pesto was so good! It was lively and fresh with just the right blend of ingredients and was a perfect compliment to the rich lasagna. My wife gushed over it. The lemon cream cake was the perfect finish to a wonderful culinary experience. I strongly recommend it. We've decided that every time we return to Glenwood Springs we will eat here. If you love Italian food I would recommend you do the same!

  • 5/5 Kimberly C. 2 years ago on Google
    I was really impreesed by this restaurant. The food was excellent! I had the shrimp scampi which tasted as good as my italian grandfather used to make! Will definitely return!


Call +1 970-945-6422 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway

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