Sakura House: A Hidden Gem for Authentic Japanese Cuisine in Denver

Sakura House Introduce

For those of us in Denver seeking a truly authentic Japanese culinary experience that feels like a discovery, Sakura House is a treasure waiting to be found. Tucked away amidst the bustling streets and ongoing development in downtown Denver, this unassuming Japanese restaurant might not immediately catch the eye from the outside. However, as many local patrons have enthusiastically shared, stepping inside reveals a hidden gem that delivers fresh, savory, and meticulously prepared Japanese dishes, making it a highly recommended spot for a delightful meal.

Sakura House is renowned for its commitment to authentic flavors and careful preparation, evident in every dish they serve. It’s a place where the focus is squarely on the food and the genuine experience, rather than elaborate outward appearances. Locals who have ventured here often describe it as feeling remarkably similar to dining in Japan, despite its larger size compared to many traditional Japanese eateries. Whether you're craving a hearty bowl of ramen, a satisfying Bento box, or perfectly fried tempura, Sakura House offers a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of preferences, always with a touch of homemade care and a dedication to quality ingredients. It’s a comforting and welcoming spot that invites you to slow down and truly savor your meal.

Location and Accessibility

Sakura House is conveniently located at 1255 19th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA. This address places it within the vibrant downtown Denver area, specifically within the cultural hub of Sakura Square. While the surrounding construction and modest exterior might make it easy to overlook, its central location makes it accessible for many residents and visitors.

Accessibility is a notable feature for Sakura House, especially concerning parking. Despite being in a busy urban area, the restaurant offers a unique perk: free validated parking. There is paid parking available around the corner of the building that's paid, but the restaurant will provide validation, effectively making it free for their customers. This is a significant convenience in downtown Denver, where parking can often be a challenge. For those preferring public transportation, the restaurant’s downtown location means it's well-served by various bus routes and light rail, making it an easy destination to reach without a car. Its proximity to other attractions in Sakura Square also adds to its appeal as part of a larger outing.

Services Offered

Sakura House provides a focused range of services, prioritizing the dining experience and convenience for its customers:

Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in their comfortable, clean, and cozy restaurant setting. Despite its modest exterior, the atmosphere inside is designed for comfort and authentic Japanese ambiance.
Takeout: For those who wish to enjoy their authentic Japanese dishes at home or on the go, Sakura House offers convenient takeout services.
Delivery: While not explicitly stated in all reviews, restaurants in this area often partner with third-party delivery services, making it possible to have their food delivered to your location. It's best to confirm directly with the restaurant or through popular delivery apps.
Friendly and Attentive Service: Patrons consistently praise the staff for their kindness, attentiveness, and efficient service, even when busy. This contributes significantly to the welcoming atmosphere.

Features / Highlights

Sakura House shines with several key features that contribute to its "hidden gem" status among Denver locals:

Authentic Japanese Cuisine: Customers frequently describe the food as "incredibly authentic" and "tasted fresh," with everything prepared with care. The chefs specialize in genuine Japanese flavors and techniques.
Diverse Menu: Sakura House offers a wide array of Japanese comfort foods beyond just sushi. Their menu includes various ramen types (Tonkotsu, Miso, Spicy Miso, Kimchi Ramen, Seafood Ramen, Mabo Ramen, etc.), Udon and Soba noodles, traditional Japanese curries (Katsu Curry, Chicken Curry Rice, Beef Curry Rice), and diverse Donburi (rice bowls) like Katsudon, Oyakodon, and Gyūdon. They also offer "Set Meals" with grilled fish, katsu, tempura, and teriyaki, which come with miso soup, salad, and rice.
Generous Portions: Reviewers note that dishes, such as the Bento box, are very filling and often deliver "more than advertised on the menu," providing excellent value for the price.
Quality Ingredients: Dishes like the tempura are praised for generous pieces of shrimp and varied vegetables, and the chashu in their ramen is noted for being tender and flavorful.
Cozy and Authentic Ambiance: While modest from the outside, the interior decor and layout evoke a sense of being in Japan. The atmosphere is quiet, clean, and comfortable, making it a great escape from the city bustle.
Free Validated Parking: A significant advantage in downtown Denver, the restaurant offers free validation for paid parking nearby, alleviating a common urban dining concern.
Suitable for Quick Lunch or Relaxed Dining: Whether you're looking for a quick bite during lunch or a more relaxed meal, Sakura House can accommodate. Food comes out in a timely fashion, even for larger orders.

Promotions or Special Offers

Specific, ongoing promotions are not extensively detailed in public reviews for Sakura House. However, as a local establishment, they may offer daily lunch specials or seasonal promotions that are communicated directly in the restaurant or through their online platforms. The review mentioning a "Bento was pricey for lunch" but "very filling and delivered more than advertised" suggests that the value is inherent in their generous portions, which might act as a de facto "special" in comparison to other downtown options. For the most current information on any specials or deals, it would be best for Denver residents to contact Sakura House directly by phone or check their official website if available.

Contact Information

To experience the authentic Japanese flavors and welcoming atmosphere of Sakura House, you can reach them using the following details:

Address: 1255 19th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA

Phone: (303) 292-2323

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Sakura House is a truly suitable and highly recommended Japanese restaurant for Denver locals for several compelling reasons. Its dedication to providing an authentic and high-quality dining experience, even with its unassuming exterior, makes it a true hidden gem. The extensive and authentic menu, featuring everything from deeply flavored ramen and comforting curry to generously portioned Bento boxes, ensures there’s a satisfying option for every craving. The care and freshness with which each dish is prepared are consistently highlighted by patrons, affirming its commitment to genuine Japanese cuisine.

Furthermore, the practical benefits, such as the comfortable and clean atmosphere that evokes a sense of being in Japan, coupled with the invaluable offer of free validated parking in downtown Denver, make it an incredibly convenient and appealing choice. The friendly and attentive service adds to the overall pleasant dining experience. For residents of Colorado looking for a reliable, authentic, and truly enjoyable Japanese meal that offers both quality and value, Sakura House stands out as a genuine local favorite, promising a delightful and memorable visit every time.

Sakura House Food & drink

Beverage
Ramune US$3.25
Japanese soda that filled in codd-neck of a bottle and sealed with a marble.
Soft Drinks US$2.50
Choose from coke, fanta orange, iced tea, lemonade, root beer, sprite. refreshing beverage selection.
Green Tea US$2.00

Udon & Soba
Nabeyaki Udon US$16.95
Chicken, green onion, imitation crab meat, soft boiled egg, and shrimp tempura.
Vegetable Tempura Udon US$14.95
6 pieces of vegetable.
Vegetable Tempura Soba US$14.95
6 pieces of vegetable.
Beef Udon US$14.95
Slices of beef, onion, green onion, and imitation crab meat.
Chicken Udon US$14.95
Chicken, green onion, and imitation crab meat.
Tempura Udon US$15.95
2 pieces of shrimp, and 5 pieces of vegetable.
Tenzaru Soba US$15.95
Tempura, and cold soba with a dipping sauce.
Chicken Soba US$14.95
Chicken, green onion, and imitation crab meat.
Tenzaru Udon US$15.95
Tempura, and cold udon with a dipping sauce.
Tempura Soba US$15.95
2 pieces of shrimp, and 5 pieces of vegetable.
Beef Soba US$14.95
Slices of beef, onion, green onion, and imitation crab meat.

Salad
Seaweed Salad US$5.95
Delightful mix of fresh seaweed, tossed in a savory dressing.
Green Salad US$4.75
Mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, carrot. choose: italian, no dressing, or ranch.
Tofu Salad US$5.75
Mixed greens, tofu cubes, choice of italian, ranch, or no dressing.

Dessert
Mochi Ice Cream US$2.50
Choose from green tea, red bean, strawberry, vanilla. japanese dessert with ice cream wrapped in soft, pounded sticky rice.

Curry
Chicken Curry Rice US$15.95
Salad choice; creamy coconut curry, tender chicken, served over fragrant rice.
Katsu Curry US$16.95
Choose salad dressing: italian, none, or ranch. breaded, fried cutlet with curry sauce.
Korokke Curry Rice US$14.95
Vegetable Curry Rice US$14.95
Salad choice; italian, no, or ranch dressing. asian vegetable curry over rice.
Beef Curry Rice US$15.95
Salad choice; italian, no, or ranch dressing. served with savory beef curry over steamed rice.

Beverage
Soft Drinks US$2.50
Choose from coke, fanta orange, iced tea, lemonade, root beer, sprite. refreshing beverage selection.
Ramune US$2.95
Japanese soda that filled in codd-neck of a bottle and sealed with a marble.
Green Tea US$2.00

Lunch - Bento
Teriyaki Chicken US$21.95
Grilled chicken. With rice, miso soup, salad, tempura, and 4pc California roll.
Saba Shio US$21.95
Grilled mackerel. With rice, miso soup, salad, tempura, and 4pc California roll.
Salmon Shio US$21.95
Grilled salmon. With rice, miso soup, salad, tempura, and 4pc California roll.
Yakiniku US$21.95
Slices of beef, onion, and carrot. With rice, miso soup, salad, tempura, and 4pc California roll.
Salmon Teriyaki US$21.95
Teriyaki salmon. With rice, miso soup, salad, tempura, and 4pc California roll.

Dessert
Mochi Ice Cream US$2.00
Choose from green tea, red bean, strawberry, vanilla. japanese dessert with ice cream wrapped in soft, pounded sticky rice.
Ice Cream US$2.50
Choose from green tea or red bean flavors.

Udon & Soba
Nabeyaki Udon US$13.45
Chicken, green onion, imitation crab meat, soft boiled egg, and shrimp tempura.
Beef Soba US$11.50
Slices of beef, onion, green onion, and imitation crab meat.
Vegetable Tempura Udon US$10.95
6 pieces of vegetable.
Vegetable Tempura Soba US$10.95
6 pieces of vegetable.
Tempura Udon US$12.95
2 pieces of shrimp, and 5 pieces of vegetable.
Chicken Udon US$10.75
Chicken, green onion, and imitation crab meat.
Tenzaru Soba US$12.95
Tempura, and cold soba with a dipping sauce.
Chicken Soba US$10.75
Chicken, green onion, and imitation crab meat.
Tenzaru Udon US$12.95
Tempura, and cold udon with a dipping sauce.
Beef Udon US$11.50
Slices of beef, onion, green onion, and imitation crab meat.
Tempura Soba US$12.95
2 pieces of shrimp, and 5 pieces of vegetable.

Cold Noodle
Hiyashi Chuka US$13.95
Cucumber, egg, omelet, and pork on the cold noodle.
Banban-Ji US$13.95
Cucumber and boiled chicken on the cold noodle.

Pan-Fried Noodle
Umami Yakisoba US$16.95
Thick oyster sauce with slices of beef, and vegetables on pan-fried noodles.

Pan-Fried Noodle
Umami Yakisoba US$13.75
Thick oyster sauce with slices of beef, and vegetables on pan-fried noodles.

Appetizer
Ika Fry US$8.95
Fried squid with panko.
Agedashi Tofu US$7.95
Fried tofu that dusted with potato starch.
Korokke (2pc) US$7.25
Fried mashed potato with panko.
Takoyaki (6pc) US$7.95
Shaped pancake in balls, and filled with octopus, and ginger.
Karaage (5pc) US$9.25
Japanese fried chicken.
Gyoza (6pc) US$8.25
Homemade pan-fried dumpling.
Shumai (4pc) US$8.50
Homemade steamed dumpling.
Edamame US$4.95

Bowl
Katsudon US$12.00
Pork cutlet, onion, and egg.
Tekkadon US$16.95
Tuna, marinated tuna with spicy mayo on the bowl of rice.
Tanin Don US$11.50
Slices of beef, onion, and egg.
Tenshindon US$13.00
Omelet with the shrimp.
Gyūdon US$10.00
Beef bowl.
Oyakodon US$11.50
Chicken, onion, and egg.
Ten Don US$12.00
2 pieces of shrimp tempura, and 5 pieces of vegetable tempura.
Maguro Don US$15.95
Marinated tuna, and avocado on the bowl of rice, and dry seaweed.
Mabo Don US$12.00
The thick, and spicy sauce with tofu, and ground beef, green onion.

Bowl
Gyūdon US$13.95
Beef bowl.
Tanin Don US$14.95
Slices of beef, onion, and egg.
Katsudon US$15.95
Pork cutlet, onion, and egg.
Tekkadon US$18.95
Tuna, marinated tuna with spicy mayo on the bowl of rice.
Mabo Don US$15.95
The thick, and spicy sauce with tofu, and ground beef, green onion.
Ten Don US$15.95
2 pieces of shrimp tempura, and 5 pieces of vegetable tempura.
Oyakodon US$14.95
Chicken, onion, and egg.
Tenshindon US$16.95
Omelet with the shrimp.
Maguro Don US$17.95
Marinated tuna, and avocado on the bowl of rice, and dry seaweed.

Ramen Noodle
Negi Ramen US$12.95
Spicy soy sauce flavor, slices green onion, and thinly sliced chashu.
Miso Ramen US$11.95
Miso flavor, 2 slices of chashu, bamboo shoot, green onion, and half-boiled egg.
Ramen US$10.50
Soy sauce flavor, 2 slices of chashu, bamboo shoot, green onion, and half-boiled egg.
Tonkotsu Ramen US$13.95
Soy sauce flavor ramen with milky pork broth, 2 slices of chashu green onion, bamboo shoot, and half-boiled egg.
Spicy Miso Ramen US$13.95
Spicy miso flavor, vegetable, and slices of beef.
Umami Ramen US$12.95
Soy sauce flavor, thick oyster sauce with vegetable, and slices of beef.
Mabo Ramen US$12.95
Spicy soy sauce flavor, thick, and spicy sauce with tofu, and ground beef.
Chashu Ramen US$13.95
Soy sauce flavor, 5 slices of chashu, green onion, bamboo shoot, and half-boiled egg.
Paikou Ramen US$14.95
Soy sauce flavor, fried center loin pork, bean sprout, and side of sriracha sauce.
Champon US$14.95
Soy sauce flavor ramen with milky pork broth, shrimp, squid, slices of beef, and vegetable.
Seafood Ramen US$14.95
Soy sauce flavor, thick the sauce with shrimp, squid, and vegetable.

Appetizer
Korokke (2pc) US$5.75
Fried mashed potato with panko.
Gyoza (6pc) US$6.50
Homemade pan-fried dumpling.
Banban-Ji US$6.95
Cucumber and boiled chicken on the cold noodle.
Edamame US$4.50
Karaage (5pc) US$7.25
Japanese fried chicken.
Ika Fry US$7.50
Fried squid with panko.
Shumai (4pc) US$6.95
Homemade steamed dumpling.
Agedashi Tofu US$7.00
Fried tofu that dusted with potato starch.
Takoyaki (6pc) US$7.50
Shaped pancake in balls, and filled with octopus, and ginger.

Salad
Seaweed Salad US$7.95
Delightful mix of fresh seaweed, tossed in a savory dressing.
Tofu Salad US$7.95
Mixed greens, tofu cubes, choice of italian, ranch, or no dressing.
Green Salad US$6.75
Mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, carrot. choose: italian, no dressing, or ranch.

Dinner - Bento
Teriyaki Chicken US$21.95
Grilled chicken. With rice, miso soup, salad, tempura, and 4pc sashimi.
Yakiniku US$21.95
Slices of beef, onion, and carrot. With rice, miso soup, salad, tempura, and 4pc sashimi.
Saba Shio US$21.95
Grilled mackerel. With rice, miso soup, salad, tempura, and 4pc sashimi.
Salmon Shio US$21.95
Grilled salmon. With rice, miso soup, salad, tempura, and 4pc sashimi.
Salmon Teriyaki US$21.95
Teriyaki salmon. With rice, miso soup, salad, tempura, and 4pc sashimi.

Sides
Curry Sauce US$4.50
Extra curry sauce
Shrimp Tempura (1pc) US$2.85
Vegtable Tempura(1pc) US$1.85

Set Meal
Chicken Teriyaki US$15.95
Grilled chicken thigh.
Salmon Teriyaki US$17.95
Teriyaki salmon.
Salmon Shio US$17.95
Grilled salmon.
Saba Shio US$17.95
Grilled mackerel.
Aji Fry US$15.95
Fried horse mackerel with panko.
Tempura US$17.95
3 pieces of shrimp, and 7 pieces of vegetable tempura.
Yakiniku US$16.95
Slices of beef, onion, and carrot.
Tonkatsu US$15.95
Pork cutlet.
Chicken Katsu US$15.95
Chicken cutlet.
Korokke US$14.95
Fried mashed potato with panko.

Ramen Noodle
Champon US$17.95
Soy sauce flavor ramen with milky pork broth, shrimp, squid, slices of beef, and vegetable.
Mabo Ramen US$15.95
Spicy soy sauce flavor, thick, and spicy sauce with tofu, and ground beef.
Spicy Miso Ramen US$16.95
Spicy miso flavor, vegetable, and slices of beef.
Tonkotsu Ramen US$16.95
Soy sauce flavor ramen with milky pork broth, 2 slices of chashu green onion, bamboo shoot, and half-boiled egg.
Miso Ramen US$14.95
Miso flavor, 2 slices of chashu, bamboo shoot, green onion, and half-boiled egg.
Ramen US$13.95
Soy sauce flavor, 2 slices of chashu, bamboo shoot, green onion, and half-boiled egg.
Chashu Ramen US$16.95
Soy sauce flavor, 5 slices of chashu, green onion, bamboo shoot, and half-boiled egg.
Negi Ramen US$16.95
Spicy soy sauce flavor, slices green onion, and thinly sliced chashu.
Paikou Ramen US$17.95
Soy sauce flavor, fried center loin pork, bean sprout, and side of sriracha sauce.
Umami Ramen US$15.95
Soy sauce flavor, thick oyster sauce with vegetable, and slices of beef.
Seafood Ramen US$17.95
Soy sauce flavor, thick the sauce with shrimp, squid, and vegetable.

Cold Noodle
Hiyashi Chuka US$16.95
Cucumber, egg, omelet and pork on the cold noodle

Set Meal
Aji Fry US$12.95
Fried horse mackerel with panko.
Saba Shio US$14.75
Grilled mackerel.
Tonkatsu US$12.95
Pork cutlet.
Salmon Teriyaki US$13.75
Teriyaki salmon.
Yakiniku US$13.50
Slices of beef, onion, and carrot.
Tempura US$14.95
3 pieces of shrimp, and 7 pieces of vegetable tempura.
Chicken Katsu US$12.95
Chicken cutlet.
Salmon Shio US$13.75
Grilled salmon.
Korokke US$12.50
Fried mashed potato with panko.
Chicken Teriyaki US$12.50
Grilled chicken thigh.

Curry
Katsu Curry US$13.75
Choose salad dressing: italian, none, or ranch. breaded, fried cutlet with curry sauce.
Vegetable Curry Rice US$11.00
Salad choice; italian, no, or ranch dressing. asian vegetable curry over rice.
Beef Curry Rice US$12.00
Salad choice; italian, no, or ranch dressing. served with savory beef curry over steamed rice.
Chicken Curry Rice US$11.50
Salad choice; creamy coconut curry, tender chicken, served over fragrant rice.
Korokke Curry Rice US$11.50

Sakura House Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating

Offerings
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy

Crowd
Groups

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free parking lot

Sakura House Photos

Sakura House Location

Sakura House

Colorado Denver County Denver Ballpark District 19th Street

1255 19th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA

Sakura House Reviews

Very modest looking place.You would not think twice from the outside looking in, and with the construction around it, it'd be easy to miss.But this place is a hidden gem.It one lady working so she had us pick a seat and came right away to take our order, which we were ready for.The food came in a timely fashion and was savory and tasted fresh.Everything was prepared with care.It was around lunch time and did not have any issue finding a seat.There is free parking around the corner of the building that's paid, but the restaurant will give you a validation for it so it's free.
April 17 · Mal- Kay
Food: The food was fantastic and incredibly authentic. The Bento was pricey for lunch, so it was not something I'd get every time. It was very filling and delivered more than advertised on the menu. It unexpectedly came with a shumai, which was tasty. The tempura had two generous pieces of shrimp and many varied veggies. Everything else was fantastic and as expected from the menu.Atmosphere: The decor and layout even felt more like somewhere in japan (despite being bigger than most places you would find there). The radio was just playing a local pop station, which was a reduction to the atmosphere, and I had to hear radio ads occasionally.Service: Arriving a bit after 11, we were probably the first to be seated for the day. We both ordered large set meals with varied items, so I would expect service to take longer. Others who arrived closer to noon had their food out quickly and were treated kindly as regulars. Refills on the tea were attentive enough for me.I will be coming back!
March 31 · Bryan Friestad
Sakura House is surely one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in town. The restaurant is family owned and serves many traditional Japanese staples, such as ramen, udon, don, set meal, bento and curry rice, following the age old recipes. Some of the less commonly seen dishes are korokke, agedashi tofu, mabo ramen, paiko ramen, chanpon, the seasonal hiyashi chuka, tenshin don, maguro don, Aji fry, and nabeyaki udon. The food is authentic and simply delicious. The setting of the restaurant is low key and distinctively Japanese. The service is attentive and cordial. Here are their maguro don and agedashi tofu. The restaurant is at the ground floor of the Sakura Square.
April 10 · Adam You
Everything about Sakura House is the BEST. My husband and I weekly come in for lunch. I am constantly meeting friends here and having a blast. The service is IMMACULATE! The food is TOP NOTCH. I never not leave feeling full, refreshed, and so so good in my body. I've got my favorite dishes but I always try something new and I'm still pleasantly surprised. This is THE MOST authentic Japanese resturaunt in the entire state. If I could reccomend any resturaunt, it would be this one.Thank you Sakura House.ありがとうございます!(Pictured is the mabo don meal which comes with salad and miso soup!)
March 25 · Charolette Cleveland
Can’t miss, Traditional Japanese food. Just like you would imagine it would be.I had the miso ramen and tempura vegetables/shrimp. The broth was so rich and wonderful. The tempura was perfectly cooked!
October 30 · Adam