John Holly's Asian Bistro - Denver

I really want to love this place. Why? Because it 's taking over my fav neighborhood spot, Japon. But my overall experience here is somewhat uninspiring. I give them 2.5 (if I could) for friendly service. Not great service, but they were cordial. The head sushi chef brought me a complimentary two piece roll that was good. Not sure what it was, but it was good. Minor details failed to be attended to, which is likely due to their 'new ' status; the staff has yet to get their groove going. Totally ok. I wasn 't blown away by the food. That 's the key. Here 's why: I got the Tokyo Roll. It was ok. When something is described as 'seared ' I want to feel the sear... The warmth, the texture. A day old sear has no real benefit to the taste. The cucumber salad they brought at the beginning of the meal? Too strong in the seasoning department.. Not clean and refreshing as it should be. So while I so desperately want to give these guys a higher review I can 't. Not yet.

The only thing better than the incredible lunch special is Kristine, our server. There is not a three course lunch of this caliber anywhere on the planet for less than 9 bucks? Great atmosphere. Heck you lose money by not coming here. Pad Thai and Mongolian ordered today. Miso soup and edamame started off mine. Sweet and sour soup and spicy tuna roll started off the other side of the table. So good. Kinda feel bad for it not costing more! Try it. You'll be as surprised as I was.

If you're ordering takeout, the food is good pretty good quality. It's your usual Asian fare, with very little deviation from what you would get at any other Asian restaurant, but Asian food is like the wheel of American cuisine: there's no real reason to try and reinvent it, and this place seems to know that. My problem with this place is the fact that the interior decor is horrible. It's not even vaguely reminiscent of Asia, which I for some reason expect from an Asian restaurant. The servers are very friendly, which is nice, but it got a little irritating after they checked in at our table for the twelfth time. I guess it's better to be too nice than not nice at all, but there's still a balance. It seems awfully shallow, but I was just completely unable to get over the gauche decorations. I'll be ordering takeout from now on.

Mediocre service serving overpriced mediocre food while listening to a mediocre smooth jazz soundtrack. Beware the lollipop roll. It was warm and clumsily wrapped in cucumber without the lollipop stick making it look more like the cross-section of an alien 's forearm than a sushi roll.

They have great lunch specials. I was craving shrimp tempura for lunch and although it is not on the lunch menu I was able to order it. It is an appetizer and it is huge!!! 5 shrimp and great veggies, red pepper, sweet potato, onion, asparagus, mushroom and more!! And the bill came and it was $8.99. What a great deal! So filling!!! A must get. You will not be disappointed. Love the decor as well.