It’s best to think of the fare at Latin Social linguistically rather than geographically because it stretches the boundaries of regions and culinary traditions in unexpected ways.

The Menu

The eclectic options represented Turkey, Spain, Greece and even India. Keebabs and mezze platters were among the offerings, but there was also a variety of seafood, beef and vegetarian dishes. We didn’t try the platters, featuring a variety of small plates, designed to feed two ($110) or four ($248). Too many other things caught our eyes. 

Critic’s Tip

Since we had waited a long time before our order was taken I asked if the restaurant was short-staffed. This was not received well and we had looked forward to a fine dining experience. So we leaned into a Mediterranean approach: sat back, relaxed and knew our time would come, eventually. Fortunately, we were able to redirect the conversation to menu specifics followed by compliments. Compliments helped, because the pace picked up – a little – and the food, when it eventually arrived was, well, worth the delay.

On the Table

Even though the description of the chicken and spinach pide, a Turkish-style pizza, was tempting, we started with meat empanadas ($16). We saw plenty of these pass our table throughout our stay.  These hand-held, crimped-edged pies were made with croissant dough filled with ground beef, apples and raisins. There were three in the order along with a vibrant, tangy fresh mint sauce made with cilantro and house-made yogurt for dipping.

Melt-in-your-mouth braised short rib ($45) was served on creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes. A medley of al dente vegetables, including carrots, broccoli and asparagus, added color and texture. This was a considerable amount of food and every bit was thoroughly enjoyed!

An array of wild mushrooms almost eclipsed the perfectly sautéed scallops in the risotto ($35). Rich, almost-silky Arborio rice was nutty and paired well with the variety of ‘shrooms and bivalves. Miniature carrots and pieces of asparagus were also part of the mix.

The Venue

The space is dark, very dark. The bar is the centerpiece of the room with a second floor rimming the main level. The upper level has spaces to accommodate larger groups. The music was loud, but somehow did not impede conversation.

Afterthoughts

Latin Social could be considered a misnomer, but only if you let your gastronomic imagination fall short; and if you forget Latin is a classic language. As our meal progressed, I realized the many influences other countries have on what we eat just as Latin is the root source of so many idioms. Service was on the slow side, but once our orders arrived we were transported by the variety of flavors. Nonetheless, kudos to the food runner who described each dish she brought to the table in explicit, tantalizing detail. That’s an art!

A large number of items, from yogurt to chutneys and much more, were made in house. Our food runner readily identified them.

We enjoyed our meal, but we couldn’t get over the possibility that a staff shortage might have been real despite our exceptionally well-dressed server’s comments to the contrary.

Know Before You Go

Latin Social

Upscale, mostly Mediterranean cuisine 

Location: 316 N. Tejon St. 

Contact: 719-308-5579; amblidenver.com/amblilatinsocial2375637 

Entrée Prices: $25 to $68; Mezze platter for four $248.

Hours: 5 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday. 

Details: Credit cards accepted. Wi-Fi. Alcohol Patio.

Favorite dishes: Empanadas and scallop risotto.

Other: Gluten-free and vegan options available.

El Paso County Health Department Inspection: Mostly in compliance, but with six (out of 56) noncompliant issues (November 2025).