John Holly's Asian Bistro
9232 Park Meadows Drive
Lone Tree, CO 80124
303-768-9088
Grade: A
Good Asian restaurants can be difficult to find. You can visit a chain, such as P.F. Changs or Pei Wei, but the problem with chains is that the food and atmosphere loses authenticity. Moreover, those chains can be a bit on the pricey side.
Last year, my wife and I discovered John Holly's Asian Bistro. We wanted something different, and have been in a rather desperate search to find a good, affordable Asian restaurant on the south side of town. We've been very happy, repeat customers ever since.
An impressive introduction to John Holly's would be to visit during lunch. Honestly, you're provided with a lunch menu that just can't be beat. Prices start at $5.95 and include soup, an egg roll and your main course. The main course has never appeared to be scaled down from dinner-sized to lunch-sized. There is also a lunch combination plate selection made up of sushi assortments ranging in price from $7.95 to $11.95.
If you don't have the time for lunch, dinner would be a great option. Unlike the lunch menu, however, soup and appetizers are a la carte. The prices are only slightly higher on the dinner menu than they are on the lunch menu.
Sushi and sashimi are always available, and the restaurant has its own sushi bar just outside of the dining area. There is a standard sushi menu as well as a non-standard menu that changes as new items are brought in. While sushi isn't normally inexpensive, John Holly's offers an affordable sushi menu with absolutely fresh ingredients.
One of the great things about John Holly's is the fact that you're not limited to what's on the menu. If you have a favorite Asian dish that you don't see on the menu, all you have to do is speak to your server, and the kitchen is more than happy to accommodate your request. Try doing that at a chain restaurant, and you'll only hear excuses if the change isn't easy.
Service isn't rushed by any means. While the restaurant is usually crowded, the staff does not make an effort to push you out the door in an attempt to seat more diners. Instead, the staff allows you to enjoy your meal and eat at whatever speed you deem as appropriate. I have always found the staff to be helpful, friendly, well-informed and attentive.
The restaurant does offer take-out as well as a free delivery service within a five-mile radius and a minimum order of $10.00. You can view the menu at http://www.ufeedme.com/johnholly.
The ambiance of the restaurant is above average compared to most Asian restaurants. Many independent restaurants attempt to have Asian trinkets hanging from the walls and ceilings in an effort to lend credibility. The chains tend to spend vast sums on décor. With John Holly's you'll find neither. Instead, you'll be treated to a clean, modern dining area that is both inviting and comfortable.
If you're looking for a high-quality Asian restaurant that won't break the bank, will provide you with top-notch service and excellent food, then I'll invite you to visit John Holly's Asian Bistro. This is one of my favorite restaurants in the Denver area, and I believe it will become one of yours, too.