The Telli’s Restaurant Group, helmed by president Gary Mantelli and held up by the rest of the clan — wife Leah and sons Eric and Tony — has been offering up a classic Western experience in the authentic West of Surrender Saloon since 2019. The family, however, calls Castle Rock home. This is why when serendipity struck this summer, the Mantellis decided to make the dive to lease the available commercial space at 333 Perry St. along Castle Rock’s main strip. Dubbed Courtyard Social, the Mantellis on bringing a fresh twist to American craft food and cocktails in the new location.
“One of my beliefs is to get creative with different concepts,” Mantelli told What Now Denver. “In restaurants, people tend to do the same thing over and over, which makes sense, but is not as fun. This is our opportunity to start from scratch and put things together as we go.”
In many respects, Courtyard Social represents a contrast to the Mantelli’s West Saloon & Kitchen that sits along downtown Denver’s 16th Street Mall pedestrian promenade. The original location hails back to 1891 and serves up classic Western eats alongside innovative yet old-school cocktails.
“We’ve kept it simple in Denver, and earned lots of amazing compliments on our food and for our culinary team,” Mantelli said. “My favorite thing about my job is seeing smiles on people’s faces when they’re eating.”
At Courtyard Social, however, Mantelli (in partnership with chefs) plans to get a bit more inventive with the food, in constant pursuit of pleasing patrons. The new 5,000 square-foot Courtyard Social will not only be uplifted by inspired eats, the restaurant’s 250 seats will be accompanied by a courtyard patio out back and a patio out front.
“We’re patio people,” Mantelli said.
Aiming to open in the summer, it will be a perfect time to enjoy Courtyard Social’s new Castle Rock scene, indoors or out.