The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show – Denver, CO

A Down-to-Earth Look at The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show in Denver

If you’re on the hunt for something a little different to spice up your Denver trip, the Dinner Detective might catch your eye. This isn’t your typical dinner theater—it’s a lively, interactive experience where you’re not just a spectator but an active participant in solving a crime. With glowing reviews and a solid reputation as the nation’s largest murder mystery dinner show, it promises an evening packed with laughs, clues, and a hearty meal.

What we really appreciate about the Dinner Detective is how it blends comedy and mystery in a way that keeps everyone engaged. The inclusion of audience members disguised as actors adds a surprising twist that makes the show more social and unpredictable. Plus, the full four-course dinner paired with the fun makes it a pretty good deal for a night out in Denver.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that this experience is quite interactive and can be a bit chaotic—so, if you’re someone who prefers a more subdued, traditional show, this might not be your cup of tea. Also, it’s a good idea to arrive dressed in business casual or dressy casual, as the vibe leans toward a slightly upscale dining and entertainment experience. This show is best suited to those who enjoy mysteries, social games, and a lively atmosphere, especially if you like your evenings with a side of humor and good food.

Key Points

• Interactive and social experience with audience participation
• Full four-course dinner included, with drinks available for purchase
• Hilarious and challenging mystery set in the present day
• Audience disguised actors create a more unpredictable environment
• Great for fans of comedy and mystery who enjoy engaging, hands-on entertainment
• Price point of around $88.44 per person offers good value considering the food and experience

How the Tour Unfolds: An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Dinner Detective’s setup in Denver is designed to feel casual yet lively. The show starts promptly at 6:00 pm, so arriving on time is key if you want to soak up every moment. The venue is accessible via public transportation and nearby parking, but note that valet parking is available for an additional fee. You’ll want to dress in business casual or dressy casual, fitting the evening’s vibe without feeling overly formal.

The Crime Scene: Setting the Scene

Once you’re seated, the scene is set for a hilarious, darkly comic night. Unlike traditional murder mystery shows, this one is set during the present day, which helps make the story feel more relevant and engaging. The actors, who are not costumed but disguised as regular audience members, subtly mingle with the crowd, creating an environment of unpredictability. This makes it harder to tell who’s in on the act, which adds to the fun.

Solving Clues and Participating

Throughout the show, you’ll be encouraged to interact with the performers and other guests, searching for clues and trying to figure out who the perpetrator is. The experience involves a fair amount of guesswork and interrogation, which some reviewers have described as “hilarious and interesting.” One guest shared, “The interrogations at our table were hilarious,” highlighting how much fun the social interactions can be.

The Meal: A Key Part of the Evening

The highlight for many is the full four-course dinner, served while you’re immersed in the mystery. The menu options include vegetarian choices if needed—just be sure to specify when booking. The food quality gets positive mentions, especially when paired with the lively atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy a cash bar offering alcoholic drinks, which adds to the relaxed, celebratory vibe, although these are not included in the ticket price.

The Competition and Prizes

What sets The Dinner Detective apart from other dinner shows is the competitive element. Guests are encouraged to solve the mystery and are in the running for the Top Sleuth prize. This playful aspect adds a little friendly rivalry, and many find it adds to the overall entertainment.

Audience Experience and Real-World Feedback

Reviewers consistently praise the interactions with new people—the mix of strangers and friends makes each night unique. One said, “Really enjoyed our dinner companions,” which captures how the social element can elevate the experience.

That said, not everyone has perfect things to say. One guest felt the experience was poorly signposted when arriving at the hotel, which could be confusing for first-timers. Another reviewer was disappointed that the show might not be suitable for everyone—like those with mobility challenges—given some logistical issues and the nature of the venue.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

Overall, many guests find the experience fun and worth the price, especially those who appreciate comedy, mystery, and interactive entertainment. The delicious food and engaging performances are often highlighted as the main draw. Yet, some reviews note that the show can be a little chaotic or that some elements (such as gratuities or photos) aren’t included, so it’s good to go in with realistic expectations.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary: What to Expect

Start Time: 6:00 pm
Arrive promptly to get seated and settle in before the show begins. The experience lasts roughly three hours, so plan your evening accordingly.

Getting there:
It’s a centrally located venue with good accessibility options, including public transit and nearby paid parking. The venue’s signage at check-in might be a bit unclear, as some guests have pointed out, so arriving early helps.

The show:
Once seated, the performers begin weaving their story, which unfolds in a darkly comic, contemporary setting. Hidden actors mingle among your, setting the stage for a night of laughs and suspicion.

Interactive gameplay:
Guests are encouraged to ask questions, gather clues, and participate actively. This isn’t a passive experience; you’ll be prompted to guess who the culprit is, with prizes for the best detectives.

Dinner service:
The four-course meal is served during the show, allowing you to enjoy a variety of dishes without missing the action. Vegetarian options are available upon request—just mention it at booking.

Closing and awards:
The night wraps up with the reveal of the culprit and the awarding of the Top Sleuth prize, concluding a lively evening.

What the Reviews Tell Us

Guests who loved the experience appreciate the interactive and humorous nature of the show, often highlighting the fun interrogations and social bonding. One guest said, “The murder mystery was a hoot! The interrogations at our table were hilarious and interesting,” which captures the core of what makes it so enjoyable.

On the other hand, some reviews speak to organizational hiccups—like unclear signage or logistical confusion—that can detract from the overall enjoyment. One reviewer described the experience as “hard to sit through,” pointing out areas for improvement.

Price-wise, at around $88 per person, you’re paying for a full evening of entertainment, food, and drinks, which many find to be a good value considering the quality and uniqueness of the experience. Keep in mind that alcoholic drinks are extra, and gratuities for staff and performers are recommended but not included in the price.

Is It Worth It? Who Should Consider This?

If you enjoy solving puzzles, laughing with friends, or just want a fun, social night out with some good food, the Dinner Detective is likely to hit the mark. It’s particularly good for groups—whether friends, couples, or even small parties—who don’t mind a bit of chaos and are ready to participate actively.

This experience might not be ideal if you prefer a quiet, traditional show or if you’re traveling with people who might find the interactive elements overwhelming or confusing. Also, it’s not specifically family-focused, but teenagers and older are welcome, so it can work for a wide age range.

Final Thoughts

The Dinner Detective offers a unique blend of comedy, mystery, and good food that keeps guests engaged from start to finish. Its strong points are the delicious meal and the social, interactive nature of the performance. While organizational issues have been noted, most guests leave with a smile and stories to tell about the night they “solved” the crime.

If you’re looking for a lively, unconventional night out that combines laughs, clues, and culinary delights, this Denver show is worth considering. It’s best suited for those who love to engage and participate, and who don’t mind a bit of unpredictability along the way.

FAQs About The Dinner Detective in Denver

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 15 years, making it suitable for teenagers and older kids. Just keep in mind it’s a lively and sometimes chaotic environment.

How long does the show last?
The entire experience is approximately three hours, starting at 6:00 pm.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, but be sure to specify your dietary preference when booking.

Can I purchase alcoholic drinks?
Yes, drinks are available for purchase at the cash bar, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Is parking available near the venue?
Yes, valet parking is available for a fee, and the venue is near public transportation.

What should I wear?
The dress code is business casual or dressy casual, so dress comfortably but nicely.

Is this experience family-friendly?
Most travelers can participate, but the event is geared toward ages 15 and up, and some may find the interactive nature a bit overwhelming for younger children.

In the end, if you’re after a fun and engaging night with good food and a bit of mystery, this show offers a memorable experience that’s worth booking in advance.