Denver's Best-Kept Secret: Uncovering the Delights of Don's Tavern

Tucked away in the heart of Denver, Colorado, lies a hidden gem that has been captivating the city's food and drink enthusiasts for years. Don's Tavern, a gastropub like no other, has been consistently ranking high on Denver's top-rated list of restaurants and bars. With its unique blend of traditional pub fare and innovative twists, Don's Tavern has become the go-to destination for foodies and casual diners alike. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Don's Tavern, exploring its history, menu, and atmosphere to uncover what makes it truly special.

Located in the trendy LoDo neighborhood, Don's Tavern has been a staple of Denver's dining scene since 1995. Founded by Don Corey, a passionate chef and entrepreneur, the tavern has undergone several transformations over the years, but its commitment to quality and creativity has remained unwavering. From its humble beginnings as a small, family-owned restaurant to its current status as a premier gastropub, Don's Tavern has established itself as a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Denver's culinary scene.

So, what sets Don's Tavern apart from the rest? For starters, its menu is a love letter to traditional pub fare, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and creative twists on classic dishes. From its signature burgers to its mouth-watering sandwiches, every item on the menu is carefully crafted to satisfy both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. But Don's Tavern is more than just a restaurant – it's an experience. Its cozy atmosphere, complete with dark wood accents and vintage decor, makes it the perfect spot to catch a game, enjoy a cold beer, or simply relax with friends and family.

A Brief History of Don's Tavern

From Humble Beginnings to Gastropub Success

Don's Tavern has a rich history that spans over two decades, with the tavern's humble beginnings dating back to 1995. In its early days, the tavern was a small, family-owned restaurant that served up traditional pub fare to a loyal customer base. However, as the years went by, Don Corey began to experiment with new recipes and ingredients, eventually transforming the tavern into a gastropub that would go on to revolutionize the Denver dining scene.

Today, Don's Tavern is a beloved institution in Denver, with a loyal following of customers who swear by its creative menu and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a local or just visiting the city, Don's Tavern is a must-visit destination that is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Awards and Accolades

Don's Tavern has been consistently recognized for its excellence in the culinary world, with a string of awards and accolades that include:

• Best Gastropub in Denver (Denver Post)
• Best Burger in Denver (Westword)
• Best Bar Food in Denver (303 Magazine)
• Best Neighborhood Restaurant in Denver (5280)

These accolades are a testament to Don's Tavern's commitment to quality and creativity, and prove that its reputation as one of Denver's top-rated restaurants is well-deserved.

The Menu at Don's Tavern

A Love Letter to Traditional Pub Fare

Don's Tavern's menu is a love letter to traditional pub fare, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and creative twists on classic dishes. From its signature burgers to its mouth-watering sandwiches, every item on the menu is carefully crafted to satisfy both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Some of the tavern's most popular menu items include:

• The "Don's Burger": a signature burger featuring a dry-aged beef patty, topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and a fried egg
• The "Notch Lab Burger": a vegetarian burger featuring a black bean patty, topped with avocado, sprouts, and a tangy slaw
• The "Pub Nachos": a plate of crispy tortilla chips smothered in melted cheese, salsa, and your choice of toppings

Seasonal Menu Items

Don's Tavern is also known for its seasonal menu items, which change frequently to reflect the freshest ingredients available. From its summer menu to its winter menu, every dish is carefully crafted to showcase the best of the season's produce.

Some of the tavern's seasonal menu items include:

• Summer: Grilled Corn Salad, Watermelon Salad, and the famous Don's Burger
• Fall: Roasted Squash Soup, Braised Short Ribs, and the seasonal BBQ Ribs
• Winter: Creamy Tomato Soup, Beef Bourguignon, and the tavern's famous Fish and Chips

Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Options

Don's Tavern is committed to providing options for all diners, regardless of dietary restrictions. The tavern offers a range of gluten-free and vegetarian options, including:

• Gluten-free bread and beer
• Vegetarian burgers and sandwiches
• Salads and soups featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients

The Atmosphere at Don's Tavern

Cozy and Inviting

Don's Tavern's atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with dark wood accents and vintage decor that creates a warm and welcoming ambiance. Whether you're meeting with friends or catching a game, the tavern's comfortable seating and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect spot to unwind.

Live Music and Events

Don's Tavern is also known for its live music and events, which range from weekly trivia nights to monthly concerts. Whether you're a music lover or just looking for something new to do, the tavern's events calendar is always packed with something exciting.

Some of the tavern's most popular events include:

• Trivia Nights: a weekly event featuring teams competing for prizes and bragging rights
• Live Music Nights: a monthly event featuring local musicians and bands
• Monthly Concerts: a series of concerts featuring top talent in the Denver music scene