In search of a fresh spot for your next date night or after-work gathering? These three new places have you covered. Read on for the list of stops for specialty cocktails in Denver.
Social Fare Restaurant
150 Clayton Ln., Cherry Creek
Social Fare is a cocktail bar and all-day New American restaurant, offering small bites to full meals. Located inside the Cherry Creek Marriott at 150 Clayton Lane, it is helmed by Randall Baldwin, a long-time chef in the Denver area.
Diners can choose from a wide selection of bourbon whiskeys and cocktail options like the Grapefruit A-Go-Go (grapefruit vodka, St. Germain, frozen grapefruit, lemon, honey and prosecco), or create their own cocktails during the brunch service on Saturday and Sunday.
With a 3.5-star rating out of nine reviews on Yelp, Social Fare is still finding its way, but it's early days.
"The outdoor area is huge with a big fireplace, which is perfect for hanging out with a group or enjoying an intimate cocktail," Danielle M. noted. "Make sure to order the grapefruit drink — rumor has it that it was a special at one time and when they stopped serving it people were so upset that they made it a permanent part of the menu."
Yelper Ben D. wrote, "Solid hotel bar turning out pretty good cocktails and bar bites. Good lineup of bourbons including some off the beaten path and unique finds."
Social Fare Restaurant is open from 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6:30 a.m.–midnight on Friday, 7 a.m.–midnight on Saturday, and 7 a.m.–11 p.m. on Sunday.
Julep
3258 Larimer St., RiNo
Julep is a cocktail bar and contemporary Southern/New American restaurant, owned by Kyle and Katy Foster. Located at 3258 Larimer St., it specializes in classic Southern cocktails and American whiskey.
Signature cocktails include the Sloe Dance (bourbon, Sloe gin, lemon, orange bitters) and the Ginger Julep with Buffalo Trace bourbon, ginger and mint. (You can check out the cocktail menu here and full food menus here.)
With a four-star rating out of 23 reviews on Yelp, Julep has been getting positive attention.
Rachelle B., who reviewed Julep on April 15, noted of the cocktails, "They were impeccably mixed and some of the best I've had in Denver. We had the old fashioned, French 75, Pony Boy and Ginger Julep. The best was by far their namesake — the Julep."
"I enjoyed my experience at Julep so much that I went twice in one week," wrote Yelper Lauren M., who reviewed Julep on April 21. "The fried chicken was perfect. It was lightly fried, tasty, and paired perfectly with a soft and buttery biscuit. We went wild for those beets!"
However, Yelper Ute L. warned, "If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, don't even bother. The only vegan-ish option is the mixed green salad if they hold the green goddess dressing, as it's mayo based."
Julep is open for lunch and dinner separately, from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.–10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5 p.m.–9 p.m. on Sunday. (It's closed on Monday and Tuesday.)
Tatarian
4024 Tennyson St., Berkeley
Tatarian is a new cocktail bar by the owners of Arvada Tavern and Union Lodge No. 1. The bar, located at 4024 Tennyson St., is helmed by Josh Sevy — he's moved over from Arveda, and created tree-themed cocktails, Eater reports.
Cocktail aficionados can choose from options like the Methuselah (inspired by long-lived bristlecone pines) with vodka, grapefruit and elderflower liqueurs; and the Golden Gate (inspired by the miniature ficus) with amaretto, egg white lemon juice and orgeat. The bar does not serve food.
Yelpers are giving rave reviews to Tatarian, which currently holds five stars out of 31 reviews.
"If I'm not drinking wine, the cocktail better be good. And yes, they're delicious," Yelper Abby S. wrote. She later added, "In case you were curious, the grapefruit drink I had was the Amate: served up instead of on the rocks. I went back this weekend and had another!"
"Needing a cure for the common Monday? Get yourself to Tatarian," Yelper Megan R. declared. "I'm not exaggerating when I say [the Kapok] is the most beautiful drink I've ever had in Denver! Every ingredient and accoutrement is expertly mixed and placed to create this amazing cocktail."
And Yelper Joseph W. said, "They have some very intricate and unique drinks. I ended up ordering the Tatarian and I really enjoyed it. ... They add the smoky flavor to drinks by actually smoking the drink right in front of you. There were also a few drinks I saw that involved fire."
Tatarian is open from 5 p.m.–2 a.m. daily.
