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Highland Tavern
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (New) Bars, American (New) [Edit]
3400 Navajo StDenver, CO 80211
Neighborhoods: Highland, Northwest
(303) 433-1990
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 am
Sat 12 pm - 2 am
Sun 10 am - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
This world famous joint best known for live music (nightly) & happy hour (2 per day) but the delicious home cooked food is like a sleeping bear about to… read more »
72 reviews for Highland Tavern
Review Highlights
"I loved the ping pong table."
(in 13 reviews)
"The tater tots did not disappoint."
(in 6 reviews)
"The El Guapo burger is juicy and wonderful, accompanied by..."
(in 2 reviews)
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72 reviews in English
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Review from Josie K.
2/7/2012
When we walked out of here, my boyfriend said "So you know I've found my new favorite place, right?" It's no small feat to be a hipster bar in the "schitty" and impress the pants off my conservative mountain man, but Highland Tavern aced the test from the get-go. So, I think that wins 5 stars.
SUPER friendly service. Almost like "Are we on candid camera?" good. Upon sitting at the bar, we were greeted by Brian, who introduced himself, shook our hands, asked our names (a couple times to be sure he got them right), took our beer order and introduced us to the other bartender. Brian co-owns the place and he talked to us between his bar tending about good beer, the neighborhood, the local mountain towns and other such things we had in common.
We were told about how everything is fresh and made in house and nothing we ate deceived that. My boyfriend got a variety of their sliders and some of their HOMEMADE TATER TOTS, that seem to be the star of the show on Yelp and well-deserved. I ate the best Ruben ever and got the salad as a side, a good handful of fresh greens to help keep my system in shape.
Now, when I say hipster bar I guess that's a bit misleading. It's a well-cared for bar with no particular theme. Nice furniture, unassuming bathrooms, a ping pong table and a small comfortable space.
The food, conversation and overall friendly vibe has us bragging about the place to friends and we can't wait to go back! -
Review from Nick R.
Denver, CO
1/30/2012
Old school Highlands joint. Be sure to wear a diaper so that you don't defecate in your jeans when you walk to the restaurant from the car and one of local devil dogs surprises the crap out of you.
It'd be a fun place if it were your local watering hole, but me and my crew cut and tight V-neck sweater didn't feel cozy here. -
Review from josie p.
Denver, CO
This is my new favorite local joint. My boyfriend and I were tired after a long day and just wanted some good food and a beer. We stopped by another Highlands locale (which I will not name here) where they told us they could seat us right away but, after some chatting between the hostess and the server, they realized that all the tables were reserved and it would be a 20-30 minute wait... on a Tuesday night! Needless to say, we spun on our heels and walked out the door. I quickly remembered that the Tavern was right down the street and that the last time I was there, I LOVED the tater tots. So we went for dinner and they did not disappoint. I had the daily special which was a Blackened Cod sandwich with a side of mixed greens. I asked if the "Blackened" could not equal "charred" and they made it perfectly. The waitress also mistakenly told me that the wine I ordered was on HH when it was not... so she covered the difference herself. We made sure to give her a good tip! My boyfriend had the Bombshell (pastrami, poached egg, slaw on rye) which was not too greasy, and wonderfully filling after a long, hard day at play. Also, the tots were fantastic! I would definitely go again just so I can try everything on the menu.
Also, if you're into games (ping pong, pool, arcade), they've got it. It's a great atmosphere for a couple who just want a quiet dinner in a booth, a large group, or even just a few friends getting together to hang out at the bar. -
Review from Grace B.
12/27/2011
A good time will always be had at Highland Tavern. I prefer it on a mellow weeknight or early on Fridays, but it's also fun to come on a more rowdy evening. My favorite things about this watering hole:
1. Laid back and genuinely friendly bartenders and waitstaff. I have never had bad service here!
2. Tasty tots
3. Bacon meatloaf lil fatties (sliders on crack)
4. Their Cleveland Po Boy sandwich, which was a special months ago, but I still remember it fondly as the best sandwich I've ever had in Denver.
I also noticed on their menu that they have $10 bottomless mimosa brunch. That means I need to get drunk here at 11 a.m. -
Review from Shalan G.
Updated - 12/21/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love this tavern. Absolutely do. I also miss this tavern.
Good daily specials.
Good service.
Strong drinks.
Wings are great.
Pork Neck Green Chile Stew hits the spot.
Tavern tots are addictive little buggers.
Every neighbourhood deserves a bar like this.Listed in: Oh Denver, I miss thee...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/11/2011
Absolutely surprised by this little place!
A charming old brick building houses this fantastic pub.… Read more »
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Review from Tom K.
Denver, CO
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great local bar. Awesome beer on tap. Excellent music selection. They have a ping pong table. A great place to go if you want to get away from all the douche bags in Lodo or to a lesser extent 32nd and Lowell. They will have "the game" on if one is playing.
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Review from Melissa H.
Broomfield, CO
Updated - 12/27/2011
We drove here from the other side of town specifically to enjoy a burger for the afternoon. We love the service at the bar from the friendly bartenders and the fact that they have some kick ass food just tops it all off. The burgers here are some of the best that I've had in the Denver area. The meat is deliciously tender, the buns are not too thick, and the toppings and seasonings put it over the top.
We once again enjoyed the Cowboy burger (with BBQ sauce) and even though I was coming for a burger, I got distracted by the "specials" menu for the day. The Italian grilled cheese caught my eye - a few Italian meats along with provolone and pesto. Oh, it was greasy, but it sure was tasty. I counteracted the grease guilt with a side of their beets & goat cheese. The beets are marinated in a balsamic vinegar and go well with the creamy goat cheese. The side order of beets is pretty large though, so unless you are a beet fiend, there will be enough to share. Also on the "specials" menu that day were a variety of veggie dishes, pasta, and a butternut squash dish.
We won't be staying away for long...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/21/2011
This place is now on my list of happy hour options. We met up with a friend there on a Friday night… Read more »
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Review from Marianne C.
Denver, CO
8/27/2011
I love this place. LOVE. It is the go-to place for my boyfriend and I, as the food is beyond tavern/pub food. I can't even talk about the tots. They are as divine as tots can be. The burgers are delicious, the salads are perfect. We've never had a disappointing meal here. That says something, as we have come here so many times.
There is a great selection of beers--and they are not too pricey! The atmosphere of the bar is cool yet inviting. It's a neighborhood and around the corner bar, but it's also a great place to make a point to get to. We don't live in this neighborhood, but it's become our bar. Highland Tavern is low key and fun. Whether you sit at the bar or at a booth, the bartenders and servers are excellent. -
Review from Sara C.
8/10/2011
I have been to this place many a times.... always forget to 'check-in' though..... since most of the time I met up with friends and tonight was no exception.
This place is one of my favorite bars to visit. Not only do they have drink specials, they have inexpensive beers on tap. Good selections but the best is their food.
My personal favorite of all times is the Spaetzel... Not sure what exactly it's called but there's only one. It's with browned butter with bacon and French string beans. THE BEST!
They also have pierogies, great mac-n-cheese and great burgers but another one of my favorite snack here is their homemade cheesy tator tots. Who doesn't like tots? Who doesn't like cheesiness? It reminds me a bit like a macaroons, at least just the external shape. When you first bite into it, its crunchy on the outside and soft like how breakfast potatoes should be... It's almost like they mashed the potato, scooped it up in a ball and throw it in the fryer... Deliciousness!
You can get the tots with blue cheese or ranch dressing, and of course, ketchup!
They also have amazing brunch with bottomless mimosas. It's actually surprisingly good since it's more of a bar than anything else. But I've come here a few Sundays ago and it was really yummy!
They have a pool table and a ping pong table here... it's always occupied when I went so I never used it but the bar has nice atmosphere. The only thing I don't like as much is after a certain time they turn the music way up so it's hard to talk to friends... other than that, I love hanging out here.... it has never let me down. :) -
Review from Katarina M.
Arvada, CO
9/27/2011 1 photo
Highland Tavern is loveable in many, many ways. I don't know if it's the friendly and fun staff, the huge selection of beer, or perhaps watching my dinner company take on the formidable Stupid Burger, but there is something great about this place. I have had a variety of items off the menu here, but tragically have not yet had the tater tots (this is my next adventure!) But, I do love that so many things here are made in house and by local and delicious businesses, from the homemade pickles and tater tots, to Clyde's sausages, to the awesome bread varieties from GBC.
So, in the interest of ending on a good note, I do have to discuss the things I didn't like first. The Cubano is disappointing and a teensy bit soggy, and weirdly doesn't even include mustard on it (but they will gladly accommodate you and add mustard if you ask). The pirogi, even though I give them props for having them around, struck me as bland. But, these are still small problems when you have so much else going on, which the Highland Tavern thankfully does.
THE GOOD: Everyone who works here is awesome, and makes it a good experience for you. And as if you weren't having enough fun already, there is ping pong! I did narrowly miss getting hit in the face with ping pong balls on a few occasions, but the thrill is part of what makes it fun! Further, an excellent beer selection is available, with some of the best prices you will find in Denver without going to a bar that makes you fear for your life. Best of all is watching your 5'4, 110 pound lunch guest successfully complete the Stupid Burger, a glorious monstrosity of two patties, double cheese, bacon, fried egg, and chili fries -- I highly recommend this as part of your experience! This place is a lot of fun, and if you haven't been, it's seriously time for some beer, ping pong, and Stupid Burgers. -
Review from CJ N.
Littleton, CO
5/11/2011
Here's all you need to know about Highland Tavern:
They make their own tater tots. From scratch. With cheese in them. If you don't find that awesome, you'll hate the rest of this review.
Yes, they do have a ping pong table. And it's the best. Have you ever watched drunken ping pong? It looks a lot like soccer. I played one night after an art opening for which I was wearing a really, really short dress. I'm sure I flashed a few people, but I'm a competitive person and didn't care, and in that place....I blended.
They support local art, and are on the First Friday path. That's good.
The bartenders are really friendly. REALLY friendly. They greet me with, "hey, hot ass!" and that is just cool. -
Review from Chavah A.
4/11/2011
Oh my...what an awesome bar! I loved the ping pong table. How awesome is that? The walls were adorned with really cool photographs that were just completely awesome and for sale (love that). The service was good and the food was better. You. Gotta. GO!
That is all. -
Review from Kim S.
Denver, CO
Updated - 10/12/2011
After a couple weeks of packing and moving and unpacking my wife and I have pretty much eaten at every non-formal/ non-dressy place to eat withing walking or biking distance of our new home. We are not fast food types and a little respite form the grind of moving is nice as well. We decided on the highland tavern last night and it was wonderful. It was one of the cheaper meals we have had even with 4 micro brews and it was equally as good as the rack house was a couple nights earlier.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/4/2011
This place has been a favorite stop whenever I leave downtown. It is not exactly far from downtown… Read more »
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Review from john h.
Wheat Ridge, CO
Updated - 3/10/2011
Hadn't been in for a while, but they get the bump to 5 for two reasons.
1) Porkstravaganza. From snooter to pooter, all piggy parts are well represented.
2) F'ing hot wings. Searingly delicious pepper paste tastiness. Built for those who love spicy, not a challenge.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/9/2010
Well above average bar food. Great sliders, burgers, and fries. Soups are pretty tasty as well. Good… Read more »
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Review from Amy F.
3/26/2011
I liked this place! Good Crowd, fun friendly staff, great selection of beers.
Ping Pong table. Pool table. Really good food!
We will be going back here for happy hour again! -
Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
3/2/2011
Not bad for a bar. Loud as all hell but it is what it is. The oddest thing was the men's bathroom. I mean you open the door and bam...nice waterfall if you know what I mean. Kind of odd how they have it situated. I bet the women's bathroom has a peep hole or something.
Food was average but come on, a wing place that simply uses Frank's hot sauce? Please! I know most of your money is on liquor but have some pride and innovation in your food. -
Review from kym b.
9/29/2010 ROTD 1/6/2011
Not having been there at night, I can safely say that Highland Tavern is a pretty chill place to spend a Sunday Brunch. $3 Bloody Marys with cucumber-jalapeno-infused vodka? Yes, please!
The food there is really, really good. Big ups for serving Grateful Bread. That stuff is delicious... some of the best out there! And, coming from a girl who never met a carb she didn't like, that's saying something. My only complaint is-- if you're going to charge me $1.50 extra to substitute tots instead of fries with my sandwich-- I want more than six of them on my plate. Those things are Too. Freakin. Good. Don't be stingy! Share the wealth!
The bartenders there are super-nice and accommodating. The garage-door patio is perfect for a breezy almost-fall afternoon. Like I said, I can't speak to the night crowd at Highlands, but I'll definitely cruise back for some happy daytime hangs! -
Review from Kalani F.
10/10/2010
This place isn't bad, it just isn't my thing. The tater tots are homemade and are good, but not so drop-dead good that I have to go back. The alcohol is decently made- sometimes during happy hour I feel like I spend more time waving down the waitress than actually drinking, but that can happen when a place is busy.
The atmosphere: I am a lover of dive bars. I wouldn't say this place is a dive, but it has a certain feel to it. But for some reason, it just didn't gel with me. I am a working professional, and have been here in jeans and in the suit, and never really felt like I could go there in the suit. Might be me. The prices are fair tho, and if people need a last-minute happy hour, it will certainly do. -
Review from Sean S.
Denver, CO
6/4/2011
I never go into to this place mostly because of the crowd but man their wings are F'in awesome!! Second best wings in town!
Listed in: Best Wings
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Review from Rachel M.
5 Stars for 5 Awesome Things.
1. El Guapo burger. To eat it is to love it.
2. Great service. We've had the same chill waitress every time, and we wouldn't want it any other way.
3. Local food. Bread from the Grateful Bread Company, Sausage from Clyde's and house pickled veggies .
4. Ping Pong!
5. Porkstravaganza, Pierogi and a late night menu which serves PBR waffles and fried chicken (okay that's three things, but I can't give Highland Tavern 8 stars, now can I?).Listed in: Highlandia
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Review from Nelson G.
Denver, CO
5/9/2011 26 Check-ins Here
Best wings in town!
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Review from Victoria S.
Denver, CO
2/17/2011
I've only been here once and that has prompted me to write a review solely based on the 'Stupid Burger' on their menu.
By jeebus... one of the best burgers I've ever had. -
Review from rebecca b.
Denver, CO
6/4/2010
Pleasantly surprised! Went for a pub dinner last night, and I was blown away at the range in this small menu. I was wowed by the black bean/chicken soup (which was really too thick to be called a soup), the veggies that were offered, and the beer selection. My boyfriend raved about the bread on his turkey sandwich (baked by Grateful Bread Co) - how often does that happen? The music was rockin', but not too loud that we couldn't hear each other. Service was friendly and attentive. My minor complaints: the lemon creme fraiche completely clashed with the flavor of the marinated beets (which by themselves were fantastic), and the baby bok choy was overcooked and served with too much sauce. But seriously, I got beets and baby bok choy in a bar!? Will go back here again, and I plan to hit the unhealthy side of the menu (burgers, porkstravaganza!).
Also, I felt a little guilty about not wandering into the Arabian Bar across the street after dinner for some real slumming. The economic and cultural divide between these two establishments is palpable. -
Review from Katie P.
Denver, CO
12/20/2010
Have you ever wanted an item of food so bad that you were almost in tears from the craving? That was me the other night with a burger. Boyfriend P lives in the neighborhood, so we went to Tavern because we have had great experiences there before.
We sit down to order, and the bartender is super nice and chatty as we order a drink and take one last look over the menu. Burgers it is. The bartender was busy so a waitress came over. As I'm ordering my burger, I tell the waitress no bun (that whole "I get exceptionally ill when I eat wheat" thing). She reads my order back to me, no bun. As she's putting it IN the computer, I again remind her no bun. You could hear her eyes rolling as she pointedly said "I GOT IT. NO BUN." She confirmed our orders, and I told her a third time no bun. She just gave me a kind of bitchy smile.
We get our food and get home and I open my food box and there's a bun. REALLY?
We go BACK to the restaurant (it's only a couple blocks away), and I tell the waitress (who is doing shots when we get there and makes us wait) that I ordered this without a bun and there's a bun and I have a severe wheat allergy. She grabs it from me and takes it back towards the kitchen with kind of a "bitch, please" smile. Boyfriend P tells the bartender, "Yo, if she just takes the bun off, she'll get really sick. She's allergic to bread, and they need to cook a fresh patty for her." The bartender gets this Look on her face and runs off to the kitchen.
I FINALLY got a bunless burger, and the bartender was awesome through the whole thing - she offered us free drinks and gave us vouchers for a couple drinks when we turned them down. It was the waitress who was a bitch, not the bartender.
Of course by the time we get back to Boufriend P's house HIS burger is stone cold, and I feel like a terrible person.
TEARS FOR DAYS.
I love this restaurant and the burger was great, but when you have a food allergy and request your food a certain way, I certainly don't expect to get scoffed and bitched out when I make sure you're entering it into the computer.
Its not going to keep us from going back. They have great gluten free beer and there's always an interesting crowd and their bloody marys are legit. BUT, if I get that waitress again? I'll ask for a different server or go to the bar. -
Review from Desiree D.
Denver, CO
10/15/2010
All of my friends and family hang out at this establishment with good reason. The food is awesome pub food, the service is fabulous, it has a neighborhood feel about it, and all of these attributes are consistent. How many pubs can you say that about?
I have been going since it opened four years ago. Tonight is the four year anniversary of the opening and I am positive I will not be disappointed. I grew up in this area and seeing small business owners refurbish this area; brings a feeling of pride to the surface because of the history it holds for me.
I can sit on the patio, eat fabulous food, drink great beer and look down the street and reminisce about my childhood and almost always run into someone I know from back in the day. I hope this place stays open forever because then where would I spend all of my money? -
Review from Dave T.
Updated - 10/21/2010
Just an update.
Props to the chef, Jeremy, for balancing bar food and gourmet ideas. I just saw that they have bok choy, beets and goat cheese, and mussels on certain nights.
Again, love the pierogis.
DT1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/23/2010
So this is a frills no frills neighborhood bar.
It is kind of like the garage I don't have any… Read more »
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Review from Kyle M.
5/28/2010
I tried this place with my dining companion on a whim, and I'm glad I did. My relationship with H.T. is off to a moderately good start.
They have Hoegaarden on tap - WIN.
They have a simple, yet varied menu.
The burgers are good, and they cook them to your exact specifications. The fries are lightly seasoned, and were crisp and tasty.
They "specialize" in perogies. We tried them, and the flavor of the day was jalapeno-something. To be honest, they were really bland, and surprisingly dry. I tasted no hint of jalapeno whatsoever. It pretty much tasted like a dried-out potsticker with some mashed potatoes inside. I wouldn't order them again.
The atmosphere really and truly is a "bar," and it really has that "this is where you come to get boozed up" feel. That is why I think their food is overpriced by a couple of bucks. The atmosphere really doesn't support the food prices.
Overall, I had a good time, and enjoyed my food (minus the perogies). I will likely return, but I need to figure out a better appetizer to order next time (chicken wings, maybe?). -
Review from Becky S.
Denver, CO
6/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
Yes, Yes, ohhhh YES. The tater tots did not disappoint. In fact, we sat next to a couple of regulars and got talking while waiting for our large order of tots. When BF and I couldn't eat all of them, we offered them to our neighbor, who jumped on the opportunity - she had been turned down by the bartender to order after the kitchen had closed. She was excited to have some leftovers, and we were happy to share!
The drinks were strong, the bartenders made a point to chat it up with us even though it was a busy weekend night, which made us feel welcomed and wanted. I'll be back when it's not a late-night menu, they had some stuff that looked awesome that I'd like to try! -
Review from Lattigo P.
Denver, CO
1/17/2011 1 photo
Chris and Dan, have the original bud served here and the first ever lager, called Czeckvar, originally Budweis or Budweiser, but the name was changed because of litigation. Regardless, this has to be one of the best unfounded treasures in the area of Denver called the lower highlands.
If your not into the suds, you have to come in for the homemade food including the best Beef Chili I've ever had in Denver. Texas style with five hour slow roasted beef, a dollop of sour cream, five different chili spices, onion, garlic, and PBR beer and fresh cut cheddar. -
Review from Jennifer D.
Denver, CO
8/3/2011
This is our favorite place to hang out. The people are friendly, the food is great. It's the perfect neighborhood bar!
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Review from Matthew B.
Denver, CO
5/10/2008
I wanted to rustle up a posse for a drinky drink throw-down.
Boy was choosing Highland Tavern a mistake.
The location leaves a lot to desired.
If you take Kirby's advice and head next door to the Arabian, you may be stabbed. I have many rules about bars, but number one is "Don't go into bars without windows".
But I digress.
The clientele leaves a lot to be desired at this bar. It's full of knuckleheads and smokers.
The "patio" has no tables, instead it has iron drink slabs welded onto a steel tubed fence which makes you feel like you're a dog that's been let out into the sun.
The place has no food which means that unless you live close enough to walk home that you are stuck with getting hammered without food to cut your drunkenness.
I asked about food and was given a stack of menus of places that delivered. Even had I chosen to partake in the awful delivery that the Highlands offers (Wanted: Good NY Style pizza, good chinese food. Apply within), I would have had to hold it in the air since the drink slabs were no more than 6 inches deep.
Other than the lovely females that I rounded up for my drinking posse, there was one female at the bar the entire 2.5 hours we were there, and she was with her boyfriend. This means that any guys hoping to meet their future ex-wives should probably stay away from this place.
Their beer selection is OK but uninspired. They serve PBR which loses them 4 stars. This isn't a dive bar, obviously a lot of money was spent to open it up (Just based on location, one of the cushions of the bar stools fell off while we were moving it outside), so you don't get any dive-bar cred for serving PBR. It's not good beer, stop serving it. There are far cooler beers to serve.
All in all, even if you live close to this place, you are better off taking a cab to the million other bars that are way cooler than this place, that actually serve food, and that have a good vibe. -
Review from Kathleen A.
Denver, CO
Updated - 9/1/2009 2 Check-ins Here
Updated because they now serve delicious amazing bar food. I recommend their burgers. You can really customize the burgers how you want, and I chose to get a cheeseburger with EGG. Why not make my already unhealthy burger even MORE unhealthy by added fried egg? Don't mind if I do!!!
Bf got the tots, and since they had just started serving food here, they were still figuring out the deep fryer settings and ended up giving him a free batch since the first came out a little well-done. He also got the philly cheesesteak sandwich-it was just okay, a bit greasy.
The bartenders are so friendly and down to earth. You'll usually see the owner tending bar nearly every night. This is definitely tops on my list of highland bars. Check it out if you're in the area.Listed in: Highland hotspots
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/14/2009
Great neighborhood bar. Not divey like I would have expected, but it is actually decorated very… Read more »
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Review from Kelly D.
Denver, CO
11/22/2008
Lame.
Way lame. I really don't expect all that much from a bar, but I do expect to get a drink fairly quickly, and the place to not be full of total douche-bags. It was a Friday night, and maybe that accounts for the heightened ratio of idiots, but really? Wall to wall yuppies who play Pearl Jam song after Pearl Jam song on the jukebox, bogart the bartender's attention for unnecessary amounts of time, and hit on anything that moves simply because it's 1:30 and they're about to go home alone. Lame. Half of the bartenders were awesome (which is why they get two stars and not one), and the other half were more concerned with chatting up the drunk assholes than actually serving drinks. And possibly the most heinous crime of all is their jukebox. Worst one I've ever seen, and unfortunately had to suffer through the wretchedness.
No thank you Highland Tavern, I'll pass. -
Review from Laura S.
Denver, CO
1/17/2009
The boyfriend is a bit of a ping pong fan (I believe he thinks he's a little more skilled at it than he actually is, but I'd never tell him that to his face) so when we heard there was a bar 2 blocks away from where we just moved that had a ping pong table we had to check it out!
Now let me say we've only been here on weeknights so its always been quiet and calm (the way I like bars to be). We've made some friends and met a lot of our neighbors through this bar, so I really can't complain. The decor is so unoriginal and probably purchased at a store called "Generic Bar Crap" but whatever, I don't go to bars to get ideas on how to redecorate my house or anything. They've got the typical entertainment devices; jukebox, pool table, Buck Hunter (I ALWAYS accidentally shoot the freakin' doe!) but the ping pong is definitely a unique addition!
Will I ever go on a weekend night? Probably not, to me the Highland Tavern is more of a "relax after work" kinda bar and being only two blocks away from us makes it so convenient.
minus one star for no food...I'm not asking for five-star cuisine or anything but dammit greasy food and beer must be consumed together! -
Review from Jessica B.
Denver, CO
6/10/2011
The Highland is a great neighborhood bar. The bartenders and servers are always so nice, and the Tavern Tots are amazing!
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Review from Cliff T.
8/10/2009
It's like a dive bar dressed up as a yuppie hang-out. Just like the neighborhood it resides in. The LoHi neighborhood is a mix of nice, fancy houses right next to some real ghetto shacks. Who doesn't love this 'hood and envy those who live here?
So what about the bar? A good place to get a Czechvar in a real fancy glass or a Hamms (fucking Hamms?) in a can. They have ping-pong (what other bar has ping-pong?). The atmosphere is very hip. Cool, relaxing colors and great booths
I've seen some reviewers mention the lack of food. Well no longer do you have to order delivery when at the Highlands Tavern because they are now serving food. And what tasty food it is. Little Fatties (basically, sliders) are pretty unique. They've got some awesome looking Sammies as well as very unique snacks (house made Tots, Perogies, and Mixed Nuts). Plus a late-night menu that includes waffles. -
Review from Mike S.
Denver, CO
11/13/2009
We've swung by here a few times for their happy hour. They have a decent selection of beers on tap and the sliders are amazing.
They also have these cheesy tots thingys that are quite delicious. They hand make them, so they're not out of a frozen bag.
I'm going to have to try the perogies. I've never seen them on a menu out this way. -
Review from Shannon B.
Denver, CO
10/29/2009
Great food! We stopped in for a drink and decided to order an app - the perogies. That night's special filling was squash & bacon with a maple sour cream dipping sauce - delicious! So we stayed for more: I ordered the spinach salad - with goat cheese, apples, pecans, pickled red onion - and my husband had the cubano - a classic pressed sandwich with roast pork, ham, cheese, pickles & mustard. Both great.
The bartenders are very friendly. A solid neighborhood joint. -
Review from Deco G.
Denver, CO
6/6/2011
I have now been here twice, and am impressed. This is a clean, comfortable, somewhat modern, somewhat homey, somewhat lowkey neighborhood bar and eatery. I had low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised both times.
The first time I was there for a HUNI event. I had something that looked like pulled pork sliders, and they were beyond delicious. Not in an overly greasy, dive-bar guilty pleasure way, but in a clean tasting, perfectly flavored and textured way, what you would expect from a higher end restaurant. Their standard malbec is also quite drinkable.
The second time I went with friends. I ordered an innocuous sounding salad, and was BLOWN AWAY by how awesome it was. I'm a big salad fan, and forever bemoan the fact that so many restaurants treat it like an afterthought as opposed to an opportunity for greatness. The salad (with an unremarkable name) was perfectly dressed, the greens were fresh, crunchy and bountiful, with expertly julienned apples (or was it pears?), pecans, and gorgonzola. It was perfection, down to the last bite. The malbec continued to deliver.
Every once in a while I happen upon a particular dish at a particular restaurant that I will dream about and develop an addiction to. Lamb sliders at Root Down, green curry tofu at ChoLon, won ton tacos at Zengo, crispy spicy tuna at Sushi Den.... that gosh-darn awesome salad at Highland Tavern has joined the illustrious ranks of the aforementioned nuggest of culinary heaven. The only down side is that the space was too hot and not airconditioned. Either way, I'll definitely be back. -
Review from Jonny H.
Denver, CO
6/16/2009
Don't get me wrong - this place has a lot going for it. Ping-pong, pool table, great patio, awesome beer selection, fulfilling a need in LoHi to have a cool, unpretentious bar to come to.
Unfortunately, the bartenders are unhappy to be here and it shows. I've never met such a hot female bartender who has the most foul disposition I've ever encountered! The bartender down the street at the Rockstar (dive bar with music - might have to give it another try) is just as cute with a much happier outlook on life. The owners of the Highland Tavern can do better by cutting bait and fishing around for a couple of new barsmiths who like having people around and are appreciative of the business and the tips.
I left my sunglasses there, went back the next day, and I found them sitting on the window pane broken in two. Goes to show what bad service can promote... I'm sticking to Zio Romolos.
