Highland Tavern (Denver, Colorado) | Influencer Restaurant Review by Guy Fieri
AI-Generated Summary: Guy Fieri’s Highland Tavern Restaurant Review Video
In this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy Fieri visits Highland Tavern, a dive bar with an elevated menu, in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver. Owners Briant Stino and Andy Siekmeier transformed an old Coors Brewing building into a local hotspot with gourmet takes on classic bar food. The culinary magic comes from chef Jeremy Kittelson, who was once a regular customer before being recruited as their chef.
Guy was thoroughly impressed by Highland Tavern’s dedication to transforming classic bar food into something exceptional. The pastrami sandwich was among the best he’d ever had, and the homemade tater tots were a revelation. With its friendly, neighborhood vibe and upscale food, Highland Tavern stood out as a unique gem in the Denver bar scene.
Featured Dishes:
- Housemade Pastrami Sandwich:
- Pastrami Preparation:
- The process begins by brining brisket for 15 days in a mixture of kosher salt, brown sugar, white sugar, pink salt, and honey, along with pickling spices and garlic. After rinsing, the brisket is coated in a dry rub of granulated garlic, ground coriander, and black pepper.
- It’s smoked for 4 hours and then steamed for 3.5 hours to ensure tenderness, followed by overnight cooling before slicing.
- Sandwich Construction:
- The pastrami is piled onto buttered, toasted rye bread with Swiss cheese, a dollop of brown mustard, and served alongside au jus for dipping.
- Guy’s Take:
- He praised the sandwich as “righteous,” with perfectly tender pastrami that wasn’t too smoky or overly seasoned. Guy appreciated how well-balanced the flavors were, with just the right amount of mustard and a killer combination of textures.
- Pastrami Preparation:
- Homemade Tater Tots:
- Preparation:
- Potatoes are simmered until just tender, then shredded. The shreds are mixed with dry seasonings like salt, granulated garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper. The mixture is bound with egg before being formed into tots, frozen to set, and deep-fried to a golden brown at 375°F.
- Guy’s Take:
- Guy called them the “best rendition of a homemade tot” he had ever encountered. The tots were perfectly crispy with excellent seasoning, leading Guy to declare that these tots would ruin others for him.
- Preparation:
Other Highlights:
- Pork Shank and Spare Ribs:
- Highland Tavern also features dishes like pork shanks braised in ancho chili and spare ribs glazed with Dr. Pepper.
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Highland Tavern is a popular neighborhood bar and restaurant located in Denver, Colorado, known for its welcoming atmosphere and made-from-scratch kitchen. Highland Tavern, established in October 2006, has become a beloved local institution in Denver. The restaurant specializes in elevated pub fare, offering a menu that combines traditional American cuisine with innovative twists. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The tavern is particularly famous for its homemade pork rinds and tater tots. The menu also includes a variety of other dishes, from hearty burgers to creative brunch options.
Highland Tavern offers a full bar with a decent draft beer selection, catering to both food and drink enthusiasts. The atmosphere is described as having a chill neighborhood vibe, making it a perfect spot for casual dining and socializing. The restaurant also serves a late-night menu from Thursday to Saturday, extending its appeal to night owls.
Address
3400 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
Customer Feedback
Patrons of frequently praise the quality of the food, particularly highlighting the homemade pork rinds and tater tots as standout items. Many reviewers describe the tavern’s offerings as “next level pub food,” appreciating the creative twists on classic dishes.
The atmosphere is often commended for its relaxed, neighborhood feel, and the service is frequently described as friendly and efficient. Customers appreciate the tavern’s commitment to quality ingredients and made-from-scratch cooking. The restaurant’s weekend brunch is also popular among diners.
While some reviews mention that parking can be challenging, most agree that the food and atmosphere make Highland Tavern worth the visit. Overall, it’s regarded as a solid choice for those seeking quality pub fare in a welcoming environment.
