Bold, brash, noisy and charged with positive energy, The Tavern is a Lowry-local hideout and perhaps a well guarded secret among the resident citizens. 5280 Magazine voted it 'the best bar in a bar' and it's true; the bar is central to the whole dining experience and it radiates vital warmth throughout. If you're tired, depressed, lonely and in dire need of a culinary kick up the pants then this is your ultimate destination. The Tavern is drumming 'party style' and offering an extra-large slice of heaven on earth for those that cannot wait and want immediate satisfaction. A family orientated restaurant that seems to accommodate a variety of moods and inclinations, and the staff are the epitome of hospitality.

The Tavern hits the target with a menu designed to have you dribbling like a puppy-dog left sitting outside a sausage shop. These are not just cheap words; what is offered is more than what you can expect. From Kobe burger sliders, Thai sweet chili wings, jalapeno/red pepper honey glazed cornbread, to roasted salmon with orange mustard glaze, slow roasted prime rib, beer battered fish to chicken parmesan. Salads are otherworldly; with ingredients like arugula, perlini mozzarella, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, hummus, feta, ginger chicken, papaya, mango, crunchy noodles, blackberry vinaigrette, pico de gallo, guacamole, black beans, the Hawaiian, the Mediterranean, the Tequila, the Cowboy, salads here pack punch and deserve awards! Not feeling too adventurous? You can order a sandwich or something from the grill, they also have pizza (one of my favorites is the pesto!) or an innovative Stromboli (a sort of savory turnover, similar to a calzone). There is an interesting story attached to the invention of the Stromboli involving Ingrid Bergmann but I will leave that for another time.

We went there to celebrate my eldest daughters tenth birthday. The kids had a luscious mac 'n' cheese and crispy chicken fingers, whilst we decided on duck enchiladas and fish and chips; all arriving in huge portions. I know many are turned off by the notion of eating aquatic wildfowl but believe me you are missing a delight here. Slow roasted slivers of tender duck breast rolled in corn tortilla's with cheese and a lightly spiced and sparkling chili sauce, also comes with an avocado sour cream sauce, black beans and Spanish rice. The crunchy battered fish was also delicious; moist, flaky and a supreme reminder of seaside vacations.

With two iced teas and a salad the total bill came (for two adults and three kids) to $50. As I said before it is an extremely popular spot for locals and those out of town, we saw several parties in process and by the time we left about 8 pm there wasn't a seat in the house left empty. The Tavern is a place buzzing with vitality and energy, don't go there for a quiet night out; go there for excellent food and the electrifying atmosphere and especially if you have something to celebrate! 9/10 for service, atmosphere and good food.

The Tavern Lowry

7401 East 1st Avenue Denver CO 80230

Tel 303 366 0007