With regular occurrence, I suspect Mondays in America are God’s way of reminding us that we should have more sex and take more days off work for no reason. The shackles chafe the wrists with a more ferocious tone on the first day of the week. I am in need of a refuge with adult beverages, dim light and the discussion of the ins and outs of existence, on a regular basis. The tone and feel of Dunbar Kitchen and Tap House fit just what I was looking for on a Monday that rolled me up and spit me out like the dark side of capitalism intended.
Dunbar Kitchen and Tap House is a resident of the ever-evolving Welton Street scene that runs down the center of the Five Points neighborhood of Denver. Apartment complexes are coming in and people are beginning to discover this historic part of the downtown landscape.
My fatigued soul found my limbs and physical body sitting at my bar looking at all the glass bottles, and the comfortable setting made it easy to know I was right where I belonged. Jared asked me what I would like to drink and he informed me that their Monday Happy Hour goes All Day. From the look of the menu and his recommendation, the only rational choice was The “Bourbon” Renewal Project, a heavenly version of an Old Fashion made of barrel aged Breckenridge bourbon and a single tear of joy from God’s eye. Within the first sip, I forgot all about my shitty day.
Alcoholic concoctions like those remind me of that moment in a drinking man’s life when he steps away from consuming only the booze he can afford into what he truly enjoys – for there is much more in this life to consider than the singular feeling of intoxication. It’s that threshold where form takes precedence over function. Maturity filling a glass to the brim and understanding is sitting at the bottom.
My mood was sublime as I enjoyed a swig of my own reckoning and I ordered their Cuban sandwich. A few staff members at the end of the bar were discussing the pros and cons of bottomless mimosas. Personally, I have experienced both the good and bad but I would rather take the risk and enjoy the Saturday and Sunday brunch at Dunbar Kitchen and Tap House with some bottomless mimosas and/or Bloody Mary’s. This is despite the numerous times that bottomless mimosas have crawled over me like the Angel of Death. The Grim Reaper didn’t arrive for my soul – worse, he came for my dignity with a little bit of OJ and Champagne on the side. Brunch is coming for you and I, and Dunbar Kitchen & Tap House is where you can find it.
My Cuban sandwich arrived with some fries and chipotle ketchup. And in that moment, I won – I won the goddamn day! It was “mic drop” moment. The food was downright tasty and when paired with an Odell’s Crossover Sour Blonde my shit Monday turned into sugar.
After that Monday, I have no choice but to grab friends and see what those deathly mimosas will bring on a Saturday in the Five Points neighborhood that grows on me with every visit. And with that said, the shackles left my wrists that Monday and they were replaced by dreams of brunch and carefree Saturdays and Sundays in Five Points. If you are in need of asylum from this turbulent life I think Dunbar Kitchen and Tap House can provide just that.
The Denver Hopper Notes:
All Day Happy Hour Mondays
Happy Hour Tuesday – Sunday 2:30 – 6:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday Brunch with Bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas Mix and Match
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Dunbar Kitchen & Tap House
Website: dunbarkitchenandtaphouse.com
Address: 2844 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205