Appaloosa Grill — Restaurant in Denver

I recently dined at this restaurant and was surprised by its mandatory 20% gratuity policy that was added to my bill. This what’s not explained before I ordered but only when the bill came. My bill was $72 and I was automatically charged a $12.80 gratuity. I initially assumed this would go directly to the servers and back-of-house staff, as is common practice.

However, after asking my server, I learned that the manager collects this gratuity and redistributes it by increasing hourly wages rather than passing it directly to employees. The server believed it allowed everyone to make more money. While this may seem like a fair system, the reality is that employees actually take home less. Instead of receiving tax-free gratuities, they get a higher wage that is TAXED -ultimately reducing their earnings. Meanwhile, the employer benefits because these collected gratuities count as a business expense, lowering their taxable income. They are the ones really benefiting.

On top of this, the server still suggested that I leave an additional tip so they could receive tax-free money. This essentially shifts the responsibility onto customers to supplement the tax-free income to the hard working staff that should have already been covered by the 20% gratuity.

As someone who worked as a bartender and server in some of the busiest restaurants in Canada—specifically in Toronto for over 10 years- I know firsthand how valuable tax-free tips are. Because of my ability to earn tax-free money, I was able to save, start my own business, and become a business owner myself. This employer is taking opportunities away from their employees to actually get out of the service industry by not providing them with the tax-free income they deserve.

Looking into this further, I believe it would show that this practice is actually illegal. Gratuity belongs directly in the pockets of the people who work there. Not in the pocket of the employer. If the calculation was actually done, a 20% charge on every single bill would not be equivalent to a $3-4 wage increase per hour per employee. There is extra money that is being kept by the employer. I hope the IRS flags this and the employer begins to redistribute the money to his well deserved employees as he once did before the pandemic. Employees should stand up and fight for their hard-earned money—it belongs to them, not their employer.

I am all for group tips as that helps the kitchen employees make better money but not when that money is collected by the employer and then redistributes it by increasing hourly wages rather than passing it directly to employees, which would be tax...

Appaloosa Grill in Denver is hands-down one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. From the atmosphere to the people, the food to the music — everything about this place was exceptional. My friend and I stopped in around 9:00 PM, and as soon as we walked in, we were welcomed by the warm sounds of a live jazz band playing. The energy was incredible — smooth, soulful, and the perfect backdrop to our evening. It set the tone for what would become an unforgettable night.

Heather, the Assistant General Manager, is a true gem. Her hospitality and kindness were unmatched. She checked in with us personally, made sure everything was going smoothly, and genuinely made us feel like honored guests. My friend is in a wheelchair, and Heather made sure he was comfortable and accommodated without hesitation — something that sadly isn’t always the case at other places. Her professionalism and warmth elevated the entire experience.

At the bar, Brock and Kelly were absolutely fantastic. Even though I was only drinking water, they still treated me like any other guest, striking up great conversation and offering awesome vibes. My friend had a couple of shots, and they were poured perfectly. It was clear both bartenders were not just skilled, but genuinely passionate about creating a welcoming atmosphere. It felt like we were regulars even though it was our first time there.

We ordered the sweet potato fries to share, and wow — they were easily the best I’ve had. Crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. But what really made them next-level were the house-made sauces. The garlic aioli was rich and full of flavor, the ranch was fresh and creamy, and even the ketchup was made in-house — and it blew me away. You can taste when something is made from scratch, and everything we had at Appaloosa Grill reflected that kind of care and quality.

Then, out of nowhere, Heather surprised me with a warm butter cake — completely on the house. I wasn’t expecting it at all, and it honestly made my night. It was soft, rich, and just the right amount of sweet — the kind of dessert you remember long after the meal is over. That little act of kindness turned an already great night into something truly special.

Between the amazing live jazz, the made-from-scratch food, and the incredibly thoughtful staff, this place goes above and beyond. Appaloosa Grill isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an experience. Huge shoutout to Heather, Brock, and Kelly for making us feel like more than just customers. We’ll definitely be back, and I’ll be recommending this place to everyone I know. Don’t miss out on this...

Appaloosa Grill

Located at 535 16th St #110 in Denver, Appaloosa Grill boasts a solid 4.3-star rating based on nearly 3,000 reviews. However, my recent visit left me underwhelmed, and I have a few thoughts to share.

As I approached the restaurant, I was greeted by ongoing construction along 16th Street, which created an uninviting atmosphere and disrupted the overall experience. While this isn’t the restaurant’s fault, it certainly contributed to my initial impression. Upon entering, I noticed the place was nearly empty, which raised my eyebrows given its otherwise impressive rating.

After being told to sit anywhere, we chose a table near the door, a decision we quickly regretted. Every time the door swung open, the chilly Denver air rushed in, prompting us to relocate to a more sheltered spot at the back.

When our server arrived, I asked for recommendations and was promptly directed to the Bison Burger. Excited to try it, we placed our order. Unfortunately, when the burger arrived, it was lukewarm and lacked the appealing presentation I had hoped for. Taking my first bite was a disappointment, as the flavor and texture reminded me of a frozen burger you'd find at a little league game—not quite what I expected from a bison dish in a restaurant setting.

While Appaloosa Grill may have a following for its location and live music offerings, I found it more akin to a dive bar. The bar selection might attract some patrons, only for me, this visit didn't showcase the culinary excellence I had anticipated. I left feeling that perhaps the menu had other hidden gems, only my experience with the bison burger was a total miss.

To add to my discontent, an automatic 20% tip was applied to our bill, which the waitress explained was shared among the staff. She was certainly the highlight of my visit, as her service was the only positive aspect of the experience. I added additional specifically for the waitress. However, I found the automatic gratuity policy somewhat unsettling.

While I wanted to love Appaloosa Grill and understand the high rating based on other reviews, my experience fell short. Perhaps with a different menu choice or a more favorable atmosphere, my opinion might change, only for now, I’d recommend stopping by for drinks rather than...