Union Lodge No.1 — Restaurant in Denver

We were visiting Denver from California and landed here by accident and we are so happy that we did…so happy about it that we went back the very next night. The first night we took a seat near the window for a quiet cocktail before dinner and ordered off the menu. I had a Manhattan and my wife had a Sazerac. They were both delicious and perfectly made. We’ve had Sazeracs from the bar where they originated in New Orleans and this one was every bit as good.  The service was equally wonderful. The bar itself has a magnificent, intimate atmosphere. We had water on our table within 30 seconds of sitting down and our every need was attended to throughout our visit. On our second visit, we took seats at the bar and settled in for a great show of bartending excellence. Neither my wife nor I could resist the Mint Julip and what a treat! This was the best Mint Julip I’ve ever had.  After the Julip I asked our bartender, Colin, if he could help me learn a little more about rum. He and one of his associates discussed a few options and then he pulled from his pocket a hand written book full of what I’m sure are all amazing concoctions. Turning a few pages Colin landed on the desired recipe and put his trade to work. What resulted was possibly the best cocktail I have ever had. It was boozy and sweet but still crisp. It was the perfect rum cocktail. The craftsmanship found at Union Lodge No. 1 is among the best that I’ve experienced in the world. If you find yourself in Denver, this is a stop that should not be missed and if you are a true lover of a finely crafted cocktail in a perfectly curated environment then Union Lodge No. 1 could be worth the trip in itself. On the way out of town, our Lyft driver, a veritable foodie, and critic, wholeheartedly agreed we had stumbled upon something fantastic in Denver by finding ourselves with Collin and Crew. Thanks, Union Lodge No. 1!  We...

While the initial person who got me into the car was nice. The actual bartender didn’t seem to concerned with getting my drink. Nor did she seem in any hurry to get the drink that she said she’d make for me I. Replacement of my initial drink.

Not to mention, I waited patiently for my turn to sit at the bar, a couple came in and walked right up to the red rope and one of the male bartenders gave them a spot immediately at the bar where I had been waiting almost 20 min. Thankfully the initial lady who saw me come in mentioned that I was first. But still. If I hadn’t caught onto it and she hadn’t walked by when she did. I would’ve been out of luck. Overall I’m sure it’s great for a group of people but definitely not somewhere I’d go if your solo. Not to mention the guy bartender didn’t seem to know about any type of drinks. From what he told a handful of people when they asked his recommendation on a drink he always just said (take a shot of whiskey)…. Dude. You’re at a high end bar, come up with something better than that. Almost all of the people hand this defeated loom when he responded with basically just drink hard liquor and you’ll be fine type of response. Once again, I’m sure the establishment itself is fine in a large group but I most certainly wouldn’t go...

It isn't a speakeasy but it's easily missed waking passed it. ALL BARS should aspire to be what this bar is like.

Based on the rules that were placed during prohibition, this is a dark and classy place where light and dark spirits are served while incorporating the rules from back then (I.e. no vodka is served here)

The atmosphere is awesome, and the music definitely passes the vibe check. Every person that works here is a professional mixologist and can make every drink exactly as it's described. So of course, we took full advantage and started drinking as soon as we sat down.

We were celebrating my good friends birthday and she had been raving about this one drink called the Gin Fizz, so naturally we all had to try it as well. Just wow. I'm not even sure how to describe it but I'm not usually in to sweet drinks and this was delicious. Add in their take on an old fashioned, some Tom Collins', a Sazerac or two, a mint julep and to end it, some Absinthe made the right way and I was left with this sadness that my city doesn't offer anything remotely close to what this place is.

If you're in downtown Denver and want a place that will absolutely meet all expectations and set a new bar for the best bar in your life, come visit...