Lucero's Tavern IV — Restaurant in Westminster

I’ve been eating at Lucero’s since day one—back when Fred and Dee ran the Fillmore location with the kind of class and grace that simply can’t be put into words. I was just a little girl then. Over the years, I’ve lived all across the Denver metro area and remained loyal to every Lucero’s location—Pecos, Federal, and most often Harlan. The food tastes like something my auntie would make: comforting, soulful, and full of love. It’s the kind of food you crave when you need to feel at home.

And beyond the food, my connection to this family runs deep. I know everyone—from TJ and Brenda to Ray. I visit locations weekly. I’ve gotten to know the employees on a first-name basis. The Lucero family has built more than a restaurant—they’ve built a legacy.

Which is exactly why this next part is so difficult to say.

Fred and Dee built something sacred. But what’s happening at the Harlan location under Gina’s watch is an embarrassment to everything they stood for. Sleeping at the bar during work hours? Making out with employees and guests—male and female—in front of customers? That’s not leadership. That’s not professionalism. That’s not Lucero’s.

I’ve witnessed it myself. My friends have too—some of whom I personally sent to the Harlan location based on my long-standing support of this establishment. They were appalled. Gina, not only were you visibly intoxicated while working, but you also kicked them out for simply calling out your behavior. They have vowed not to return unless something changes.

But perhaps the most shameful part? The whispers, now confirmed, that you’ve crossed a deeply personal boundary by engaging in a relationship with a member of the Lucero family—on company time, while drinking on the job. That isn’t just unprofessional—it’s a disgrace to everything this family and these restaurants stand for.

To the Lucero family: I say this from a place of deep respect and loyalty. Your legacy deserves better. Your name deserves better. Your customers deserve better.

It’s time for...

Let me tell you about the absolute garbage excuse for a neighborhood bar where they apparently value the sticky residue on their tables more than the security and well-being of their patrons. I made the mistake of stopping in for a drink this evening and, admittedly foolishly, left my expensive AirPods on a picnic table outside for a mere five minutes while I stepped inside. When I returned, they were gone.

You would think, in a nearly empty bar with only FIVE OBVIOUS REGULARS present, and with SECURITY CAMERAS POINTING DIRECTLY AT THE PICNIC TABLES, that the staff might show even a sliver of concern or offer some assistance. You would be dead wrong.

When I politely asked if they could please check the cameras, given the short timeframe and the limited number of people around, I was met with a cold, dismissive attitude and told to "stop." The sheer audacity of their indifference is astounding. They clearly have zero interest in fostering a safe or trustworthy environment for their customers. The message was loud and clear: "Your belongings are your problem, even when they disappear on our premises."

This isn't just about the cost of the headphones; it's about the principle. It's about the complete lack of responsibility and the utter disregard for a paying customer who was clearly distressed. In a true neighborhood bar, there's a sense of community and looking out for one another. It seems the only community they foster is one of apathy and "not my problem."

Do yourself a favor and take your business ANYWHERE else. This place clearly doesn't deserve it. They'd rather sweep your misfortune under the rug than lift a...

Hi this is Jason Lucero, this is for all the luceros customers who have supported us at Harlan since the opening day and new customers I regret to inform you guys that my wife Carrie and I have had to make the sad decision to break off the business partnership with Freddy the owner our goal is to bring the best experience possible for you in quality food and service nothing less and unfortunately that was impossible with the owner and lead bartender we will miss all our friends and customers who are like family thanks to those who were true friends to my wife and kids and I thanks for all your support we will inform u guys when we start another luceros with the love and passion for FOOD like my grandparents had done for 50+years that's why Harlan tasted different from the other locations i would put my heart and soul...