On a narrow corner of in the middle of downtown Denver sits a brick building called the Brown Palace Hotel. (Looking at the building alone I could swear we were in Europe. But the surrounding buildings and passing SUV’s remind me quickly that we are still in Colorado.) We walk in the revolving doors at the entrance of the hotel, pass the “afternoon tea” area in the lobby, and head back to a dimly lit room. The Ships Tavern (the casual dining choice at the Brown Palace Hotel) with its dark wood bar, wooden chairs, floor and ceiling, screams cozy. Even on a warm June afternoon, the old-world charm makes it easy to imagine how comforting the setting alone would be on a snowy winter night. Let alone with the addition of the great food and drinks!
As soon as we sat down, I flipped the menu open to the Signature Cocktails. The decision was difficult, but hubs ordered the Colorado Side Car- made with Stranahan’s Whiskey from just down the street- and I ordered a Raspberry Lemon Drop. Each cocktail was perfectly balanced and smooth. The Colorado Side Car had sugar on the rim, which helped to balance out the strength of this wonderful local whiskey. The Raspberry Lemon Drop was clean and gently sweet rather than syrupy and candy-like. Not to mention the beautiful gradient created by the Stoli Razberi and Chambord. Delicious!
In addition to our beautifully crafted cocktails, we enjoyed truffle fries and lump crab cakes. The truffle fries were dreamy! Perfectly fried and with an easy-to-devour size, the fries were golden and crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside. Sprinkled with parmesan cheese, garlic and fresh herbs they were perfect on their own. But it gets better. Truffle aioli, my friends. Creamy, garlicky aioli made even more extravagant with the addition of truffle oil was an elegant condiment. At one point, Brad said the flavor was similar to that of a good cigar.
Whiskey cocktail + truffle fries = happy husband. Whiskey cocktail empty = not so happy husband.
The crab cakes (even though I kept forgetting they were there because I was so focused on the fries) were meaty, flavorful and classic.
It’s always great to have some fun facts about a place like this. Hubs used to be a tour guide at the Colorado State Capitol right down the street and he claims that the Brown Palace was Elvis’ favorite place to grab a peanut butter & banana sandwich when touring out West. The hotel was built in 1892 and has been a favorite stop for the Beatles and every President since Roosevelt (with the exception of Coolidge). With its enchanting atmosphere and historic charm, the Brown Palace is a great place to visit in Denver. If you (like us) can’t afford to stay for a night, at least stop by for a quick Colorado Side Car. It’s more than worth the $10 just to take in the atmosphere and imagine how many historic figures have visited this beautiful place.
