Barricuda’s . Denver
Barricuda’s is the place in Denver I probably frequent most often. Not because the food is reputable citywide, or because the style was created by a well known designer, (it’s not,) but because for some reason it just became my little hangout. It’s close to my house, they’re almost always open, and I know the menu and most of the staff. I’m never surprised or blown away, yet I’m always content and happy when I leave.
You won’t be impressed walking in, but when you settle in you’ll enjoy yourself. A large U shaped bar sits in the center, with pool tables on one side and tables and booths on the other. It’s a place you can visit if you just want to pound down a few and watch the game, or catch up with mom over the spinach salads. For a bar/restaurant their menu is quite diverse. They offer steaks, prime rib, and some good Mexican food. Well drinks are $3, and pitchers are $6. If you’re dining solo they stock all the local news rags up front, or you can dine barside and make some new friends.
One thing I love about it here: Unlike many restaurants where tables and booths are seemingly crammed on top of each other Barricuda’s is much more spacious. The tables are amply spaced apart and there’s plenty of room to walk around. The back seating area (formerly the “no smoking” area prior to the ban) is always quiet. so it’s possible to have a conversation without shouting over the din of other diners.
They’re open weekends until 4am, making it a perfect place for breakfast after a late Friday or Saturday night. Barricuda’s is in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood at 11th and Ogden, across from Wild Oats.
Hello James,
I happened on this from a search of “11th and Ogden”. When I lived at 1010 Corona, early 70′s, I worked at Safeway which was on one corner of 11th and Ogden, the Lair Lounge was directly across 11th. It was a local bar that many young people frequented. Later I think it was called “McFann’s”, a lifetime ago.
Paul
Hi Paul – thanks for the visit.
That Safeway turned into a Wild Oats, and is now a Whole Foods after they bough the Wild Oats’ locations. Safeway is still in the neighborhood, but at a much larger store at 6th and Corona. (The “Firehouse” car wash was put out of busines by neighbors and the building now houses an animal hospital and bank – but has the same old brick building.)
The Lair Lounge has been Park Tavern for many years now, and is very popular. They have good food and drinks, but I prefer Barricuda’s because it’s a bit quieter and spacious.
I would love to take a time machine back to Denver in the 70s and 80s – be a trip for sure.
Thanks again and take care!
Hi James,
Let me know when you go back to the early 70′s, I can introduce you to many who were around there at Safeway and the Lair.
Marty McClees was the store manager at Safeway, a terrific boss, and big Ronnie managed the Lair.
Paul