Home > Denver Restaurants > Restaurant Review > Inside: Bonnie Brae Tavern

What’s the worst day of the week? Monday, of course, because that’s the only day of the week at Bonnie Brae Tavern is closed …

OK, that might be a bit of a stretch, but it’s not too far from the truth. Bonnie Brae Tavern has that sort of affect on people.

The place opened in 1934, which means this is the 74th consecutive years in business, a feat that few can surpass locally.

Why has this place succeeded when so many haven’t? It’s a hard bit of alchemy to dissect. The location has something to do with it, certainly. The Tavern sits in the triangulation of three impressive neighborhoods: Bonnie Brae, the Polo Club and Washington Park. Even in the years after the Great Depression, home prices in the latter stayed high, and Bonnie Brae Tavern was there to serve them.

The décor hasn’t changed much over the years, considering how much fashion has changed that’s really saying something. The booths in all of their turquoise vinyl glory are still there, as are the hat hooks and the menus posted on high.

And then there’s the ever-constant piece of the pie that can never change: a true restaurant institution needs to have a friendly staff. That’s always true at BBT, and many of the staff have been around longer than Obama has been serving his country.

The Dire family remains inextricably tied to this location. Carl and his wife Sue began it, and sons Mike and Hank were there to take over. Every now and again, the crew gets a good laugh when some enterprising yet unsuspecting fool comes in and tries to ask around to see if the place is for sale. That always brings peals of laughter, and then they all go back to business.

Many, many locals have the Tavern on their speed dial, so that they can order their pizza for pick-up. The za’s come in three sizes — 8, 10 and 14 inches—but just order the pepperoni with extra cheese. That’s what the regulars like. (Don’t be afraid if you check out the menu on the Bonnie Brae website and don’t find pizza. Trust us, it’s there.)

Burgers are a staple as well, with an array of toppings that ensures you’ll always find something for the right mood. Pizza, bleu cheese or stroganoff: Bonnie Brae has had all of them on the menu for generations. Also, years before anyone else, they came up with the simple yet brilliant solution to the “fries or onion rings” dilemma when they started offering half and half of each. No more arguments.

Another “innovation” would be the inclusion of family-size salads, including regular dinner salad, Caesar or Italian salads, presented in a bowl large enough to easily serve four. And, of course, what self-respecting diner would miss out having hot turkey or beef sandwiches on the menu, with a mound of mashed potatoes and a generous ladle or two of hot gravy?? Does life get any better??

For complete retro-heaven, look no further than the Bonnie Brae Tavern. Just don’t try and buy the place.

Food: Think American diner, and don’t look back. It’s all about the burgers, the fries and the fountain drinks, but don’t think you can’t order a salad and feel right at home as well.

Drinks: Just be sure and order the name of your liquor with your order, i.e. scotch and water, or vodka and tonic. None of those fancy-schmancy or froo-froo drinks here, no sirree.

Vibe: Take a trip back in time, a nostalgia tour that also happens to include a terrific meal.

Insider Tip: Most regulars wouldn’t be caught dead looking at the menu. The standing order for many is a “Hank burger,” which consists of two beef patties with cheese on a long French roll.