| Named after a South Denver neighborhood, the
Bonnie Brae Tavern is authentically Italian. Owned and operated by the
same Italian-American family – The Dire Family - the
Bonnie Brae Tavern has been serving Italian-American food
for over 75 years (Established 1934.) Turquoise-vinyl-booths, vintage
coat-racks and well-worn bar-wood suggest a place in time, long past. The
owners have preserved the post-war ambience without fault (Only the TVs
and contemporary beer signs unmask the era.) What was old is new again.
Without the well-used: flooring, ceiling and everything
in-between, the interior would look like something designers are striving
for in 2010, at considerable cost and effort. The Bonnie Brae
Tavern is, however, unmistakably old.
PIZZA is the signature food at the Bonnie Brae
Tavern. The thin, ‘dry-er’ crust is – for sure – the crust of a
Colorado Pizza. The traditional (rich and tangy) pizza sauce is
covered with traditional cheeses and toppings. This is not New York style
pizza, but it is a tasty alternative.
I’m treading carefully here. Many Denverites are as proud of their
Colorado-style pizza as New Yorker’s are of theirs. Before NY Pizza “came
to town” the Bonnie Brae was one of the more popular pizza joints in
Denver.
Italian dishes: Spaghetti and Meatballs/Sausage with a
rich, red sauce is served with soup or salad and bread and butter ($9.00.)
Also Vegetable Primavera ($9.00) W/Chicken ($11.00.) Al-a-carte servings
of Spaghetti are also offered. Old school spaghetti is what it is. The old
menu offered more Italian dishes like Lasagna and Ravioli. (I would be
less than honest if I didn’t say that I am disappointed with the
downsizing of Italian food items.) Oh well – for South-Denverites –
it’s all about the pizza anyway.
Mexican Dinners include: Burrito W/Green Chile and
Cheese (choice of beef, bean or both – $7.50) and 3 Crispy Chile Rellanos
(smothered with green chile and cheese – $7.95.)
All-American Sandwiches ($6.75 – $9.95,)
Burgers ($5.75 – $9.25.)
Dinner Entrees, such as: Steak – 8 oz. Ribeye w/two
sides ($12.95,) Baked Ham, Pot Roast and Hamburger Steak are on the menu,
as well as Salads and Soups.
Nightly Specials are offered – call or check the
website.
Also Traditional Breakfasts and Children’s Menu
An old-style Bar with round spinner-stools runs the length of one wall
in this family friendly restaurant. BOLLA Wines are on the list…
The Bonnie Brae Tavern has remained basically unchanged since the mid
1950’s. It is somewhat analogous to a classic automobile. Hopefully it
will be preserved.
Before dinner one night, I ordered a *Moscow Mule just to see if
they would “know it”…To my surprise the bartender made it…(I had been
trying to find one for weeks.) This is a good place.
Bonnie Brae Tavern’s Official Website with full menu, photos,
history and more.
. Plenty of on-site parking is available (see photo)
. Happy Hours
. DARK MONDAYS
*Moscow
Mule is a drink popularized during the “Sputnik Craze” of the 50s,
consisting of Vodka, Ginger Beer and Lime juice, properly served in a
frosted, copper mug (it kicks like a mule and speaks Russian.)
Information is from April, 2010
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