I like the West End, nothing pretentious, good food and good drinks. We've come for brunch, dinner, happy hour and for late night drinks. They have NFL games on Sunday mornings/afternoons (only one game audio though) and service can be spotty. Bartenders are usually spot on. Great burger, yam chips and guac and great beer selection. They also have "snow drink specials" so when it snows out in Boulder, you can go in and enjoy happy hour type specials. I need to go back and try their chicken and waffles.
(4)
Nick V.
Dopest beer selection period.
(4)
Molly H.
This was the motto of every waiter or bartender I encountered in Boulder: Even though we are in the service industry, I find it beneath myself to actually serve you and I am going to make it clear that I wish you would just go away so I can go back to smoking pot. I lived in Boulder many moons ago, and it was probably the same deal back then too, but I was too excited to be able to drink in bars, so I let that kind of thing slide. Also, I had friends who were bartenders and servers, so I tried to be sympathetic. I can be sympathetic no longer and West End pushed the surly, stoner staff thing too far. We arrived with a large group, a wedding after-party, with the bride still in her dress. The bartender upstairs greeted us with rolled eyes as he declared that our arrival meant he couldn't go home early. This was a slow Sunday night in the summer, so I doubt the dude had been busy or made much money that evening. Orders were totally messed up and even the simplest request was met with a snide remark. Luckily, the manager did send a better bartender up finally, but I was soured on the whole thing. The food is just mediocre, and the atmosphere is only okay. I had fond memories of the West End, but now there isn't even a view of the Flatirons anymore, so what is really the point of picking this joint over the many others on Pearl?
(1)
A R.
Not a big fan. My friend and I wanted to try this place for happy hour and the hostess told us we had 10 minutes left to order happy hour items when in fact we had 20. Then we sat at the bar and waited for quite some time for one of the bartenders to greet us and take our drink orders. The place wasn't even busy! My friend and I decided to leave and grab drinks elsewhere. Perhaps they should focus more on their customer service and helping customers rather then casually talking to other employees.
(1)
Yoyo T.
Whenever I have guests in town, we pop to the rooftop for a view of the mountains and brunch. There's been several rounds of guests that have visited me and every time they always leave happy! What's better than leaving on a full stomach of deliciousness? A plate at brunch usually runs $11 but they're big. I've been here for happy hour too and it's a great deal. It's laid back with good service and food. Not really anything more to ask of a restaurant. (Definitely try the sweet potato chips and guac. Oh I know, it sounds weird, but it's amazing)
(5)
Keith C.
Really 3.5 stars, maybe 4. This is really a pub with about 15 taps of very good beer. The menu looks like upscale pub fare, burgers, etc. There is a daily special for each day of the week, that runs out early from my experience. I had fried chicken and waffles once that were excellent, and another time had the brasied rib burger that was decent. Service is very good, bartenders are attentive and friendly and pretty knowledgeable. Staff seems to be young college women, mostly. Beer selection is awesome and always have something unique and special. Nice location across the street from the Tesla dealership!
(4)
Wendy L.
Along a cute street lined with shops and restaurants, we found the West End Tavern...or Vince D. directed us there! I hear that before the building behind it was built, it had one of the best views in town - it still has a pretty spectacular view of the mountains...just a tiny bit obstructed. It took a little bit of a time to get seated because we wanted an outdoor table for a large group, so we pulled a few tables together upstairs and inside the restaurant. I'm not sure if there was some confusion about whether we wanted some drinks (yes, we did!), but in the ~20 minutes or so that we waited, nobody came by for drink orders. Boo. :( But once we were seated at our real table and had a real server, the service was quick, friendly and attentive. There was a wide selection of menu items which were more heavily weighted towards healthy fare; I'm not a healthy eater but I definitely should be. I got the shrimp and avocado tostadas which were good - lots of fresh vegetables, shrimp and avocado layered between three tostadas. Great place for a casual meal - good food, good prices and a great place for outdoor seating. I love the super relaxed vibe and being able to enjoy a couple of drinks with friends while staring at an awesome view.
(4)
Max R.
Went for lunch. Ordered the salmon salad which was very good. Just enough dressing and fresh greens. The salmon was a decent size and was grilled perfectly. Minus one star for the great but overly loud music that made it hard to converse
(4)
Emily M.
I have to say with all the hype surrounding West End Tavern, it really didn't live up the the expectations both times I ate at this restaurant. There really aren't a lot of choices on the menu, which was a bummer for me and the options that are there are largely over priced and just super decent food. For the price of the food paired with the actual quality I have to give this establishment a low rating. Just because it was on a TV show doesn't mean its a good restaurant. The second time I was there, we received horrible service. After complaining to the manager three times, she finally gave us a free meal and some coupons (which was very kind) and fired our waitress. Even with the coupons I don't think I'll go back here or recommend it as a spot to hit while in Boulder.
(2)
Rob L.
It's a Sunday, just went on my 1st tubin trip down Boulder Creek & I managed to get flipped under water and slammed the back of my head on a rock while I was under water, but what better place to go and get to feel better??? West End Tavern! GREAT space! And on a beautiful day, like we had that day, the upstairs outdoor patio was PERFECT!!! Our server & everyone else was AWESOME! GREAT menu, great place, great ambiance, great service, great drinks, this IS a must! Just do it when you don't slammed your head on a rock! My ONLY eh about this place were the bathrooms, kinda like downstairs in the basement, well felt like it, and not very noticeable, I wanna pee not get lost in a labyrinth!
(5)
Dan D.
Went there for dinner with a large group, and the service was excellent.
(5)
nick w.
Good pub food, beers, drinks, and a great view from the rooftop deck. Crowded on weekends, but somehow pleasantly so.
(4)
Laura W.
We got a gift certificate from our daughters for our anniversary and this is one of the places that was included. We are not exactly the target demographic for this restaurant - we are older and not beer drinkers. I ordered the trout and he got the fish and chips. The trout was excellent, but trout with barbecue sauce is a strange combination. The root vegetables were mainly beets and potatoes - good, but still, strange with barbecue sauce. The mash was good. His fish had a lot of batter, but I guess people like it that way - he took all the batter off. The coleslaw was good. The service was OK. It took the waiter quite a while to notice that we were finished, though. This is probably a lot better if you are young and a beer-drinker. The beer menu looked really good.
(2)
G A.
Good burgers and service(lunch time). Waiter staff was really helpful and nice. Clean, good ambience, food hits the spot.
(5)
Larissa V.
This place has fantastic service. During our lunch we were attended to perfectly by various wait staff, bartenders, and managers. Everyone was super friendly, and seemed genuinely happy to be of assistance to us during our visit. I had a mojito and a breakfast burrito. Both were fantastic. I would definitely recommend the West End to friends, and will likely return the next time I'm in town.
(4)
Alex G.
This place is a nicer classy, less of a college student haven than a lot of the bar/restaurants on Pearl. Everything would be just right for a young professionals hangout, that is except for the un-godly slow bar service. So slow, that it is to the point where I will beg to go someplace else unless someone else wants to try and order a drink for me for 15 plus minutes. I keep trying to give this place a chance, but my patience with being the last served at the bar is running low.
(3)
Allison L.
I just stopped in here on Wednesday to meet a friend of mine that works up in Boulder. We got there in time to hit the Happy Hour. It was my first time in and her second. We sat in the bar area in one of their big booths. Started off with a beer and yam chips with guacamole. The guacamole was for sure one of the best I've ever had so I give them props for that, especially from a very experienced guacamol-ian like myself. We both ended up just getting soup after that due to lack of hunger and settled on the Onion Soup. It was rich and flavorful, but I definitely couldn't eat all of it. The waitress definitely showed us that this place was a lot more upscale or maybe more "Boulder-y" than I expected, but what can I say "I'm a new Colorado kid." If you're a Whiskey and Scotch fan you will really love this place due to their long list. Maybe I'll go back to see what dinner is like even though it was on the pricey side...or maybe I'll just stick to the Happy Hour thang.
(3)
Renee B.
Great views from the patio. Casual dining, average good food, nice service, great french fries and comfortable ambiance.
(3)
Nick F.
So I've been to west end a few times now, and last night was my first for dinner. I give it a 3.5. Food is definitely overpriced, but their tavern salad is delicious and a meal in itself. Service was pretty good. This is one of those places you go when you want something specific - if you want to be outdoors, and sip great whiskey/bourbon, go to west end. End of story.
(3)
Hank S.
We came here during our day trip to Boulder. I had seen it on Man vs. Food and really wanted to try to the wings. We were sat immediately and had drinks probably within a minute. Our waitress was awesome and all the employees were super friendly. The food was delicious, I got appetizer wings with yam chips, my friend got the pulled pork sandwich, which he said was awesome as well. The atmosphere was really nice and it exceeded my expectations. If I'm ever in Boulder again I will definitely be back.
(5)
Christina J.
I'm amending my review to reflect the fact that I've recently become less put out, and have in fact become fond of, the West End. My previous statement about the happy hour still stands, and the service is still hit or miss on most occasions. The major difference for me relates to the quality of the food. Their menu has improved markedly in the last year, and I have to say that if I'm hungry, with a side of wanting a beer or gin and tonic, this is where I want to be.
(4)
i n.
1 Star for hot waitresses 1 Star for a good beer selection 1 Star for hot waitresses -1 star for snotty hot waitresses Don't waiste you time going here. Very slow and I think they only hire the staff on bust size not brains.
(2)
Ila Z.
I thought this place would be great based on what I have heard. I was disappointed. Their menu seemed overpriced and not offer enough selection. I decided on a salad that looked great on the menu, that was a bit pricey for a salad ($11), but I thought it must be good. The salad was disappointing and a bit of a joke. My plate had a pile of arugula, a little pile of tomatoes, a couple of pieces of mozzarella and a some avocado with some vinegar sprinkled across. Some of the arugula had gone bad. It was definitely not worth $11, I would not even have paid $5 for this salad. It just seemed that the place is extremely over priced. The french fries were good and the waitress was fantastic.
(2)
Nick D.
I'll get this out of the way first: As almost everyone has already said. Try the yam chips and guacamole. Full of win! I tried the Jalapeno-Bacon Cheeseburger. Even through the hot pepper, I could taste the beefy goodness. My hosts explained that the beef came from local cattle and apparently that makes a big difference. I didn't explore the entire place, but the downstairs was nice and I'd love to go back to sample more.
(5)
Alicia J.
There is something refreshing about heading back to Boulder and heading to the West End. -Rooftop Bar with a great view -Crazy skiing movies on the big screen -Eye of the Tiger beer that will make you swear you have 4 eyes -Reminiscing about the days I wore vibrant colored hippie skirts
(4)
Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
My friend played here all the time.... and I have some of my best memories of Boulder because of that. The bar? Oh whatever... couple pool tables, a stage. A long bar in a linear space. But great memories trying to make my way down the stairs in a state that I shouldn't be working my way down stairs.
(4)
Jonny C.
The West End is the grown up K's China. A rooftop bar in the hottest hood in town, the West End caters to Boulder's core, 20 something whoevers looking to poison their livers. All walks of life, all types come here 7 nights a week. The roof is phenomenal. The whiskey selection is bottomless. The food is decent. The crowd is fun, the view's are fabulous and the location is key. One of the best bar's in B-Town
(4)
Jon S.
Great wings, good drinks, fun happy hour. It is a little pricey if you don't go during happy hour, but the food is great!
(4)
Sarah S.
Bitter Bar (first choice) was totally filled so we walked over to West End. It was crowded and service was a little slow. Their seasonal mulled cider was terrific. I tried their Pimm's lemonade which tasted as good as I remembered, though the glass was half-filled with ice so there wasn't too much liquid. I highly recommend their guac and (sweet potato) chips which was delicious. This was a good place to duck into for drinks. They were also playing the World Series on their big screens.
(3)
Karin G.
Good atmosphere, great beer selection, pretty good food! I like the rooftop too.
(4)
Steven B.
This review is just for the service I experienced at the West End last night. I went with a group of two other friends, waited at the bar for about 10-15 mins to just be served. The bartenders were too busy watching the game on the blaring TV to notice us. The wait staff passed us and just asked us to move instead of offering us a table. It was pretty horrible. I don't think I will ever give the West End another shot. I am not sure if they have good drinks or food and frankly I don't care. I just hope this was a strange occurrence and that others don't experience the same lack of service.
(1)
Tom R.
A little bit pricey but the food is pretty good and the beer is great. Service was good too.
(4)
Eric G.
I enjoyed this estabishment!! The staff was friendly and helpful. It took a while between ordering our drinks, for them to get our order for food. Their wing appetizers are really good (as featured on Man vs Food). Not very spicy but enjoyable for everyone. Their West End Cheeseburger was awesome, and the fries were not bad either. I will go there again when im in the Boulder area!!
(4)
Devil M.
Nice place to hang out & have some good food & a great selection of beverages. Every time we've been here the service has been exceptional accompanied by a solid menu of tasty food offerings. The bar provides a wide array of standard beverages & depending on the bartender that is working, some adventurous yet delicious drinks are available. Excellent place to hang with friends & have an excellent meal.
(4)
Chelsea R.
It's kind of...narrow, here. Like, physically narrow. When you come up the stairs, you definitely join whoever's playing shuffleboard whether you want to or not. They've got a great selection of beers and specials, the crowd is sweet as pie, and the shuffleboard is close quarters but super fun.
(4)
Kristin B.
i think this place has gone downhill in the last couple years. location and atmosphere are solid, but food and service have struggled. they specialize in bbq and other fancier bar food. if you have a choice, sit on the rooftop - you get a great view. if it's too cold, you can sit in the closed in portion of the roof which is great for sports/tv viewing.
(3)
Jay E.
Great place for bourbon and burger lovers! Also a great selection of bombers.
(5)
Kyle M.
I honestly love this place. It's one of my favorite bars in the world, literally. Every time I come to Boulder, I always go and have a beer or two at the bar, which is extremely beautiful. The rest of the establishment is also cool. It's modern, hip, and inviting, but not overly trendy. It's trying hard to be warm and friendly place, and it's succeeding on every level. They even play stand-up comedy CDs in the restrooms. I have never honesetly eaten a full meal here, but I always get an app or two to have with my beers. Tonight, I got the yam crisps with guacamole. It was incredible. The chips were delicious and slightly sweet, and the guac was smooth and well flavored. It was 7 bucks, but you get a big helping of guac, and a pretty big bowl of the crisps. Perfection. I've also had their wings, which are also top notch. I don't know why I've never ordered a full dinner there, but I suppose it's because I'm so addicted to sitting at the bar and engaging in my usual ordering ritual with the beers and the apps. Next time, I'll get a full meal, and I'll update my review. I will always go out of my way and make time to come here whenever I go to Boulder. It's an escape for me, and I love it.
(5)
Kassie D.
Enjoyed this eatery very much. We wondered into Boulder not really sure what we were going to eat and ended up here. There was a group of 5 of us and we had a wide array of foods. The wings were good and famous of course via Man vs. Food. We had the black bean hummus which was ok, noticed that the sweet potato chips were the way to go. Tried the tomato soup and bbq as well. The atmosphere was nice loved all the great drinks on the drink menu. Will def be back.
(4)
amye a.
The Ketchup is free. That's right, I bet you'd never think to ask but, yes yes, the ketchup is free. Good thing too because their fries are quite tasty! The French Onion Soup ....is good! Little known fact about me: I'm a french onion fiend. Which, I guess, automically makes me a an after dinner mint girl too. The West End has a great supply of both. The View and Patio I mean, what can I say, it's Boulder, it's beautiful. There's mountains and clean air and a hippie.
(3)
Bill Y.
So my first visit to the West End Tavern was a mixed affair. My family and I visited here on a rather busy day following the Fourth of July. We got seated in the back by the kitchen which isn't surprising as the 3 year old can be loud, but the location was very noisy. My wife ordered a Blue Eyed Blonde drink and I had a Blueberry Lace. The Blue Eyed Blonde was a nice cocktail for a summer day and I really enjoyed the Blueberry Lace. The bourbon and blueberries were surprisingly complimentary. For the meal I ordered the Smoked Short Rib Burger blue plate special. From the smell of the smoked meats in the air I thought I was in a for a special treat. Upon tasting the burger though there was very little smoke flavor and the patty itself had the consistency of a sausage patty. It was great in the beginning but unfortunately it didn't take long for the natural juiciness of the pork to soak the bun. I did have the yam chips and they were most excellent. My wife ordered the Grilled Cheese Sliders and Tomato Soup. She very much enjoyed the sandwich and the soup was very rich and thick. And she couldn't stop helping herself to the french fries on my daughter's grilled cheese kids meal. Where I am torn with this place is I believe I would have had a much better experience if I had came in with just my wife and ordered something different. I watched a lot of good looking food come out of the kitchen but unfortunately the 'smoked' short rib burger ended up being a big bust for me.
(3)
Paul H.
Took my 70 year old parents here on a busy Friday night during parents weekend. The place was packed out but there was not a lag in service. Had the pan crusted Ahi and it was excellent. I will be coming back.
(5)
Vince D.
"Show me the way to the next whiskey bar," sang Jim Morrison in the classic Doors' tune "Alabama Song." A nice thought, but it's hard to find a nice whiskey bar in post-cowboy America. Enter the West End Tavern, a Boulder staple that changed hands a few years ago and has become a symbol of perseverance as its survived the blocking of its famed balcony. Best part: It's a bourbon bar. Featuring more than 50 bourbons, many more than 20 years old, you can savor the sweet brown whiskey with a beer back, in a Manhattan or straight up. Either way, you'll do the Lizard King proud. Oh, and the food's really good. They still have a great, if compromised, view of the mountains.
(5)
Morgan W.
If I had written this after my first visit to West End I would have given it four beautiful, proud stars. Unfortunately my last visit knocked this place down significantly. My first visit I came here with my husband for lunch and we had some of their excellent burgers. The ingredients were fresh, the burgers were large but not "oh my god!" huge, and our server was attentive and friendly. Good stuff. Our new visit was quite different. Our server seemed a little frazzled (we arrived at the tail end of the lunch rush on a Monday) and almost forgot to take my order. We also found out the restaurant had at some point changed bread sources and all their buns, rolls, breads, etc contained butter -- big strike since my husband has a dairy allergy. This caused me to take another look at the menu and it seems like 90% of the dishes are sandwiches. There is a Sandwiches section, a Burger section, and even the Entrees section had two sandwiches listed. Variety there is not. I got the burger with slaw and my husband chose the fried mahi mahi with yam chips. We also had a last minute love affair with ordering the deviled eggs with bacon as an appetizer because we are both bacon junkies. Summary of the food: ENH. The deviled eggs were covered with Bacon Bits as opposed to real bacon crumbles. MAJOR disappointment. Our food came out quickly and was fresh, but the burger I had was not the burger I remember. It was a bit dry for being cooked to Medium, smaller than last time, and not as fresh tasting. If it's local, I have high expectations. The potato roll didn't look right on the plate and the flavors just didn't work. The slaw had to mayonnaise, it was more of a vinegar and pepper mixture which I didn't care for. Thankfully my husband enjoyed it and took my portion but that left me with no side. Sigh. My husband's dish was actually prett good. The fish was fried golden-brown and light, more like a tempura. The meat was flavorful and moist which I rarely find out here. The yam chips were also tasty. Still, this was a small consolation prize -- the rough equivalent of getting only the avocado refrigerator and not the entire kitchen set.
(2)
Aaron H.
You know, The west end is not really good. Not a bad place to drink, especially on the roof in the summer. But they offer no variety on their food menu and not a single thing that they do offer is worth writing home about. If you are hungry go somewhere else. there is too much good food in boulder to eat here.
(2)
Bill P.
Good wings and food. Just like a lot of other places, though. We sat on the roof and had a nice view of the mountains - I'd go back just for that.
(3)
Jalene S.
The location is good on Pearl street, although near the west end. They have a nice patio but you have to be eating a meal to sit out there. There is a bar upstairs but it's covered. The bar/seating downstairs is casual and comfortable. They do a Sunday brunch but I haven't tried it. On a weird note, they do have crab races!
(3)
R R.
this place is great. all i remember is walking in, ordering some drinks that the bartender recommended, and waking up the next day. but the great part is that my credit card receipt was around $30 and i had some funny pictures in my camera.
(4)
Emily Y.
We decided to go to the West End Tavern when the in-laws were visiting in town. We had walked back and forth on Pearl St. looking for a place that had some reasonably priced food but wasn't a chain. We are fairly new in town so we weren't sure what was good or not. We ended up here after looking at the menu. We ate upstairs on the patio, which was nice and probably has decent views in the daytime. The menu isn't very extensive, yet it still took me a long time to finally decide on...the tavern cheeseburger. It is made from local beef and actually was very good. I ordered it with the coleslaw, which I wasn't a huge fan of (it was a tangy, vinegary coleslaw and a bit too tart for me)...next time I'd get the fries. My husband ordered the house smoked pork shoulder, which he liked (it's not pulled pork, but sliced), but he didn't care too much for the yam chips since they were a bit overcooked. My in-laws shared the fish and chips and it was HUGE. They brought out two plates with the fish n chips and coleslaw, and we though they had brought out two orders by accident. After doublechecking with our waitress, they assured us that it was one order split onto two plates for them. We were shocked because it was super ginormous. Next time, I'm ordering the Cod fish n chips! Someone at a neighboring table had the steak with the shrimp & lobster mac n cheese, which also looked really good. I'm not sure if they offer that as a side, but if they do, I'd give it a try. Overall I thought it was a good restaurant. I didn't experience the frat-boy experience that a previous poster mentioned. It was a very mellow, eating out on the patio experience and the waitstaff were super friendly. It might not be my very first pick if I'm going out (since I always favor asian food), but I would come back if I happened to be on Pearl St.
(4)
Jessica J.
It's almost impossible to get a table here, but if you do, it's well worth the wait. The jalapeno-bacon cheeseburger is out of this world and the only thing that can beat it is the strawberry bourbon milkshake. Service can be spread thin and wait times can be a bit on the long side, but it's definitely more of a 'bar with food' situation, so standing and drinking is a better mindset to have when going in. If you can, try to eat during off-hours.
(4)
M. B.
Nice place to hang out in Boulder. The bar tender knew her pours. Tried the fried chicken and waffle but I don't think its my thing. One of the previous reviewers -- Kyle M. -- has a good description of the place.
(4)
Safford B.
West End is one of the better places on Pearl Street. In the summers, seating on the upstairs patio offers great views of the flatirons. A multitude of drinks, including an impressive bourbon collection, are offered. If you're ordering food, be sure to sample the yam chips.
(3)
Luis L.
This n that salad - The salad had fresh motzarella, avocado, grape tomatoes, lettuce and balsamic dressing it was really good and all the things were fresh. But it was like tiny maybe a bite or two of each thing and everything was gone. The salad was exactly what I wanted but just not enough. I looked at the portions of some of the dishes that other people ordered and it seemed to be about the same. Like most places in Boulder this seems to be more of be seen type of location. The food tastes good, nice presentation, but its got that small portion size. I don't remember exactly what the food menu had but the salad I had left a good impression other than the portion size, I would be up to try some heartier dishes on a second go around. I went during the world cup finals and the seating area to watch the game was pretty full, both up stairs and down stairs, seemed like a good atmosphere for the event. I sat on the upper porch which was nice and shaded from the hot sun that day. They seemed to have a large drink menu with a decent selection of beers, and other beverages.
(3)
Shawn A.
This was a great find for us. After a long hike in the flatiorns we were looking for a cozy upscale bar. This fit the bill. The atmosphere was great. They have a decent tap selection Stone IPA which is one of my favorites. They also have a decent coin marg. We should have ordered the guac and chips they looked fantastic. Our food was good. I felt that we might have ordered the wrong things. Will have to try it again for the 5 star. I also want to return for the bourbon list it is amazing. There are some great finds on there might have to make it a whole day!
(4)
Carrie O.
I can't speak to the food (since I've only been here late nights for drinks) but what a nice atmosphere for a bar! They have a neat rooftop bar that's really cosy. It's a great place to meet friends & generally not have to SHOUT like you have to in most bars (which I hate). West End has a nice laid-back feel, and I appreciate it. I'm not a big bar-goer, but if asked somewhere, I always hope it's here.
(3)
Shayna F.
great food, nice people.
(4)
Henderson L.
Still the best "tavern" food in town... The outside rooftop patio is still great and the cocktails (especially the French Mojito) are awesome.
(5)
Leslie W.
Whenever my bf and I are trying to go somewhere for a good, easy going meal in boulder on a weeknight, WestEnd always wins out. It is because they have good food, can always get a table, and the view is STILL good on the upper balcony! We always order the guacamole with sweet potato chips for an appetizer. The vegetarian Ruben is great, good wings, and where else can you order deviled eggs! However, I wish they would bring back the salmon spinach salad!
(4)
L. M.
Another solid Pearl Street bar. They have a well-stocked bar, decent service, and a rooftop with plenty of seating.
(3)
Steve O.
Been only twice, but greatness both times!
(4)
Eric M.
So the West End folks got in touch with me and, with their permission, I'm posting what they sent me. I'm no doctor, there's no evidence to test, and it's certainly possible it wasn't the West End that made me sick. It's still my gut (ha) intuition that it was. And wings weren't the only thing I ate that night. At any rate, I wanted to offer their side. ------ Eric, We tried to send you a message through twitter, hopefully you received it. We wanted to follow up with you about the incident from your review. We serve hundreds of wings a day and your feedback was the only one of its kind in years. Technically, food poisoning can occur from anything you ate in the 72 hours prior because it takes that long to culture with certain strains. We would hate for you to stop coming to the West End based on your experience and our confident in running numbers and talking with our chefs that you could not have gotten sick from our product. With the amount of wings that went out that day and the days surrounding, we are certain that if it was our product we would have heard about it from multiple sources. We really do have the freshest wings around because of the volume we sell. We would love to have you come in and reknew your memory with an amazing West End experience on us. Can you please email [xxx@xxxxx] to set that up.
(2)
Gabe C.
PBR tallboys, tasty burgers and possibly the best mac-n-cheese around. Rooftop deck is awesome on a nice day. Great for a Sunday afternoon. Servers are usually pretty good. Bartenders are slow. Also, upstairs bar gets crowded fast and a little fratty. So unless you want to battle a bunch of bras to get to the bar grab a drink downstairs and then head up.
(4)
Amy F.
My boyfriend and I went here after spending the afternoon together and we were looking for a quick eat before heading to the Denver Botanical Garden LIghts. We ordered a half order of spicy wings and they were good. You get the smell of hot wing sauce, just don't inhale too deeply, but they also have a sweet taste to them as well. They are garnished with green onions which somewhat surprised me. My boyfriend ordered the mothership beer as the waitress told us it would be one to his liking, umm yea no. My boyfriend wasn't fond of it and even said that he wouldn't order it again, but at least there's a huge selection, no kidding, of different liquors. For our dinner we both went basic. Him the double cheeseburger deluxe which had ham and other meats on it. And I ordered the jalapeno bacon cheeseburger. Mine was cooked well and the fries, though I asked for crispy, they were to begin with, then got soggy after a while of sitting. But the burger was very good, would order it again. It comes with a side of dr. pepper bbq sauce, which was sweet but a good flavor. We got dessert to share, the strawberry shortcake, and the waitress was right in that it looked delicious and was very big. For $6 you get a huge strawberry shortcake in a goblet filled with ice cream, strawberry sauce (some tasted frozen), real strawberries, shortcake pieces, and whipped cream. It filled the goblet to the rim and it was very very good. It's one dessert I would go back and do it again.
(4)
Brad C.
love the atmosphere of this place. we had a very kind waitress and an excellent meal ... i would recommend the yam chips with guacamole to start - pair that with a nice dark beer (they have a bunch on tap) and then go for the bacon jalapeno cheeseburger with dr. pepper BBQ sauce. wow.
(4)
Modemme X.
The view from the deck is amazing indeed. It's a bit more restricted by buildings (helloooooo St. Julien blocking my view) but gotta roll with the changes, eh? At least the West End Tavern is still there, right? Ok, so, not to get too specific but the mahi sandwich is pretty darn good. Word to the wise though, ask for it with a plain ol' white bun. They seem to have tried to trick it out with a nutty whole wheat bun and it's just weird with the fish. The fries of course are as good as pub fries get, which is pretty good; I ordered a side salad instead of fries - big mistake! - well, it was ok actually, it was kind of wierd though, an iceberg wedge with crumbled blue cheese - which would've been fine and all had they not poured creamy sun dried tomato dressing on there first. It was just a bit wacky on the tongue. Stick with fries. Trust. Beers on tap are local and seasonal which is cool, nothing wrong with Boulder brew pride. Loved that Skinny Dip ale from Left Hand Brewery (known for Fat Tire, which some used to call Flat Tire, which was harsh). My friend had a Ceasar salad which she said was "mayonaisy" (and we like mayo!). So, even though we give it so-so food reviews, we go there often when we're in Boulder, the deck is awesome and the service is very good. Cheers.
(3)
Dan D.
Went there for dinner with a large group, and the service was excellent.
(5)
nick w.
Good pub food, beers, drinks, and a great view from the rooftop deck. Crowded on weekends, but somehow pleasantly so.
(4)
amye a.
The Ketchup is free. That's right, I bet you'd never think to ask but, yes yes, the ketchup is free. Good thing too because their fries are quite tasty! The French Onion Soup ....is good! Little known fact about me: I'm a french onion fiend. Which, I guess, automically makes me a an after dinner mint girl too. The West End has a great supply of both. The View and Patio I mean, what can I say, it's Boulder, it's beautiful. There's mountains and clean air and a hippie.
(3)
Keith C.
Really 3.5 stars, maybe 4. This is really a pub with about 15 taps of very good beer. The menu looks like upscale pub fare, burgers, etc. There is a daily special for each day of the week, that runs out early from my experience. I had fried chicken and waffles once that were excellent, and another time had the brasied rib burger that was decent. Service is very good, bartenders are attentive and friendly and pretty knowledgeable. Staff seems to be young college women, mostly. Beer selection is awesome and always have something unique and special. Nice location across the street from the Tesla dealership!
(4)
Kristin B.
i think this place has gone downhill in the last couple years. location and atmosphere are solid, but food and service have struggled. they specialize in bbq and other fancier bar food. if you have a choice, sit on the rooftop - you get a great view. if it's too cold, you can sit in the closed in portion of the roof which is great for sports/tv viewing.
(3)
Jay E.
Great place for bourbon and burger lovers! Also a great selection of bombers.
(5)
Kyle M.
I honestly love this place. It's one of my favorite bars in the world, literally. Every time I come to Boulder, I always go and have a beer or two at the bar, which is extremely beautiful. The rest of the establishment is also cool. It's modern, hip, and inviting, but not overly trendy. It's trying hard to be warm and friendly place, and it's succeeding on every level. They even play stand-up comedy CDs in the restrooms. I have never honesetly eaten a full meal here, but I always get an app or two to have with my beers. Tonight, I got the yam crisps with guacamole. It was incredible. The chips were delicious and slightly sweet, and the guac was smooth and well flavored. It was 7 bucks, but you get a big helping of guac, and a pretty big bowl of the crisps. Perfection. I've also had their wings, which are also top notch. I don't know why I've never ordered a full dinner there, but I suppose it's because I'm so addicted to sitting at the bar and engaging in my usual ordering ritual with the beers and the apps. Next time, I'll get a full meal, and I'll update my review. I will always go out of my way and make time to come here whenever I go to Boulder. It's an escape for me, and I love it.
(5)
Kassie D.
Enjoyed this eatery very much. We wondered into Boulder not really sure what we were going to eat and ended up here. There was a group of 5 of us and we had a wide array of foods. The wings were good and famous of course via Man vs. Food. We had the black bean hummus which was ok, noticed that the sweet potato chips were the way to go. Tried the tomato soup and bbq as well. The atmosphere was nice loved all the great drinks on the drink menu. Will def be back.
(4)
Bill Y.
So my first visit to the West End Tavern was a mixed affair. My family and I visited here on a rather busy day following the Fourth of July. We got seated in the back by the kitchen which isn't surprising as the 3 year old can be loud, but the location was very noisy. My wife ordered a Blue Eyed Blonde drink and I had a Blueberry Lace. The Blue Eyed Blonde was a nice cocktail for a summer day and I really enjoyed the Blueberry Lace. The bourbon and blueberries were surprisingly complimentary. For the meal I ordered the Smoked Short Rib Burger blue plate special. From the smell of the smoked meats in the air I thought I was in a for a special treat. Upon tasting the burger though there was very little smoke flavor and the patty itself had the consistency of a sausage patty. It was great in the beginning but unfortunately it didn't take long for the natural juiciness of the pork to soak the bun. I did have the yam chips and they were most excellent. My wife ordered the Grilled Cheese Sliders and Tomato Soup. She very much enjoyed the sandwich and the soup was very rich and thick. And she couldn't stop helping herself to the french fries on my daughter's grilled cheese kids meal. Where I am torn with this place is I believe I would have had a much better experience if I had came in with just my wife and ordered something different. I watched a lot of good looking food come out of the kitchen but unfortunately the 'smoked' short rib burger ended up being a big bust for me.
(3)
Paul H.
Took my 70 year old parents here on a busy Friday night during parents weekend. The place was packed out but there was not a lag in service. Had the pan crusted Ahi and it was excellent. I will be coming back.
(5)
Vince D.
"Show me the way to the next whiskey bar," sang Jim Morrison in the classic Doors' tune "Alabama Song." A nice thought, but it's hard to find a nice whiskey bar in post-cowboy America. Enter the West End Tavern, a Boulder staple that changed hands a few years ago and has become a symbol of perseverance as its survived the blocking of its famed balcony. Best part: It's a bourbon bar. Featuring more than 50 bourbons, many more than 20 years old, you can savor the sweet brown whiskey with a beer back, in a Manhattan or straight up. Either way, you'll do the Lizard King proud. Oh, and the food's really good. They still have a great, if compromised, view of the mountains.
(5)
Aaron H.
You know, The west end is not really good. Not a bad place to drink, especially on the roof in the summer. But they offer no variety on their food menu and not a single thing that they do offer is worth writing home about. If you are hungry go somewhere else. there is too much good food in boulder to eat here.
(2)
Bill P.
Good wings and food. Just like a lot of other places, though. We sat on the roof and had a nice view of the mountains - I'd go back just for that.
(3)
Morgan W.
If I had written this after my first visit to West End I would have given it four beautiful, proud stars. Unfortunately my last visit knocked this place down significantly. My first visit I came here with my husband for lunch and we had some of their excellent burgers. The ingredients were fresh, the burgers were large but not "oh my god!" huge, and our server was attentive and friendly. Good stuff. Our new visit was quite different. Our server seemed a little frazzled (we arrived at the tail end of the lunch rush on a Monday) and almost forgot to take my order. We also found out the restaurant had at some point changed bread sources and all their buns, rolls, breads, etc contained butter -- big strike since my husband has a dairy allergy. This caused me to take another look at the menu and it seems like 90% of the dishes are sandwiches. There is a Sandwiches section, a Burger section, and even the Entrees section had two sandwiches listed. Variety there is not. I got the burger with slaw and my husband chose the fried mahi mahi with yam chips. We also had a last minute love affair with ordering the deviled eggs with bacon as an appetizer because we are both bacon junkies. Summary of the food: ENH. The deviled eggs were covered with Bacon Bits as opposed to real bacon crumbles. MAJOR disappointment. Our food came out quickly and was fresh, but the burger I had was not the burger I remember. It was a bit dry for being cooked to Medium, smaller than last time, and not as fresh tasting. If it's local, I have high expectations. The potato roll didn't look right on the plate and the flavors just didn't work. The slaw had to mayonnaise, it was more of a vinegar and pepper mixture which I didn't care for. Thankfully my husband enjoyed it and took my portion but that left me with no side. Sigh. My husband's dish was actually prett good. The fish was fried golden-brown and light, more like a tempura. The meat was flavorful and moist which I rarely find out here. The yam chips were also tasty. Still, this was a small consolation prize -- the rough equivalent of getting only the avocado refrigerator and not the entire kitchen set.
(2)
Jalene S.
The location is good on Pearl street, although near the west end. They have a nice patio but you have to be eating a meal to sit out there. There is a bar upstairs but it's covered. The bar/seating downstairs is casual and comfortable. They do a Sunday brunch but I haven't tried it. On a weird note, they do have crab races!
(3)
R R.
this place is great. all i remember is walking in, ordering some drinks that the bartender recommended, and waking up the next day. but the great part is that my credit card receipt was around $30 and i had some funny pictures in my camera.
(4)
Yoyo T.
Whenever I have guests in town, we pop to the rooftop for a view of the mountains and brunch. There's been several rounds of guests that have visited me and every time they always leave happy! What's better than leaving on a full stomach of deliciousness? A plate at brunch usually runs $11 but they're big. I've been here for happy hour too and it's a great deal. It's laid back with good service and food. Not really anything more to ask of a restaurant. (Definitely try the sweet potato chips and guac. Oh I know, it sounds weird, but it's amazing)
(5)
Emily Y.
We decided to go to the West End Tavern when the in-laws were visiting in town. We had walked back and forth on Pearl St. looking for a place that had some reasonably priced food but wasn't a chain. We are fairly new in town so we weren't sure what was good or not. We ended up here after looking at the menu. We ate upstairs on the patio, which was nice and probably has decent views in the daytime. The menu isn't very extensive, yet it still took me a long time to finally decide on...the tavern cheeseburger. It is made from local beef and actually was very good. I ordered it with the coleslaw, which I wasn't a huge fan of (it was a tangy, vinegary coleslaw and a bit too tart for me)...next time I'd get the fries. My husband ordered the house smoked pork shoulder, which he liked (it's not pulled pork, but sliced), but he didn't care too much for the yam chips since they were a bit overcooked. My in-laws shared the fish and chips and it was HUGE. They brought out two plates with the fish n chips and coleslaw, and we though they had brought out two orders by accident. After doublechecking with our waitress, they assured us that it was one order split onto two plates for them. We were shocked because it was super ginormous. Next time, I'm ordering the Cod fish n chips! Someone at a neighboring table had the steak with the shrimp & lobster mac n cheese, which also looked really good. I'm not sure if they offer that as a side, but if they do, I'd give it a try. Overall I thought it was a good restaurant. I didn't experience the frat-boy experience that a previous poster mentioned. It was a very mellow, eating out on the patio experience and the waitstaff were super friendly. It might not be my very first pick if I'm going out (since I always favor asian food), but I would come back if I happened to be on Pearl St.
(4)
Jessica J.
It's almost impossible to get a table here, but if you do, it's well worth the wait. The jalapeno-bacon cheeseburger is out of this world and the only thing that can beat it is the strawberry bourbon milkshake. Service can be spread thin and wait times can be a bit on the long side, but it's definitely more of a 'bar with food' situation, so standing and drinking is a better mindset to have when going in. If you can, try to eat during off-hours.
(4)
M. B.
Nice place to hang out in Boulder. The bar tender knew her pours. Tried the fried chicken and waffle but I don't think its my thing. One of the previous reviewers -- Kyle M. -- has a good description of the place.
(4)
Safford B.
West End is one of the better places on Pearl Street. In the summers, seating on the upstairs patio offers great views of the flatirons. A multitude of drinks, including an impressive bourbon collection, are offered. If you're ordering food, be sure to sample the yam chips.
(3)
Luis L.
This n that salad - The salad had fresh motzarella, avocado, grape tomatoes, lettuce and balsamic dressing it was really good and all the things were fresh. But it was like tiny maybe a bite or two of each thing and everything was gone. The salad was exactly what I wanted but just not enough. I looked at the portions of some of the dishes that other people ordered and it seemed to be about the same. Like most places in Boulder this seems to be more of be seen type of location. The food tastes good, nice presentation, but its got that small portion size. I don't remember exactly what the food menu had but the salad I had left a good impression other than the portion size, I would be up to try some heartier dishes on a second go around. I went during the world cup finals and the seating area to watch the game was pretty full, both up stairs and down stairs, seemed like a good atmosphere for the event. I sat on the upper porch which was nice and shaded from the hot sun that day. They seemed to have a large drink menu with a decent selection of beers, and other beverages.
(3)
Shawn A.
This was a great find for us. After a long hike in the flatiorns we were looking for a cozy upscale bar. This fit the bill. The atmosphere was great. They have a decent tap selection Stone IPA which is one of my favorites. They also have a decent coin marg. We should have ordered the guac and chips they looked fantastic. Our food was good. I felt that we might have ordered the wrong things. Will have to try it again for the 5 star. I also want to return for the bourbon list it is amazing. There are some great finds on there might have to make it a whole day!
(4)
Carrie O.
I can't speak to the food (since I've only been here late nights for drinks) but what a nice atmosphere for a bar! They have a neat rooftop bar that's really cosy. It's a great place to meet friends & generally not have to SHOUT like you have to in most bars (which I hate). West End has a nice laid-back feel, and I appreciate it. I'm not a big bar-goer, but if asked somewhere, I always hope it's here.
(3)
Shayna F.
great food, nice people.
(4)
Henderson L.
Still the best "tavern" food in town... The outside rooftop patio is still great and the cocktails (especially the French Mojito) are awesome.
(5)
Leslie W.
Whenever my bf and I are trying to go somewhere for a good, easy going meal in boulder on a weeknight, WestEnd always wins out. It is because they have good food, can always get a table, and the view is STILL good on the upper balcony! We always order the guacamole with sweet potato chips for an appetizer. The vegetarian Ruben is great, good wings, and where else can you order deviled eggs! However, I wish they would bring back the salmon spinach salad!
(4)
L. M.
Another solid Pearl Street bar. They have a well-stocked bar, decent service, and a rooftop with plenty of seating.
(3)
Steve O.
Been only twice, but greatness both times!
(4)
Eric M.
So the West End folks got in touch with me and, with their permission, I'm posting what they sent me. I'm no doctor, there's no evidence to test, and it's certainly possible it wasn't the West End that made me sick. It's still my gut (ha) intuition that it was. And wings weren't the only thing I ate that night. At any rate, I wanted to offer their side. ------ Eric, We tried to send you a message through twitter, hopefully you received it. We wanted to follow up with you about the incident from your review. We serve hundreds of wings a day and your feedback was the only one of its kind in years. Technically, food poisoning can occur from anything you ate in the 72 hours prior because it takes that long to culture with certain strains. We would hate for you to stop coming to the West End based on your experience and our confident in running numbers and talking with our chefs that you could not have gotten sick from our product. With the amount of wings that went out that day and the days surrounding, we are certain that if it was our product we would have heard about it from multiple sources. We really do have the freshest wings around because of the volume we sell. We would love to have you come in and reknew your memory with an amazing West End experience on us. Can you please email [xxx@xxxxx] to set that up.
(2)
Gabe C.
PBR tallboys, tasty burgers and possibly the best mac-n-cheese around. Rooftop deck is awesome on a nice day. Great for a Sunday afternoon. Servers are usually pretty good. Bartenders are slow. Also, upstairs bar gets crowded fast and a little fratty. So unless you want to battle a bunch of bras to get to the bar grab a drink downstairs and then head up.
(4)
Amy F.
My boyfriend and I went here after spending the afternoon together and we were looking for a quick eat before heading to the Denver Botanical Garden LIghts. We ordered a half order of spicy wings and they were good. You get the smell of hot wing sauce, just don't inhale too deeply, but they also have a sweet taste to them as well. They are garnished with green onions which somewhat surprised me. My boyfriend ordered the mothership beer as the waitress told us it would be one to his liking, umm yea no. My boyfriend wasn't fond of it and even said that he wouldn't order it again, but at least there's a huge selection, no kidding, of different liquors. For our dinner we both went basic. Him the double cheeseburger deluxe which had ham and other meats on it. And I ordered the jalapeno bacon cheeseburger. Mine was cooked well and the fries, though I asked for crispy, they were to begin with, then got soggy after a while of sitting. But the burger was very good, would order it again. It comes with a side of dr. pepper bbq sauce, which was sweet but a good flavor. We got dessert to share, the strawberry shortcake, and the waitress was right in that it looked delicious and was very big. For $6 you get a huge strawberry shortcake in a goblet filled with ice cream, strawberry sauce (some tasted frozen), real strawberries, shortcake pieces, and whipped cream. It filled the goblet to the rim and it was very very good. It's one dessert I would go back and do it again.
(4)
Brad C.
love the atmosphere of this place. we had a very kind waitress and an excellent meal ... i would recommend the yam chips with guacamole to start - pair that with a nice dark beer (they have a bunch on tap) and then go for the bacon jalapeno cheeseburger with dr. pepper BBQ sauce. wow.
(4)
Modemme X.
The view from the deck is amazing indeed. It's a bit more restricted by buildings (helloooooo St. Julien blocking my view) but gotta roll with the changes, eh? At least the West End Tavern is still there, right? Ok, so, not to get too specific but the mahi sandwich is pretty darn good. Word to the wise though, ask for it with a plain ol' white bun. They seem to have tried to trick it out with a nutty whole wheat bun and it's just weird with the fish. The fries of course are as good as pub fries get, which is pretty good; I ordered a side salad instead of fries - big mistake! - well, it was ok actually, it was kind of wierd though, an iceberg wedge with crumbled blue cheese - which would've been fine and all had they not poured creamy sun dried tomato dressing on there first. It was just a bit wacky on the tongue. Stick with fries. Trust. Beers on tap are local and seasonal which is cool, nothing wrong with Boulder brew pride. Loved that Skinny Dip ale from Left Hand Brewery (known for Fat Tire, which some used to call Flat Tire, which was harsh). My friend had a Ceasar salad which she said was "mayonaisy" (and we like mayo!). So, even though we give it so-so food reviews, we go there often when we're in Boulder, the deck is awesome and the service is very good. Cheers.
(3)
Molly H.
This was the motto of every waiter or bartender I encountered in Boulder: Even though we are in the service industry, I find it beneath myself to actually serve you and I am going to make it clear that I wish you would just go away so I can go back to smoking pot. I lived in Boulder many moons ago, and it was probably the same deal back then too, but I was too excited to be able to drink in bars, so I let that kind of thing slide. Also, I had friends who were bartenders and servers, so I tried to be sympathetic. I can be sympathetic no longer and West End pushed the surly, stoner staff thing too far. We arrived with a large group, a wedding after-party, with the bride still in her dress. The bartender upstairs greeted us with rolled eyes as he declared that our arrival meant he couldn't go home early. This was a slow Sunday night in the summer, so I doubt the dude had been busy or made much money that evening. Orders were totally messed up and even the simplest request was met with a snide remark. Luckily, the manager did send a better bartender up finally, but I was soured on the whole thing. The food is just mediocre, and the atmosphere is only okay. I had fond memories of the West End, but now there isn't even a view of the Flatirons anymore, so what is really the point of picking this joint over the many others on Pearl?
(1)
A R.
Not a big fan. My friend and I wanted to try this place for happy hour and the hostess told us we had 10 minutes left to order happy hour items when in fact we had 20. Then we sat at the bar and waited for quite some time for one of the bartenders to greet us and take our drink orders. The place wasn't even busy! My friend and I decided to leave and grab drinks elsewhere. Perhaps they should focus more on their customer service and helping customers rather then casually talking to other employees.
(1)
Wendy L.
Along a cute street lined with shops and restaurants, we found the West End Tavern...or Vince D. directed us there! I hear that before the building behind it was built, it had one of the best views in town - it still has a pretty spectacular view of the mountains...just a tiny bit obstructed. It took a little bit of a time to get seated because we wanted an outdoor table for a large group, so we pulled a few tables together upstairs and inside the restaurant. I'm not sure if there was some confusion about whether we wanted some drinks (yes, we did!), but in the ~20 minutes or so that we waited, nobody came by for drink orders. Boo. :( But once we were seated at our real table and had a real server, the service was quick, friendly and attentive. There was a wide selection of menu items which were more heavily weighted towards healthy fare; I'm not a healthy eater but I definitely should be. I got the shrimp and avocado tostadas which were good - lots of fresh vegetables, shrimp and avocado layered between three tostadas. Great place for a casual meal - good food, good prices and a great place for outdoor seating. I love the super relaxed vibe and being able to enjoy a couple of drinks with friends while staring at an awesome view.
(4)
Max R.
Went for lunch. Ordered the salmon salad which was very good. Just enough dressing and fresh greens. The salmon was a decent size and was grilled perfectly. Minus one star for the great but overly loud music that made it hard to converse
(4)
Emily M.
I have to say with all the hype surrounding West End Tavern, it really didn't live up the the expectations both times I ate at this restaurant. There really aren't a lot of choices on the menu, which was a bummer for me and the options that are there are largely over priced and just super decent food. For the price of the food paired with the actual quality I have to give this establishment a low rating. Just because it was on a TV show doesn't mean its a good restaurant. The second time I was there, we received horrible service. After complaining to the manager three times, she finally gave us a free meal and some coupons (which was very kind) and fired our waitress. Even with the coupons I don't think I'll go back here or recommend it as a spot to hit while in Boulder.
(2)
Rob L.
It's a Sunday, just went on my 1st tubin trip down Boulder Creek & I managed to get flipped under water and slammed the back of my head on a rock while I was under water, but what better place to go and get to feel better??? West End Tavern! GREAT space! And on a beautiful day, like we had that day, the upstairs outdoor patio was PERFECT!!! Our server & everyone else was AWESOME! GREAT menu, great place, great ambiance, great service, great drinks, this IS a must! Just do it when you don't slammed your head on a rock! My ONLY eh about this place were the bathrooms, kinda like downstairs in the basement, well felt like it, and not very noticeable, I wanna pee not get lost in a labyrinth!
(5)
Laura W.
We got a gift certificate from our daughters for our anniversary and this is one of the places that was included. We are not exactly the target demographic for this restaurant - we are older and not beer drinkers. I ordered the trout and he got the fish and chips. The trout was excellent, but trout with barbecue sauce is a strange combination. The root vegetables were mainly beets and potatoes - good, but still, strange with barbecue sauce. The mash was good. His fish had a lot of batter, but I guess people like it that way - he took all the batter off. The coleslaw was good. The service was OK. It took the waiter quite a while to notice that we were finished, though. This is probably a lot better if you are young and a beer-drinker. The beer menu looked really good.
(2)
G A.
Good burgers and service(lunch time). Waiter staff was really helpful and nice. Clean, good ambience, food hits the spot.
(5)
Larissa V.
This place has fantastic service. During our lunch we were attended to perfectly by various wait staff, bartenders, and managers. Everyone was super friendly, and seemed genuinely happy to be of assistance to us during our visit. I had a mojito and a breakfast burrito. Both were fantastic. I would definitely recommend the West End to friends, and will likely return the next time I'm in town.
(4)
Alex G.
This place is a nicer classy, less of a college student haven than a lot of the bar/restaurants on Pearl. Everything would be just right for a young professionals hangout, that is except for the un-godly slow bar service. So slow, that it is to the point where I will beg to go someplace else unless someone else wants to try and order a drink for me for 15 plus minutes. I keep trying to give this place a chance, but my patience with being the last served at the bar is running low.
(3)
Allison L.
I just stopped in here on Wednesday to meet a friend of mine that works up in Boulder. We got there in time to hit the Happy Hour. It was my first time in and her second. We sat in the bar area in one of their big booths. Started off with a beer and yam chips with guacamole. The guacamole was for sure one of the best I've ever had so I give them props for that, especially from a very experienced guacamol-ian like myself. We both ended up just getting soup after that due to lack of hunger and settled on the Onion Soup. It was rich and flavorful, but I definitely couldn't eat all of it. The waitress definitely showed us that this place was a lot more upscale or maybe more "Boulder-y" than I expected, but what can I say "I'm a new Colorado kid." If you're a Whiskey and Scotch fan you will really love this place due to their long list. Maybe I'll go back to see what dinner is like even though it was on the pricey side...or maybe I'll just stick to the Happy Hour thang.
(3)
Jen A.
I like the West End, nothing pretentious, good food and good drinks. We've come for brunch, dinner, happy hour and for late night drinks. They have NFL games on Sunday mornings/afternoons (only one game audio though) and service can be spotty. Bartenders are usually spot on. Great burger, yam chips and guac and great beer selection. They also have "snow drink specials" so when it snows out in Boulder, you can go in and enjoy happy hour type specials. I need to go back and try their chicken and waffles.
(4)
Nick V.
Dopest beer selection period.
(4)
Renee B.
Great views from the patio. Casual dining, average good food, nice service, great french fries and comfortable ambiance.
(3)
Nick F.
So I've been to west end a few times now, and last night was my first for dinner. I give it a 3.5. Food is definitely overpriced, but their tavern salad is delicious and a meal in itself. Service was pretty good. This is one of those places you go when you want something specific - if you want to be outdoors, and sip great whiskey/bourbon, go to west end. End of story.
(3)
Hank S.
We came here during our day trip to Boulder. I had seen it on Man vs. Food and really wanted to try to the wings. We were sat immediately and had drinks probably within a minute. Our waitress was awesome and all the employees were super friendly. The food was delicious, I got appetizer wings with yam chips, my friend got the pulled pork sandwich, which he said was awesome as well. The atmosphere was really nice and it exceeded my expectations. If I'm ever in Boulder again I will definitely be back.
(5)
Christina J.
I'm amending my review to reflect the fact that I've recently become less put out, and have in fact become fond of, the West End. My previous statement about the happy hour still stands, and the service is still hit or miss on most occasions. The major difference for me relates to the quality of the food. Their menu has improved markedly in the last year, and I have to say that if I'm hungry, with a side of wanting a beer or gin and tonic, this is where I want to be.
(4)
i n.
1 Star for hot waitresses 1 Star for a good beer selection 1 Star for hot waitresses -1 star for snotty hot waitresses Don't waiste you time going here. Very slow and I think they only hire the staff on bust size not brains.
(2)
Ila Z.
I thought this place would be great based on what I have heard. I was disappointed. Their menu seemed overpriced and not offer enough selection. I decided on a salad that looked great on the menu, that was a bit pricey for a salad ($11), but I thought it must be good. The salad was disappointing and a bit of a joke. My plate had a pile of arugula, a little pile of tomatoes, a couple of pieces of mozzarella and a some avocado with some vinegar sprinkled across. Some of the arugula had gone bad. It was definitely not worth $11, I would not even have paid $5 for this salad. It just seemed that the place is extremely over priced. The french fries were good and the waitress was fantastic.
(2)
Nick D.
I'll get this out of the way first: As almost everyone has already said. Try the yam chips and guacamole. Full of win! I tried the Jalapeno-Bacon Cheeseburger. Even through the hot pepper, I could taste the beefy goodness. My hosts explained that the beef came from local cattle and apparently that makes a big difference. I didn't explore the entire place, but the downstairs was nice and I'd love to go back to sample more.
(5)
Alicia J.
There is something refreshing about heading back to Boulder and heading to the West End. -Rooftop Bar with a great view -Crazy skiing movies on the big screen -Eye of the Tiger beer that will make you swear you have 4 eyes -Reminiscing about the days I wore vibrant colored hippie skirts
(4)
Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
My friend played here all the time.... and I have some of my best memories of Boulder because of that. The bar? Oh whatever... couple pool tables, a stage. A long bar in a linear space. But great memories trying to make my way down the stairs in a state that I shouldn't be working my way down stairs.
(4)
Jonny C.
The West End is the grown up K's China. A rooftop bar in the hottest hood in town, the West End caters to Boulder's core, 20 something whoevers looking to poison their livers. All walks of life, all types come here 7 nights a week. The roof is phenomenal. The whiskey selection is bottomless. The food is decent. The crowd is fun, the view's are fabulous and the location is key. One of the best bar's in B-Town
(4)
Jon S.
Great wings, good drinks, fun happy hour. It is a little pricey if you don't go during happy hour, but the food is great!
(4)
Sarah S.
Bitter Bar (first choice) was totally filled so we walked over to West End. It was crowded and service was a little slow. Their seasonal mulled cider was terrific. I tried their Pimm's lemonade which tasted as good as I remembered, though the glass was half-filled with ice so there wasn't too much liquid. I highly recommend their guac and (sweet potato) chips which was delicious. This was a good place to duck into for drinks. They were also playing the World Series on their big screens.
(3)
Karin G.
Good atmosphere, great beer selection, pretty good food! I like the rooftop too.
(4)
Steven B.
This review is just for the service I experienced at the West End last night. I went with a group of two other friends, waited at the bar for about 10-15 mins to just be served. The bartenders were too busy watching the game on the blaring TV to notice us. The wait staff passed us and just asked us to move instead of offering us a table. It was pretty horrible. I don't think I will ever give the West End another shot. I am not sure if they have good drinks or food and frankly I don't care. I just hope this was a strange occurrence and that others don't experience the same lack of service.
(1)
Tom R.
A little bit pricey but the food is pretty good and the beer is great. Service was good too.
(4)
Eric G.
I enjoyed this estabishment!! The staff was friendly and helpful. It took a while between ordering our drinks, for them to get our order for food. Their wing appetizers are really good (as featured on Man vs Food). Not very spicy but enjoyable for everyone. Their West End Cheeseburger was awesome, and the fries were not bad either. I will go there again when im in the Boulder area!!
(4)
Devil M.
Nice place to hang out & have some good food & a great selection of beverages. Every time we've been here the service has been exceptional accompanied by a solid menu of tasty food offerings. The bar provides a wide array of standard beverages & depending on the bartender that is working, some adventurous yet delicious drinks are available. Excellent place to hang with friends & have an excellent meal.
(4)
Chelsea R.
It's kind of...narrow, here. Like, physically narrow. When you come up the stairs, you definitely join whoever's playing shuffleboard whether you want to or not. They've got a great selection of beers and specials, the crowd is sweet as pie, and the shuffleboard is close quarters but super fun.
(4)
Gina B.
ehh, maybe I'm just picky, but I think $16 for a plate of pork is outrageous, but then again, I am from NC. This pork wasn't even that flavorful. And slaw, or what you people call slaw, was just cut up cabbage. The service was a bit slow for a restaurant that was not very busy for lunch. Otherwise, it was a cute place. Very warm and cozy. Not a date spot in my opinion though. I wasn't impressed and probably wouldn't go back if in Boulder. Sorry guys. Leave BBQ to the southerners.
(3)
Beth M.
Sarah the bartender is awesome. Tell her what you like, and she'll invent something amazing. Seriously.
(5)
Jack S.
Recently sat at the bar for some food & beers. This place has nailed it every time for me. Food is reasonable in price, flavors are amazing & beyond the price point, staff super knowledgeable on booze, beer, whatever your need ! The Schnitzel sandy just about blew my head off. Fantastic flavor blends, mint in the apple cabbage slaw, and damn near had to order another one. Easily 1 of the best pubs you'll encounter anywhere...
(5)
Sue H.
It's simple. This is my local bar. Sure, I live a few blocks from West End, but if I walk just one more block, I have MANY other options. I choose West End for the distinct majority of quick meets for a drink and apps. In summer, I sit out front...best people watching in town. In winter, I sit at the bar downstairs. West, end, why do I love you so? I love you because your staff cares. I love you because in a city where almost every bar is lit up like an elementary school cafeteria, you keep your lighting where it should be to allow something interesting to happen. I love you because in addition to a CONSTANTLY, AVIDLY refreshed and masterful list of rotating microbrews, you also always have a cider for me. I love you because you make me sweet potato chips and guac. Mostly I love you because I feel welcome when I show up. You are friendly, happy to see people walk through the door, and happy when I return. Yes, there are times when I want that extra gourmet edge or mixology touch. But most often, I want to hang with you West End Tavern. Thanks for being there for me.
(4)
diane l.
I've been here before for drinks at night and I think I prefer it for the drinks. For lunch, the food failed to impress. I got the brisket rueben. Although, I was satisfied with it. The brisket was dry and I think it could have used more coleslaw or something. My brother (who insisted we go here b/c he loves the food) ordered the brisket burger and it was really dry. Lacked any flavor. To top it off his side of coleslaw had zero dressing on it. He ended up sending it back for a different burger that was better and coleslaw that was dressed. The mac and cheese was ok, very cheesy. The fries are awesome. Buffalo wings (which they are known for) were good. Not super spicy. I also ordered a bourbon flight and had to have one of them replaced b/c something was in the glass. Service was friendly and prompt, but the food and little hiccups made me question whether I would return for food. BUT, we sat outside and they have one of the best views!!
(3)
Danny B.
Bbg sandwich with salad pumpkin beer yum. The best ever sweet potato chips with guacamole . Crabby patty sandwich all delicious . And the restaurant staff are always friendly.
(4)
Teri S.
I stumbled in here late, ( 9:30 pm on a wednesday) and fresh off a plane from Eugene. Good find. Not far from the trendy and lively Pearl Street area. Atmospehere here is warm,wooded & cosy with a little metal stove burning. Supposedly there are upstairs and roof areas I did not make it to, I stayed at the bar. Really good beer selection. Great Taps. Mostly Colorado beers but a few guests. The bartender was knowledgeable and friendly. I had the Hop 15 from Port Brewing. Wow. Excellent. ABV: 9.7% IBU: 90 after two of these, it was advisable to eat before bed, so I had " Julio's vegetarian burger" made with chick peas, lentils, spinach & oats with tomato jam, and haystack mountain chèvre on a potato bun. The fries were very very good. The burger had a texture which was not for me and was not properly seasoned in my opinion, but it was Ok. I ate it. The bread and butter pickles were very very good. Bar was sparsly seated with a few interesting locals. just in time to liven things up a group rolled in on a " green" birthday trip from Ohio. well behaved, they went in search of a pizza since the kitchen was closed.
(4)
Sheri B.
We had been talking about coming here for bread pudding all day, and when we got here, they had not only run out, but were going to be changing the menu over night and removing the bread pudding. The sous chef (Clint) was standing within ear shot of us when the bar tender (Riskin) told us they were not serving it, and offered to make it one last time just for us...nice people, great music, and fantastic selection of beer and bourbon. Oh, and great burgers and steaks...This is one of our favorite restaurants!
(5)
Kat C.
I both love and hate West-End. I love west-end's business ambiance, particularly during happy hour. I usually go early with a group of lady friends and by doing so we can find a table. Good luck if you arrive after 5:30. The waits for a table can be as long as an hour on Friday and Saturday nights especially in nice weather as the roof top views of the flatirons is in high demand. I could do without some of the eye-rolling/we're too good for you attitude by the hostesses. I guess I have low tolerance for that sort of thing. But once in, the waitstaff is very very nice. We heart them. If going later, go for dinner so you'll at least get a table and not have to fight the young (at least they seem quite young) types fighting over the first-come, first-serve tables. It's very "in the scene" here. As you can probably tell, the happy hour is a good one, with decent prices on drinks, wine and sides. The food on the lunch and dinner menu itself is pretty good. We just love the sweet potato chips and guac, and usually eat WAY too much before our meal comes, and I'm usually game to try the chef's special which is often quite good. As always, I hope for more gluten free options, but I've never been able to not customize something to my liking. They're pretty cool like that.
(3)
Ashley R.
Great food, great vibe, great people. You can't go wrong with their BBQ, it's the best you can get in Boulder, and maybe the only place you can get it really. Second, they have shuffleboard, you don't find many of those in Boulder. Third, their rooftop patio is probably the best one in Boulder. While their food is pricey, I wouldn't care so much if they had more options, the small options leave me with constantly going for the same thing. It's an all or nothing kind of menu, some smaller plates would make it perfect.
(4)
Jason L.
I was here for the Oskar Blues satellite tap room event. We had a great time. Sampled some awesome beers and apps. The hot wings here are excellent! I would be very tempted to try their Wing Challenge. I also, sampled the yam chips with guacamole. They weren't bad, and I think both were excellent on their own, but something about the combo was off to me. Everyone else at the table loved them. I can't wait to come back to sample some of their bourbons. While here, I was able to sample a 17 year old Pappy Van Winkle, that West End had been aging themselves in a barrel. Knowing the rarity and demand for Pappy, I cannot imagine what this place did to secure an entire barrel of Pappy, but they must be doing something right. Needless to say, it was one of the finest beverages I've ever tasted.
(4)
Daniel C.
Boulder has a rep as a place for the eclectic, and the West End Tavern fits into the high-end Pearl Street shopping and food district just fine. We took a seat at one of the tall booths in the bar (awkward for the server). We started with a plate of their buffalo wings, which were just as spicy as you'd want. My short ribs were tender and cooked nicely. We all enjoyed our meals, but I think everything was pricy due to the area more than the quality. A good place, but not a memorable one.
(3)
Aaron W.
I admit, I'm not a person who frequents bars, pubs, or the equivalent very often these days. That was certainly a part of my life many moons ago, but I somehow went a complete 180 cold turkey. After eating a few other dishes earlier in the day, I still wanted a good appetizer. The friendly staff here made West End a great place to hang out. My friend pointed out the $9 House Smoked Pork Ribs. That pretty much set off my giddy panda mode. Legal drugs to me, really. I had no clue what a burnt onion BBQ sauce was, but we went with it. Freakin' outstanding. Easily one of best ribs I've ever had. Literally clean, fall-off-the-bone amazing. Smoked to perfection without having an overpowering smoky essence. The burnt onion BBQ sauce has a nice sweetness to pair with the meat. A tangy slaw on the side added to the presentation, providing multiple contrasts to the meat. This epic appetizer was the ideal yin and yang for a flavor party. Heck, the BBQ sauce went well with the slaw. This place is also home to the "Wing King Challenge," as seen on Man v. Food. Fifty wings in thirty minutes. I'm sure my friends would love to see me die trying on this one, especially since I'm horrible at wing eating. I'm not delving into five-star territory yet because I merely had an appetizer. However, I can just imagine what the rest of West End Tavern's menu is like. Maybe one day, I'll be able to return and find out firsthand!
(4)
Ellen C.
They have an excellent happy hour selection! Can't go wrong with the yam chips & guac, the brisket Reuben, and the farm greens salad! Definitely need to get their recipe for the champagne vinaigrette! They have such a good atmosphere with excellent music taste and a friendly staff! Definitely check this place out!
(5)
Christopher C.
We went here based on it was my friends top three pics in Boulder. They have a ton of beer( good beer) and some interesting twist's on old fashion cuisines. I went with an imperial stout and a cheeseburger de-luxe which is topped with shaved pastrami how could you go wrong? The burger was big, juicy hot and fresh, while the pastrami was the icing on the cake. The fries were good.
(4)
Brittany S.
Great beer, great appetizers, and most of all, a great atmosphere! With the occasional live music gig on the rooftop and the general dim ambiance, I love coming here after a long work week. The corn bread with whipped honey is a must-have to start out with and as far as entrees, get the fried chicken and biscuits! Great spot to bring family/friends visiting from out of town bc it def is a crowd pleaser.
(4)
Alison Q.
Sadly we narrowly missed the Jul-IPA Day festivities because we flew out the day before... :-( ... but still got to enjoy their extensive IPA selection on tap for the event...and of course some hearty smoked meat. Our server was a doll and they even let us purchase a commemorative Jul-IPA t-shirt that the servers were wearing!
(4)
Doug N.
Bourbon selection was great. Had some hard to find Pappy along with some good craft beer. Great sports setting on the roof patio. Good food. This is a scotch, bourbon, whisky drinkers heaven.
(5)
Rose C.
We had reservations and it was a good thing we did. Despite the crowd we were seated quickly. The service was friendly. We ordered the kitchen sink smoked burger and the pulled duroc pork shoulder. The burger was cooked very well and the flavors were very tasty. I would go back just for the burger. The pork was pretty good but their house barbecue sauce really gave the pork the moistness and great flavor that you expect from solid pulled pork. Overall it was a good experience and we would definitely go back. For 2 adults and 2 small children we spent $40.00.
(4)
Karalinda M.
This place has two stories And a rooftop patio. I tried the barbecue ribs and they were great falling off the bone, they have a good Happy hour food selection as well.
(4)
Kelly H.
Good food, terrible service. I'd suggest you go somewhere else if you want to enjoy your meal in a pleasant atmosphere without the bad vibes.
(2)
Dan B.
The first night I arrived to visit my friend K in Boulder, he picked this as a spot to grab a late dinner and a brew or three. The beer list is wonderful and really unique. It appears to change regularly. On that night, they had a slew of Belgian style ales, plus several local brews from Upslope, New Belgium; plus others from Deschutes, Stone, and the entire set of brews from Firestone (Good call that). As for food, my buddy K had the cod fish and chips, and it was excellent (I tried a bite.) I had the blackened sockey salmon, over spinach-goat cheese polenta, with a whiskey peach BBQ sauce. Simply PHENOMENAL. I should have lingered over every bite, but I was too hungry for that. Great vibe here - Classic American Tavern, but polished and slightly upscale. Though I had expected more of a college crowd, it was half-filled with professionals and grad students. They have a rooftop deck that is supposed to have great views, though it was dark and only 20 degrees out, plus it was roofed over and winterized. The pulsing heaters kept it toasty and snug as a bug. I'd go back here again. Hell, why go anywhere else?
(5)
Derk R.
Great beer. Great bourbon. Solid food. Nice, knowledgable, attentive, attractive staff. My favorite place for comfort food and good drink in Boulder. The upstairs patio is fantastic in nice weather.
(5)
Justin R.
So, this review is for the second time here. Why? The first time I came here with a friend, it was a busy night, I get it. But we never had anyone come to our table to take our order. After 33 minutes and servers walking by our table in the back just past the staircase...we decided to leave. I was disheartened by this because I have wanted to try the wings so bad! On the way out I told the bartender that we hadn't been served and we were leaving...she was busy so I get it but all she said was "Sorry, come back and see us sometime." So...fast forward to the second try to have a crack at the wings... I decided to come back after watching re-runs of Adam Richman doing wing challenges and needing a serious wing fix. Much to my pleasure we got a table and our waitress (who was super cute and really friendly by the way...but that is a different story) came over right away and took our drink order. She promptly returned with my delicious sweet tea and I put in an order for the dozen wings and Mac N Cheese. My friend ordered the Kitchen Sink Burger. Our server was awesome, she even sat down to chat for a minute, which I thought was cool. Our food came out and as soon as I caught the smell of the wings... I knew they were going to be great. I split the Mac N Cheese with my friend and liked it, nothing amazing, but not bad at all. The wings...heaven, they were perfectly sized, and perfectly cooked, a little crispy and the sauce was outstanding, my friend stole a few and agreed. So much so that I ordered another dozen and happily ate all of them. Maybe it was the luck of the draw but I like paddles more than drums and I got a lot of them. I wonder if I could request all paddles... My friend liked the burger a lot, I didn't try it because I was knuckle deep in wings but it looked good. Experience: totally redeemed itself, everything was great, our drinks were never empty, even though it was busy, the food was awesome, and as I am typing this review...I am getting quite a hunger for the wings again, I think it is in high order for dinner tonight...perhaps I will see you up there as I definitely recommend this spot, despite the initial turn off from my first visit.
(5)
Allison M.
We tried this place on the suggestion of a friend and we were not let down. First of all, I love that they offer specials while waiting (there was a 15 minute wait on a weeknight, good sign) so we had pints $1.50 off and the guac and yam chips for $5 instead of $8. Which, while the chips and guac were very tasty, we didn't think they would be worth $8. Anyway, the 3 of us ended up ordering a mix of appetizers and sides rather than main meals (though we will come back to try some mains) and had more than enough food. We had an issue with some of our food being cold when it came out but the manager came by and personally rectified it and we got fresh food in about 10 minutes; stuff happens and we understood, plus the food made up for the delay. Highlights of the food: awesome, tender, flavorful pork ribs; decadent mac and cheese; good, solid wings. The other thing we enjoyed was the atmosphere; it was busy but not crazy loud and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The building kind of reminded us of New Orleans which made for a nice welcome for Louisiana folks. Service was quick and friendly from all front of house staff. We will definitely be back many times in the near future!
(4)
Nicole N.
I enjoyed my veggie burger which more often than not is hit or miss restaurants. This one was delicious and had great texture! My fellow meat eaters loved their meal as well. I was delighted to stumble upon a great restaurant without having prior read anything about it.
(5)
Chelsea R.
We wanted to try their bloody mary, will have to go back again to try it. It looked amazing but we were in no shape to be drinking again quite yet. I recommend sitting upstairs if possible, more roomy and the patio is beautiful. We had the Yam chips with guacamole to start, completely delicious. For my lunch I had the brisket burger & fennel cole slaw. Great burger and the cole slaw was flavorful. The fennel was not overpowering, just added something special. My dining partner had the fried chicken waffle with sausage gravy. He was quite happy with his as well although I think he was expecting a chicken and waffle stack with gravy instead of the two different items on the same plate. The gravy was well done, something that's hard to find apparently! The plates are a good size, I enjoyed my leftovers for dinner. Can't wait to go back to try more!
(4)
Liz J.
Food is fine here (although the server explicitly told us that the reuben brisket is too dry and that many patrons have told him the same.) Rating this place so low not so much because of the food but because of the horrific wait for drinks, apps, and then entrees. We waited so long for our apps (this was around the 1-hour mark of us being there) that as they brought out the first app, the deviled eggs, tthey told us they would comp the second app whenever it came out because of the wait. Flash forward another hour...and little to no communication from the server...our food came out, but not everyone's dishes. Four came out fine, one came out cold (so you know it was just sitting there getting cold, but you understand that because grilled cheese and tomato soup doesn't take long to make and then just get upset that the kitchen's timing was so terrible). So, most of the food comes out, and when people were halfway through their entrees, the last person's plate (same thing as what several others at the table ordered, the pulled pork sandy) came out. The food, although good, was not even close to being worth that kind of wait. The waiter explained after our meals were passed out that the place was very shortstaffed and the kitchen was very backed up when we came in...it would have been nice to know this before we sat down to eat and be given a chance to choose whether we wanted to wait that long or not. My tongue may have bled a little from biting too hard on it when the waiter asked if we wanted anything else instead of me saying "hell no!" Communicate better expectations to your guests of the timing for food, or maybe even turn guests away if you know you can't handle the volume that day. It's way better than taking off the cost of an app and entree off a large bill and making that group of guests never want to come back again, not to mention ruin the rest of their plans for what was supposed to be a lovely afternoon.
(1)
Guillermo U.
The food is so good. 2nd visit I had ribs. The meat falls off the bone with tender ease. BBQ sauce is not thick. I loved it. Chile roasted winter squash is a perfect crisp and my favorite side. The tomato braised greens are delicious. 3rd visit I had mac & cheese. I added pulled pork. It was amazingly good. The mac is full of flavor. The pulled pork was smokey and tender. And I had the crispy wings again. Best wings! Great beers.
(5)
J. Chuck K.
My friend and I came by for a quick snack after some hiking and walking around downtown Boulder. We just got some wings and a few samples of Great Divide. Their patio had a nice setup with views of the mountains. I'd go back when in town to check out more of the menu options.
(4)
Allison L.
Amazing crab artichoke dip, F'N Marg is wonderful! Great selection of beers and fun laid back atmosphere. Will definitely come back when we are in town.
(5)
Catherine E.
Went there on a Thursday night with my boyfriend for some drinks. I was very impressed with their cocktails and my boyfriend (a beer snob) enjoyed their selection. As the drunk munchies started to hit, I decided to order some loaded fries thing they had. It was delicious. I cant wait to try more food there!
(4)
Shaina G.
I checked this place out while visiting Boulder. As soon as I walked in, it felt like a local place and I really liked the vibe. We ended up sitting on the roof, which was covered and heated, and a nice place to watch some of the Sunday football. Nice selection of beers. We had the deviled eggs as an app and they were spicy and good. The service was a bit disinterested at first, but ended up okay. The only downside of this place is that the bathroom is in the basement. So, as someone that has a tiny bladder, it was a little annoying to have to walk down three flights of stairs time after time. But then again, the walk was probably good for me!
(4)
Ashley T.
One of my favorite places to eat in Boulder. I am never let down by this place as the food is consistently delicious and the people that work there are friendly. The atmosphere is comfortable with large booths, yet the vibes are fun. Happy hour is a must! They have great deals on drinks and appetizers.
(5)
Oliver S.
I was craving ribs after a hike. Went for the pork ribs, but they just weren't that flavorful. The fries were good. I came back a few nights later just for bourbon and had a fine experience with that. They have a great selection. I'd come back only to drink.
(2)
Mary P.
I really like that they use local Colorado beef for their burgers!
(4)
Cheyne M.
Rooftop is as good as it gets in Colorado. Amazing view of the Flatirons. Plus, the food and drink menu is really good, too. One of my favorite spots in Boulder, especially on a sunny day (good thing Colorado has 300+!).
(5)
Roy H.
This place is Yummy with a capitol Y! Some of the best fries I have had in a while.. For an appetizer I split some wings with my friends..they are really good. I also had the burger with the dr pepper sauce on it. Very unique sauce, totally made the burger awesome! They also have some very good beers on tap. The service was superb...they even helped us move once it started raining (we sat upstairs on the patio). The view of the mountains from the patio is great too...I almost didnt want to move even with the rain.
(5)
Andrew C.
This has been on my bucket list of places to visit since I saw it on Man vs. Food and specifically to do the 50 wing challenge. I even took the time to prepare for this event by eating reasonable sized meals on the day of this challenge. I actually suckered...well more like shamed...a fellow colleague into doing this by insulting his manhood where it hurts...his ability to consume large amounts of deep fried, buttered goodness. It was 6 work colleagues all together, but 4 of them were just there to watch the carnage. I wish I could comment on the other food, but from what my colleagues ordered (burgers, deep fried fish of some sort, etc.) it looked pretty good. Anyhooooo.....we told our host that we were gonna do the challenge. I swear she actually sized us up to see if we had the cajones to do the challenge, but at the same time, I think she had a look of disgust in her face as if to say, "great, another pair of morons trying to log a cool 300 LDL figure." Regardless, she said she would start setting things up.... HUH? What does that mean.... Well, what it meant was that she would bring two white buckets that would be placed on the floor next to the table next to the challengers. Yes, that is a bucket in the happenstance that you can't keep your wings down. Second is a form that you sign which basically states that: "Yes, I am a moron. Yes, I realize that I am going to be consuming more than 50 wings deep fried and soaked in a vat of butter and its own oils and yes, this could kill me and I will not hold this place liable." Can't say that was very motivating....Oh well...on with the challenge. The wings come out in steel bucket and they look larger than the standard wing. They smelled and looked like "standard" wings and from a quick taste of the sauce, everything was standard. They give you a plate to pour the wings out on so that they don't stay screamingly hot in the bucket...but after the fact, this was a mistake to do it. So, I started the challenge and planned to go through the two bone wings first knowing that I could go through these pretty quickly...actually went through nearly 30 in the first 10 minutes. That only left the drummettes which was the second mistake. The drummettes started getting cold and the meat in those tend to be more dry and got uber chewy.... Ultimately couldn't do it. At end of time, I had 15 drummettes left. A dude came by to give us the obligatory..."good job (laugh), but too bad.... you owe us $50 for the wings." Apparently this was the dude who set the bar for timing. He actually did it in like 20 minutes or something. Crazy! Well, this place was in a great location and looked like they had a great menu, good selection of local beers and fun atmosphere. Will look forward to going again, but maybe try having a normal meal...or maybe give the challenge one more try.
(4)
Nelissa M.
I've come here twice in the past few weeks because I was meeting friends. I've been here between 5-10 times over the past 5 years. I like the location and I like the general vibe for late-night (usually pretty busy and lively crowd). However, the food and drinks are just OK. I've had their bbq sandwich, chips, burger, and loaded fries. Nothing bad, but nothing to write home about either. My biggest complaint is that the last two times I went, I saw either the bartender or waitress "sample" the drinks. My friend ordered a glass of nice whiskey and we saw the bartender taste it with a straw. The second time I was there, I saw the waitress try my vodka tonic. Hmm. It would be one thing if the bartender was trying it to make sure the drink tasted right, but that doesn't seem to be what is going here. I'll go to the West End when my friends want to meet, but I'll suggest elsewhere if given the chance.
(3)
Regan E.
Best whiskey selection in town, with great tap selection too. Bartenders are very knowledgeable and happy to help. Service has always been the best in town. And the food... Amazing. Hands down my favorite go to place in Boulder. The rooftop patio is fabulous in the summer!
(5)
Patrick R.
Dined here a while ago, and just getting to the review now, but this place sticks out in my head for just delicious food and a great beer selection. Nothing fancy here. Great view of the flatirons from the roof deck as well.
(5)
Lex G.
Deserving of a five star review for beer and bourbon alone. But the small menu packs a punch. Burgers and smoked sandwiches are amazing. I had a smoked Reuben brisket sandwich with mustard/bbq sauce - I sounded like Bill Murray in Something About Bob while I was eating it! The fries were a little over-cooked but not enough to lower my 5-star ranking. Kids menu was great too. The kids cheese burger is big and the bun is very soft which my kids love. The meat was tasty. Also the mac n cheese was a big hit with my other son and he's very picky about his mac n cheese! The upstairs patio has a splendid view of the mountains. Two thumbs way up!
(5)
Boy Howdy R.
Best deviled eggs around. Probably the best item on the menu. Fried chicken and biscuits are also good. Once they served fried chicken and waffles and fantastic salads, but those went away so we decided to go away. Unless we want deviled eggs and a great selection of beers. If the menu hadn't changed, I'd give them 5 stars. The management and staff are as good as it gets.
(4)
Sara U.
Great burger and a dark beer that was chocolate something or other. All of that experienced in a warm, inviting setting where you can relax and laugh with your friends. Are you kidding? Nice.
(5)
Crys A.
Neat place in Boulder to pop in for a drink and some good pub food. The service on the day we went was a little spotty, but that's ok, we had time. I had the pork shoulder sandwich and didn't much like it, actually --- it wasn't special at all and in fact, for this salt-inclined lady, a little too salt intensive. My companion on the other hand had a hard-rocking pastrami reuben which I coveted from start to finish. Of course he ate it all, unapologetically. The bartender was great even though the waitress was perpetually hard to find. Outdoor seating, big wide wooden booths, upstairs/downstairs. I'll definitely try this place again just in case my experience was anomalous. Cheers!
(3)
Dave K.
If you'd like a reservation, call a day ahead. Same day call aheads are not guaranteed. View from the roof would have been prime. Food was good, but portions were relatively small. Staff was very helpful and friendly.
(3)
Priscilla K.
The only thing I really enjoy at West End are the drinks, but even though the cocktails are delicious, and they have a nice selection of beer, the bar tab gets to be pretty pricey after just a few. In fact I think most things are overpriced at this restaurant, I'm constantly asking myself: what was so expensive and why did I come back? I like the idea of the rooftop bar but the waitress usually seems overwhelmed and it takes a long time to get anything. If you want rooftop ambiance, I'd stick with Bacaro, or The Rio.
(2)
Kim P.
on a nice day, there is no place id rather be (in the whole 900 block of pearl). shoot, on a crummy day it will still be nice in here. its a pub bar ish tavern place and has a great rooftop that they usually reserve for full dining patrons. best bloody mary in Boulder!!
(5)
Josh C.
The new menu is great. and the WET burger is the best burger in town; high quality meat with a high quality bun. The old cornbread from before was hit and miss, now it is baked fresh at the time you order it! You can't get better than that. That is the kind of improvement that shows the quality is up. It's simple: The West End is a cool place, with a great rooftop, and the food is better than ever. The Pearl Street construction is a pain, but I still make an effort to go. Whatever changes you have made this year West End, please keep it up!
(5)
Carolyn D.
West end you disappointed us.... We have been going to the West End for years a as Boulder staple. Unfortunately they have a new chef who has taken some of their best known menu items away. Example-Their famous Yam chips are no longer available (but one day a week. The service was terrible, our waiter was rude... he cut me off before I was finished ordering, took the menu away from my husband while he was still reading it, forgot about us for drink orders, meal was horribly slow. We had taken friends from out of town there saying how we loved it... what a let down. I normally would not write a negative review, having waited tables myself I know how hard the restaurant business is... but this poor experience which was worth noting. The views from the roof top may still be top notch, but not the restaurant.... bummer.
(2)
Alexandra K.
I have only ever had the cookie baked in a pan but WOW is it amazing. perfectly cooked and delicious every time!
(4)
Diane K.
I'm a fan! The West End has a pretty cool setup. The downstairs has a belly-up bar with tables for dining, and the upstairs is a patio, half for dining and half as a bar socializing area. The sweet potato chips with guac get mentioned so much because they are THAT good. mmm. They have a pretty creative happy hour on Thurs. and Fridays (Thurs 10pm-close & Fri-Sat 10pm-11pm). If the weather is nice, the rooftop patio is a must. Also, try mixing something (vodka?) with their strawberry infused lemonade. It's a hit. I love that Brian Regan plays in the bathroom. Hilarious! I'd pee my pants if I wasn't already sitting on the pot.
(4)
Lauren C.
After a year and a half living in Boulder, I try to go to other bars on Pearl but always end up here. Service is good (unless during a World Cup game - eh, not so much) and food is surprisingly good for a bar. I leave one star off because I yearn for more variety. Decent bartender, always crowded but not too crowded, minus a world-wide major sporting event. Atmosphere is unique - dark and cozy with lots of different spaces to settle into and yes, lots o' bourbon. UPDATE: I almost forgot the most important part...one night being woefully drunk and on a very empty stomach, the busboy told me and my friend the kitchen was closed. Then, after noticing our pitiful faces, came back 10 minutes later with..........wait for it............a to-go carton of goldfish. I almost asked him to marry me.
(4)
Kyle M.
I have had so-so service on the rooftop before but this place does not just offer me service. They offer me hospitality. Awesome bartenders. Kind, knowledgeable, and i just like to go there to have a pint. Good place, good people. big red F is on to something....
(5)
Anne T.
This place never lets me down. They have great service, a cozy atmosphere, and delicious comfort food. Their beer menu always changes, and it's fun to try new things. I love their onion soup and the cheeseburger.
(4)
Logan M.
This place would get five stars as a bourbon bar alone, but when you add their beer selection and the quality of the food from the kitchen it should get six, maybe seven. The bourbon cocktails are absolutely incredible, and will spoil you forever when you visit bars that don't infuse their own bourbon in house. The beer selection is incredible, and the prices aren't too bad, especially on some of the stranger bombers. My one complaint is they are perpetually out of Green Lakes on tap. This statement might change as I try other restaurants, but I will stand by it for now: West End serves the best hot wings in Colorado. They are always big, cooked perfectly, and the flavor is absolutely amazing. They don't ruin your palate with spice, but you will need a napkin, as they are well-sauced and quite messy. If you go during happy hour, the price can't be beat. I live in Loveland rather than Boulder now and I'm still at West End at least once a month. Just a great place to go.
(5)
D A.
Went in here this afternoon after an intense hike on Sanitas with my dog, and to meet up with a few people afterwards. They were on the rooftop patio, and the first thing I did was ask the hostess if dogs were allowed on the rooftop patio (I mean, it IS outside!). I had mentioned he's in training to be a therapy animal, and (since I know it may be a health hazard if he's walking through the tavern) that I'd be more than happy to carry him upstairs. She said it was totally fine. Meanwhile, I ordered a drink. After I ordered, my server, "Lexi" (well, that was the name that showed up on the receipt) came back up and gave me a bunch of sh*t for having my little sleepy Boston Terrier on an OUTDOOR rooftop patio, for what the hostess already said was OK. I waited. And I waited. And I waited. Meanwhile, "Lexi" came up to the rooftop at least twice, made no effort to make any eye contact with me, ask me if I'm OK, or need water (I mean I DID JUST hike Mt.Sanitas!) or let me know the manager was on her way, nothing. I even had to ask two bussers to get me my drink because I think I waited at least 15 minutes (well, that's how it felt)... on a not-so-busy Sunday. The manager finally came up, and apologized that the hostess was new and didn't know better. Understandably, with the lack of info the girls gave her, she lectured me about my napping dog. After I told her if they gave me any more nonsense about my dog on an OUTSIDE patio that I'd write a 1 star review of them on Yelp, and that I already let the girls know my dog's in training to be a therapy dog and I'd walk the two blocks from my car to show her the papers, she finally let me off - and comped me a free appetizer (awesome!). Hey, I feel bad that I got that mad, but you can't turn down free food from a restaurant as their apology for someone pissing you off. I will admit, the appetizer was GREAT, and so was the drink! Poochie thought the sweet potato chips were yummy too. When the bill came out, "Lexi" still made no effort to give me much acknowledgement or eye contact. UGH *SMH*! So what did I do? I went downstairs and told the bartender to give this tip to the MANAGER as a thank you for comping me, since "Lexi's" service was nowhere near tip-worthy enough for me (I work in a customer-oriented industry myself, so it takes A LOT to make me mad enough to not leave a tip for a server). If some of the staff were as well-trained and competent as their manager, I think The West End Tavern could be a 4 or 5 star establishment - EASILY. The manager was the only reason I'm giving this review 2 more stars. Hopefully, she'll do a turnaround or two to make the quality of service a little more enjoyable for her customers. PS: Also allow me to leave some professional advice: If you look like you're under 21, and you're clocked in on your shift, regardless how attractive you are- DON'T TELL YOUR CUSTOMERS (OR LET THEM HEAR) ABOUT YOUR KID(S)! Seriously, every young lady should've learned that rule from Miss Manners (or my southern-raised grandma).
(3)
Scott K.
Amazing food, especially any meats from the smoker they've added in the back. Their beer and whiskey selection is wonderful, and they have one of the best outdoor eating spaces in Boulder. But, prices are fairly high.
(4)
Ben W.
Great rooftop deck.
(4)
Margaret A.
Great thing about this place is they have a late night Happy Hour from 10-11pm, with a nice selection of food, wine and beer. Bartenders are awesome, very friendly and good service. I went on a Friday night and there were plenty of people but there were places to sit or stand if you wanted. I suggest the guacamole and yam chips, they were delicious and Happy Hour discounted. I couldn't hear the music when I went for drinks, but could when I went for dinner. They have a bunch of TVs around if you wanted to watch sports. When I went for a sit down dinner the veggie burger was delicious but the service was so-so. They messed up our order and she wasn't around that much. Not to mention they sat us right by the door when it was 18 degrees outside and people kept coming in and out which made it freezing. I ate with my jacket and scarf on the whole time! All in all, good place to have food and drinks, great location and a fun community feel.
(3)
Dave T.
Delicious Grilled Cheese Sliders and Creamy Tomato Soup! A whole plate that was not excessive or overly filling. The soup was creamy, and at least tasted like it was not from a can. The sliders were on sourdough Texas toast....very light and good. I also tried the vegetarian chili, which most vegetarian chilis to me overcompensate with to much onion flavor. This was delicious. Great decor, gave the image of recycled doors and windows. PVC painted copper. Overall good experience. Dave
(4)
Kelly M.
Have been here many times in the past few years and were excited to return today. AWFUL!!! Came at 4pm on Sunday, was told it was 30 min wait for table, finally sat, was told it would be 30 minutes before we could even order any food. Took 15 minutes to get drinks, once we were able to place good order we gave our individual food orders and was THEN told they were out of the items we had ordered and many others! Thanks for telling us! Our waitress was in a terrible, awful mood. We asked to pay for drinks and got a 'hold on' from waitress. Took my card for 10 minutes. Awful service, bad atmosphere as every diner was frustrated!!
(1)
J.K. D.
The location is good, walking distance to pearl street. The restaurant itself is clean, had larger booths, tables, bar seating. The service was fine, our server was attentive and friendly. The food was okay. The French fries were pretty gross but my steak was alright, pretty good. At the table there was also a Hawaiian chicken that was said to be tasty but that was about it. The beer was good as well. I think this place has average bar style food and has a nice atmosphere. It's OK, but nothing to get excited over.
(3)
John L.
Service is OK. Food is AMAZING. The best Tavern on Pearl but still misses 5 stars for me. I think service is slow from time to time and my order has been screwed up on occassion.
(4)
Dave W.
Great food, service can sometimes leave you wondering but the food is always great!
(4)
scott s.
So, this place rocks. Great whiskey and beer selection, awesome bbq, great atmosphere. I definitely see myself becoming a regular here. We had the family style bbq dinner and there was 4 of us. The waiter recommended we order 2 servings rather than 4 and one appetizer, so we did as he recommended and it was plenty of food. The family style bbq had everything you could want and had tons of food for the money. The sweet potato chips and guac rocks!!!! Go hungry and thirsty, if you like bbq food and a good whiskey you will love this place.
(5)
Megan B.
Large beer selection and tasty food. The enclosed patio upstairs is great for happy hour but is usually crowded. Was featured on "Man vs. Food" TV show for their chicken wing challenge.
(4)
Bob T.
I stopped in this establishment on my recent trip to boulder. I've alway heard good things, so I decided to check it out. I grabbed a seat at the bar and noticed the great beer selection on tap in fornt of me. I had a feeling that I would have more than 1 beverage. The bartender was excellent. She even gave me a few samples. The whole vibe of the bar was just upbeat and pleasant. If I lived in Boulder, it would surely be one of my main go to places.
(4)
Kristaleigh S.
Love this place! Why have I not been here before? So we started off with a dozen chicken wings. They were so good. Some of the best wings in Denver. The sauce is spicy and smokey. The wings are HUGE! I think I could take on the 50 wing challenge for sure. I got the half rack of pork ribs. I substituted extra slaw for the fries. That was a great choice because the fennel slaw is bright, light, and delicious. The ribs had a great flavor and fell off the bone. The BBQ sauce on the side was so good. It was not too thick and not sweet at all. Perfect! The pork belly beans were really tasty. Not sweet like baked beans so I really enjoyed them. My boyfriend had two beers. The Stone IPA and the Telluride Trippel and Stillwater. He liked them both. He ate the cheese burger bacon and jalapeño. The jalapeños came on the side. He loaded his burger up! Halfway through his burger he ate "the hottest jalapeño" he has ever eaten. This lead to sweating, hiccups, and tripping balls! I giggled and eventually he felt OK and finished his meal. He loved the burger and said the best part was the aged cheddar. We will definitely be back to try other items on the menu and so that I can do the wing challenge. I wonder how many women have done it?
(5)
Andy S.
The restaurant is great, especially the rooftop! But that Rolling Smoke catering (I know this sounds extreme) is the worst bbq pork I've ever had. It was all fatty, didn't have any sauce (maybe I missed it but I didn't see any), and during the whole Tab Benoit concert I felt like I had a brick in my stomach. It was a huge let-down. Plus it said it came with yam chips but I they gave me room temp beans instead. Worst bbq experience of my life. Just stick to the restaurant.
(2)
Billy R.
Great food.
(4)
Lauren S.
We really wanted a simple meal, just a burger and some drinks. The weather was beautiful, so we sat outside. They have great outdoor seating at high tables, but the first thing we noticed was that the gravel textured tables hurt our arms!. Sounds stupid, but it's a matter of comfort! We weren't given drink menus so we ordered bourbon and gingers which prompted our waitress to ask if we wanted the 'Not Your Grandma's Bourbon and Ginger.' I had remembered seeing it in the picture of the drinks menu here on Yelp and remembered seeing something about vanilla infused bourbon which sounded yummy. We got two and regretted it almost instantly. I guess I forgot that it said 'vanilla spice infused bourbon' which apparently means they put in 800 cloves. It was so intense, it practically overwhelmed every other flavor. It was a strong drink and I'm sure it would appeal to some people so I sucked it up (as fast as I could, actually) and then ordered a different drink. My boyfriend got the derby julep which was fantastically tasty and served in a cool Woodfords copper julep cup, albeit it was scarcely larger than an egg-cup and priced as a pint-drink but I digress. I got the 'tangled up in bloom' which was tangled up in something, but not elderflower which I was hoping for. It was good but there was just too much going on for my taste. For food, we ordered: *A regular Caesar salad which was great and they split it onto two plates for us to share. The grilled lemon slice was a HUGE plus in my book! *Rib appetizer and a side of fries which were good but expensive for the portion. *W.E.T. Cheeseburger with jalapeños, medium. It was a little dry and overlooked, so I was glad that I ordered the jalapeños which moistened it. The slices were really thick and unwieldy, though. After two more derby juleps, we felt just fine and barely jumped out of our seats at the tab that came to just shy of a hundred dollars. I guess at almost ten bucks a pop, our drinks got us there! Not quite a home run. Overpriced drinks for the size. It seems like a good place to sit at the bar for a while... But not too long or the drinks will put you in the poor house!
(4)
Jennifer M.
This review is for the food at brunch. I can't really comment on this place as a drinking spot since I came here on a Sunday afternoon. I'm not too sure I would come here outside of brunch or happy hour, but that seems to be what they do well with a quickly rotating list of great beers on tap and imaginative happy hour specials. They got got me with their snow day menu... a special menu whenever snow is falling outside the building! Anyhoo, the wings here are pretty amazing. I may take them up on their 50 wing challenge one day. I had one of their mulled cider drinks, which was very nice also. This place is a tad pricey, but I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Lauren F.
This place is incredible, amazing cocktails and the food is amazing and big portions too I come here every week.
(4)
Andrew J C.
This is my favorite place in Boulder. The food is amazing (I recommend the Mac and Cheese) and the drink list is endless and top notch. You will find something you want to drink here and it won't kill your wallet. I like the crowd the comes here. When I'm upstairs I often look around and see people from all different "scenes" enjoying themselves. While there are TVs with sports on, it's not annoying and overall you don't find too many "douchy" people here. Also, stand up comedy playing the in the speakers in the bathroom. Great stuff.
(4)
Kym B.
"Do you have something long that's sticky on one end?" This is what I asked the rooftop bartender when we visited West End Tavern for happy hour one Tuesday afternoon. It's not as bad as it sounds; my 2 year old dropped my iPod behind our booth and I needed a creative way to retrieve it. Luckily (for everyone involved) the guy knew what I meant and although he wasn't in possession of anything long or sticky, he WAS able to deftly move the whole booth aside and rescue the fallen iPod. Props for the extra help! West End has some seriously awesome happy hour deals. Delicious margs (in pint glasses!) for $3. Cosmos for $3. Beam & Coke slushies (slushies!!) for $5. The HH food options are all around $5 or less, and there's nothing mini about them. The W.E.T. fries (smothered in cheese and guacamole) are massive. The Yam Chips (with more guacamole!) are served in a bowl so huge you could mix a batch of cookies in it. Everthing is tasty and delicious and cheap and they don't even charge you extra for the super-awesome rooftop views and lush rooftop garden foliage. Half of the patio is even covered, just in case a Front Range Quickie-Storm rolls through. So... if you're looking for something long and sticky, you might be out of luck. But if you're looking for a chill patio, some awesome food, cheapie Happy Hour deals, and a great all-around experience, check out West End Tavern. We'll be back!
(5)
Jake B.
Get the wings extra crispy. .. awesome!
(4)
Holly G.
This place is alright. They have a pretty good Happy Hour though, and that is the only time I have actually dined here. For $5 you can get a mini (about 6) ribs on HH. You can also get some pretty good beer, margarita, and cosmo specials on Happy Hour, too. West End has a great roof-top patio, which Denver is lacking and Boulder has a ton of (jealous Denverite moment). The service is hit or miss. I don't think I would come here other than HH though. The dinner prices seem a bit steep for the type of food and the bar-like atmosphere.
(3)
Kimberly I.
Yum. West End Tavern has never disappointed me. I LOVE this place and when I have company in, or decide to take a day trip to Boulder I always end up here. They have lots of beers on tap to accompany the delicious "bar food." You may have seen this establishment on man vs. food as well. The hot wings that Adam Richman tries to scarf down are delicious and HUGE! Try the wing challenge if you dare. But the most prized possession on the menu (in my eyes) are the yam chips with guacamole. I don't think there is anything better than these crunchy chips and house made guac. A true favorite of mine. I definitely recommend this place to anyone!
(5)
Megan M.
My husband and I stopped by here for some after dinner drinks on a Sunday night. The roof top patio is great! Its covered yet open and airy. We sat at the bar and ordered some drinks. The atmosphere is very laid back, just what we were looking for. Great beer selection too! My husband ordered a scotch taster, and loved it! They have live music on Sunday, although it was a bit cheesy it was definitely enjoyable. Great place! We definitely will be returning to the roof top patio!
(4)
Christa L.
Round 2, I keep coming back to this area.... So this time around I stepped into the West End because Jax was closed. No oysters for me (sad face.) Nonetheless, the West End delivered on their food. My friend and I ended up sharing appetizers since we had to make room for the alcohol later than evening. We ordered the buffalo wings and deviled eggs. The deviled eggs were delicious, I know right, deviled eggs? The wings were pretty good, they had a nice buttery texture to them. Which for us sharing filled me up that only gave me about 7 wings to devour. It also made my hamster wheel spin because they didn't look that big.....maybe I could eat 50 of them. That will be for next time, because lord knows I'm sure I'll be back here again..
(4)
Greg S.
This place has really gone down hill. It use to be our go to place, but over the last 6 to 9 month they have changed out about all of the staff and the new crew just can't deliver like the old one. We use to go once or even twice a week, but now it is officially "off the list"
(2)
Cristina F.
Mac & cheese = awesome Ribs = fall of the bone awesome Good beer selection. I tried to be tough and order a bourbon cocktail, terrible decision. Holy sh!t was that strong! Boyfriend called it "mild", haha.
(4)
Mat M.
If I lived here I would likely visit pretty often. Met a buddy there for a drink. They had live music, the service was good for how busy they were. Looked like when the weather is nice the open air second story would be a pleasant place to enjoy a brew. They had a nice selection of beers on tap, including some phenomenal sour ales. Wings were good, and the only downside was it was pretty noisy.
(4)
Kinsey A.
I ate at the West End a couple of nights ago and was not impressed. They did not have a gluten free menu and the waitor could not tell me what was gluten free and what wasn't. I ended up ordering a burger without a bun. Lame. I wouldn't recommend for anyone who has a gluten restricted diet. theglutenfreecollegekid.…
(2)
Rachael B.
Two words. Chicken wangs. Four words actually : Happy Hour Chicken Wangs. I love the West End. The whole menu isn't epic, but the chicken wings sure are. I love that they use Red Bird chicken so I don't get those really ridiculous hormone-mongo wings that are not cooked all the way through :/ Great beers on tap, great bartenders (Nate rocks!), fun rooftop during the summer, PBR tall boys for about $3.50 during happy hour, deviled eggs covered in bacon, oh and chicken wangs. I've ventured into some of the salad options (the wedge salad is pretty good) and a lot of my friends really like the fish and chips. Chicken and waffles is pretty damn tasty, too. But really, its the deliciously fried, batter-free, tangy, spicy wings that keep me coming back. Happy hour : $7 for a dozen. Holler.
(4)
Karen M.
I so rarely get to Boulder, especially the Pearl Street Mall area, so I randomly picked this restaurant to meet a colleague for lunch. When I walked in, West End felt like my kind of place, warm and unpretentious. We sat in the outdoor, rooftop seating area which was pleasant. The service was cheerful and attentive enough, but I was underwhelmed by the food. I ordered the smoked pork sandwich. Thin slices of smoked pork was served on dry (!), thick white bread with a small side of BBQ sauce. I tried to dunk the sandwich in the sauce, but everything sort of fell apart. The BBQ sauce just seemed like it was Kraft. Yam chips were crispy but had very little flavor. My companion's burger looked good - but average. Meh.
(2)
Brandi F.
Some coworkers recommended this place, and we'd heard about its 50 wing challenge. I had some wings for an appetizer and a large salad for my entree. The wings were large, but not the best tasting that I've ever had. My salad was okay, but nothing to recommend to anyone. My bf had a burger, which he thought was "alright." It was a nice evening, so we sat on the roof patio. The atmosphere was good, not too loud. The seats were uncomfortable and the waiter didn't appear very often, but was nice when he did. West End Tavern is "alright."
(3)
Cole J.
I really like this bar. Just moved to town from Chicago and we always end up here if we want to grab a drink. Great happy hour, good food. The upstairs bar area has the best atmosphere. And, the beer selection is good, and not limited to only CO beer which is really great. The bottle list is a bit overpriced, but still lots of options.
(4)
Paul H.
Gorgeous rooftop deck, great microbrews on tap, beautiful bar, very yummy comfort food. Great happy hour deals. Have taken several friends here and we always enjoy.
(5)
Leo C.
Came here for a casual lunch with friends. It had a nice atmosphere and interesting menu, but nothing screams come-back-here-the-next-time-you're-in-Boulder unfortunately. We had the Sweet potato chips and guacamole - that was one pretty unique and cool appetizer to try. The staff was pretty friendly in general. They are apparently known by the locals for their good whiskey selection. I tried the Whiskey flights special - $12 for a good selection of pappy whiskey. They also have lots of local beers here, with natural burgers. Not a bad place to checkout if you're in this area.
(3)
Lu S.
Great roof top deck & bar, especially on a 75 degree day. Go there for fantastic beer on top, not the food. Stick with the Reubens & you'll be satisfied .
(3)
Paul B.
I'm writing this review based on the service and knowledge of the bartenders. All of them are incredibly well versed in all aspects of the entire array of products they serve... which is vastly extensive. If you care to learn about, Bourbon, Scotch, beer, or any bar item.... these guys will give you a PhD level course... for free! The drinks aren't free... the knowledge is. They deliver! Kudos!
(4)
Bobby T.
I've been going to The West End Tavern for quite some time now. Yes, I'm kinda old. I knew the West End when they had unobstucted views of the Flatirons from their rooftop deck, and that was the place to go and have drinks when the weather was perfect. I knew the West End when their burger sucked, and then got to be the best burger in town. I drank Bourbon at The West End before drinking Bourbon at The West End was cool. I'm not saying I invented it, I'm just sayin'. The West End is a great place to go and have drinks. Their food is also pretty darn good, albeit pricey. I know ownership changed hands a few years ago, and that's when the food got a little haughty. It's good food, mind you, it just seems a little out of place. I still think they have one of the best burgers in Boulder, but it seems like it's fallen off a little recently. Are they no longer hand packing the ground chuck? 4 stars. Minus 1 star because of the "college elite" factor I always feel when I'm in there. Like, I'm too old and square to be hanging out in there drinking bourbon, even though all the youngsters are the ones drinking their fine bourbon mixed with Coke.
(3)
joshua e.
Great beer selection local and fresh, ok menu nothing spectacular, great roof deck. Overall a goto bar
(5)
Sam R.
The best deal in the house is the prime rib on Friday evening. $20 for a 12 ounce prime rib with all the fixings. Excellent service and friendly staff.
(4)
Taylor P.
Awesome Spot! Came here because of the Man v. Food episode while travelling in the Denver / Boulder area. We stopped in after walking around the Pearl Street Mall for some beers and wings. They have a great selection of local brews, and MAN OH MAN, the wings were FANTASTIC. Some of the best tasting wings I have had, for sure. If you are in the neighborhood, check this place out.
(4)
James W.
I don't go for the drinks here, so I find the menu a bit limited. Dinner menu is almost same as lunch and only 4 entrees for brunch. Guac is fresh, but on bland side, but yam chips nice touch. Fish and chips was really too much batter on good fish, and really left a heavy oil feeling in our stomachs (we're wusses?). HH used to be better, with more choices too. Many seems to like the bar atmosphere downstairs, but I find it dark and dingy, so I always head up to the roof deck with a view; front room upstairs is ok, but can get very noisy. A place to consider when no one has strong opinions on what food to eat!? (just the basics)
(3)
Sani G.
I'm giving this place 4 stars because the manager contacted me after my initial review and asked me to return...so I did. We returned on two different occasions and both were MUCH better than our first visit. The food and service were infinitely better, and no one knew who we were so they weren't deliberately on their best behavior. I'll return, nice job.
(4)
Kerianne S.
We had just gotten back to Boulder after a day of hiking and thought we'd check out a place we hadn't been before. The outside seating was full, as well as the upstairs so we sat inside. The atmosphere was nice and the beer selection as well as the other bar options were great. I ordered a veggie burger and the individual I was with got the jalapeño burger. His burger and fries were great and the burger was cooked perfectly to his specifications. My burger on the other hand came out cold, as did my fries. The plate was actually warmer than the food. When I told our waiter he told me I could get my food reheated or get something different. Reheated!!! I was in the mood for something more substantial and a little greasy, so no, I didn't want to get a salad. I just wanted a veggie burger that was done right, but apparently that wasn't an option. Instead of leaving satisfied I left hungry. Overall a great place to grab a drink and chill, but the service and food is really spotty.
(2)
Jason K.
Love their food. Order anything and you'll be sure to like it! Great happy hour, friendly staff. Watch out for the shuffle board tho-- it curves!
(4)
Shaun S.
Stopped in for an early dinner after having a late breakfast and no lunch today. We sat outside in a very dog-friendly environment (yeah!) and were able to watch the sunset. Starting with the Yam chips and Guac (huge portion), for our meal I had the pulled pork and the wife went with the burger. Her fries were awesome and I had the house salad with lemon vinagrette dressing. Never got inside, but our staff was very friendly, definitely a place we'll go to again when back in town.
(4)
Nay S.
This place was absolutely amazing. I always have a hard time finding good places to eat when traveling out of town. Being from Portland kind of makes you food spoiled. I was hear with a few folks and everything we ordered was great. The burger was local beef and delicious, their Reuben was nicely grilled, the fries were crisp and the coleslaw was some of the best. Someone also had the blacked wahoo and he claimed it was the best fish sandwich he's ever had. I had a taste of the fish and found it tasty even though I'm not a big seafood lover.
(5)
Leigh B.
Very good!!! Eat upstairs on the balcony! Views are amazing!!!!
(4)
Scott M.
Rolling smoke BBQ at Louisville festival. Ordered the brisket burger. As I was really hungry, didn't look at meat until sandwich half eaten. Completely raw, even my friends were shocked at how raw the meat was. I threw rest of sandwich away. Less than an hour later, I vomited the sandwich. Has only two beers and doubt it was that. Eaten there food at the restaurant and has always been good but will stay away from the rolling smoke BBQ at future festivals.
(1)
Ashley B.
Came here the other night for drinks after a performance. The bartenders immediately wanted to help me but I was waiting for people. When one showed up, a fellow musician, the other bartender began to semi-hit on us but it was more flattering than creepy. We finally grabbed a table. This was the only issue I had- we got there at 9:50 or so and sat down at like 10:02 and so we watched people get waited on, but it turns out waiter service stops at 10:00. So we sat there waiting and waiting until finally we just asked why we didn't have a waiter. This isn''t exactly anyone's fault, but was just kind of annoying. Turns out, Man vs. Food had been there the night before and in his honor they made a "wing-tini". A martini with tomato ciroq vodka, lemon, cucumber, with hot wing sauce in the bottom of the glass and a cucumber tomato garnish and salt and pepper rim. It was good- like a subtle bloody mary with three times the vodka. If I were them I would add a blue cheese olive to really make it like a wing. We also stayed long enough to enjoy happy hour, where my friends got $3 drafts and I got a $3 margarita. I was surprised because it was 16 oz and was pretty strong, always good, (but also served to me by previously mentioned bartender who hit on me, so maybe that's why). Later, someone I was with ordered WET fries- seasoned fries with cheese, sour cream, guac, and bacon, with onion rings on the side. Very good but ironically almost needed salt. overall I liked it here, and I would definitely come back.
(4)
Lindsay R.
If there's one thing I miss about Boulder, it's the West End Tavern, and their delicious and unique concotions, especially those based in bourbon! Don't miss out.
(4)
Ron B.
One of my best friends came to visit Denver over the summer and on a trip to Boulder, we ended up here for dinner. Really enjoyed it. Even with it being crowded, service was swift and menu was diverse and interesting. Rooftop seating was a nice touch, too.
(4)
Brian L.
Enjoyed the Bourbon flights, very knowledgeable and friendly bartender with great food.
(5)
Matt M.
Whoever's manning the smoker knows what they're doing. Thus far, the meals I've had have been dynamite, both flavor-wise and in presentation. I eat here often and I have yet to be disappointed. I have 2 wishes, though: 1. Put that wonderful smoker to use with other dishes. 2. Get a few more of our wonderful local beers on tap. As an aside: If you have an afternoon to spend on whiskey, this is the place!
(4)
Karyn E.
Made a reservation for 6 the day before, which had 'disappeared' by the time we arrived. Turned away w/o a blink, neither the manager nor the hostess made any attempt to seat us or repair the damage, and we ended up going elsewhere & feeling extremely snubbed. What ever happened to customer service?!? Won't be going back.
(1)
Lauren S.
The Best Selection of Whiskey I have seen in my entire life! A friend and I stumbled in on a Sunday afternoon and were transported to a whiskey lover's paradise. Rare, limited, antique, you name it and they have it. Thomas Handy Sazerac and the Papi 15 yr are delicious! Create your own flight, it won't be regretted. Not to mention the wings are quite tasty as well.
(5)
Alexandra F.
West End girl She's been eating in her West End world I bet she never had a tavern cheeseburger I bet her thighs never told her why I'm gonna try for the West End girl She's been living in her Cobb salad world As long as anyone with hot blood can And now she's looking for a greasy cow That's what I am And when she knows what She wants from her dinner time And when she get's off at 5 And makes up her mind Shell see I'm not so bad Just because I'm in love with West End girl You know I've seen her in her greasy West End world She's getting tired of the patio's high class flatiron views And all her extra French fries from the West End boys She's got a choice West End girl You know I cant afford to buy her sweet potato crusted trout But maybe someday when my skis comes in Shell understand what kind of guy I've been And then I'll win And when she's walking down Pearl Street She's looking so fine And when she's speed racing She'll say that she's mine She'll say I'm not so tough Just because She's been living in her Cobb salad world As long as anyone with hot blood can And now she's looking for a greasy cow That's what I am West End girl She's my West End girl You know I'm in love With a West End girl My West End girl Don't you know I'm in love With a West End girl My West End girl Don't you know I'm in love With a West End girl My West End girl * Star one is for a great patio on the top floor ** Star two is for the great view to the side of the patio *** Star three is for yummy French fries **** Star for is for a great and friendly waitress ***** Star five is for great use of space and nice and local
(5)
JJ N.
Great spot to have a drink on Pearl Street. I really dig the place and their ever changing beer selection. They have or had my Favorite on tap which is a Belgium Triple called Gulden Draak. The place had a great vibe and the food looked fantastic from what I saw my friends having. I personally heard the wings were the ticket and while I enjoyed them I wouldn't endorse them or go out of my way to have them again as I did on that day!
(3)
Spencer K.
I've been craving Buffalo Wings for the past month or so. I saw that they had a Wing King challenge where they challenge visitors to eat 50 wings in 30 minutes. I wasn't 50-wing hungry so I just order 12 wings. They were really zingy and tasty. I approve. There was a skinny guy next to us that tried to Wing King challenge. He was really close, but really close doesn't count. The other food looked really good, but since I planned on hopping around, all I had were the wings.
(4)
Phil M.
Another favorite of mine. If you are looking to get together with some friends for a beer and some good pub food, this is one of the best places in Boulder. The view isn't quite as good as it once was from the roof top seating/bar but it is still gorgeous on a nice day. I recommend the sweet potato chips and guacamole, gorgonzola mac and cheese and any of the burgers (you can't really go wrong though). A bit loud and not particularly good for kids though.
(5)
Melissa H.
I'm giving the West End 4 stars for ambience - great downstairs dining area, covered patio upstairs, and an extensive drink and whisky/bourbon list. However, I'd only give 3 stars for the food. Good food, but slightly overpriced. The one thing I will gladly pay more for are their burgers which come from beef raised on a local ranch in Boulder. I've been to the West End several times but haven't reviewed it. Today I had the blackened mahi mahi sandwich which came on a very tasty wheat bun that looked like it had flax seeds in it. It wasn't too dense or filling. The mahi was pretty good and the sandwich was topped with some of their cole slaw and came with a side of tartar sauce. I had a side of cole slaw which was surprisingly good. It isn't a mayonaissey type, but tasted more like it had a ginger or sesame dressing on it along with some fennel seeds in it. It was a blend of green & red cabbage. The pseudo hubby had a grilled veggie reuben which came on a marble rye. It was okay, but not worth the price at all. There weren't that many veggies and it lacked spice or something. Luckily a few dashes of Cholula sparked it up a bit. They also had a Sunday brunch menu that looked good - including gumbo biscuits & gravy that I'll have to come back for sometime. I ordered their house bloody mary for only $4 and it had really good kick... probably one of the better bloody mary's I've had. It came with a lemon & lime wedge and two olives. It could've used a pickle or a celery spear. The West End is a solid bet for food and drink... although if it were up to me, I'd rather come for the drinks and an appetizer (perhaps the deviled eggs) rather than spending the money on a full entree.
(4)
Dustin G.
Well well, the West End: I've been here a few times, first with my father who threw down $30 on just drinks on himself at about 1 PM in the afternoon (you heard me), and the second time with some business associates who many of you might know first hand. This place reeks of low-lit high-end class but not in a pretentious way: i.e. it's still accessible to the commoners, like myself. Still, at first I didn't like the place much, but this was mainly because I didn't realize its crucial element: it has a kick-ass patio. OH! I now understand. In any case, the West End Tavern specializes in Whiskey, the best hard alcohol out there, and definitely has some high-end killer mixed drinks. Still, me being a cheap-ass (*cough* *cough*) I wasn't willing to throw down $10 to try one. Instead, I got a 90 schilling beer (standard, good) and got the black bean and mushroom Rueben, which was.....fantastic. No seriously, I was incredibly impressed by their vegetarian adaptation of this classic deli sandwich. Even the fries were great. The service? Well, my associates (yes, you know who you are) put the servers through the hoops, asking for all the special add-ons. And yes, they performed up to snuff. In conclusion, if the prices were just a bit lower, and the place just a bit less crowded, this would be "my number 1." As it stands now, when I feel like getting a little loose with my pocket book, this is where I go.
(4)
Alejandro D.
I'm surprised this place doesn't have better rankings. I went in and throughly enjoyed it. It was like a bar but without the drunk idiots. I mean... I'm one of those sometimes but when I want to do that i go somewhere else. It's a good place to have a good tasting drink (albeit a bit expensive) with a couple friends and chat. I wish it stayed opened later though
(4)
Allyson K.
Our family went to The West End Tavern at the end of our day touring the CU campus and we weren't disappointed. Had a decently big group and were seated immediately on their patio which is a very nice size and have a little bit of a view of the Flat Irons if you look around the corner. Our server was very attentive and patient with us. For an appetizer, we ordered the burnt ends. They were very well seasoned and bite size so easy to eat and share. For entree's, we all ordered burgers of some sort. Their burgers are not just your typical burger - the meat is delicious and the buns are more high end. They've got great fries as well! The only thing that isn't great about sitting on the top level patio is that you have to walk down 4 flights of stairs to get the bathroom but they can't really change that. Overall, if I were coming back to the Boulder area, I would come back!
(4)
Lauren D.
We had a mostly good experience at West End on Friday night. We got a table on the rooftop patio within 10 minutes and it was beautiful up there on a warm summer night! We all had Boulder Passports so our server got us our "Not Your Grandma's Bourbon & Ginger" cocktails right away. I got the pulled pork platter and thought it was pretty good. The slaw on the side was refreshingly light, as opposed to the mayo-heavy stuff you usually get elsewhere. The downsides were that the sweet potato fries were WAY oversalted! And that's coming from someone who loves salt. Also, there was some sort of technical difficultly going on with their string lights which made it feel like we were eating dinner under a strobe light. All salt and light issues aside, I enjoyed West End.
(4)
J. E.
It's been a couple years since I went to the West End, so not sure if it's changed much since then. The burgers and salads were good, the service was generally pretty good. Good selection of beers, both local and other. Can't say much else about the food as I've only ever had burgers and salads here. The last time I was there was for a Meetup event on the rooftop patio in 2013. Unfortunately, it rained heavily that evening and the protection from the elements wasn't great. It was crowded, hot and sticky that night. The service wasn't so good that night either. The music was good, but they had to quit when the rain came in.
(4)
Kellie F.
A last minute find via Yelp...sign out front says Beer, Bourdon and BBQ! We went for lunch so didn't order any beer or bourdon, but their selection of bourdon was the best I've ever seen! And the prices were great as well. We started our lunch experience by sharing the deviled eggs appetizer. I love deviled eggs! And these were delicious....topped with a dab of hot sauce...perfect! My husband ordered the Carolina pulled pork sandwich with French fries and I ordered the daily special...smoked turkey rueben with side order of cole slaw. Both of our meals were good...I wasn't fond of the cole slaw but that's because I'm from the south and don't care for vinegar based cole slaw...I like my Mayo!! Next time we'll come back for dinner so that we can do a bourdon tasting!!
(4)
Tonya H.
Well let's see....awesome place to go! Went based off of yelp reviews and this place did not disappoint. Caught the tail end of happy hour and scored a burger for $5. Be aware, if you do not like a well done burger let them know ahead of time. We then tried the mac-n-cheese. Not bad, it's corkscrew style with breadcrumbs served in a skillet. The burnt ends were deliciousness! The bbq sauce they are served with was spot on. Wedge salad was just ok, the pickled jar which had pickles, green beans, and onions.....wonderful. last but not least the goat cheese Chile dip was pretty tasty. Now for the drinks....hot damnnnnnnnnn! The not your grandma's burbon and ginger was ridiculous! One drink and I was lile whoa! Eve. Better only $5 during happy hour. You definitely get your monies worth. If you can opt to sit on the rooftop. Customer service was great! Our server Michelle was fantastic!!! Bottom line this place was awesome and definitely a place to check out.
(4)
Katy S.
We ended up at The West End Tavern on a rainy night in Boulder when we were looking for a spot for after dinner drinks. The downstairs area was very crowded, so we head upstairs for our drinks. The staff was very nice. We had more than 1 staff member that helped guide us to finding a spot to sit as we were originally standing. They had a very good local craft beer menu, which we all willingly chose off of. The atmosphere upstairs was very relaxed and there were a lot of groups in there and a good mix of people. I wish that we hadn't eaten because the food at West End Tavern looked great. If my memory serves me correct, I remember seeing someone eating a BBQ sandwich of some sort and it smelled delightful! I can't speak to the taste of the food, but the smell was great. All in all, a nice Pearl St spot!
(4)
Mike S.
Not sure why a Texan keeps returning to a BBQ joint in Colorado! Well, West Tavern is pretty darn good and has a great Colorado beer selection. We went on a Sunday afternoon for an early dinner. There was no wait. We sat on the rooftop, which is a great place to enjoy the Boulder weather and scenery. The special was a chopped brisket sandwich topped with avocado, roasted peppers, fried onion strings and a couple other toppings I can't recall. My son ordered this and said it was delicious. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich. It was very good, maybe a touch on the dry side, served with a tangy Carolina style sauce. Both sandwiches came with fries. The fries are fresh cut and cooked. Excellent! My wife had the bbq'd chicken, a serving that includes a leg and thigh. She said it was very smoky and tender. It came with cole slaw, which is pretty light on dressing and contains what tastes like fennel. Very light and tasted good. The beer selection is great. I had an Asian-spiced white IPA from local brewer Upscale. It was a staff pick and very light and refreshing. My wife had an Odell wheat that was also very good. The waitstaff was very friendly and prompt. Our total bill was about $70, which seemed reasonable for large food servings and 4 beers. All in all, still a 4 star experience at West End Tavern.
(4)
Carrie N.
Days after we moved to Boulder, we went to the West End Tavern for some serious beer and food. It took only a few minutes to seat us before we were lead up to the rooftop patio - as if I needed another reason to fall in love with Boulder. The beer selection was righteous with many unexpected bottle options. The service was on point - which really impressed me. Considering how the building is laid out, I can't imagine maneuvering through floors with so many crowds could be as easy as they make it seem. I ordered a veggie burger and it was delicious. The food came out pretty quickly, all things considered. The atmosphere was unparalleled - especially when adding in the view of the rooftop patio. All in all, we had a great time and look forward to coming back soon.
(4)
Kristy C.
I wanted to love this place but it was average. The rooftop was nice - you could find the same elsewhere though. Drinks were okay, nothing special. Crowd was either older or college out for a big fancy night and not much in between. I might go again but I think there are better places for food and drink. We had the burger special and it was fine. I can see this place having atmosphere on a good night but for this one ... average, at best.
(3)
Scott M.
Excellent food and service. Highly recommended and the rooftop area has a great atmosphere.
(4)
Gino C.
Delicious food, reasonable prices and get drink selection. I ordered the shrimp and grits and was very impressed. The cornbread appetizer was out of this world and the honey butter that accompanies it is a nice touch. Healthy portions too. I tried the Avery barrel aged bourbon Pump[KY]n and at 17.22% ABV it was a welcome change of pace. Surprisingly smooth and fresh. The service was great and the staff was friendly on a busy Friday night and I look forward to coming again!
(4)
Katherine S.
I was sad to miss out on the happy hour here, but they have a mean one, so make sure to check this spot out if you're in the area. If you're lucky, they may have the rooftop open; grab a drink and head on upstairs. I don't think the rooftop was open the night we were here for dinner. I ordered the special chili of the night -- ground beef chili made from scratch with green chili. It had some nice heat to it and it was served with chips. I also ordered a pale ale (a pilsner) to round out the night. My boyfriend saw the 23 year Pappy Van Winkle on their (extensive) liquor menu and he said he had to get it since it's pretty hard to find in California. It was really smooth, but a pricey glass of Bourbon. Our waiter was great and the food was delicious as well!
(4)
Chad N.
First time up in Boulder and after watching man vs. Food i had to come here as i love me some chicken wings! I was bummed that you are now only able to do the challenge a few times a year however no big - got a normal order that was amazing. Girlfriend got the goat cheese dip and a bloody Mary, probably the best i have ever had. I chose a beer off the rare list for 26bucks. I think thats high, but you cant find some on the list - the gamble did pay off as it was awesome too. We sat upstairs where the heat was on, staff was on par bringing hot food and making sure cups were full. Nice clean place that smells of yummy BBQ smoke. Next time im in Boulder i will be back.
(5)
Mike B.
The receipt said "Review us on YELP!", so here it goes... Great food and great atmosphere. Everything was fine until I finished my dinner. I got up to wash up in the restroom, and when I returned to my table, I found the hostess seating another couple at MY TABLE! I was only gone long enough to wash the barbecue sauce from my hands, and I hadn't even paid yet! Well, they were very apologetic and sat me at another table to pay the bill. Great dinner with a disturbing end.
(3)
Nick C.
Came here for the wings that I saw on man vs food, they looked so delicious on TV. I had wings at a place called Vendetta's in Vail earlier in the day that just about knocked my socks off so I was anxious to compare being the connoisseur that I am. First of all, the wings were rather small, and very dry. Definitely could've used another coating in the sauce before coming out. The taste, I would say, was average. The wings I had earlier in the day in Vail were not only a better value, but WAY better. $9 for half a dozen average wings is just way too much. What I did love was the beer selection. Very nice variety of local Colorado beers at a decent enough price point. I would come back for this alone. My server was a female named Megan I think, she did a great job and was very personable.
(4)
Brandon Y.
Stopped here for a quick lunch break at work for the first time, and man, I was impressed... I hadn't eaten there, despite it only being a block from my work, so I was looking forward to trying it. Glad I did. I asked for the waiter's recommendation, and he said he really likes the Prime Tavern Burger, so I had them toss some avocado on it, and went with it. Perfectly cooked. Not dry. Juicy. Delish. I'll be back. Thanks!
(4)
Tyler C.
Good spot on Pearl that is somewhat famous from a TV show years back. Very casual with a patio, upper deck, and indoor. I had the wings and they lived up to the TV show fame. Very good. Seating on the patio was great people watching. The upper deck is the coveted location that is probably worth waiting for if you have time.
(4)
Dayne B.
Exceptional service and a very solid meal. Wings to start, pork sandwich with house made cole slaw. Straight up solid. I had a couple "Anchorman"s, a play on a Manhattan while my friends enjoyed some craft beers. The upstairs open air deck, 5 star setting on a nice summer evening.
(4)
James J.
Terrible service. Food isn't too good either. I've been here 2 or 3 times but never again. Waitress ignored us for long periods of time
(2)
Samantha L.
Wow Wow Wow!!! I found this place randomly while looking for a place to take my boyfriend. I ordered the corn bread to start which was AMAZING! It came with whipped honey butter that is to die for. For my main course I got the pulled pork sandwich, they put a giant onion ring in the middle which I didn't think sounded good, but it was heaven in my mouth. I can't wait to go again!
(5)
Ann Marie R.
We stopped at West End after a trek to Mt. Evans and UC Boulder, after reading Yelp reviews. It was great! Sat on the rooftop, enjoyed the picnic eggs and beer, and the sandwiches are great!
(4)
Derek S.
About the only thing good from here was the service. The waitress was nice and accommodating, but I came here for food (expectance of a tavern anyways). This night, I wasn't feeling the wings, and glad I wasn't cause my brother got sick later that night from them, so I got the fish and chips. The fish was bland, no taste at all. You would figure there might be some taste to fish, but nope, not here. The fries weren't that great either, best part of the meal was the "spicy" tartar sauce. In short, the place looked nice, and the waitress was nice as well, but I won't be coming back. I can get a drink somewhere else with food to complement it.
(2)
Katie A.
I'm from Miami and I'm in Boulder for a week. I yelped local dinner spots (as I always do when I'm visiting a new city) and this one had good reviews, so I checked it out. I sat on the 2nd floor terrace overlooking the flat irons (as recommended by the yelpers). I ordered a sanita ipa and a veggie burger. And I was very satisfied. Kudos to the chef(s). The staff was very friendly too. Great spot! A must visit if ur in the area.
(4)
Bob W.
Fantastic BBQ platter - perfect for four people. Great drinks, atmosphere and food. Great view from the roof top. Highly recommend.
(5)
Jason J.
I've heard this place has been redesigned? I have no idea. but it looks good! I popped in here one random Monday afternoon for a couple snacks after a stroll on the Pearl St Mall. Our server was a trainee, and aside from being 100% certified adorbs, she was pretty good. The menu was tasty, and diverse, though I think we confused the server quite well with just a few very small app & side orders (we were peckish, not hungry!) and their beer list was small but had a great locally focused element, so that was grand. It was a quick trip, during a very non-busy time. I'm not in Boulder very often but enjoyed the experience and I'm pretty sure I'll be back.
(4)
Amy P.
The food is soooooo good my husband's exact words were the best fried chicken biscuit sandwich hes ever had. I love theyre blackened shrimp po boy. Also they have really good homemade mac n cheese.
(5)
Dave C.
Stopped in for lunch on my last day in Boulder. Really enjoyed my meal. I was by myself and sat on the roof top and didn't realize what a great view of the mountains you'd have. That was a bonus in my book. As for the service, Emily was really great. The food was pretty good as well. I had the pork shoulder BBQ and I thought it was pretty good. Maybe not as good as the BBQ I used to get when I lived in TN and GA but not bad. The fries were pretty good as well. I didn't have any drinks but the selection of bourbons was pretty good and I would have loved to have tried one of the flights they offered. Maybe next time I'm in town I can give it a shot.
(4)
Kiki R.
We had a delicious lunch at West End Tavern. I ordered the veggie burger and it was house made, flavorful and filling. Loved the tomato jam that came with (I opted for the avocado slices instead of the cheese .) My husband had the ham and cheese and potato fennel soup and a strawberry rhubarb tart and enjoyed it. The service was super quick, even on a busy Saturday and our server recommended a beer we both really enjoyed.
(5)
Cara L.
Everything we ordered was delicious; grilled cheese, field green salad, steak sandwich. The redstone black raspberry mead is delicious, the rotating beer list is great too. Pretty competitively priced. Service was great and laid back ambience! The upstairs patio is great! Mountain views and beautiful planters on the ledges.
(5)
Alice K.
Boozy Sunday bar hopping destination 2. West End is a favorite of mine for happy hour and summertime lounging. The upstairs, back patio is gold - if you're lucky, you'll get a seat with a view of the gorgeous flatirons. We ordered the Not Your Grandma's Bourbon and Ginger (Yelp & Boulder Passport special), two sides of fries, and an order of buffalo wings. Fries and wings are basic finger foods - nothing special about these ones, but just as tasty. The drink was different, as I usually order beers, but still quite good. There's just something about taking sip of a drink and taking in the glory of the mountains.
(4)
Isabella S.
This place was perfect for a late lunch. We started with the cornbread which was sweet and yummy. The burgers were perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious, along with the home cut fries. The great service paired with such amazing food and ambiance is definitely going to have me making the trip from WillVill to come back again!
(5)
Jay F.
Excellent high end tavern food. Stylish interior, rooftop with one of the best views in Boulder. They nail the tavern essentials but have a nice variety on their menu. I love their chicken and waffles when they're on the menu (it changes monthly i believe). Huge selection of interesting microbrews. Knowledgeable staff. One of my favorite restaurants in town. A little pricey.
(5)
Fern S.
After hiking all morning, we were trying to figure out where to go for lunch on Easter Sunday where no one would notice the mud on our legs and that we left our Easter bonnets at home. The West End Tavern! And thankfully, we were lucky enough to get a table on the rooftop deck. Yes, there is a building blocking the once perfect view, but it's still a nice view, and a great outdoor space with some of the friendliest and most accommodating staff ever. The food is good too. There were some excellent drink specials on this visit, and it looked like the crowd on the roof on this day was enjoying the weather, the view, the hospitality and the cocktails! It was a perfect Sunday all the way around!
(4)
Denis N.
Hands down the best BBQ pulled pork I have ever tasted! You should make a point to stop here for some while you are in Boulder! They also have a great selection of beers that pair very well with the food as well as bourbon! I highly recommend a visit here and try the outdoor seating if it's a nice day!
(5)
Luis N.
I came in for lunch with my wife on our boulder exploration day. I normally stay away from veggie burgers but the description these guys had of It kinda sold me. My wife ordered the fried chicken and biscuits. My burger came with two big buns and a crap load of fries. Enough fries that if you order this meal, you don't need anyone else to order fries for the table. I enjoyed my burger a lot actually. I took off the top bun because I felt it helped my taste the actual flavors more. I recommend it if you're into trying something new. My wife's dish was good and she enjoyed it but she was expecting chicken and biscuits but basically got two smaller biscuit sandwiches with fried chicken inside it. She loved it but felt it was a piece short since she are the chicken and biscuits separately. I enjoyed their selection of drinks but chose to stay dry this time around. Next time tho I'll try one of their beers.
(4)
Jason H.
I always a have a good experience here. The menu selection is somewhat limited but very good. The fried green tomatoes are excellent. The drink options are great.
(4)
Angela B.
Ate here on a quick trip to Boulder. I can't remember the name of our server, but he told me he had recently moved from the south. I'm from Florida and we talked about that. I'm saying all this to let him know he did a great job and his suggestions were excellent. I had the Pork Schnitzel and it was FANTASTIC! The apricot mustard and fontina cheese were the perfect addition to this sandwich. The fries were fresh and hand cut. The drink menu is impressive. I wanted to try everything, but we enjoyed local pale ale. Only obstacle are the restrooms which are located downstairs. I didn't mind the walk, but just a precaution if you have difficulty taking stairs or maybe call ahead to see if they have another restroom to accommodate. I can't wait to get back to Boulder and try something else on their menu!
(5)
James T.
Food = 4 Price = 4 Experience = 4 Really cool interior and quality service. Good Job!
(4)
Jason V.
Excellent. Needed a place to spend an hour waiting on a Hewlett store. They have more whiskey than I've ever seen before. The food is excellent. I had the tomato soup which came with a small grilled cheese. Then I had the buffalo three cheese patty melt. It was all incredible. Great spot
(5)
Jennifer P.
Love this place! We come here every time we are in Boulder! It's good casual food, a fun atmosphere, and the servers are always nice! My son loves the frisbee he gets with his meal and we have a collection of frisbees now! Absolutely recommend!
(5)
Josh S.
By the time we went it was empty so not sure if this review is fair. Drinks were fine but nothing too memorable. We just say and chilled
(3)
Sayoni N.
This place is great! The food is delicious, the drinks are wonderful, the atmosphere is chill--and everything is fairly priced. They have a decent array of vegetation options :) I would definitely visit again.
(4)
J M.
Bar tender was incredibly slow and lackadaisical. Place was not clean. Beer selection was only ok. Waiter had no clue about the beers on tap.
(2)
Agn M.
We had dinner at the Wed End Tavern again last night. I think they have the best buffalo wings in Boulder.
(5)
Cait C.
The wings were decent, cornbread was good. The pie could've been fresher. We enjoyed sitting on the porch upstairs and playing the games in the bar area. Overall and pretty fun place with decent bar food.
(4)
Nastassia S.
My boyfriend and I come here often for Happy Hour and the food is always delicious. The wings are nice and crispy and have tons of flavor. The chicken biscuit and fries are tasty as well. The only downside is they tend to fill up quick and we have been turned away before because of limited seating.
(5)
Amber R.
The new menu is missing the hallmark yam chips and guacamole. Big disappointment. Host service is usually fair, but last night was sad. We called ahead 30 minutes for a table on the rooftop. We got there on time, and were told the wait was another 25 minutes unless we wanted to sit inside (which was unusually empty). We asked if we could snag a table in the upstairs bar for drinks while we waited. We were told no, they like to keep those open. We approached a waiter who was awesome and glad to have us sit in his section. A few minutes later, the hostess told us our table would be ready soon and we needed to wait by the hostess table. Again, there were plenty of empty tables in the bar area, with no one waiting for one. We indicating we were paying our tab and would be right over. After being seated, at our dinner table the greeting from the new waiter was "Hi, did you pay your bar tab?" After all of the shuffling around and lack of hospitality, that was lame. The food was decent, though our fries were sent out burned. With the mixed signals and attitude of the staff, the new subpar menu might be the best thing about West End right now.
(2)
Barbars S.
Party of 7. Pulled pork, fried chicken, grilled cheese, beef pit, mac n cheese,iceberg wedge salad, blackened shrimp po'boy. All superb! Friendly helpful staff. Good service. Definitely worth another visit when in Boulder. Good drinks and brews also. Ate on the roof, good vibes. Liquid gold Carolina bbq sauce out of this world.
(5)
John W.
We love the ambiance, beer and vibe of this local restaurant . However, they made a horrible mistake and removed their French Onion Soup from their menu. Creative differences or not , you never remove an item from a menu that you're known for far and wide. They have the best chicken wings in Boulder and we like the chefs new additions. Great for happy hour!
(3)
Auston N.
Great vibe, great music, great people, great food! I highly recommend sitting upstairs. They have a patio and also a more enclosed patio area. Great place to chill.
(5)
Ernesto M.
We went here last week and we still regret spending $35 bucks on a terrible meal. I got the pork snitzchel sandwich and my wife got the chicken and biscuits with gravy. My sandwich was ok, but not worth the price, I would not order it again. And my wife's chicken was terrible. It was dry and oily, tough to chew and left her feeling sick to her stomach to the next day. We left still hungry with stomach aches feeling oily and gross, and like we spent money on nothing worthwhile. The customer service was also poor- the waiter was rude and condescending and we were charged extra for ranch dressing, without warning, and more than we even ordered. We love going out and never have a problem, which is why it's extra disappointing going somewhere you expect something good when you don't get it. We were with a big group and we didn't complain because we didn't want to be rude to start a scene, but seeing how it was on our minds as a regret this whole week, we wanted to share our unfortunate experience here. Hopefully it was a one time thing, but many people at our group afterwards didn't enjoy their meal, and we previously got wings here that weren't bad, but still dry and tough compared to usual wings. The chicken on the biscuits and gravy was almost inedible though. It tasted like drinking oil while chewing something so tough and having that land and remain in your stomach. Not pleased.
(1)
Lynn R.
West End Tavern bring back your old chef! This place has been a Boulder staple for us for years -- great atmosphere, awesome patio & fantastic, fresh, healthy (ish) food. But we may have to find a new staple. The atmosphere and patio are still intact, but the latter...not so much. Does this new chef not know he's in BOULDER, CO?! They actually advertise WHITE bread on the menu. Does anyone in Boulder even eat bread anymore?? If so, it's definitely not white bread. And the yam chips are gone! Say it ain't so! We went on a 2,000' vertical gain hike with the sole purpose of being able to reward ourselves with the yam chips...and we got to West End to find out they only serve them on Thursdays! Wha?? And they only do that because so many people asked to see them back on the menu. I was not at all impressed with the new menu. Far fewer choices on the new menu, even fewer healthy choices...and russet potatoes?? West End please reconsider your new menu choices so we don't have to reconsider our dining choices.
(2)
Bryan D.
I had the field greens salad and green chile. My son had the wings and fries. We really enjoyed our food. My wife was not happy at all with the spinach salad she got. The service at West End is excellent. Our waiter Eric talked to my wife about the spinach salad and understood her concern. The manager then came to talk to is about the poorly made spinach salad. The folks at West End made us feel at home and we will be back in the future.
(4)
Brett G.
I loved this place. After a wedding in Denver my girlfriend and I had an hour to kill in Boulder. We ended up walking down Pearl Street and found this little gem. We went to the upstairs to the rooftop as it had a nice view of the mountains. The other half of the rooftop didn't have a mountain sightline but it was pretty cool as well. Heh, kind of had a tree garden on the roof next door. The drinks were good. My girlfriend was very pleased with their Jul-IPA beer selections. We came just for drinks but ended up getting the mac and cheese with bacon and pulled pork.. which was great. The service was great too. If I was back in Boulder... I'd definitely come back.
(5)
Shawn R.
Roof top is the best way to dine at the West End. I'm not a fan of the actual restaurant its small and poorly lit. Fabulous bourbon selection and great appetizers. Its a must see when you are hosting out of town friends for drinks in Boulder. I miss the home made sweet potato chips they really need to bring those back (WTH were they thinking?). The Mac and Cheese is a huge carb-a-holic extravaganza I highly recommend jumping off your diet and indulging. The designer Root beer is a favorite splurge. I'd give them a 5 Star rating but as mentioned above....no yam chips?
(4)
Jackie L.
Came here for lunch on a Saturday - good selection of beer and my friends and I had lunch. The good was typical pub fare, but the fries were seriously dry and old... all of us had fries (2 had reg, 1 had steak fries). My veggie burger was great and filling - well seasoned. My friend had the pork schnitzel sandwich and it was really dry. Loved the burger, hated the old fries. I will come back and try another item and hopefully add a new 5 star rating! Quick sidenote, I would like to say that our service was very nice and attentive!
(3)
Carlos Ã.
Best ribs in Boulder, and a very good beer selection. A great place for a business lunch. Highly recommend it.
(5)
Sean S.
The wings!!! They are great, the people are great, the beer is great. Love this place!
(5)
Devon L.
I love The West End Tavern. My boyfriend and I frequent this place for the amazing wings and extensive whiskey list. The atmosphere on the upstairs patio can't be beat. If you like wings and whiskey, please try West End! You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Bob J.
This place is legit, I went for a couple beers and ended up staying for lunch. I had the Pork Schnitzel Sandwich, which was outrageously good, and it's served with amazing homemade pickles. Very good beer selection, and the bartender was knowledgeable and friendly. Will 100% go back next time I'm in Boulder/
(5)
Julie P.
Wanted to sit on a rooftop patio, and enjoy the views. This place definitely has some beautiful mountain views. The food was "eh." Atmosphere was good.
(3)
Joseph S.
The welcome was...as the bouncer put it "thorough". He inspected my id, asked for not one but two credit cards. It was a little more on the excessive than thorough side. That being said, cool atmosphere, good beer and a great burbon list.
(3)
Beth R.
At first glance, I thought I might be in for another "What I did for love" dinners - the kind where my husband is excited about everything on the menu and I nibble on some sad little lettuce leaf someone found in the back of the cooler. And then maybe have to hit up a Dairy Queen drive-thru on the way home so I can fend off a hunger coma with some soft-serve. Well, let me tell you - that didn't happen! And I think it's possible that I found the best veggie burger west of the Mississippi. First, Yelp needs to classify West End Tavern as a BBQ place. That would help those of us who'd spotted it on a walk along Pearl St. and then tried to locate it later on the Yelp app under the BBQ category. Because sure, it's a bar, but it's got some b*tchin' barbecue (according to those in the know (David R.)). Anyway, my hopes rose when I saw that they had a homemade veggie burger. This one was crafted by someone named Julio who knows his way around a veggie patty. It's four main ingredients (chick peas, lentils, spinach and oats) and much more flavorful than you would think. I skipped the cheese and tomato jam and didn't miss them. It also hung together pretty well and was a good size. Really satisfying, and really pleasing to find a well-conceived vegetarian option in a smokehouse. The handcut fries were also excellent - really salty and delish. The service was good, and the wait was minimal on an early Friday night. The hostess resembles Kristin Stewart minus the sourpuss too, if there are any Twi-hards in the house. We sat just outside the kitchen and that is a kind of loud and very warm table, if there are any menopausal women in the house. Whoever's in the house, they will find a great spot for hearty foods and nearly any beer they want.
(4)
Tiffany H.
Great food and great service. The pulled pork sandwich was delicious as was the prime tavern burger.
(4)
Alexandra W.
I attempted to go here tonight at 7:30 pm for a few appetizers and beers. The hostess was very rude and told us unless we were having a dinner she would not put us on a wait list for a table. When we told her we would get enough appetizers to equal a dinner she still refused to put our names down for a table. It was a horrible experience and will never return, and also tell our friends to never return.
(1)
John S.
Have had a number of great meals here with family and friends. The staff are nice, the burgers are great, the corn bread is terrific, and during the warmer months the upstairs deck with its view of the flatirons is awesome. They also have a substantial selection of beer and bourbons (whiskey probably too, but I've focused more on the bourbon). It can get quite busy, so be patient if you have to wait a little bit - well worth it.
(4)
Joe K.
I've never caught myself trying to suck the marrow out of a chicken wing before (I'm pretty sure it was hot sauce) and I'm slightly embarrassed to say I might have bit the waitress if she had attempted to take them prematurely. Oh ya, they have a lot of whiskey available..and flights..
(5)
David R.
I love a place that gives me an opportunity to use one of my favorite lines from Tombstone. Usually it occurs when I'm trying to decide whether to order dessert or to have another beer or to take home my leftovers instead of finishing a big plate of food. My wife might politely try to nudge me towards moderation, and I will utter in my best Doc Holliday voice, "I have not yet begun to defile myself." This was the case at West End Tavern, as my desire to finish the largest half of fried chicken I've ever seen wrestled with my desire not to cause my stomach and/or heart to explode. When one of the managers stopped by to check up on us, I asked her, "Is this a chicken or an ostrich?" The meat itself was good but the coating was somewhat bland and a tad overcooked, so I put my leftover barbecue sauce to good use. I had already enjoyed an appetizer portion of the pork ribs (nice meat and excellent sauce) and devoured my side servings of cole slaw (okay but lacking zip) and French fries (outstanding). Sadly, I just could not take down that bird. Ultimately I took home the drumstick and ate it for breakfast two days later. West End has a very solid selection of Belgian-heavy imports and quality domestic microbrews. Most of the beers are better suited to drinking alone or after your meal rather than during. Service was great throughout; we had a main waitress, but about four or five other young ladies stopped by the table for one reason or another. And on a very bustling Friday night, the hostess seated us almost immediately at a cozy little table for two in the back. It's hot and loud, but they offer a nice list of beers and serve some pretty mean grub in a fun, cheerful atmosphere. Two thumbs up.
(4)
Keira M.
This place was so cool. They serve Epic beer and have a great menu. They lose a star because our waiter was not so great. He mixed up our beer samplers, so it was hard for us to know what we were drinking. But, still fun and we will go back.
(4)
Sara R.
Food is pretty good, but the drink list and cocktails are impressive! Students also tend to stay away from here... big plus!
(4)
Leah A.
This review is about their beer selection only. I used to live in Boulder and was a fairly regular customer of the West End Tavern. I always liked the bar: both the old wooden bar downstairs and their rooftop. But I don't remember them having a very impressive draft beer selection. However, I recently visited them again (after a few years), and I was blown away by the awesome tap list! They seem to have greatly increased the number of craft beers they carry. I will definitely stop by again the next time I'm in Boulder.
(5)
Megan A.
Get the grilled cheese with soup and sub avocado for the tomato slices! And sit on the roof with views of the flat irons.
(5)
Eric V.
My wife and I had a great time visiting this place on our 1st time to Boulder. We tried the cornbread with whipped honey and promptly became addicted. The cocktails were excellent and we enjoyed the atmosphere while it snowed outside. Highly recommend!
(5)
Kelly B.
While visiting from out of town, my friends and I stopped in for lunch after reading good reviews about it. We started with the yam chips and guacamole, which were delicious. The guac was some of the best I've had in a long time. I had the mac and cheese for my entree, and I couldn't have been happier. The addition of the goat cheese and bread crumbs really made the dish. I didn't order a drink, but the selection of beer and booze looked pretty stellar. I think we may go back later tonight to try some of it out! Oh, and we sat on the rooftop patio and were treated to a fantastic view.
(5)
Paul E.
Portions are a little small for the prices they charge, but the food is damn good. The brisket is particularly excellent. If you're feeling indulgent, try the macaroni and cheese topped w/ pulled pork. It's heavenly.
(4)
Tash B.
Not Your Grandma's whiskey ginger (don't remember the full name but that's the gist of it) is awesome. Our waitress was super patient, flexible and knowledgeable. Interior is neat - speakeasy like environment.
(5)
Kyle H.
So I ended up at this restaurant after a recommendation from someone who works in the area...supposedly the chef and menu changed since she last dined because it was disappointing...the pork shoulder was okay but considering it was smoked, I would have expected much more intensity of flavor and maybe some bark...the house bbq sauce was almost not present and the pickles didn't come close to impressing me. While I never experienced the old menu, maybe it should revert back.
(2)
Juliet N.
Came in for lunch with my husband on a Friday afternoon. We sat at a booth right near the door, so didn't get to see much of the rest of the restaurant. The beer selection was good, and they had some interesting cocktails on the menu, but we did not partake this time. The service was prompt and friendly, no issues there. The food was good. My husband had a veggie burger that came with a TON of delicious fries he shared with me (there was plenty for two, glad I hadn't ordered my own). He liked the burger, said the ingredients were good. I ordered the "fried chicken and biscuits," with a side of greens. The greens had a nice, garlicy seasoning. I got two smallish pieces of chicken in between a biscuit. I guess you're supposed to eat it like a sandwich. The seasoning on the chicken was very tasty and it was cooked perfectly. The biscuit was fluffy and yummy. My only complaint is that for $13 I expected maybe one more piece of chicken since the pieces were pretty small. Good food quality though. Wouldn't mind going back, maybe for some happy hour deals.
(3)
Valerie E.
Cozy ambiance, good happy hour cocktails and great food! Plus there's always somethin' smokin';) Great music playlist too
(5)
Snoodly R.
We went during happy hour and had the burger, fries, wings, and green chili. The food was all good, except the green chili. It wasn't bad it just wasn't anything to write home about, Turley's is much better. The service was slow but it was happy hour, although after we received our food no body ever checked in to see if we needed anything else. We wanted to order fries and had to flag somebody down to do it. But they did keep the water glasses full, which was good because we both ordered the 'Not your grandmas bourbon and whiskey' which is very good, and a bit spicy. I'm not a huge bourbon fan so having water as a chaser of sorts was nice. The reason I give them 3 stars is that they initially overcharged us, which can happen, but then it took about 15mins to correct the error. We didn't have anyplace in particular to be but it was a while to wait. Overall, the food was very good, but the service was lacking.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Jen A.
I like the West End, nothing pretentious, good food and good drinks. We've come for brunch, dinner, happy hour and for late night drinks. They have NFL games on Sunday mornings/afternoons (only one game audio though) and service can be spotty. Bartenders are usually spot on. Great burger, yam chips and guac and great beer selection. They also have "snow drink specials" so when it snows out in Boulder, you can go in and enjoy happy hour type specials. I need to go back and try their chicken and waffles.
(4)Nick V.
Dopest beer selection period.
(4)Molly H.
This was the motto of every waiter or bartender I encountered in Boulder: Even though we are in the service industry, I find it beneath myself to actually serve you and I am going to make it clear that I wish you would just go away so I can go back to smoking pot. I lived in Boulder many moons ago, and it was probably the same deal back then too, but I was too excited to be able to drink in bars, so I let that kind of thing slide. Also, I had friends who were bartenders and servers, so I tried to be sympathetic. I can be sympathetic no longer and West End pushed the surly, stoner staff thing too far. We arrived with a large group, a wedding after-party, with the bride still in her dress. The bartender upstairs greeted us with rolled eyes as he declared that our arrival meant he couldn't go home early. This was a slow Sunday night in the summer, so I doubt the dude had been busy or made much money that evening. Orders were totally messed up and even the simplest request was met with a snide remark. Luckily, the manager did send a better bartender up finally, but I was soured on the whole thing. The food is just mediocre, and the atmosphere is only okay. I had fond memories of the West End, but now there isn't even a view of the Flatirons anymore, so what is really the point of picking this joint over the many others on Pearl?
(1)A R.
Not a big fan. My friend and I wanted to try this place for happy hour and the hostess told us we had 10 minutes left to order happy hour items when in fact we had 20. Then we sat at the bar and waited for quite some time for one of the bartenders to greet us and take our drink orders. The place wasn't even busy! My friend and I decided to leave and grab drinks elsewhere. Perhaps they should focus more on their customer service and helping customers rather then casually talking to other employees.
(1)Yoyo T.
Whenever I have guests in town, we pop to the rooftop for a view of the mountains and brunch. There's been several rounds of guests that have visited me and every time they always leave happy! What's better than leaving on a full stomach of deliciousness? A plate at brunch usually runs $11 but they're big. I've been here for happy hour too and it's a great deal. It's laid back with good service and food. Not really anything more to ask of a restaurant. (Definitely try the sweet potato chips and guac. Oh I know, it sounds weird, but it's amazing)
(5)Keith C.
Really 3.5 stars, maybe 4. This is really a pub with about 15 taps of very good beer. The menu looks like upscale pub fare, burgers, etc. There is a daily special for each day of the week, that runs out early from my experience. I had fried chicken and waffles once that were excellent, and another time had the brasied rib burger that was decent. Service is very good, bartenders are attentive and friendly and pretty knowledgeable. Staff seems to be young college women, mostly. Beer selection is awesome and always have something unique and special. Nice location across the street from the Tesla dealership!
(4)Wendy L.
Along a cute street lined with shops and restaurants, we found the West End Tavern...or Vince D. directed us there! I hear that before the building behind it was built, it had one of the best views in town - it still has a pretty spectacular view of the mountains...just a tiny bit obstructed. It took a little bit of a time to get seated because we wanted an outdoor table for a large group, so we pulled a few tables together upstairs and inside the restaurant. I'm not sure if there was some confusion about whether we wanted some drinks (yes, we did!), but in the ~20 minutes or so that we waited, nobody came by for drink orders. Boo. :( But once we were seated at our real table and had a real server, the service was quick, friendly and attentive. There was a wide selection of menu items which were more heavily weighted towards healthy fare; I'm not a healthy eater but I definitely should be. I got the shrimp and avocado tostadas which were good - lots of fresh vegetables, shrimp and avocado layered between three tostadas. Great place for a casual meal - good food, good prices and a great place for outdoor seating. I love the super relaxed vibe and being able to enjoy a couple of drinks with friends while staring at an awesome view.
(4)Max R.
Went for lunch. Ordered the salmon salad which was very good. Just enough dressing and fresh greens. The salmon was a decent size and was grilled perfectly. Minus one star for the great but overly loud music that made it hard to converse
(4)Emily M.
I have to say with all the hype surrounding West End Tavern, it really didn't live up the the expectations both times I ate at this restaurant. There really aren't a lot of choices on the menu, which was a bummer for me and the options that are there are largely over priced and just super decent food. For the price of the food paired with the actual quality I have to give this establishment a low rating. Just because it was on a TV show doesn't mean its a good restaurant. The second time I was there, we received horrible service. After complaining to the manager three times, she finally gave us a free meal and some coupons (which was very kind) and fired our waitress. Even with the coupons I don't think I'll go back here or recommend it as a spot to hit while in Boulder.
(2)Rob L.
It's a Sunday, just went on my 1st tubin trip down Boulder Creek & I managed to get flipped under water and slammed the back of my head on a rock while I was under water, but what better place to go and get to feel better??? West End Tavern! GREAT space! And on a beautiful day, like we had that day, the upstairs outdoor patio was PERFECT!!! Our server & everyone else was AWESOME! GREAT menu, great place, great ambiance, great service, great drinks, this IS a must! Just do it when you don't slammed your head on a rock! My ONLY eh about this place were the bathrooms, kinda like downstairs in the basement, well felt like it, and not very noticeable, I wanna pee not get lost in a labyrinth!
(5)Dan D.
Went there for dinner with a large group, and the service was excellent.
(5)nick w.
Good pub food, beers, drinks, and a great view from the rooftop deck. Crowded on weekends, but somehow pleasantly so.
(4)Laura W.
We got a gift certificate from our daughters for our anniversary and this is one of the places that was included. We are not exactly the target demographic for this restaurant - we are older and not beer drinkers. I ordered the trout and he got the fish and chips. The trout was excellent, but trout with barbecue sauce is a strange combination. The root vegetables were mainly beets and potatoes - good, but still, strange with barbecue sauce. The mash was good. His fish had a lot of batter, but I guess people like it that way - he took all the batter off. The coleslaw was good. The service was OK. It took the waiter quite a while to notice that we were finished, though. This is probably a lot better if you are young and a beer-drinker. The beer menu looked really good.
(2)G A.
Good burgers and service(lunch time). Waiter staff was really helpful and nice. Clean, good ambience, food hits the spot.
(5)Larissa V.
This place has fantastic service. During our lunch we were attended to perfectly by various wait staff, bartenders, and managers. Everyone was super friendly, and seemed genuinely happy to be of assistance to us during our visit. I had a mojito and a breakfast burrito. Both were fantastic. I would definitely recommend the West End to friends, and will likely return the next time I'm in town.
(4)Alex G.
This place is a nicer classy, less of a college student haven than a lot of the bar/restaurants on Pearl. Everything would be just right for a young professionals hangout, that is except for the un-godly slow bar service. So slow, that it is to the point where I will beg to go someplace else unless someone else wants to try and order a drink for me for 15 plus minutes. I keep trying to give this place a chance, but my patience with being the last served at the bar is running low.
(3)Allison L.
I just stopped in here on Wednesday to meet a friend of mine that works up in Boulder. We got there in time to hit the Happy Hour. It was my first time in and her second. We sat in the bar area in one of their big booths. Started off with a beer and yam chips with guacamole. The guacamole was for sure one of the best I've ever had so I give them props for that, especially from a very experienced guacamol-ian like myself. We both ended up just getting soup after that due to lack of hunger and settled on the Onion Soup. It was rich and flavorful, but I definitely couldn't eat all of it. The waitress definitely showed us that this place was a lot more upscale or maybe more "Boulder-y" than I expected, but what can I say "I'm a new Colorado kid." If you're a Whiskey and Scotch fan you will really love this place due to their long list. Maybe I'll go back to see what dinner is like even though it was on the pricey side...or maybe I'll just stick to the Happy Hour thang.
(3)Renee B.
Great views from the patio. Casual dining, average good food, nice service, great french fries and comfortable ambiance.
(3)Nick F.
So I've been to west end a few times now, and last night was my first for dinner. I give it a 3.5. Food is definitely overpriced, but their tavern salad is delicious and a meal in itself. Service was pretty good. This is one of those places you go when you want something specific - if you want to be outdoors, and sip great whiskey/bourbon, go to west end. End of story.
(3)Hank S.
We came here during our day trip to Boulder. I had seen it on Man vs. Food and really wanted to try to the wings. We were sat immediately and had drinks probably within a minute. Our waitress was awesome and all the employees were super friendly. The food was delicious, I got appetizer wings with yam chips, my friend got the pulled pork sandwich, which he said was awesome as well. The atmosphere was really nice and it exceeded my expectations. If I'm ever in Boulder again I will definitely be back.
(5)Christina J.
I'm amending my review to reflect the fact that I've recently become less put out, and have in fact become fond of, the West End. My previous statement about the happy hour still stands, and the service is still hit or miss on most occasions. The major difference for me relates to the quality of the food. Their menu has improved markedly in the last year, and I have to say that if I'm hungry, with a side of wanting a beer or gin and tonic, this is where I want to be.
(4)i n.
1 Star for hot waitresses 1 Star for a good beer selection 1 Star for hot waitresses -1 star for snotty hot waitresses Don't waiste you time going here. Very slow and I think they only hire the staff on bust size not brains.
(2)Ila Z.
I thought this place would be great based on what I have heard. I was disappointed. Their menu seemed overpriced and not offer enough selection. I decided on a salad that looked great on the menu, that was a bit pricey for a salad ($11), but I thought it must be good. The salad was disappointing and a bit of a joke. My plate had a pile of arugula, a little pile of tomatoes, a couple of pieces of mozzarella and a some avocado with some vinegar sprinkled across. Some of the arugula had gone bad. It was definitely not worth $11, I would not even have paid $5 for this salad. It just seemed that the place is extremely over priced. The french fries were good and the waitress was fantastic.
(2)Nick D.
I'll get this out of the way first: As almost everyone has already said. Try the yam chips and guacamole. Full of win! I tried the Jalapeno-Bacon Cheeseburger. Even through the hot pepper, I could taste the beefy goodness. My hosts explained that the beef came from local cattle and apparently that makes a big difference. I didn't explore the entire place, but the downstairs was nice and I'd love to go back to sample more.
(5)Alicia J.
There is something refreshing about heading back to Boulder and heading to the West End. -Rooftop Bar with a great view -Crazy skiing movies on the big screen -Eye of the Tiger beer that will make you swear you have 4 eyes -Reminiscing about the days I wore vibrant colored hippie skirts
(4)Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
My friend played here all the time.... and I have some of my best memories of Boulder because of that. The bar? Oh whatever... couple pool tables, a stage. A long bar in a linear space. But great memories trying to make my way down the stairs in a state that I shouldn't be working my way down stairs.
(4)Jonny C.
The West End is the grown up K's China. A rooftop bar in the hottest hood in town, the West End caters to Boulder's core, 20 something whoevers looking to poison their livers. All walks of life, all types come here 7 nights a week. The roof is phenomenal. The whiskey selection is bottomless. The food is decent. The crowd is fun, the view's are fabulous and the location is key. One of the best bar's in B-Town
(4)Jon S.
Great wings, good drinks, fun happy hour. It is a little pricey if you don't go during happy hour, but the food is great!
(4)Sarah S.
Bitter Bar (first choice) was totally filled so we walked over to West End. It was crowded and service was a little slow. Their seasonal mulled cider was terrific. I tried their Pimm's lemonade which tasted as good as I remembered, though the glass was half-filled with ice so there wasn't too much liquid. I highly recommend their guac and (sweet potato) chips which was delicious. This was a good place to duck into for drinks. They were also playing the World Series on their big screens.
(3)Karin G.
Good atmosphere, great beer selection, pretty good food! I like the rooftop too.
(4)Steven B.
This review is just for the service I experienced at the West End last night. I went with a group of two other friends, waited at the bar for about 10-15 mins to just be served. The bartenders were too busy watching the game on the blaring TV to notice us. The wait staff passed us and just asked us to move instead of offering us a table. It was pretty horrible. I don't think I will ever give the West End another shot. I am not sure if they have good drinks or food and frankly I don't care. I just hope this was a strange occurrence and that others don't experience the same lack of service.
(1)Tom R.
A little bit pricey but the food is pretty good and the beer is great. Service was good too.
(4)Eric G.
I enjoyed this estabishment!! The staff was friendly and helpful. It took a while between ordering our drinks, for them to get our order for food. Their wing appetizers are really good (as featured on Man vs Food). Not very spicy but enjoyable for everyone. Their West End Cheeseburger was awesome, and the fries were not bad either. I will go there again when im in the Boulder area!!
(4)Devil M.
Nice place to hang out & have some good food & a great selection of beverages. Every time we've been here the service has been exceptional accompanied by a solid menu of tasty food offerings. The bar provides a wide array of standard beverages & depending on the bartender that is working, some adventurous yet delicious drinks are available. Excellent place to hang with friends & have an excellent meal.
(4)Chelsea R.
It's kind of...narrow, here. Like, physically narrow. When you come up the stairs, you definitely join whoever's playing shuffleboard whether you want to or not. They've got a great selection of beers and specials, the crowd is sweet as pie, and the shuffleboard is close quarters but super fun.
(4)Kristin B.
i think this place has gone downhill in the last couple years. location and atmosphere are solid, but food and service have struggled. they specialize in bbq and other fancier bar food. if you have a choice, sit on the rooftop - you get a great view. if it's too cold, you can sit in the closed in portion of the roof which is great for sports/tv viewing.
(3)Jay E.
Great place for bourbon and burger lovers! Also a great selection of bombers.
(5)Kyle M.
I honestly love this place. It's one of my favorite bars in the world, literally. Every time I come to Boulder, I always go and have a beer or two at the bar, which is extremely beautiful. The rest of the establishment is also cool. It's modern, hip, and inviting, but not overly trendy. It's trying hard to be warm and friendly place, and it's succeeding on every level. They even play stand-up comedy CDs in the restrooms. I have never honesetly eaten a full meal here, but I always get an app or two to have with my beers. Tonight, I got the yam crisps with guacamole. It was incredible. The chips were delicious and slightly sweet, and the guac was smooth and well flavored. It was 7 bucks, but you get a big helping of guac, and a pretty big bowl of the crisps. Perfection. I've also had their wings, which are also top notch. I don't know why I've never ordered a full dinner there, but I suppose it's because I'm so addicted to sitting at the bar and engaging in my usual ordering ritual with the beers and the apps. Next time, I'll get a full meal, and I'll update my review. I will always go out of my way and make time to come here whenever I go to Boulder. It's an escape for me, and I love it.
(5)Kassie D.
Enjoyed this eatery very much. We wondered into Boulder not really sure what we were going to eat and ended up here. There was a group of 5 of us and we had a wide array of foods. The wings were good and famous of course via Man vs. Food. We had the black bean hummus which was ok, noticed that the sweet potato chips were the way to go. Tried the tomato soup and bbq as well. The atmosphere was nice loved all the great drinks on the drink menu. Will def be back.
(4)amye a.
The Ketchup is free. That's right, I bet you'd never think to ask but, yes yes, the ketchup is free. Good thing too because their fries are quite tasty! The French Onion Soup ....is good! Little known fact about me: I'm a french onion fiend. Which, I guess, automically makes me a an after dinner mint girl too. The West End has a great supply of both. The View and Patio I mean, what can I say, it's Boulder, it's beautiful. There's mountains and clean air and a hippie.
(3)Bill Y.
So my first visit to the West End Tavern was a mixed affair. My family and I visited here on a rather busy day following the Fourth of July. We got seated in the back by the kitchen which isn't surprising as the 3 year old can be loud, but the location was very noisy. My wife ordered a Blue Eyed Blonde drink and I had a Blueberry Lace. The Blue Eyed Blonde was a nice cocktail for a summer day and I really enjoyed the Blueberry Lace. The bourbon and blueberries were surprisingly complimentary. For the meal I ordered the Smoked Short Rib Burger blue plate special. From the smell of the smoked meats in the air I thought I was in a for a special treat. Upon tasting the burger though there was very little smoke flavor and the patty itself had the consistency of a sausage patty. It was great in the beginning but unfortunately it didn't take long for the natural juiciness of the pork to soak the bun. I did have the yam chips and they were most excellent. My wife ordered the Grilled Cheese Sliders and Tomato Soup. She very much enjoyed the sandwich and the soup was very rich and thick. And she couldn't stop helping herself to the french fries on my daughter's grilled cheese kids meal. Where I am torn with this place is I believe I would have had a much better experience if I had came in with just my wife and ordered something different. I watched a lot of good looking food come out of the kitchen but unfortunately the 'smoked' short rib burger ended up being a big bust for me.
(3)Paul H.
Took my 70 year old parents here on a busy Friday night during parents weekend. The place was packed out but there was not a lag in service. Had the pan crusted Ahi and it was excellent. I will be coming back.
(5)Vince D.
"Show me the way to the next whiskey bar," sang Jim Morrison in the classic Doors' tune "Alabama Song." A nice thought, but it's hard to find a nice whiskey bar in post-cowboy America. Enter the West End Tavern, a Boulder staple that changed hands a few years ago and has become a symbol of perseverance as its survived the blocking of its famed balcony. Best part: It's a bourbon bar. Featuring more than 50 bourbons, many more than 20 years old, you can savor the sweet brown whiskey with a beer back, in a Manhattan or straight up. Either way, you'll do the Lizard King proud. Oh, and the food's really good. They still have a great, if compromised, view of the mountains.
(5)Morgan W.
If I had written this after my first visit to West End I would have given it four beautiful, proud stars. Unfortunately my last visit knocked this place down significantly. My first visit I came here with my husband for lunch and we had some of their excellent burgers. The ingredients were fresh, the burgers were large but not "oh my god!" huge, and our server was attentive and friendly. Good stuff. Our new visit was quite different. Our server seemed a little frazzled (we arrived at the tail end of the lunch rush on a Monday) and almost forgot to take my order. We also found out the restaurant had at some point changed bread sources and all their buns, rolls, breads, etc contained butter -- big strike since my husband has a dairy allergy. This caused me to take another look at the menu and it seems like 90% of the dishes are sandwiches. There is a Sandwiches section, a Burger section, and even the Entrees section had two sandwiches listed. Variety there is not. I got the burger with slaw and my husband chose the fried mahi mahi with yam chips. We also had a last minute love affair with ordering the deviled eggs with bacon as an appetizer because we are both bacon junkies. Summary of the food: ENH. The deviled eggs were covered with Bacon Bits as opposed to real bacon crumbles. MAJOR disappointment. Our food came out quickly and was fresh, but the burger I had was not the burger I remember. It was a bit dry for being cooked to Medium, smaller than last time, and not as fresh tasting. If it's local, I have high expectations. The potato roll didn't look right on the plate and the flavors just didn't work. The slaw had to mayonnaise, it was more of a vinegar and pepper mixture which I didn't care for. Thankfully my husband enjoyed it and took my portion but that left me with no side. Sigh. My husband's dish was actually prett good. The fish was fried golden-brown and light, more like a tempura. The meat was flavorful and moist which I rarely find out here. The yam chips were also tasty. Still, this was a small consolation prize -- the rough equivalent of getting only the avocado refrigerator and not the entire kitchen set.
(2)Aaron H.
You know, The west end is not really good. Not a bad place to drink, especially on the roof in the summer. But they offer no variety on their food menu and not a single thing that they do offer is worth writing home about. If you are hungry go somewhere else. there is too much good food in boulder to eat here.
(2)Bill P.
Good wings and food. Just like a lot of other places, though. We sat on the roof and had a nice view of the mountains - I'd go back just for that.
(3)Jalene S.
The location is good on Pearl street, although near the west end. They have a nice patio but you have to be eating a meal to sit out there. There is a bar upstairs but it's covered. The bar/seating downstairs is casual and comfortable. They do a Sunday brunch but I haven't tried it. On a weird note, they do have crab races!
(3)R R.
this place is great. all i remember is walking in, ordering some drinks that the bartender recommended, and waking up the next day. but the great part is that my credit card receipt was around $30 and i had some funny pictures in my camera.
(4)Emily Y.
We decided to go to the West End Tavern when the in-laws were visiting in town. We had walked back and forth on Pearl St. looking for a place that had some reasonably priced food but wasn't a chain. We are fairly new in town so we weren't sure what was good or not. We ended up here after looking at the menu. We ate upstairs on the patio, which was nice and probably has decent views in the daytime. The menu isn't very extensive, yet it still took me a long time to finally decide on...the tavern cheeseburger. It is made from local beef and actually was very good. I ordered it with the coleslaw, which I wasn't a huge fan of (it was a tangy, vinegary coleslaw and a bit too tart for me)...next time I'd get the fries. My husband ordered the house smoked pork shoulder, which he liked (it's not pulled pork, but sliced), but he didn't care too much for the yam chips since they were a bit overcooked. My in-laws shared the fish and chips and it was HUGE. They brought out two plates with the fish n chips and coleslaw, and we though they had brought out two orders by accident. After doublechecking with our waitress, they assured us that it was one order split onto two plates for them. We were shocked because it was super ginormous. Next time, I'm ordering the Cod fish n chips! Someone at a neighboring table had the steak with the shrimp & lobster mac n cheese, which also looked really good. I'm not sure if they offer that as a side, but if they do, I'd give it a try. Overall I thought it was a good restaurant. I didn't experience the frat-boy experience that a previous poster mentioned. It was a very mellow, eating out on the patio experience and the waitstaff were super friendly. It might not be my very first pick if I'm going out (since I always favor asian food), but I would come back if I happened to be on Pearl St.
(4)Jessica J.
It's almost impossible to get a table here, but if you do, it's well worth the wait. The jalapeno-bacon cheeseburger is out of this world and the only thing that can beat it is the strawberry bourbon milkshake. Service can be spread thin and wait times can be a bit on the long side, but it's definitely more of a 'bar with food' situation, so standing and drinking is a better mindset to have when going in. If you can, try to eat during off-hours.
(4)M. B.
Nice place to hang out in Boulder. The bar tender knew her pours. Tried the fried chicken and waffle but I don't think its my thing. One of the previous reviewers -- Kyle M. -- has a good description of the place.
(4)Safford B.
West End is one of the better places on Pearl Street. In the summers, seating on the upstairs patio offers great views of the flatirons. A multitude of drinks, including an impressive bourbon collection, are offered. If you're ordering food, be sure to sample the yam chips.
(3)Luis L.
This n that salad - The salad had fresh motzarella, avocado, grape tomatoes, lettuce and balsamic dressing it was really good and all the things were fresh. But it was like tiny maybe a bite or two of each thing and everything was gone. The salad was exactly what I wanted but just not enough. I looked at the portions of some of the dishes that other people ordered and it seemed to be about the same. Like most places in Boulder this seems to be more of be seen type of location. The food tastes good, nice presentation, but its got that small portion size. I don't remember exactly what the food menu had but the salad I had left a good impression other than the portion size, I would be up to try some heartier dishes on a second go around. I went during the world cup finals and the seating area to watch the game was pretty full, both up stairs and down stairs, seemed like a good atmosphere for the event. I sat on the upper porch which was nice and shaded from the hot sun that day. They seemed to have a large drink menu with a decent selection of beers, and other beverages.
(3)Shawn A.
This was a great find for us. After a long hike in the flatiorns we were looking for a cozy upscale bar. This fit the bill. The atmosphere was great. They have a decent tap selection Stone IPA which is one of my favorites. They also have a decent coin marg. We should have ordered the guac and chips they looked fantastic. Our food was good. I felt that we might have ordered the wrong things. Will have to try it again for the 5 star. I also want to return for the bourbon list it is amazing. There are some great finds on there might have to make it a whole day!
(4)Carrie O.
I can't speak to the food (since I've only been here late nights for drinks) but what a nice atmosphere for a bar! They have a neat rooftop bar that's really cosy. It's a great place to meet friends & generally not have to SHOUT like you have to in most bars (which I hate). West End has a nice laid-back feel, and I appreciate it. I'm not a big bar-goer, but if asked somewhere, I always hope it's here.
(3)Shayna F.
great food, nice people.
(4)Henderson L.
Still the best "tavern" food in town... The outside rooftop patio is still great and the cocktails (especially the French Mojito) are awesome.
(5)Leslie W.
Whenever my bf and I are trying to go somewhere for a good, easy going meal in boulder on a weeknight, WestEnd always wins out. It is because they have good food, can always get a table, and the view is STILL good on the upper balcony! We always order the guacamole with sweet potato chips for an appetizer. The vegetarian Ruben is great, good wings, and where else can you order deviled eggs! However, I wish they would bring back the salmon spinach salad!
(4)L. M.
Another solid Pearl Street bar. They have a well-stocked bar, decent service, and a rooftop with plenty of seating.
(3)Steve O.
Been only twice, but greatness both times!
(4)Eric M.
So the West End folks got in touch with me and, with their permission, I'm posting what they sent me. I'm no doctor, there's no evidence to test, and it's certainly possible it wasn't the West End that made me sick. It's still my gut (ha) intuition that it was. And wings weren't the only thing I ate that night. At any rate, I wanted to offer their side. ------ Eric, We tried to send you a message through twitter, hopefully you received it. We wanted to follow up with you about the incident from your review. We serve hundreds of wings a day and your feedback was the only one of its kind in years. Technically, food poisoning can occur from anything you ate in the 72 hours prior because it takes that long to culture with certain strains. We would hate for you to stop coming to the West End based on your experience and our confident in running numbers and talking with our chefs that you could not have gotten sick from our product. With the amount of wings that went out that day and the days surrounding, we are certain that if it was our product we would have heard about it from multiple sources. We really do have the freshest wings around because of the volume we sell. We would love to have you come in and reknew your memory with an amazing West End experience on us. Can you please email [xxx@xxxxx] to set that up.
(2)Gabe C.
PBR tallboys, tasty burgers and possibly the best mac-n-cheese around. Rooftop deck is awesome on a nice day. Great for a Sunday afternoon. Servers are usually pretty good. Bartenders are slow. Also, upstairs bar gets crowded fast and a little fratty. So unless you want to battle a bunch of bras to get to the bar grab a drink downstairs and then head up.
(4)Amy F.
My boyfriend and I went here after spending the afternoon together and we were looking for a quick eat before heading to the Denver Botanical Garden LIghts. We ordered a half order of spicy wings and they were good. You get the smell of hot wing sauce, just don't inhale too deeply, but they also have a sweet taste to them as well. They are garnished with green onions which somewhat surprised me. My boyfriend ordered the mothership beer as the waitress told us it would be one to his liking, umm yea no. My boyfriend wasn't fond of it and even said that he wouldn't order it again, but at least there's a huge selection, no kidding, of different liquors. For our dinner we both went basic. Him the double cheeseburger deluxe which had ham and other meats on it. And I ordered the jalapeno bacon cheeseburger. Mine was cooked well and the fries, though I asked for crispy, they were to begin with, then got soggy after a while of sitting. But the burger was very good, would order it again. It comes with a side of dr. pepper bbq sauce, which was sweet but a good flavor. We got dessert to share, the strawberry shortcake, and the waitress was right in that it looked delicious and was very big. For $6 you get a huge strawberry shortcake in a goblet filled with ice cream, strawberry sauce (some tasted frozen), real strawberries, shortcake pieces, and whipped cream. It filled the goblet to the rim and it was very very good. It's one dessert I would go back and do it again.
(4)Brad C.
love the atmosphere of this place. we had a very kind waitress and an excellent meal ... i would recommend the yam chips with guacamole to start - pair that with a nice dark beer (they have a bunch on tap) and then go for the bacon jalapeno cheeseburger with dr. pepper BBQ sauce. wow.
(4)Modemme X.
The view from the deck is amazing indeed. It's a bit more restricted by buildings (helloooooo St. Julien blocking my view) but gotta roll with the changes, eh? At least the West End Tavern is still there, right? Ok, so, not to get too specific but the mahi sandwich is pretty darn good. Word to the wise though, ask for it with a plain ol' white bun. They seem to have tried to trick it out with a nutty whole wheat bun and it's just weird with the fish. The fries of course are as good as pub fries get, which is pretty good; I ordered a side salad instead of fries - big mistake! - well, it was ok actually, it was kind of wierd though, an iceberg wedge with crumbled blue cheese - which would've been fine and all had they not poured creamy sun dried tomato dressing on there first. It was just a bit wacky on the tongue. Stick with fries. Trust. Beers on tap are local and seasonal which is cool, nothing wrong with Boulder brew pride. Loved that Skinny Dip ale from Left Hand Brewery (known for Fat Tire, which some used to call Flat Tire, which was harsh). My friend had a Ceasar salad which she said was "mayonaisy" (and we like mayo!). So, even though we give it so-so food reviews, we go there often when we're in Boulder, the deck is awesome and the service is very good. Cheers.
(3)Dan D.
Went there for dinner with a large group, and the service was excellent.
(5)nick w.
Good pub food, beers, drinks, and a great view from the rooftop deck. Crowded on weekends, but somehow pleasantly so.
(4)amye a.
The Ketchup is free. That's right, I bet you'd never think to ask but, yes yes, the ketchup is free. Good thing too because their fries are quite tasty! The French Onion Soup ....is good! Little known fact about me: I'm a french onion fiend. Which, I guess, automically makes me a an after dinner mint girl too. The West End has a great supply of both. The View and Patio I mean, what can I say, it's Boulder, it's beautiful. There's mountains and clean air and a hippie.
(3)Keith C.
Really 3.5 stars, maybe 4. This is really a pub with about 15 taps of very good beer. The menu looks like upscale pub fare, burgers, etc. There is a daily special for each day of the week, that runs out early from my experience. I had fried chicken and waffles once that were excellent, and another time had the brasied rib burger that was decent. Service is very good, bartenders are attentive and friendly and pretty knowledgeable. Staff seems to be young college women, mostly. Beer selection is awesome and always have something unique and special. Nice location across the street from the Tesla dealership!
(4)Kristin B.
i think this place has gone downhill in the last couple years. location and atmosphere are solid, but food and service have struggled. they specialize in bbq and other fancier bar food. if you have a choice, sit on the rooftop - you get a great view. if it's too cold, you can sit in the closed in portion of the roof which is great for sports/tv viewing.
(3)Jay E.
Great place for bourbon and burger lovers! Also a great selection of bombers.
(5)Kyle M.
I honestly love this place. It's one of my favorite bars in the world, literally. Every time I come to Boulder, I always go and have a beer or two at the bar, which is extremely beautiful. The rest of the establishment is also cool. It's modern, hip, and inviting, but not overly trendy. It's trying hard to be warm and friendly place, and it's succeeding on every level. They even play stand-up comedy CDs in the restrooms. I have never honesetly eaten a full meal here, but I always get an app or two to have with my beers. Tonight, I got the yam crisps with guacamole. It was incredible. The chips were delicious and slightly sweet, and the guac was smooth and well flavored. It was 7 bucks, but you get a big helping of guac, and a pretty big bowl of the crisps. Perfection. I've also had their wings, which are also top notch. I don't know why I've never ordered a full dinner there, but I suppose it's because I'm so addicted to sitting at the bar and engaging in my usual ordering ritual with the beers and the apps. Next time, I'll get a full meal, and I'll update my review. I will always go out of my way and make time to come here whenever I go to Boulder. It's an escape for me, and I love it.
(5)Kassie D.
Enjoyed this eatery very much. We wondered into Boulder not really sure what we were going to eat and ended up here. There was a group of 5 of us and we had a wide array of foods. The wings were good and famous of course via Man vs. Food. We had the black bean hummus which was ok, noticed that the sweet potato chips were the way to go. Tried the tomato soup and bbq as well. The atmosphere was nice loved all the great drinks on the drink menu. Will def be back.
(4)Bill Y.
So my first visit to the West End Tavern was a mixed affair. My family and I visited here on a rather busy day following the Fourth of July. We got seated in the back by the kitchen which isn't surprising as the 3 year old can be loud, but the location was very noisy. My wife ordered a Blue Eyed Blonde drink and I had a Blueberry Lace. The Blue Eyed Blonde was a nice cocktail for a summer day and I really enjoyed the Blueberry Lace. The bourbon and blueberries were surprisingly complimentary. For the meal I ordered the Smoked Short Rib Burger blue plate special. From the smell of the smoked meats in the air I thought I was in a for a special treat. Upon tasting the burger though there was very little smoke flavor and the patty itself had the consistency of a sausage patty. It was great in the beginning but unfortunately it didn't take long for the natural juiciness of the pork to soak the bun. I did have the yam chips and they were most excellent. My wife ordered the Grilled Cheese Sliders and Tomato Soup. She very much enjoyed the sandwich and the soup was very rich and thick. And she couldn't stop helping herself to the french fries on my daughter's grilled cheese kids meal. Where I am torn with this place is I believe I would have had a much better experience if I had came in with just my wife and ordered something different. I watched a lot of good looking food come out of the kitchen but unfortunately the 'smoked' short rib burger ended up being a big bust for me.
(3)Paul H.
Took my 70 year old parents here on a busy Friday night during parents weekend. The place was packed out but there was not a lag in service. Had the pan crusted Ahi and it was excellent. I will be coming back.
(5)Vince D.
"Show me the way to the next whiskey bar," sang Jim Morrison in the classic Doors' tune "Alabama Song." A nice thought, but it's hard to find a nice whiskey bar in post-cowboy America. Enter the West End Tavern, a Boulder staple that changed hands a few years ago and has become a symbol of perseverance as its survived the blocking of its famed balcony. Best part: It's a bourbon bar. Featuring more than 50 bourbons, many more than 20 years old, you can savor the sweet brown whiskey with a beer back, in a Manhattan or straight up. Either way, you'll do the Lizard King proud. Oh, and the food's really good. They still have a great, if compromised, view of the mountains.
(5)Aaron H.
You know, The west end is not really good. Not a bad place to drink, especially on the roof in the summer. But they offer no variety on their food menu and not a single thing that they do offer is worth writing home about. If you are hungry go somewhere else. there is too much good food in boulder to eat here.
(2)Bill P.
Good wings and food. Just like a lot of other places, though. We sat on the roof and had a nice view of the mountains - I'd go back just for that.
(3)Morgan W.
If I had written this after my first visit to West End I would have given it four beautiful, proud stars. Unfortunately my last visit knocked this place down significantly. My first visit I came here with my husband for lunch and we had some of their excellent burgers. The ingredients were fresh, the burgers were large but not "oh my god!" huge, and our server was attentive and friendly. Good stuff. Our new visit was quite different. Our server seemed a little frazzled (we arrived at the tail end of the lunch rush on a Monday) and almost forgot to take my order. We also found out the restaurant had at some point changed bread sources and all their buns, rolls, breads, etc contained butter -- big strike since my husband has a dairy allergy. This caused me to take another look at the menu and it seems like 90% of the dishes are sandwiches. There is a Sandwiches section, a Burger section, and even the Entrees section had two sandwiches listed. Variety there is not. I got the burger with slaw and my husband chose the fried mahi mahi with yam chips. We also had a last minute love affair with ordering the deviled eggs with bacon as an appetizer because we are both bacon junkies. Summary of the food: ENH. The deviled eggs were covered with Bacon Bits as opposed to real bacon crumbles. MAJOR disappointment. Our food came out quickly and was fresh, but the burger I had was not the burger I remember. It was a bit dry for being cooked to Medium, smaller than last time, and not as fresh tasting. If it's local, I have high expectations. The potato roll didn't look right on the plate and the flavors just didn't work. The slaw had to mayonnaise, it was more of a vinegar and pepper mixture which I didn't care for. Thankfully my husband enjoyed it and took my portion but that left me with no side. Sigh. My husband's dish was actually prett good. The fish was fried golden-brown and light, more like a tempura. The meat was flavorful and moist which I rarely find out here. The yam chips were also tasty. Still, this was a small consolation prize -- the rough equivalent of getting only the avocado refrigerator and not the entire kitchen set.
(2)Jalene S.
The location is good on Pearl street, although near the west end. They have a nice patio but you have to be eating a meal to sit out there. There is a bar upstairs but it's covered. The bar/seating downstairs is casual and comfortable. They do a Sunday brunch but I haven't tried it. On a weird note, they do have crab races!
(3)R R.
this place is great. all i remember is walking in, ordering some drinks that the bartender recommended, and waking up the next day. but the great part is that my credit card receipt was around $30 and i had some funny pictures in my camera.
(4)Yoyo T.
Whenever I have guests in town, we pop to the rooftop for a view of the mountains and brunch. There's been several rounds of guests that have visited me and every time they always leave happy! What's better than leaving on a full stomach of deliciousness? A plate at brunch usually runs $11 but they're big. I've been here for happy hour too and it's a great deal. It's laid back with good service and food. Not really anything more to ask of a restaurant. (Definitely try the sweet potato chips and guac. Oh I know, it sounds weird, but it's amazing)
(5)Emily Y.
We decided to go to the West End Tavern when the in-laws were visiting in town. We had walked back and forth on Pearl St. looking for a place that had some reasonably priced food but wasn't a chain. We are fairly new in town so we weren't sure what was good or not. We ended up here after looking at the menu. We ate upstairs on the patio, which was nice and probably has decent views in the daytime. The menu isn't very extensive, yet it still took me a long time to finally decide on...the tavern cheeseburger. It is made from local beef and actually was very good. I ordered it with the coleslaw, which I wasn't a huge fan of (it was a tangy, vinegary coleslaw and a bit too tart for me)...next time I'd get the fries. My husband ordered the house smoked pork shoulder, which he liked (it's not pulled pork, but sliced), but he didn't care too much for the yam chips since they were a bit overcooked. My in-laws shared the fish and chips and it was HUGE. They brought out two plates with the fish n chips and coleslaw, and we though they had brought out two orders by accident. After doublechecking with our waitress, they assured us that it was one order split onto two plates for them. We were shocked because it was super ginormous. Next time, I'm ordering the Cod fish n chips! Someone at a neighboring table had the steak with the shrimp & lobster mac n cheese, which also looked really good. I'm not sure if they offer that as a side, but if they do, I'd give it a try. Overall I thought it was a good restaurant. I didn't experience the frat-boy experience that a previous poster mentioned. It was a very mellow, eating out on the patio experience and the waitstaff were super friendly. It might not be my very first pick if I'm going out (since I always favor asian food), but I would come back if I happened to be on Pearl St.
(4)Jessica J.
It's almost impossible to get a table here, but if you do, it's well worth the wait. The jalapeno-bacon cheeseburger is out of this world and the only thing that can beat it is the strawberry bourbon milkshake. Service can be spread thin and wait times can be a bit on the long side, but it's definitely more of a 'bar with food' situation, so standing and drinking is a better mindset to have when going in. If you can, try to eat during off-hours.
(4)M. B.
Nice place to hang out in Boulder. The bar tender knew her pours. Tried the fried chicken and waffle but I don't think its my thing. One of the previous reviewers -- Kyle M. -- has a good description of the place.
(4)Safford B.
West End is one of the better places on Pearl Street. In the summers, seating on the upstairs patio offers great views of the flatirons. A multitude of drinks, including an impressive bourbon collection, are offered. If you're ordering food, be sure to sample the yam chips.
(3)Luis L.
This n that salad - The salad had fresh motzarella, avocado, grape tomatoes, lettuce and balsamic dressing it was really good and all the things were fresh. But it was like tiny maybe a bite or two of each thing and everything was gone. The salad was exactly what I wanted but just not enough. I looked at the portions of some of the dishes that other people ordered and it seemed to be about the same. Like most places in Boulder this seems to be more of be seen type of location. The food tastes good, nice presentation, but its got that small portion size. I don't remember exactly what the food menu had but the salad I had left a good impression other than the portion size, I would be up to try some heartier dishes on a second go around. I went during the world cup finals and the seating area to watch the game was pretty full, both up stairs and down stairs, seemed like a good atmosphere for the event. I sat on the upper porch which was nice and shaded from the hot sun that day. They seemed to have a large drink menu with a decent selection of beers, and other beverages.
(3)Shawn A.
This was a great find for us. After a long hike in the flatiorns we were looking for a cozy upscale bar. This fit the bill. The atmosphere was great. They have a decent tap selection Stone IPA which is one of my favorites. They also have a decent coin marg. We should have ordered the guac and chips they looked fantastic. Our food was good. I felt that we might have ordered the wrong things. Will have to try it again for the 5 star. I also want to return for the bourbon list it is amazing. There are some great finds on there might have to make it a whole day!
(4)Carrie O.
I can't speak to the food (since I've only been here late nights for drinks) but what a nice atmosphere for a bar! They have a neat rooftop bar that's really cosy. It's a great place to meet friends & generally not have to SHOUT like you have to in most bars (which I hate). West End has a nice laid-back feel, and I appreciate it. I'm not a big bar-goer, but if asked somewhere, I always hope it's here.
(3)Shayna F.
great food, nice people.
(4)Henderson L.
Still the best "tavern" food in town... The outside rooftop patio is still great and the cocktails (especially the French Mojito) are awesome.
(5)Leslie W.
Whenever my bf and I are trying to go somewhere for a good, easy going meal in boulder on a weeknight, WestEnd always wins out. It is because they have good food, can always get a table, and the view is STILL good on the upper balcony! We always order the guacamole with sweet potato chips for an appetizer. The vegetarian Ruben is great, good wings, and where else can you order deviled eggs! However, I wish they would bring back the salmon spinach salad!
(4)L. M.
Another solid Pearl Street bar. They have a well-stocked bar, decent service, and a rooftop with plenty of seating.
(3)Steve O.
Been only twice, but greatness both times!
(4)Eric M.
So the West End folks got in touch with me and, with their permission, I'm posting what they sent me. I'm no doctor, there's no evidence to test, and it's certainly possible it wasn't the West End that made me sick. It's still my gut (ha) intuition that it was. And wings weren't the only thing I ate that night. At any rate, I wanted to offer their side. ------ Eric, We tried to send you a message through twitter, hopefully you received it. We wanted to follow up with you about the incident from your review. We serve hundreds of wings a day and your feedback was the only one of its kind in years. Technically, food poisoning can occur from anything you ate in the 72 hours prior because it takes that long to culture with certain strains. We would hate for you to stop coming to the West End based on your experience and our confident in running numbers and talking with our chefs that you could not have gotten sick from our product. With the amount of wings that went out that day and the days surrounding, we are certain that if it was our product we would have heard about it from multiple sources. We really do have the freshest wings around because of the volume we sell. We would love to have you come in and reknew your memory with an amazing West End experience on us. Can you please email [xxx@xxxxx] to set that up.
(2)Gabe C.
PBR tallboys, tasty burgers and possibly the best mac-n-cheese around. Rooftop deck is awesome on a nice day. Great for a Sunday afternoon. Servers are usually pretty good. Bartenders are slow. Also, upstairs bar gets crowded fast and a little fratty. So unless you want to battle a bunch of bras to get to the bar grab a drink downstairs and then head up.
(4)Amy F.
My boyfriend and I went here after spending the afternoon together and we were looking for a quick eat before heading to the Denver Botanical Garden LIghts. We ordered a half order of spicy wings and they were good. You get the smell of hot wing sauce, just don't inhale too deeply, but they also have a sweet taste to them as well. They are garnished with green onions which somewhat surprised me. My boyfriend ordered the mothership beer as the waitress told us it would be one to his liking, umm yea no. My boyfriend wasn't fond of it and even said that he wouldn't order it again, but at least there's a huge selection, no kidding, of different liquors. For our dinner we both went basic. Him the double cheeseburger deluxe which had ham and other meats on it. And I ordered the jalapeno bacon cheeseburger. Mine was cooked well and the fries, though I asked for crispy, they were to begin with, then got soggy after a while of sitting. But the burger was very good, would order it again. It comes with a side of dr. pepper bbq sauce, which was sweet but a good flavor. We got dessert to share, the strawberry shortcake, and the waitress was right in that it looked delicious and was very big. For $6 you get a huge strawberry shortcake in a goblet filled with ice cream, strawberry sauce (some tasted frozen), real strawberries, shortcake pieces, and whipped cream. It filled the goblet to the rim and it was very very good. It's one dessert I would go back and do it again.
(4)Brad C.
love the atmosphere of this place. we had a very kind waitress and an excellent meal ... i would recommend the yam chips with guacamole to start - pair that with a nice dark beer (they have a bunch on tap) and then go for the bacon jalapeno cheeseburger with dr. pepper BBQ sauce. wow.
(4)Modemme X.
The view from the deck is amazing indeed. It's a bit more restricted by buildings (helloooooo St. Julien blocking my view) but gotta roll with the changes, eh? At least the West End Tavern is still there, right? Ok, so, not to get too specific but the mahi sandwich is pretty darn good. Word to the wise though, ask for it with a plain ol' white bun. They seem to have tried to trick it out with a nutty whole wheat bun and it's just weird with the fish. The fries of course are as good as pub fries get, which is pretty good; I ordered a side salad instead of fries - big mistake! - well, it was ok actually, it was kind of wierd though, an iceberg wedge with crumbled blue cheese - which would've been fine and all had they not poured creamy sun dried tomato dressing on there first. It was just a bit wacky on the tongue. Stick with fries. Trust. Beers on tap are local and seasonal which is cool, nothing wrong with Boulder brew pride. Loved that Skinny Dip ale from Left Hand Brewery (known for Fat Tire, which some used to call Flat Tire, which was harsh). My friend had a Ceasar salad which she said was "mayonaisy" (and we like mayo!). So, even though we give it so-so food reviews, we go there often when we're in Boulder, the deck is awesome and the service is very good. Cheers.
(3)Molly H.
This was the motto of every waiter or bartender I encountered in Boulder: Even though we are in the service industry, I find it beneath myself to actually serve you and I am going to make it clear that I wish you would just go away so I can go back to smoking pot. I lived in Boulder many moons ago, and it was probably the same deal back then too, but I was too excited to be able to drink in bars, so I let that kind of thing slide. Also, I had friends who were bartenders and servers, so I tried to be sympathetic. I can be sympathetic no longer and West End pushed the surly, stoner staff thing too far. We arrived with a large group, a wedding after-party, with the bride still in her dress. The bartender upstairs greeted us with rolled eyes as he declared that our arrival meant he couldn't go home early. This was a slow Sunday night in the summer, so I doubt the dude had been busy or made much money that evening. Orders were totally messed up and even the simplest request was met with a snide remark. Luckily, the manager did send a better bartender up finally, but I was soured on the whole thing. The food is just mediocre, and the atmosphere is only okay. I had fond memories of the West End, but now there isn't even a view of the Flatirons anymore, so what is really the point of picking this joint over the many others on Pearl?
(1)A R.
Not a big fan. My friend and I wanted to try this place for happy hour and the hostess told us we had 10 minutes left to order happy hour items when in fact we had 20. Then we sat at the bar and waited for quite some time for one of the bartenders to greet us and take our drink orders. The place wasn't even busy! My friend and I decided to leave and grab drinks elsewhere. Perhaps they should focus more on their customer service and helping customers rather then casually talking to other employees.
(1)Wendy L.
Along a cute street lined with shops and restaurants, we found the West End Tavern...or Vince D. directed us there! I hear that before the building behind it was built, it had one of the best views in town - it still has a pretty spectacular view of the mountains...just a tiny bit obstructed. It took a little bit of a time to get seated because we wanted an outdoor table for a large group, so we pulled a few tables together upstairs and inside the restaurant. I'm not sure if there was some confusion about whether we wanted some drinks (yes, we did!), but in the ~20 minutes or so that we waited, nobody came by for drink orders. Boo. :( But once we were seated at our real table and had a real server, the service was quick, friendly and attentive. There was a wide selection of menu items which were more heavily weighted towards healthy fare; I'm not a healthy eater but I definitely should be. I got the shrimp and avocado tostadas which were good - lots of fresh vegetables, shrimp and avocado layered between three tostadas. Great place for a casual meal - good food, good prices and a great place for outdoor seating. I love the super relaxed vibe and being able to enjoy a couple of drinks with friends while staring at an awesome view.
(4)Max R.
Went for lunch. Ordered the salmon salad which was very good. Just enough dressing and fresh greens. The salmon was a decent size and was grilled perfectly. Minus one star for the great but overly loud music that made it hard to converse
(4)Emily M.
I have to say with all the hype surrounding West End Tavern, it really didn't live up the the expectations both times I ate at this restaurant. There really aren't a lot of choices on the menu, which was a bummer for me and the options that are there are largely over priced and just super decent food. For the price of the food paired with the actual quality I have to give this establishment a low rating. Just because it was on a TV show doesn't mean its a good restaurant. The second time I was there, we received horrible service. After complaining to the manager three times, she finally gave us a free meal and some coupons (which was very kind) and fired our waitress. Even with the coupons I don't think I'll go back here or recommend it as a spot to hit while in Boulder.
(2)Rob L.
It's a Sunday, just went on my 1st tubin trip down Boulder Creek & I managed to get flipped under water and slammed the back of my head on a rock while I was under water, but what better place to go and get to feel better??? West End Tavern! GREAT space! And on a beautiful day, like we had that day, the upstairs outdoor patio was PERFECT!!! Our server & everyone else was AWESOME! GREAT menu, great place, great ambiance, great service, great drinks, this IS a must! Just do it when you don't slammed your head on a rock! My ONLY eh about this place were the bathrooms, kinda like downstairs in the basement, well felt like it, and not very noticeable, I wanna pee not get lost in a labyrinth!
(5)Laura W.
We got a gift certificate from our daughters for our anniversary and this is one of the places that was included. We are not exactly the target demographic for this restaurant - we are older and not beer drinkers. I ordered the trout and he got the fish and chips. The trout was excellent, but trout with barbecue sauce is a strange combination. The root vegetables were mainly beets and potatoes - good, but still, strange with barbecue sauce. The mash was good. His fish had a lot of batter, but I guess people like it that way - he took all the batter off. The coleslaw was good. The service was OK. It took the waiter quite a while to notice that we were finished, though. This is probably a lot better if you are young and a beer-drinker. The beer menu looked really good.
(2)G A.
Good burgers and service(lunch time). Waiter staff was really helpful and nice. Clean, good ambience, food hits the spot.
(5)Larissa V.
This place has fantastic service. During our lunch we were attended to perfectly by various wait staff, bartenders, and managers. Everyone was super friendly, and seemed genuinely happy to be of assistance to us during our visit. I had a mojito and a breakfast burrito. Both were fantastic. I would definitely recommend the West End to friends, and will likely return the next time I'm in town.
(4)Alex G.
This place is a nicer classy, less of a college student haven than a lot of the bar/restaurants on Pearl. Everything would be just right for a young professionals hangout, that is except for the un-godly slow bar service. So slow, that it is to the point where I will beg to go someplace else unless someone else wants to try and order a drink for me for 15 plus minutes. I keep trying to give this place a chance, but my patience with being the last served at the bar is running low.
(3)Allison L.
I just stopped in here on Wednesday to meet a friend of mine that works up in Boulder. We got there in time to hit the Happy Hour. It was my first time in and her second. We sat in the bar area in one of their big booths. Started off with a beer and yam chips with guacamole. The guacamole was for sure one of the best I've ever had so I give them props for that, especially from a very experienced guacamol-ian like myself. We both ended up just getting soup after that due to lack of hunger and settled on the Onion Soup. It was rich and flavorful, but I definitely couldn't eat all of it. The waitress definitely showed us that this place was a lot more upscale or maybe more "Boulder-y" than I expected, but what can I say "I'm a new Colorado kid." If you're a Whiskey and Scotch fan you will really love this place due to their long list. Maybe I'll go back to see what dinner is like even though it was on the pricey side...or maybe I'll just stick to the Happy Hour thang.
(3)Jen A.
I like the West End, nothing pretentious, good food and good drinks. We've come for brunch, dinner, happy hour and for late night drinks. They have NFL games on Sunday mornings/afternoons (only one game audio though) and service can be spotty. Bartenders are usually spot on. Great burger, yam chips and guac and great beer selection. They also have "snow drink specials" so when it snows out in Boulder, you can go in and enjoy happy hour type specials. I need to go back and try their chicken and waffles.
(4)Nick V.
Dopest beer selection period.
(4)Renee B.
Great views from the patio. Casual dining, average good food, nice service, great french fries and comfortable ambiance.
(3)Nick F.
So I've been to west end a few times now, and last night was my first for dinner. I give it a 3.5. Food is definitely overpriced, but their tavern salad is delicious and a meal in itself. Service was pretty good. This is one of those places you go when you want something specific - if you want to be outdoors, and sip great whiskey/bourbon, go to west end. End of story.
(3)Hank S.
We came here during our day trip to Boulder. I had seen it on Man vs. Food and really wanted to try to the wings. We were sat immediately and had drinks probably within a minute. Our waitress was awesome and all the employees were super friendly. The food was delicious, I got appetizer wings with yam chips, my friend got the pulled pork sandwich, which he said was awesome as well. The atmosphere was really nice and it exceeded my expectations. If I'm ever in Boulder again I will definitely be back.
(5)Christina J.
I'm amending my review to reflect the fact that I've recently become less put out, and have in fact become fond of, the West End. My previous statement about the happy hour still stands, and the service is still hit or miss on most occasions. The major difference for me relates to the quality of the food. Their menu has improved markedly in the last year, and I have to say that if I'm hungry, with a side of wanting a beer or gin and tonic, this is where I want to be.
(4)i n.
1 Star for hot waitresses 1 Star for a good beer selection 1 Star for hot waitresses -1 star for snotty hot waitresses Don't waiste you time going here. Very slow and I think they only hire the staff on bust size not brains.
(2)Ila Z.
I thought this place would be great based on what I have heard. I was disappointed. Their menu seemed overpriced and not offer enough selection. I decided on a salad that looked great on the menu, that was a bit pricey for a salad ($11), but I thought it must be good. The salad was disappointing and a bit of a joke. My plate had a pile of arugula, a little pile of tomatoes, a couple of pieces of mozzarella and a some avocado with some vinegar sprinkled across. Some of the arugula had gone bad. It was definitely not worth $11, I would not even have paid $5 for this salad. It just seemed that the place is extremely over priced. The french fries were good and the waitress was fantastic.
(2)Nick D.
I'll get this out of the way first: As almost everyone has already said. Try the yam chips and guacamole. Full of win! I tried the Jalapeno-Bacon Cheeseburger. Even through the hot pepper, I could taste the beefy goodness. My hosts explained that the beef came from local cattle and apparently that makes a big difference. I didn't explore the entire place, but the downstairs was nice and I'd love to go back to sample more.
(5)Alicia J.
There is something refreshing about heading back to Boulder and heading to the West End. -Rooftop Bar with a great view -Crazy skiing movies on the big screen -Eye of the Tiger beer that will make you swear you have 4 eyes -Reminiscing about the days I wore vibrant colored hippie skirts
(4)Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
My friend played here all the time.... and I have some of my best memories of Boulder because of that. The bar? Oh whatever... couple pool tables, a stage. A long bar in a linear space. But great memories trying to make my way down the stairs in a state that I shouldn't be working my way down stairs.
(4)Jonny C.
The West End is the grown up K's China. A rooftop bar in the hottest hood in town, the West End caters to Boulder's core, 20 something whoevers looking to poison their livers. All walks of life, all types come here 7 nights a week. The roof is phenomenal. The whiskey selection is bottomless. The food is decent. The crowd is fun, the view's are fabulous and the location is key. One of the best bar's in B-Town
(4)Jon S.
Great wings, good drinks, fun happy hour. It is a little pricey if you don't go during happy hour, but the food is great!
(4)Sarah S.
Bitter Bar (first choice) was totally filled so we walked over to West End. It was crowded and service was a little slow. Their seasonal mulled cider was terrific. I tried their Pimm's lemonade which tasted as good as I remembered, though the glass was half-filled with ice so there wasn't too much liquid. I highly recommend their guac and (sweet potato) chips which was delicious. This was a good place to duck into for drinks. They were also playing the World Series on their big screens.
(3)Karin G.
Good atmosphere, great beer selection, pretty good food! I like the rooftop too.
(4)Steven B.
This review is just for the service I experienced at the West End last night. I went with a group of two other friends, waited at the bar for about 10-15 mins to just be served. The bartenders were too busy watching the game on the blaring TV to notice us. The wait staff passed us and just asked us to move instead of offering us a table. It was pretty horrible. I don't think I will ever give the West End another shot. I am not sure if they have good drinks or food and frankly I don't care. I just hope this was a strange occurrence and that others don't experience the same lack of service.
(1)Tom R.
A little bit pricey but the food is pretty good and the beer is great. Service was good too.
(4)Eric G.
I enjoyed this estabishment!! The staff was friendly and helpful. It took a while between ordering our drinks, for them to get our order for food. Their wing appetizers are really good (as featured on Man vs Food). Not very spicy but enjoyable for everyone. Their West End Cheeseburger was awesome, and the fries were not bad either. I will go there again when im in the Boulder area!!
(4)Devil M.
Nice place to hang out & have some good food & a great selection of beverages. Every time we've been here the service has been exceptional accompanied by a solid menu of tasty food offerings. The bar provides a wide array of standard beverages & depending on the bartender that is working, some adventurous yet delicious drinks are available. Excellent place to hang with friends & have an excellent meal.
(4)Chelsea R.
It's kind of...narrow, here. Like, physically narrow. When you come up the stairs, you definitely join whoever's playing shuffleboard whether you want to or not. They've got a great selection of beers and specials, the crowd is sweet as pie, and the shuffleboard is close quarters but super fun.
(4)Gina B.
ehh, maybe I'm just picky, but I think $16 for a plate of pork is outrageous, but then again, I am from NC. This pork wasn't even that flavorful. And slaw, or what you people call slaw, was just cut up cabbage. The service was a bit slow for a restaurant that was not very busy for lunch. Otherwise, it was a cute place. Very warm and cozy. Not a date spot in my opinion though. I wasn't impressed and probably wouldn't go back if in Boulder. Sorry guys. Leave BBQ to the southerners.
(3)Beth M.
Sarah the bartender is awesome. Tell her what you like, and she'll invent something amazing. Seriously.
(5)Jack S.
Recently sat at the bar for some food & beers. This place has nailed it every time for me. Food is reasonable in price, flavors are amazing & beyond the price point, staff super knowledgeable on booze, beer, whatever your need ! The Schnitzel sandy just about blew my head off. Fantastic flavor blends, mint in the apple cabbage slaw, and damn near had to order another one. Easily 1 of the best pubs you'll encounter anywhere...
(5)Sue H.
It's simple. This is my local bar. Sure, I live a few blocks from West End, but if I walk just one more block, I have MANY other options. I choose West End for the distinct majority of quick meets for a drink and apps. In summer, I sit out front...best people watching in town. In winter, I sit at the bar downstairs. West, end, why do I love you so? I love you because your staff cares. I love you because in a city where almost every bar is lit up like an elementary school cafeteria, you keep your lighting where it should be to allow something interesting to happen. I love you because in addition to a CONSTANTLY, AVIDLY refreshed and masterful list of rotating microbrews, you also always have a cider for me. I love you because you make me sweet potato chips and guac. Mostly I love you because I feel welcome when I show up. You are friendly, happy to see people walk through the door, and happy when I return. Yes, there are times when I want that extra gourmet edge or mixology touch. But most often, I want to hang with you West End Tavern. Thanks for being there for me.
(4)diane l.
I've been here before for drinks at night and I think I prefer it for the drinks. For lunch, the food failed to impress. I got the brisket rueben. Although, I was satisfied with it. The brisket was dry and I think it could have used more coleslaw or something. My brother (who insisted we go here b/c he loves the food) ordered the brisket burger and it was really dry. Lacked any flavor. To top it off his side of coleslaw had zero dressing on it. He ended up sending it back for a different burger that was better and coleslaw that was dressed. The mac and cheese was ok, very cheesy. The fries are awesome. Buffalo wings (which they are known for) were good. Not super spicy. I also ordered a bourbon flight and had to have one of them replaced b/c something was in the glass. Service was friendly and prompt, but the food and little hiccups made me question whether I would return for food. BUT, we sat outside and they have one of the best views!!
(3)Danny B.
Bbg sandwich with salad pumpkin beer yum. The best ever sweet potato chips with guacamole . Crabby patty sandwich all delicious . And the restaurant staff are always friendly.
(4)Teri S.
I stumbled in here late, ( 9:30 pm on a wednesday) and fresh off a plane from Eugene. Good find. Not far from the trendy and lively Pearl Street area. Atmospehere here is warm,wooded & cosy with a little metal stove burning. Supposedly there are upstairs and roof areas I did not make it to, I stayed at the bar. Really good beer selection. Great Taps. Mostly Colorado beers but a few guests. The bartender was knowledgeable and friendly. I had the Hop 15 from Port Brewing. Wow. Excellent. ABV: 9.7% IBU: 90 after two of these, it was advisable to eat before bed, so I had " Julio's vegetarian burger" made with chick peas, lentils, spinach & oats with tomato jam, and haystack mountain chèvre on a potato bun. The fries were very very good. The burger had a texture which was not for me and was not properly seasoned in my opinion, but it was Ok. I ate it. The bread and butter pickles were very very good. Bar was sparsly seated with a few interesting locals. just in time to liven things up a group rolled in on a " green" birthday trip from Ohio. well behaved, they went in search of a pizza since the kitchen was closed.
(4)Sheri B.
We had been talking about coming here for bread pudding all day, and when we got here, they had not only run out, but were going to be changing the menu over night and removing the bread pudding. The sous chef (Clint) was standing within ear shot of us when the bar tender (Riskin) told us they were not serving it, and offered to make it one last time just for us...nice people, great music, and fantastic selection of beer and bourbon. Oh, and great burgers and steaks...This is one of our favorite restaurants!
(5)Kat C.
I both love and hate West-End. I love west-end's business ambiance, particularly during happy hour. I usually go early with a group of lady friends and by doing so we can find a table. Good luck if you arrive after 5:30. The waits for a table can be as long as an hour on Friday and Saturday nights especially in nice weather as the roof top views of the flatirons is in high demand. I could do without some of the eye-rolling/we're too good for you attitude by the hostesses. I guess I have low tolerance for that sort of thing. But once in, the waitstaff is very very nice. We heart them. If going later, go for dinner so you'll at least get a table and not have to fight the young (at least they seem quite young) types fighting over the first-come, first-serve tables. It's very "in the scene" here. As you can probably tell, the happy hour is a good one, with decent prices on drinks, wine and sides. The food on the lunch and dinner menu itself is pretty good. We just love the sweet potato chips and guac, and usually eat WAY too much before our meal comes, and I'm usually game to try the chef's special which is often quite good. As always, I hope for more gluten free options, but I've never been able to not customize something to my liking. They're pretty cool like that.
(3)Ashley R.
Great food, great vibe, great people. You can't go wrong with their BBQ, it's the best you can get in Boulder, and maybe the only place you can get it really. Second, they have shuffleboard, you don't find many of those in Boulder. Third, their rooftop patio is probably the best one in Boulder. While their food is pricey, I wouldn't care so much if they had more options, the small options leave me with constantly going for the same thing. It's an all or nothing kind of menu, some smaller plates would make it perfect.
(4)Jason L.
I was here for the Oskar Blues satellite tap room event. We had a great time. Sampled some awesome beers and apps. The hot wings here are excellent! I would be very tempted to try their Wing Challenge. I also, sampled the yam chips with guacamole. They weren't bad, and I think both were excellent on their own, but something about the combo was off to me. Everyone else at the table loved them. I can't wait to come back to sample some of their bourbons. While here, I was able to sample a 17 year old Pappy Van Winkle, that West End had been aging themselves in a barrel. Knowing the rarity and demand for Pappy, I cannot imagine what this place did to secure an entire barrel of Pappy, but they must be doing something right. Needless to say, it was one of the finest beverages I've ever tasted.
(4)Daniel C.
Boulder has a rep as a place for the eclectic, and the West End Tavern fits into the high-end Pearl Street shopping and food district just fine. We took a seat at one of the tall booths in the bar (awkward for the server). We started with a plate of their buffalo wings, which were just as spicy as you'd want. My short ribs were tender and cooked nicely. We all enjoyed our meals, but I think everything was pricy due to the area more than the quality. A good place, but not a memorable one.
(3)Aaron W.
I admit, I'm not a person who frequents bars, pubs, or the equivalent very often these days. That was certainly a part of my life many moons ago, but I somehow went a complete 180 cold turkey. After eating a few other dishes earlier in the day, I still wanted a good appetizer. The friendly staff here made West End a great place to hang out. My friend pointed out the $9 House Smoked Pork Ribs. That pretty much set off my giddy panda mode. Legal drugs to me, really. I had no clue what a burnt onion BBQ sauce was, but we went with it. Freakin' outstanding. Easily one of best ribs I've ever had. Literally clean, fall-off-the-bone amazing. Smoked to perfection without having an overpowering smoky essence. The burnt onion BBQ sauce has a nice sweetness to pair with the meat. A tangy slaw on the side added to the presentation, providing multiple contrasts to the meat. This epic appetizer was the ideal yin and yang for a flavor party. Heck, the BBQ sauce went well with the slaw. This place is also home to the "Wing King Challenge," as seen on Man v. Food. Fifty wings in thirty minutes. I'm sure my friends would love to see me die trying on this one, especially since I'm horrible at wing eating. I'm not delving into five-star territory yet because I merely had an appetizer. However, I can just imagine what the rest of West End Tavern's menu is like. Maybe one day, I'll be able to return and find out firsthand!
(4)Ellen C.
They have an excellent happy hour selection! Can't go wrong with the yam chips & guac, the brisket Reuben, and the farm greens salad! Definitely need to get their recipe for the champagne vinaigrette! They have such a good atmosphere with excellent music taste and a friendly staff! Definitely check this place out!
(5)Christopher C.
We went here based on it was my friends top three pics in Boulder. They have a ton of beer( good beer) and some interesting twist's on old fashion cuisines. I went with an imperial stout and a cheeseburger de-luxe which is topped with shaved pastrami how could you go wrong? The burger was big, juicy hot and fresh, while the pastrami was the icing on the cake. The fries were good.
(4)Brittany S.
Great beer, great appetizers, and most of all, a great atmosphere! With the occasional live music gig on the rooftop and the general dim ambiance, I love coming here after a long work week. The corn bread with whipped honey is a must-have to start out with and as far as entrees, get the fried chicken and biscuits! Great spot to bring family/friends visiting from out of town bc it def is a crowd pleaser.
(4)Alison Q.
Sadly we narrowly missed the Jul-IPA Day festivities because we flew out the day before... :-( ... but still got to enjoy their extensive IPA selection on tap for the event...and of course some hearty smoked meat. Our server was a doll and they even let us purchase a commemorative Jul-IPA t-shirt that the servers were wearing!
(4)Doug N.
Bourbon selection was great. Had some hard to find Pappy along with some good craft beer. Great sports setting on the roof patio. Good food. This is a scotch, bourbon, whisky drinkers heaven.
(5)Rose C.
We had reservations and it was a good thing we did. Despite the crowd we were seated quickly. The service was friendly. We ordered the kitchen sink smoked burger and the pulled duroc pork shoulder. The burger was cooked very well and the flavors were very tasty. I would go back just for the burger. The pork was pretty good but their house barbecue sauce really gave the pork the moistness and great flavor that you expect from solid pulled pork. Overall it was a good experience and we would definitely go back. For 2 adults and 2 small children we spent $40.00.
(4)Karalinda M.
This place has two stories And a rooftop patio. I tried the barbecue ribs and they were great falling off the bone, they have a good Happy hour food selection as well.
(4)Kelly H.
Good food, terrible service. I'd suggest you go somewhere else if you want to enjoy your meal in a pleasant atmosphere without the bad vibes.
(2)Dan B.
The first night I arrived to visit my friend K in Boulder, he picked this as a spot to grab a late dinner and a brew or three. The beer list is wonderful and really unique. It appears to change regularly. On that night, they had a slew of Belgian style ales, plus several local brews from Upslope, New Belgium; plus others from Deschutes, Stone, and the entire set of brews from Firestone (Good call that). As for food, my buddy K had the cod fish and chips, and it was excellent (I tried a bite.) I had the blackened sockey salmon, over spinach-goat cheese polenta, with a whiskey peach BBQ sauce. Simply PHENOMENAL. I should have lingered over every bite, but I was too hungry for that. Great vibe here - Classic American Tavern, but polished and slightly upscale. Though I had expected more of a college crowd, it was half-filled with professionals and grad students. They have a rooftop deck that is supposed to have great views, though it was dark and only 20 degrees out, plus it was roofed over and winterized. The pulsing heaters kept it toasty and snug as a bug. I'd go back here again. Hell, why go anywhere else?
(5)Derk R.
Great beer. Great bourbon. Solid food. Nice, knowledgable, attentive, attractive staff. My favorite place for comfort food and good drink in Boulder. The upstairs patio is fantastic in nice weather.
(5)Justin R.
So, this review is for the second time here. Why? The first time I came here with a friend, it was a busy night, I get it. But we never had anyone come to our table to take our order. After 33 minutes and servers walking by our table in the back just past the staircase...we decided to leave. I was disheartened by this because I have wanted to try the wings so bad! On the way out I told the bartender that we hadn't been served and we were leaving...she was busy so I get it but all she said was "Sorry, come back and see us sometime." So...fast forward to the second try to have a crack at the wings... I decided to come back after watching re-runs of Adam Richman doing wing challenges and needing a serious wing fix. Much to my pleasure we got a table and our waitress (who was super cute and really friendly by the way...but that is a different story) came over right away and took our drink order. She promptly returned with my delicious sweet tea and I put in an order for the dozen wings and Mac N Cheese. My friend ordered the Kitchen Sink Burger. Our server was awesome, she even sat down to chat for a minute, which I thought was cool. Our food came out and as soon as I caught the smell of the wings... I knew they were going to be great. I split the Mac N Cheese with my friend and liked it, nothing amazing, but not bad at all. The wings...heaven, they were perfectly sized, and perfectly cooked, a little crispy and the sauce was outstanding, my friend stole a few and agreed. So much so that I ordered another dozen and happily ate all of them. Maybe it was the luck of the draw but I like paddles more than drums and I got a lot of them. I wonder if I could request all paddles... My friend liked the burger a lot, I didn't try it because I was knuckle deep in wings but it looked good. Experience: totally redeemed itself, everything was great, our drinks were never empty, even though it was busy, the food was awesome, and as I am typing this review...I am getting quite a hunger for the wings again, I think it is in high order for dinner tonight...perhaps I will see you up there as I definitely recommend this spot, despite the initial turn off from my first visit.
(5)Allison M.
We tried this place on the suggestion of a friend and we were not let down. First of all, I love that they offer specials while waiting (there was a 15 minute wait on a weeknight, good sign) so we had pints $1.50 off and the guac and yam chips for $5 instead of $8. Which, while the chips and guac were very tasty, we didn't think they would be worth $8. Anyway, the 3 of us ended up ordering a mix of appetizers and sides rather than main meals (though we will come back to try some mains) and had more than enough food. We had an issue with some of our food being cold when it came out but the manager came by and personally rectified it and we got fresh food in about 10 minutes; stuff happens and we understood, plus the food made up for the delay. Highlights of the food: awesome, tender, flavorful pork ribs; decadent mac and cheese; good, solid wings. The other thing we enjoyed was the atmosphere; it was busy but not crazy loud and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The building kind of reminded us of New Orleans which made for a nice welcome for Louisiana folks. Service was quick and friendly from all front of house staff. We will definitely be back many times in the near future!
(4)Nicole N.
I enjoyed my veggie burger which more often than not is hit or miss restaurants. This one was delicious and had great texture! My fellow meat eaters loved their meal as well. I was delighted to stumble upon a great restaurant without having prior read anything about it.
(5)Chelsea R.
We wanted to try their bloody mary, will have to go back again to try it. It looked amazing but we were in no shape to be drinking again quite yet. I recommend sitting upstairs if possible, more roomy and the patio is beautiful. We had the Yam chips with guacamole to start, completely delicious. For my lunch I had the brisket burger & fennel cole slaw. Great burger and the cole slaw was flavorful. The fennel was not overpowering, just added something special. My dining partner had the fried chicken waffle with sausage gravy. He was quite happy with his as well although I think he was expecting a chicken and waffle stack with gravy instead of the two different items on the same plate. The gravy was well done, something that's hard to find apparently! The plates are a good size, I enjoyed my leftovers for dinner. Can't wait to go back to try more!
(4)Liz J.
Food is fine here (although the server explicitly told us that the reuben brisket is too dry and that many patrons have told him the same.) Rating this place so low not so much because of the food but because of the horrific wait for drinks, apps, and then entrees. We waited so long for our apps (this was around the 1-hour mark of us being there) that as they brought out the first app, the deviled eggs, tthey told us they would comp the second app whenever it came out because of the wait. Flash forward another hour...and little to no communication from the server...our food came out, but not everyone's dishes. Four came out fine, one came out cold (so you know it was just sitting there getting cold, but you understand that because grilled cheese and tomato soup doesn't take long to make and then just get upset that the kitchen's timing was so terrible). So, most of the food comes out, and when people were halfway through their entrees, the last person's plate (same thing as what several others at the table ordered, the pulled pork sandy) came out. The food, although good, was not even close to being worth that kind of wait. The waiter explained after our meals were passed out that the place was very shortstaffed and the kitchen was very backed up when we came in...it would have been nice to know this before we sat down to eat and be given a chance to choose whether we wanted to wait that long or not. My tongue may have bled a little from biting too hard on it when the waiter asked if we wanted anything else instead of me saying "hell no!" Communicate better expectations to your guests of the timing for food, or maybe even turn guests away if you know you can't handle the volume that day. It's way better than taking off the cost of an app and entree off a large bill and making that group of guests never want to come back again, not to mention ruin the rest of their plans for what was supposed to be a lovely afternoon.
(1)Guillermo U.
The food is so good. 2nd visit I had ribs. The meat falls off the bone with tender ease. BBQ sauce is not thick. I loved it. Chile roasted winter squash is a perfect crisp and my favorite side. The tomato braised greens are delicious. 3rd visit I had mac & cheese. I added pulled pork. It was amazingly good. The mac is full of flavor. The pulled pork was smokey and tender. And I had the crispy wings again. Best wings! Great beers.
(5)J. Chuck K.
My friend and I came by for a quick snack after some hiking and walking around downtown Boulder. We just got some wings and a few samples of Great Divide. Their patio had a nice setup with views of the mountains. I'd go back when in town to check out more of the menu options.
(4)Allison L.
Amazing crab artichoke dip, F'N Marg is wonderful! Great selection of beers and fun laid back atmosphere. Will definitely come back when we are in town.
(5)Catherine E.
Went there on a Thursday night with my boyfriend for some drinks. I was very impressed with their cocktails and my boyfriend (a beer snob) enjoyed their selection. As the drunk munchies started to hit, I decided to order some loaded fries thing they had. It was delicious. I cant wait to try more food there!
(4)Shaina G.
I checked this place out while visiting Boulder. As soon as I walked in, it felt like a local place and I really liked the vibe. We ended up sitting on the roof, which was covered and heated, and a nice place to watch some of the Sunday football. Nice selection of beers. We had the deviled eggs as an app and they were spicy and good. The service was a bit disinterested at first, but ended up okay. The only downside of this place is that the bathroom is in the basement. So, as someone that has a tiny bladder, it was a little annoying to have to walk down three flights of stairs time after time. But then again, the walk was probably good for me!
(4)Ashley T.
One of my favorite places to eat in Boulder. I am never let down by this place as the food is consistently delicious and the people that work there are friendly. The atmosphere is comfortable with large booths, yet the vibes are fun. Happy hour is a must! They have great deals on drinks and appetizers.
(5)Oliver S.
I was craving ribs after a hike. Went for the pork ribs, but they just weren't that flavorful. The fries were good. I came back a few nights later just for bourbon and had a fine experience with that. They have a great selection. I'd come back only to drink.
(2)Mary P.
I really like that they use local Colorado beef for their burgers!
(4)Cheyne M.
Rooftop is as good as it gets in Colorado. Amazing view of the Flatirons. Plus, the food and drink menu is really good, too. One of my favorite spots in Boulder, especially on a sunny day (good thing Colorado has 300+!).
(5)Roy H.
This place is Yummy with a capitol Y! Some of the best fries I have had in a while.. For an appetizer I split some wings with my friends..they are really good. I also had the burger with the dr pepper sauce on it. Very unique sauce, totally made the burger awesome! They also have some very good beers on tap. The service was superb...they even helped us move once it started raining (we sat upstairs on the patio). The view of the mountains from the patio is great too...I almost didnt want to move even with the rain.
(5)Andrew C.
This has been on my bucket list of places to visit since I saw it on Man vs. Food and specifically to do the 50 wing challenge. I even took the time to prepare for this event by eating reasonable sized meals on the day of this challenge. I actually suckered...well more like shamed...a fellow colleague into doing this by insulting his manhood where it hurts...his ability to consume large amounts of deep fried, buttered goodness. It was 6 work colleagues all together, but 4 of them were just there to watch the carnage. I wish I could comment on the other food, but from what my colleagues ordered (burgers, deep fried fish of some sort, etc.) it looked pretty good. Anyhooooo.....we told our host that we were gonna do the challenge. I swear she actually sized us up to see if we had the cajones to do the challenge, but at the same time, I think she had a look of disgust in her face as if to say, "great, another pair of morons trying to log a cool 300 LDL figure." Regardless, she said she would start setting things up.... HUH? What does that mean.... Well, what it meant was that she would bring two white buckets that would be placed on the floor next to the table next to the challengers. Yes, that is a bucket in the happenstance that you can't keep your wings down. Second is a form that you sign which basically states that: "Yes, I am a moron. Yes, I realize that I am going to be consuming more than 50 wings deep fried and soaked in a vat of butter and its own oils and yes, this could kill me and I will not hold this place liable." Can't say that was very motivating....Oh well...on with the challenge. The wings come out in steel bucket and they look larger than the standard wing. They smelled and looked like "standard" wings and from a quick taste of the sauce, everything was standard. They give you a plate to pour the wings out on so that they don't stay screamingly hot in the bucket...but after the fact, this was a mistake to do it. So, I started the challenge and planned to go through the two bone wings first knowing that I could go through these pretty quickly...actually went through nearly 30 in the first 10 minutes. That only left the drummettes which was the second mistake. The drummettes started getting cold and the meat in those tend to be more dry and got uber chewy.... Ultimately couldn't do it. At end of time, I had 15 drummettes left. A dude came by to give us the obligatory..."good job (laugh), but too bad.... you owe us $50 for the wings." Apparently this was the dude who set the bar for timing. He actually did it in like 20 minutes or something. Crazy! Well, this place was in a great location and looked like they had a great menu, good selection of local beers and fun atmosphere. Will look forward to going again, but maybe try having a normal meal...or maybe give the challenge one more try.
(4)Nelissa M.
I've come here twice in the past few weeks because I was meeting friends. I've been here between 5-10 times over the past 5 years. I like the location and I like the general vibe for late-night (usually pretty busy and lively crowd). However, the food and drinks are just OK. I've had their bbq sandwich, chips, burger, and loaded fries. Nothing bad, but nothing to write home about either. My biggest complaint is that the last two times I went, I saw either the bartender or waitress "sample" the drinks. My friend ordered a glass of nice whiskey and we saw the bartender taste it with a straw. The second time I was there, I saw the waitress try my vodka tonic. Hmm. It would be one thing if the bartender was trying it to make sure the drink tasted right, but that doesn't seem to be what is going here. I'll go to the West End when my friends want to meet, but I'll suggest elsewhere if given the chance.
(3)Regan E.
Best whiskey selection in town, with great tap selection too. Bartenders are very knowledgeable and happy to help. Service has always been the best in town. And the food... Amazing. Hands down my favorite go to place in Boulder. The rooftop patio is fabulous in the summer!
(5)Patrick R.
Dined here a while ago, and just getting to the review now, but this place sticks out in my head for just delicious food and a great beer selection. Nothing fancy here. Great view of the flatirons from the roof deck as well.
(5)Lex G.
Deserving of a five star review for beer and bourbon alone. But the small menu packs a punch. Burgers and smoked sandwiches are amazing. I had a smoked Reuben brisket sandwich with mustard/bbq sauce - I sounded like Bill Murray in Something About Bob while I was eating it! The fries were a little over-cooked but not enough to lower my 5-star ranking. Kids menu was great too. The kids cheese burger is big and the bun is very soft which my kids love. The meat was tasty. Also the mac n cheese was a big hit with my other son and he's very picky about his mac n cheese! The upstairs patio has a splendid view of the mountains. Two thumbs way up!
(5)Boy Howdy R.
Best deviled eggs around. Probably the best item on the menu. Fried chicken and biscuits are also good. Once they served fried chicken and waffles and fantastic salads, but those went away so we decided to go away. Unless we want deviled eggs and a great selection of beers. If the menu hadn't changed, I'd give them 5 stars. The management and staff are as good as it gets.
(4)Sara U.
Great burger and a dark beer that was chocolate something or other. All of that experienced in a warm, inviting setting where you can relax and laugh with your friends. Are you kidding? Nice.
(5)Crys A.
Neat place in Boulder to pop in for a drink and some good pub food. The service on the day we went was a little spotty, but that's ok, we had time. I had the pork shoulder sandwich and didn't much like it, actually --- it wasn't special at all and in fact, for this salt-inclined lady, a little too salt intensive. My companion on the other hand had a hard-rocking pastrami reuben which I coveted from start to finish. Of course he ate it all, unapologetically. The bartender was great even though the waitress was perpetually hard to find. Outdoor seating, big wide wooden booths, upstairs/downstairs. I'll definitely try this place again just in case my experience was anomalous. Cheers!
(3)Dave K.
If you'd like a reservation, call a day ahead. Same day call aheads are not guaranteed. View from the roof would have been prime. Food was good, but portions were relatively small. Staff was very helpful and friendly.
(3)Priscilla K.
The only thing I really enjoy at West End are the drinks, but even though the cocktails are delicious, and they have a nice selection of beer, the bar tab gets to be pretty pricey after just a few. In fact I think most things are overpriced at this restaurant, I'm constantly asking myself: what was so expensive and why did I come back? I like the idea of the rooftop bar but the waitress usually seems overwhelmed and it takes a long time to get anything. If you want rooftop ambiance, I'd stick with Bacaro, or The Rio.
(2)Kim P.
on a nice day, there is no place id rather be (in the whole 900 block of pearl). shoot, on a crummy day it will still be nice in here. its a pub bar ish tavern place and has a great rooftop that they usually reserve for full dining patrons. best bloody mary in Boulder!!
(5)Josh C.
The new menu is great. and the WET burger is the best burger in town; high quality meat with a high quality bun. The old cornbread from before was hit and miss, now it is baked fresh at the time you order it! You can't get better than that. That is the kind of improvement that shows the quality is up. It's simple: The West End is a cool place, with a great rooftop, and the food is better than ever. The Pearl Street construction is a pain, but I still make an effort to go. Whatever changes you have made this year West End, please keep it up!
(5)Carolyn D.
West end you disappointed us.... We have been going to the West End for years a as Boulder staple. Unfortunately they have a new chef who has taken some of their best known menu items away. Example-Their famous Yam chips are no longer available (but one day a week. The service was terrible, our waiter was rude... he cut me off before I was finished ordering, took the menu away from my husband while he was still reading it, forgot about us for drink orders, meal was horribly slow. We had taken friends from out of town there saying how we loved it... what a let down. I normally would not write a negative review, having waited tables myself I know how hard the restaurant business is... but this poor experience which was worth noting. The views from the roof top may still be top notch, but not the restaurant.... bummer.
(2)Alexandra K.
I have only ever had the cookie baked in a pan but WOW is it amazing. perfectly cooked and delicious every time!
(4)Diane K.
I'm a fan! The West End has a pretty cool setup. The downstairs has a belly-up bar with tables for dining, and the upstairs is a patio, half for dining and half as a bar socializing area. The sweet potato chips with guac get mentioned so much because they are THAT good. mmm. They have a pretty creative happy hour on Thurs. and Fridays (Thurs 10pm-close & Fri-Sat 10pm-11pm). If the weather is nice, the rooftop patio is a must. Also, try mixing something (vodka?) with their strawberry infused lemonade. It's a hit. I love that Brian Regan plays in the bathroom. Hilarious! I'd pee my pants if I wasn't already sitting on the pot.
(4)Lauren C.
After a year and a half living in Boulder, I try to go to other bars on Pearl but always end up here. Service is good (unless during a World Cup game - eh, not so much) and food is surprisingly good for a bar. I leave one star off because I yearn for more variety. Decent bartender, always crowded but not too crowded, minus a world-wide major sporting event. Atmosphere is unique - dark and cozy with lots of different spaces to settle into and yes, lots o' bourbon. UPDATE: I almost forgot the most important part...one night being woefully drunk and on a very empty stomach, the busboy told me and my friend the kitchen was closed. Then, after noticing our pitiful faces, came back 10 minutes later with..........wait for it............a to-go carton of goldfish. I almost asked him to marry me.
(4)Kyle M.
I have had so-so service on the rooftop before but this place does not just offer me service. They offer me hospitality. Awesome bartenders. Kind, knowledgeable, and i just like to go there to have a pint. Good place, good people. big red F is on to something....
(5)Anne T.
This place never lets me down. They have great service, a cozy atmosphere, and delicious comfort food. Their beer menu always changes, and it's fun to try new things. I love their onion soup and the cheeseburger.
(4)Logan M.
This place would get five stars as a bourbon bar alone, but when you add their beer selection and the quality of the food from the kitchen it should get six, maybe seven. The bourbon cocktails are absolutely incredible, and will spoil you forever when you visit bars that don't infuse their own bourbon in house. The beer selection is incredible, and the prices aren't too bad, especially on some of the stranger bombers. My one complaint is they are perpetually out of Green Lakes on tap. This statement might change as I try other restaurants, but I will stand by it for now: West End serves the best hot wings in Colorado. They are always big, cooked perfectly, and the flavor is absolutely amazing. They don't ruin your palate with spice, but you will need a napkin, as they are well-sauced and quite messy. If you go during happy hour, the price can't be beat. I live in Loveland rather than Boulder now and I'm still at West End at least once a month. Just a great place to go.
(5)D A.
Went in here this afternoon after an intense hike on Sanitas with my dog, and to meet up with a few people afterwards. They were on the rooftop patio, and the first thing I did was ask the hostess if dogs were allowed on the rooftop patio (I mean, it IS outside!). I had mentioned he's in training to be a therapy animal, and (since I know it may be a health hazard if he's walking through the tavern) that I'd be more than happy to carry him upstairs. She said it was totally fine. Meanwhile, I ordered a drink. After I ordered, my server, "Lexi" (well, that was the name that showed up on the receipt) came back up and gave me a bunch of sh*t for having my little sleepy Boston Terrier on an OUTDOOR rooftop patio, for what the hostess already said was OK. I waited. And I waited. And I waited. Meanwhile, "Lexi" came up to the rooftop at least twice, made no effort to make any eye contact with me, ask me if I'm OK, or need water (I mean I DID JUST hike Mt.Sanitas!) or let me know the manager was on her way, nothing. I even had to ask two bussers to get me my drink because I think I waited at least 15 minutes (well, that's how it felt)... on a not-so-busy Sunday. The manager finally came up, and apologized that the hostess was new and didn't know better. Understandably, with the lack of info the girls gave her, she lectured me about my napping dog. After I told her if they gave me any more nonsense about my dog on an OUTSIDE patio that I'd write a 1 star review of them on Yelp, and that I already let the girls know my dog's in training to be a therapy dog and I'd walk the two blocks from my car to show her the papers, she finally let me off - and comped me a free appetizer (awesome!). Hey, I feel bad that I got that mad, but you can't turn down free food from a restaurant as their apology for someone pissing you off. I will admit, the appetizer was GREAT, and so was the drink! Poochie thought the sweet potato chips were yummy too. When the bill came out, "Lexi" still made no effort to give me much acknowledgement or eye contact. UGH *SMH*! So what did I do? I went downstairs and told the bartender to give this tip to the MANAGER as a thank you for comping me, since "Lexi's" service was nowhere near tip-worthy enough for me (I work in a customer-oriented industry myself, so it takes A LOT to make me mad enough to not leave a tip for a server). If some of the staff were as well-trained and competent as their manager, I think The West End Tavern could be a 4 or 5 star establishment - EASILY. The manager was the only reason I'm giving this review 2 more stars. Hopefully, she'll do a turnaround or two to make the quality of service a little more enjoyable for her customers. PS: Also allow me to leave some professional advice: If you look like you're under 21, and you're clocked in on your shift, regardless how attractive you are- DON'T TELL YOUR CUSTOMERS (OR LET THEM HEAR) ABOUT YOUR KID(S)! Seriously, every young lady should've learned that rule from Miss Manners (or my southern-raised grandma).
(3)Scott K.
Amazing food, especially any meats from the smoker they've added in the back. Their beer and whiskey selection is wonderful, and they have one of the best outdoor eating spaces in Boulder. But, prices are fairly high.
(4)Ben W.
Great rooftop deck.
(4)Margaret A.
Great thing about this place is they have a late night Happy Hour from 10-11pm, with a nice selection of food, wine and beer. Bartenders are awesome, very friendly and good service. I went on a Friday night and there were plenty of people but there were places to sit or stand if you wanted. I suggest the guacamole and yam chips, they were delicious and Happy Hour discounted. I couldn't hear the music when I went for drinks, but could when I went for dinner. They have a bunch of TVs around if you wanted to watch sports. When I went for a sit down dinner the veggie burger was delicious but the service was so-so. They messed up our order and she wasn't around that much. Not to mention they sat us right by the door when it was 18 degrees outside and people kept coming in and out which made it freezing. I ate with my jacket and scarf on the whole time! All in all, good place to have food and drinks, great location and a fun community feel.
(3)Dave T.
Delicious Grilled Cheese Sliders and Creamy Tomato Soup! A whole plate that was not excessive or overly filling. The soup was creamy, and at least tasted like it was not from a can. The sliders were on sourdough Texas toast....very light and good. I also tried the vegetarian chili, which most vegetarian chilis to me overcompensate with to much onion flavor. This was delicious. Great decor, gave the image of recycled doors and windows. PVC painted copper. Overall good experience. Dave
(4)Kelly M.
Have been here many times in the past few years and were excited to return today. AWFUL!!! Came at 4pm on Sunday, was told it was 30 min wait for table, finally sat, was told it would be 30 minutes before we could even order any food. Took 15 minutes to get drinks, once we were able to place good order we gave our individual food orders and was THEN told they were out of the items we had ordered and many others! Thanks for telling us! Our waitress was in a terrible, awful mood. We asked to pay for drinks and got a 'hold on' from waitress. Took my card for 10 minutes. Awful service, bad atmosphere as every diner was frustrated!!
(1)J.K. D.
The location is good, walking distance to pearl street. The restaurant itself is clean, had larger booths, tables, bar seating. The service was fine, our server was attentive and friendly. The food was okay. The French fries were pretty gross but my steak was alright, pretty good. At the table there was also a Hawaiian chicken that was said to be tasty but that was about it. The beer was good as well. I think this place has average bar style food and has a nice atmosphere. It's OK, but nothing to get excited over.
(3)John L.
Service is OK. Food is AMAZING. The best Tavern on Pearl but still misses 5 stars for me. I think service is slow from time to time and my order has been screwed up on occassion.
(4)Dave W.
Great food, service can sometimes leave you wondering but the food is always great!
(4)scott s.
So, this place rocks. Great whiskey and beer selection, awesome bbq, great atmosphere. I definitely see myself becoming a regular here. We had the family style bbq dinner and there was 4 of us. The waiter recommended we order 2 servings rather than 4 and one appetizer, so we did as he recommended and it was plenty of food. The family style bbq had everything you could want and had tons of food for the money. The sweet potato chips and guac rocks!!!! Go hungry and thirsty, if you like bbq food and a good whiskey you will love this place.
(5)Megan B.
Large beer selection and tasty food. The enclosed patio upstairs is great for happy hour but is usually crowded. Was featured on "Man vs. Food" TV show for their chicken wing challenge.
(4)Bob T.
I stopped in this establishment on my recent trip to boulder. I've alway heard good things, so I decided to check it out. I grabbed a seat at the bar and noticed the great beer selection on tap in fornt of me. I had a feeling that I would have more than 1 beverage. The bartender was excellent. She even gave me a few samples. The whole vibe of the bar was just upbeat and pleasant. If I lived in Boulder, it would surely be one of my main go to places.
(4)Kristaleigh S.
Love this place! Why have I not been here before? So we started off with a dozen chicken wings. They were so good. Some of the best wings in Denver. The sauce is spicy and smokey. The wings are HUGE! I think I could take on the 50 wing challenge for sure. I got the half rack of pork ribs. I substituted extra slaw for the fries. That was a great choice because the fennel slaw is bright, light, and delicious. The ribs had a great flavor and fell off the bone. The BBQ sauce on the side was so good. It was not too thick and not sweet at all. Perfect! The pork belly beans were really tasty. Not sweet like baked beans so I really enjoyed them. My boyfriend had two beers. The Stone IPA and the Telluride Trippel and Stillwater. He liked them both. He ate the cheese burger bacon and jalapeño. The jalapeños came on the side. He loaded his burger up! Halfway through his burger he ate "the hottest jalapeño" he has ever eaten. This lead to sweating, hiccups, and tripping balls! I giggled and eventually he felt OK and finished his meal. He loved the burger and said the best part was the aged cheddar. We will definitely be back to try other items on the menu and so that I can do the wing challenge. I wonder how many women have done it?
(5)Andy S.
The restaurant is great, especially the rooftop! But that Rolling Smoke catering (I know this sounds extreme) is the worst bbq pork I've ever had. It was all fatty, didn't have any sauce (maybe I missed it but I didn't see any), and during the whole Tab Benoit concert I felt like I had a brick in my stomach. It was a huge let-down. Plus it said it came with yam chips but I they gave me room temp beans instead. Worst bbq experience of my life. Just stick to the restaurant.
(2)Billy R.
Great food.
(4)Lauren S.
We really wanted a simple meal, just a burger and some drinks. The weather was beautiful, so we sat outside. They have great outdoor seating at high tables, but the first thing we noticed was that the gravel textured tables hurt our arms!. Sounds stupid, but it's a matter of comfort! We weren't given drink menus so we ordered bourbon and gingers which prompted our waitress to ask if we wanted the 'Not Your Grandma's Bourbon and Ginger.' I had remembered seeing it in the picture of the drinks menu here on Yelp and remembered seeing something about vanilla infused bourbon which sounded yummy. We got two and regretted it almost instantly. I guess I forgot that it said 'vanilla spice infused bourbon' which apparently means they put in 800 cloves. It was so intense, it practically overwhelmed every other flavor. It was a strong drink and I'm sure it would appeal to some people so I sucked it up (as fast as I could, actually) and then ordered a different drink. My boyfriend got the derby julep which was fantastically tasty and served in a cool Woodfords copper julep cup, albeit it was scarcely larger than an egg-cup and priced as a pint-drink but I digress. I got the 'tangled up in bloom' which was tangled up in something, but not elderflower which I was hoping for. It was good but there was just too much going on for my taste. For food, we ordered: *A regular Caesar salad which was great and they split it onto two plates for us to share. The grilled lemon slice was a HUGE plus in my book! *Rib appetizer and a side of fries which were good but expensive for the portion. *W.E.T. Cheeseburger with jalapeños, medium. It was a little dry and overlooked, so I was glad that I ordered the jalapeños which moistened it. The slices were really thick and unwieldy, though. After two more derby juleps, we felt just fine and barely jumped out of our seats at the tab that came to just shy of a hundred dollars. I guess at almost ten bucks a pop, our drinks got us there! Not quite a home run. Overpriced drinks for the size. It seems like a good place to sit at the bar for a while... But not too long or the drinks will put you in the poor house!
(4)Jennifer M.
This review is for the food at brunch. I can't really comment on this place as a drinking spot since I came here on a Sunday afternoon. I'm not too sure I would come here outside of brunch or happy hour, but that seems to be what they do well with a quickly rotating list of great beers on tap and imaginative happy hour specials. They got got me with their snow day menu... a special menu whenever snow is falling outside the building! Anyhoo, the wings here are pretty amazing. I may take them up on their 50 wing challenge one day. I had one of their mulled cider drinks, which was very nice also. This place is a tad pricey, but I'll definitely be going back.
(4)Lauren F.
This place is incredible, amazing cocktails and the food is amazing and big portions too I come here every week.
(4)Andrew J C.
This is my favorite place in Boulder. The food is amazing (I recommend the Mac and Cheese) and the drink list is endless and top notch. You will find something you want to drink here and it won't kill your wallet. I like the crowd the comes here. When I'm upstairs I often look around and see people from all different "scenes" enjoying themselves. While there are TVs with sports on, it's not annoying and overall you don't find too many "douchy" people here. Also, stand up comedy playing the in the speakers in the bathroom. Great stuff.
(4)Kym B.
"Do you have something long that's sticky on one end?" This is what I asked the rooftop bartender when we visited West End Tavern for happy hour one Tuesday afternoon. It's not as bad as it sounds; my 2 year old dropped my iPod behind our booth and I needed a creative way to retrieve it. Luckily (for everyone involved) the guy knew what I meant and although he wasn't in possession of anything long or sticky, he WAS able to deftly move the whole booth aside and rescue the fallen iPod. Props for the extra help! West End has some seriously awesome happy hour deals. Delicious margs (in pint glasses!) for $3. Cosmos for $3. Beam & Coke slushies (slushies!!) for $5. The HH food options are all around $5 or less, and there's nothing mini about them. The W.E.T. fries (smothered in cheese and guacamole) are massive. The Yam Chips (with more guacamole!) are served in a bowl so huge you could mix a batch of cookies in it. Everthing is tasty and delicious and cheap and they don't even charge you extra for the super-awesome rooftop views and lush rooftop garden foliage. Half of the patio is even covered, just in case a Front Range Quickie-Storm rolls through. So... if you're looking for something long and sticky, you might be out of luck. But if you're looking for a chill patio, some awesome food, cheapie Happy Hour deals, and a great all-around experience, check out West End Tavern. We'll be back!
(5)Jake B.
Get the wings extra crispy. .. awesome!
(4)Holly G.
This place is alright. They have a pretty good Happy Hour though, and that is the only time I have actually dined here. For $5 you can get a mini (about 6) ribs on HH. You can also get some pretty good beer, margarita, and cosmo specials on Happy Hour, too. West End has a great roof-top patio, which Denver is lacking and Boulder has a ton of (jealous Denverite moment). The service is hit or miss. I don't think I would come here other than HH though. The dinner prices seem a bit steep for the type of food and the bar-like atmosphere.
(3)Kimberly I.
Yum. West End Tavern has never disappointed me. I LOVE this place and when I have company in, or decide to take a day trip to Boulder I always end up here. They have lots of beers on tap to accompany the delicious "bar food." You may have seen this establishment on man vs. food as well. The hot wings that Adam Richman tries to scarf down are delicious and HUGE! Try the wing challenge if you dare. But the most prized possession on the menu (in my eyes) are the yam chips with guacamole. I don't think there is anything better than these crunchy chips and house made guac. A true favorite of mine. I definitely recommend this place to anyone!
(5)Megan M.
My husband and I stopped by here for some after dinner drinks on a Sunday night. The roof top patio is great! Its covered yet open and airy. We sat at the bar and ordered some drinks. The atmosphere is very laid back, just what we were looking for. Great beer selection too! My husband ordered a scotch taster, and loved it! They have live music on Sunday, although it was a bit cheesy it was definitely enjoyable. Great place! We definitely will be returning to the roof top patio!
(4)Christa L.
Round 2, I keep coming back to this area.... So this time around I stepped into the West End because Jax was closed. No oysters for me (sad face.) Nonetheless, the West End delivered on their food. My friend and I ended up sharing appetizers since we had to make room for the alcohol later than evening. We ordered the buffalo wings and deviled eggs. The deviled eggs were delicious, I know right, deviled eggs? The wings were pretty good, they had a nice buttery texture to them. Which for us sharing filled me up that only gave me about 7 wings to devour. It also made my hamster wheel spin because they didn't look that big.....maybe I could eat 50 of them. That will be for next time, because lord knows I'm sure I'll be back here again..
(4)Greg S.
This place has really gone down hill. It use to be our go to place, but over the last 6 to 9 month they have changed out about all of the staff and the new crew just can't deliver like the old one. We use to go once or even twice a week, but now it is officially "off the list"
(2)Cristina F.
Mac & cheese = awesome Ribs = fall of the bone awesome Good beer selection. I tried to be tough and order a bourbon cocktail, terrible decision. Holy sh!t was that strong! Boyfriend called it "mild", haha.
(4)Mat M.
If I lived here I would likely visit pretty often. Met a buddy there for a drink. They had live music, the service was good for how busy they were. Looked like when the weather is nice the open air second story would be a pleasant place to enjoy a brew. They had a nice selection of beers on tap, including some phenomenal sour ales. Wings were good, and the only downside was it was pretty noisy.
(4)Kinsey A.
I ate at the West End a couple of nights ago and was not impressed. They did not have a gluten free menu and the waitor could not tell me what was gluten free and what wasn't. I ended up ordering a burger without a bun. Lame. I wouldn't recommend for anyone who has a gluten restricted diet. theglutenfreecollegekid.…
(2)Rachael B.
Two words. Chicken wangs. Four words actually : Happy Hour Chicken Wangs. I love the West End. The whole menu isn't epic, but the chicken wings sure are. I love that they use Red Bird chicken so I don't get those really ridiculous hormone-mongo wings that are not cooked all the way through :/ Great beers on tap, great bartenders (Nate rocks!), fun rooftop during the summer, PBR tall boys for about $3.50 during happy hour, deviled eggs covered in bacon, oh and chicken wangs. I've ventured into some of the salad options (the wedge salad is pretty good) and a lot of my friends really like the fish and chips. Chicken and waffles is pretty damn tasty, too. But really, its the deliciously fried, batter-free, tangy, spicy wings that keep me coming back. Happy hour : $7 for a dozen. Holler.
(4)Karen M.
I so rarely get to Boulder, especially the Pearl Street Mall area, so I randomly picked this restaurant to meet a colleague for lunch. When I walked in, West End felt like my kind of place, warm and unpretentious. We sat in the outdoor, rooftop seating area which was pleasant. The service was cheerful and attentive enough, but I was underwhelmed by the food. I ordered the smoked pork sandwich. Thin slices of smoked pork was served on dry (!), thick white bread with a small side of BBQ sauce. I tried to dunk the sandwich in the sauce, but everything sort of fell apart. The BBQ sauce just seemed like it was Kraft. Yam chips were crispy but had very little flavor. My companion's burger looked good - but average. Meh.
(2)Brandi F.
Some coworkers recommended this place, and we'd heard about its 50 wing challenge. I had some wings for an appetizer and a large salad for my entree. The wings were large, but not the best tasting that I've ever had. My salad was okay, but nothing to recommend to anyone. My bf had a burger, which he thought was "alright." It was a nice evening, so we sat on the roof patio. The atmosphere was good, not too loud. The seats were uncomfortable and the waiter didn't appear very often, but was nice when he did. West End Tavern is "alright."
(3)Cole J.
I really like this bar. Just moved to town from Chicago and we always end up here if we want to grab a drink. Great happy hour, good food. The upstairs bar area has the best atmosphere. And, the beer selection is good, and not limited to only CO beer which is really great. The bottle list is a bit overpriced, but still lots of options.
(4)Paul H.
Gorgeous rooftop deck, great microbrews on tap, beautiful bar, very yummy comfort food. Great happy hour deals. Have taken several friends here and we always enjoy.
(5)Leo C.
Came here for a casual lunch with friends. It had a nice atmosphere and interesting menu, but nothing screams come-back-here-the-next-time-you're-in-Boulder unfortunately. We had the Sweet potato chips and guacamole - that was one pretty unique and cool appetizer to try. The staff was pretty friendly in general. They are apparently known by the locals for their good whiskey selection. I tried the Whiskey flights special - $12 for a good selection of pappy whiskey. They also have lots of local beers here, with natural burgers. Not a bad place to checkout if you're in this area.
(3)Lu S.
Great roof top deck & bar, especially on a 75 degree day. Go there for fantastic beer on top, not the food. Stick with the Reubens & you'll be satisfied .
(3)Paul B.
I'm writing this review based on the service and knowledge of the bartenders. All of them are incredibly well versed in all aspects of the entire array of products they serve... which is vastly extensive. If you care to learn about, Bourbon, Scotch, beer, or any bar item.... these guys will give you a PhD level course... for free! The drinks aren't free... the knowledge is. They deliver! Kudos!
(4)Bobby T.
I've been going to The West End Tavern for quite some time now. Yes, I'm kinda old. I knew the West End when they had unobstucted views of the Flatirons from their rooftop deck, and that was the place to go and have drinks when the weather was perfect. I knew the West End when their burger sucked, and then got to be the best burger in town. I drank Bourbon at The West End before drinking Bourbon at The West End was cool. I'm not saying I invented it, I'm just sayin'. The West End is a great place to go and have drinks. Their food is also pretty darn good, albeit pricey. I know ownership changed hands a few years ago, and that's when the food got a little haughty. It's good food, mind you, it just seems a little out of place. I still think they have one of the best burgers in Boulder, but it seems like it's fallen off a little recently. Are they no longer hand packing the ground chuck? 4 stars. Minus 1 star because of the "college elite" factor I always feel when I'm in there. Like, I'm too old and square to be hanging out in there drinking bourbon, even though all the youngsters are the ones drinking their fine bourbon mixed with Coke.
(3)joshua e.
Great beer selection local and fresh, ok menu nothing spectacular, great roof deck. Overall a goto bar
(5)Sam R.
The best deal in the house is the prime rib on Friday evening. $20 for a 12 ounce prime rib with all the fixings. Excellent service and friendly staff.
(4)Taylor P.
Awesome Spot! Came here because of the Man v. Food episode while travelling in the Denver / Boulder area. We stopped in after walking around the Pearl Street Mall for some beers and wings. They have a great selection of local brews, and MAN OH MAN, the wings were FANTASTIC. Some of the best tasting wings I have had, for sure. If you are in the neighborhood, check this place out.
(4)James W.
I don't go for the drinks here, so I find the menu a bit limited. Dinner menu is almost same as lunch and only 4 entrees for brunch. Guac is fresh, but on bland side, but yam chips nice touch. Fish and chips was really too much batter on good fish, and really left a heavy oil feeling in our stomachs (we're wusses?). HH used to be better, with more choices too. Many seems to like the bar atmosphere downstairs, but I find it dark and dingy, so I always head up to the roof deck with a view; front room upstairs is ok, but can get very noisy. A place to consider when no one has strong opinions on what food to eat!? (just the basics)
(3)Sani G.
I'm giving this place 4 stars because the manager contacted me after my initial review and asked me to return...so I did. We returned on two different occasions and both were MUCH better than our first visit. The food and service were infinitely better, and no one knew who we were so they weren't deliberately on their best behavior. I'll return, nice job.
(4)Kerianne S.
We had just gotten back to Boulder after a day of hiking and thought we'd check out a place we hadn't been before. The outside seating was full, as well as the upstairs so we sat inside. The atmosphere was nice and the beer selection as well as the other bar options were great. I ordered a veggie burger and the individual I was with got the jalapeño burger. His burger and fries were great and the burger was cooked perfectly to his specifications. My burger on the other hand came out cold, as did my fries. The plate was actually warmer than the food. When I told our waiter he told me I could get my food reheated or get something different. Reheated!!! I was in the mood for something more substantial and a little greasy, so no, I didn't want to get a salad. I just wanted a veggie burger that was done right, but apparently that wasn't an option. Instead of leaving satisfied I left hungry. Overall a great place to grab a drink and chill, but the service and food is really spotty.
(2)Jason K.
Love their food. Order anything and you'll be sure to like it! Great happy hour, friendly staff. Watch out for the shuffle board tho-- it curves!
(4)Shaun S.
Stopped in for an early dinner after having a late breakfast and no lunch today. We sat outside in a very dog-friendly environment (yeah!) and were able to watch the sunset. Starting with the Yam chips and Guac (huge portion), for our meal I had the pulled pork and the wife went with the burger. Her fries were awesome and I had the house salad with lemon vinagrette dressing. Never got inside, but our staff was very friendly, definitely a place we'll go to again when back in town.
(4)Nay S.
This place was absolutely amazing. I always have a hard time finding good places to eat when traveling out of town. Being from Portland kind of makes you food spoiled. I was hear with a few folks and everything we ordered was great. The burger was local beef and delicious, their Reuben was nicely grilled, the fries were crisp and the coleslaw was some of the best. Someone also had the blacked wahoo and he claimed it was the best fish sandwich he's ever had. I had a taste of the fish and found it tasty even though I'm not a big seafood lover.
(5)Leigh B.
Very good!!! Eat upstairs on the balcony! Views are amazing!!!!
(4)Scott M.
Rolling smoke BBQ at Louisville festival. Ordered the brisket burger. As I was really hungry, didn't look at meat until sandwich half eaten. Completely raw, even my friends were shocked at how raw the meat was. I threw rest of sandwich away. Less than an hour later, I vomited the sandwich. Has only two beers and doubt it was that. Eaten there food at the restaurant and has always been good but will stay away from the rolling smoke BBQ at future festivals.
(1)Ashley B.
Came here the other night for drinks after a performance. The bartenders immediately wanted to help me but I was waiting for people. When one showed up, a fellow musician, the other bartender began to semi-hit on us but it was more flattering than creepy. We finally grabbed a table. This was the only issue I had- we got there at 9:50 or so and sat down at like 10:02 and so we watched people get waited on, but it turns out waiter service stops at 10:00. So we sat there waiting and waiting until finally we just asked why we didn't have a waiter. This isn''t exactly anyone's fault, but was just kind of annoying. Turns out, Man vs. Food had been there the night before and in his honor they made a "wing-tini". A martini with tomato ciroq vodka, lemon, cucumber, with hot wing sauce in the bottom of the glass and a cucumber tomato garnish and salt and pepper rim. It was good- like a subtle bloody mary with three times the vodka. If I were them I would add a blue cheese olive to really make it like a wing. We also stayed long enough to enjoy happy hour, where my friends got $3 drafts and I got a $3 margarita. I was surprised because it was 16 oz and was pretty strong, always good, (but also served to me by previously mentioned bartender who hit on me, so maybe that's why). Later, someone I was with ordered WET fries- seasoned fries with cheese, sour cream, guac, and bacon, with onion rings on the side. Very good but ironically almost needed salt. overall I liked it here, and I would definitely come back.
(4)Lindsay R.
If there's one thing I miss about Boulder, it's the West End Tavern, and their delicious and unique concotions, especially those based in bourbon! Don't miss out.
(4)Ron B.
One of my best friends came to visit Denver over the summer and on a trip to Boulder, we ended up here for dinner. Really enjoyed it. Even with it being crowded, service was swift and menu was diverse and interesting. Rooftop seating was a nice touch, too.
(4)Brian L.
Enjoyed the Bourbon flights, very knowledgeable and friendly bartender with great food.
(5)Matt M.
Whoever's manning the smoker knows what they're doing. Thus far, the meals I've had have been dynamite, both flavor-wise and in presentation. I eat here often and I have yet to be disappointed. I have 2 wishes, though: 1. Put that wonderful smoker to use with other dishes. 2. Get a few more of our wonderful local beers on tap. As an aside: If you have an afternoon to spend on whiskey, this is the place!
(4)Karyn E.
Made a reservation for 6 the day before, which had 'disappeared' by the time we arrived. Turned away w/o a blink, neither the manager nor the hostess made any attempt to seat us or repair the damage, and we ended up going elsewhere & feeling extremely snubbed. What ever happened to customer service?!? Won't be going back.
(1)Lauren S.
The Best Selection of Whiskey I have seen in my entire life! A friend and I stumbled in on a Sunday afternoon and were transported to a whiskey lover's paradise. Rare, limited, antique, you name it and they have it. Thomas Handy Sazerac and the Papi 15 yr are delicious! Create your own flight, it won't be regretted. Not to mention the wings are quite tasty as well.
(5)Alexandra F.
West End girl She's been eating in her West End world I bet she never had a tavern cheeseburger I bet her thighs never told her why I'm gonna try for the West End girl She's been living in her Cobb salad world As long as anyone with hot blood can And now she's looking for a greasy cow That's what I am And when she knows what She wants from her dinner time And when she get's off at 5 And makes up her mind Shell see I'm not so bad Just because I'm in love with West End girl You know I've seen her in her greasy West End world She's getting tired of the patio's high class flatiron views And all her extra French fries from the West End boys She's got a choice West End girl You know I cant afford to buy her sweet potato crusted trout But maybe someday when my skis comes in Shell understand what kind of guy I've been And then I'll win And when she's walking down Pearl Street She's looking so fine And when she's speed racing She'll say that she's mine She'll say I'm not so tough Just because She's been living in her Cobb salad world As long as anyone with hot blood can And now she's looking for a greasy cow That's what I am West End girl She's my West End girl You know I'm in love With a West End girl My West End girl Don't you know I'm in love With a West End girl My West End girl Don't you know I'm in love With a West End girl My West End girl * Star one is for a great patio on the top floor ** Star two is for the great view to the side of the patio *** Star three is for yummy French fries **** Star for is for a great and friendly waitress ***** Star five is for great use of space and nice and local
(5)JJ N.
Great spot to have a drink on Pearl Street. I really dig the place and their ever changing beer selection. They have or had my Favorite on tap which is a Belgium Triple called Gulden Draak. The place had a great vibe and the food looked fantastic from what I saw my friends having. I personally heard the wings were the ticket and while I enjoyed them I wouldn't endorse them or go out of my way to have them again as I did on that day!
(3)Spencer K.
I've been craving Buffalo Wings for the past month or so. I saw that they had a Wing King challenge where they challenge visitors to eat 50 wings in 30 minutes. I wasn't 50-wing hungry so I just order 12 wings. They were really zingy and tasty. I approve. There was a skinny guy next to us that tried to Wing King challenge. He was really close, but really close doesn't count. The other food looked really good, but since I planned on hopping around, all I had were the wings.
(4)Phil M.
Another favorite of mine. If you are looking to get together with some friends for a beer and some good pub food, this is one of the best places in Boulder. The view isn't quite as good as it once was from the roof top seating/bar but it is still gorgeous on a nice day. I recommend the sweet potato chips and guacamole, gorgonzola mac and cheese and any of the burgers (you can't really go wrong though). A bit loud and not particularly good for kids though.
(5)Melissa H.
I'm giving the West End 4 stars for ambience - great downstairs dining area, covered patio upstairs, and an extensive drink and whisky/bourbon list. However, I'd only give 3 stars for the food. Good food, but slightly overpriced. The one thing I will gladly pay more for are their burgers which come from beef raised on a local ranch in Boulder. I've been to the West End several times but haven't reviewed it. Today I had the blackened mahi mahi sandwich which came on a very tasty wheat bun that looked like it had flax seeds in it. It wasn't too dense or filling. The mahi was pretty good and the sandwich was topped with some of their cole slaw and came with a side of tartar sauce. I had a side of cole slaw which was surprisingly good. It isn't a mayonaissey type, but tasted more like it had a ginger or sesame dressing on it along with some fennel seeds in it. It was a blend of green & red cabbage. The pseudo hubby had a grilled veggie reuben which came on a marble rye. It was okay, but not worth the price at all. There weren't that many veggies and it lacked spice or something. Luckily a few dashes of Cholula sparked it up a bit. They also had a Sunday brunch menu that looked good - including gumbo biscuits & gravy that I'll have to come back for sometime. I ordered their house bloody mary for only $4 and it had really good kick... probably one of the better bloody mary's I've had. It came with a lemon & lime wedge and two olives. It could've used a pickle or a celery spear. The West End is a solid bet for food and drink... although if it were up to me, I'd rather come for the drinks and an appetizer (perhaps the deviled eggs) rather than spending the money on a full entree.
(4)Dustin G.
Well well, the West End: I've been here a few times, first with my father who threw down $30 on just drinks on himself at about 1 PM in the afternoon (you heard me), and the second time with some business associates who many of you might know first hand. This place reeks of low-lit high-end class but not in a pretentious way: i.e. it's still accessible to the commoners, like myself. Still, at first I didn't like the place much, but this was mainly because I didn't realize its crucial element: it has a kick-ass patio. OH! I now understand. In any case, the West End Tavern specializes in Whiskey, the best hard alcohol out there, and definitely has some high-end killer mixed drinks. Still, me being a cheap-ass (*cough* *cough*) I wasn't willing to throw down $10 to try one. Instead, I got a 90 schilling beer (standard, good) and got the black bean and mushroom Rueben, which was.....fantastic. No seriously, I was incredibly impressed by their vegetarian adaptation of this classic deli sandwich. Even the fries were great. The service? Well, my associates (yes, you know who you are) put the servers through the hoops, asking for all the special add-ons. And yes, they performed up to snuff. In conclusion, if the prices were just a bit lower, and the place just a bit less crowded, this would be "my number 1." As it stands now, when I feel like getting a little loose with my pocket book, this is where I go.
(4)Alejandro D.
I'm surprised this place doesn't have better rankings. I went in and throughly enjoyed it. It was like a bar but without the drunk idiots. I mean... I'm one of those sometimes but when I want to do that i go somewhere else. It's a good place to have a good tasting drink (albeit a bit expensive) with a couple friends and chat. I wish it stayed opened later though
(4)Allyson K.
Our family went to The West End Tavern at the end of our day touring the CU campus and we weren't disappointed. Had a decently big group and were seated immediately on their patio which is a very nice size and have a little bit of a view of the Flat Irons if you look around the corner. Our server was very attentive and patient with us. For an appetizer, we ordered the burnt ends. They were very well seasoned and bite size so easy to eat and share. For entree's, we all ordered burgers of some sort. Their burgers are not just your typical burger - the meat is delicious and the buns are more high end. They've got great fries as well! The only thing that isn't great about sitting on the top level patio is that you have to walk down 4 flights of stairs to get the bathroom but they can't really change that. Overall, if I were coming back to the Boulder area, I would come back!
(4)Lauren D.
We had a mostly good experience at West End on Friday night. We got a table on the rooftop patio within 10 minutes and it was beautiful up there on a warm summer night! We all had Boulder Passports so our server got us our "Not Your Grandma's Bourbon & Ginger" cocktails right away. I got the pulled pork platter and thought it was pretty good. The slaw on the side was refreshingly light, as opposed to the mayo-heavy stuff you usually get elsewhere. The downsides were that the sweet potato fries were WAY oversalted! And that's coming from someone who loves salt. Also, there was some sort of technical difficultly going on with their string lights which made it feel like we were eating dinner under a strobe light. All salt and light issues aside, I enjoyed West End.
(4)J. E.
It's been a couple years since I went to the West End, so not sure if it's changed much since then. The burgers and salads were good, the service was generally pretty good. Good selection of beers, both local and other. Can't say much else about the food as I've only ever had burgers and salads here. The last time I was there was for a Meetup event on the rooftop patio in 2013. Unfortunately, it rained heavily that evening and the protection from the elements wasn't great. It was crowded, hot and sticky that night. The service wasn't so good that night either. The music was good, but they had to quit when the rain came in.
(4)Kellie F.
A last minute find via Yelp...sign out front says Beer, Bourdon and BBQ! We went for lunch so didn't order any beer or bourdon, but their selection of bourdon was the best I've ever seen! And the prices were great as well. We started our lunch experience by sharing the deviled eggs appetizer. I love deviled eggs! And these were delicious....topped with a dab of hot sauce...perfect! My husband ordered the Carolina pulled pork sandwich with French fries and I ordered the daily special...smoked turkey rueben with side order of cole slaw. Both of our meals were good...I wasn't fond of the cole slaw but that's because I'm from the south and don't care for vinegar based cole slaw...I like my Mayo!! Next time we'll come back for dinner so that we can do a bourdon tasting!!
(4)Tonya H.
Well let's see....awesome place to go! Went based off of yelp reviews and this place did not disappoint. Caught the tail end of happy hour and scored a burger for $5. Be aware, if you do not like a well done burger let them know ahead of time. We then tried the mac-n-cheese. Not bad, it's corkscrew style with breadcrumbs served in a skillet. The burnt ends were deliciousness! The bbq sauce they are served with was spot on. Wedge salad was just ok, the pickled jar which had pickles, green beans, and onions.....wonderful. last but not least the goat cheese Chile dip was pretty tasty. Now for the drinks....hot damnnnnnnnnn! The not your grandma's burbon and ginger was ridiculous! One drink and I was lile whoa! Eve. Better only $5 during happy hour. You definitely get your monies worth. If you can opt to sit on the rooftop. Customer service was great! Our server Michelle was fantastic!!! Bottom line this place was awesome and definitely a place to check out.
(4)Katy S.
We ended up at The West End Tavern on a rainy night in Boulder when we were looking for a spot for after dinner drinks. The downstairs area was very crowded, so we head upstairs for our drinks. The staff was very nice. We had more than 1 staff member that helped guide us to finding a spot to sit as we were originally standing. They had a very good local craft beer menu, which we all willingly chose off of. The atmosphere upstairs was very relaxed and there were a lot of groups in there and a good mix of people. I wish that we hadn't eaten because the food at West End Tavern looked great. If my memory serves me correct, I remember seeing someone eating a BBQ sandwich of some sort and it smelled delightful! I can't speak to the taste of the food, but the smell was great. All in all, a nice Pearl St spot!
(4)Mike S.
Not sure why a Texan keeps returning to a BBQ joint in Colorado! Well, West Tavern is pretty darn good and has a great Colorado beer selection. We went on a Sunday afternoon for an early dinner. There was no wait. We sat on the rooftop, which is a great place to enjoy the Boulder weather and scenery. The special was a chopped brisket sandwich topped with avocado, roasted peppers, fried onion strings and a couple other toppings I can't recall. My son ordered this and said it was delicious. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich. It was very good, maybe a touch on the dry side, served with a tangy Carolina style sauce. Both sandwiches came with fries. The fries are fresh cut and cooked. Excellent! My wife had the bbq'd chicken, a serving that includes a leg and thigh. She said it was very smoky and tender. It came with cole slaw, which is pretty light on dressing and contains what tastes like fennel. Very light and tasted good. The beer selection is great. I had an Asian-spiced white IPA from local brewer Upscale. It was a staff pick and very light and refreshing. My wife had an Odell wheat that was also very good. The waitstaff was very friendly and prompt. Our total bill was about $70, which seemed reasonable for large food servings and 4 beers. All in all, still a 4 star experience at West End Tavern.
(4)Carrie N.
Days after we moved to Boulder, we went to the West End Tavern for some serious beer and food. It took only a few minutes to seat us before we were lead up to the rooftop patio - as if I needed another reason to fall in love with Boulder. The beer selection was righteous with many unexpected bottle options. The service was on point - which really impressed me. Considering how the building is laid out, I can't imagine maneuvering through floors with so many crowds could be as easy as they make it seem. I ordered a veggie burger and it was delicious. The food came out pretty quickly, all things considered. The atmosphere was unparalleled - especially when adding in the view of the rooftop patio. All in all, we had a great time and look forward to coming back soon.
(4)Kristy C.
I wanted to love this place but it was average. The rooftop was nice - you could find the same elsewhere though. Drinks were okay, nothing special. Crowd was either older or college out for a big fancy night and not much in between. I might go again but I think there are better places for food and drink. We had the burger special and it was fine. I can see this place having atmosphere on a good night but for this one ... average, at best.
(3)Scott M.
Excellent food and service. Highly recommended and the rooftop area has a great atmosphere.
(4)Gino C.
Delicious food, reasonable prices and get drink selection. I ordered the shrimp and grits and was very impressed. The cornbread appetizer was out of this world and the honey butter that accompanies it is a nice touch. Healthy portions too. I tried the Avery barrel aged bourbon Pump[KY]n and at 17.22% ABV it was a welcome change of pace. Surprisingly smooth and fresh. The service was great and the staff was friendly on a busy Friday night and I look forward to coming again!
(4)Katherine S.
I was sad to miss out on the happy hour here, but they have a mean one, so make sure to check this spot out if you're in the area. If you're lucky, they may have the rooftop open; grab a drink and head on upstairs. I don't think the rooftop was open the night we were here for dinner. I ordered the special chili of the night -- ground beef chili made from scratch with green chili. It had some nice heat to it and it was served with chips. I also ordered a pale ale (a pilsner) to round out the night. My boyfriend saw the 23 year Pappy Van Winkle on their (extensive) liquor menu and he said he had to get it since it's pretty hard to find in California. It was really smooth, but a pricey glass of Bourbon. Our waiter was great and the food was delicious as well!
(4)Chad N.
First time up in Boulder and after watching man vs. Food i had to come here as i love me some chicken wings! I was bummed that you are now only able to do the challenge a few times a year however no big - got a normal order that was amazing. Girlfriend got the goat cheese dip and a bloody Mary, probably the best i have ever had. I chose a beer off the rare list for 26bucks. I think thats high, but you cant find some on the list - the gamble did pay off as it was awesome too. We sat upstairs where the heat was on, staff was on par bringing hot food and making sure cups were full. Nice clean place that smells of yummy BBQ smoke. Next time im in Boulder i will be back.
(5)Mike B.
The receipt said "Review us on YELP!", so here it goes... Great food and great atmosphere. Everything was fine until I finished my dinner. I got up to wash up in the restroom, and when I returned to my table, I found the hostess seating another couple at MY TABLE! I was only gone long enough to wash the barbecue sauce from my hands, and I hadn't even paid yet! Well, they were very apologetic and sat me at another table to pay the bill. Great dinner with a disturbing end.
(3)Nick C.
Came here for the wings that I saw on man vs food, they looked so delicious on TV. I had wings at a place called Vendetta's in Vail earlier in the day that just about knocked my socks off so I was anxious to compare being the connoisseur that I am. First of all, the wings were rather small, and very dry. Definitely could've used another coating in the sauce before coming out. The taste, I would say, was average. The wings I had earlier in the day in Vail were not only a better value, but WAY better. $9 for half a dozen average wings is just way too much. What I did love was the beer selection. Very nice variety of local Colorado beers at a decent enough price point. I would come back for this alone. My server was a female named Megan I think, she did a great job and was very personable.
(4)Brandon Y.
Stopped here for a quick lunch break at work for the first time, and man, I was impressed... I hadn't eaten there, despite it only being a block from my work, so I was looking forward to trying it. Glad I did. I asked for the waiter's recommendation, and he said he really likes the Prime Tavern Burger, so I had them toss some avocado on it, and went with it. Perfectly cooked. Not dry. Juicy. Delish. I'll be back. Thanks!
(4)Tyler C.
Good spot on Pearl that is somewhat famous from a TV show years back. Very casual with a patio, upper deck, and indoor. I had the wings and they lived up to the TV show fame. Very good. Seating on the patio was great people watching. The upper deck is the coveted location that is probably worth waiting for if you have time.
(4)Dayne B.
Exceptional service and a very solid meal. Wings to start, pork sandwich with house made cole slaw. Straight up solid. I had a couple "Anchorman"s, a play on a Manhattan while my friends enjoyed some craft beers. The upstairs open air deck, 5 star setting on a nice summer evening.
(4)James J.
Terrible service. Food isn't too good either. I've been here 2 or 3 times but never again. Waitress ignored us for long periods of time
(2)Samantha L.
Wow Wow Wow!!! I found this place randomly while looking for a place to take my boyfriend. I ordered the corn bread to start which was AMAZING! It came with whipped honey butter that is to die for. For my main course I got the pulled pork sandwich, they put a giant onion ring in the middle which I didn't think sounded good, but it was heaven in my mouth. I can't wait to go again!
(5)Ann Marie R.
We stopped at West End after a trek to Mt. Evans and UC Boulder, after reading Yelp reviews. It was great! Sat on the rooftop, enjoyed the picnic eggs and beer, and the sandwiches are great!
(4)Derek S.
About the only thing good from here was the service. The waitress was nice and accommodating, but I came here for food (expectance of a tavern anyways). This night, I wasn't feeling the wings, and glad I wasn't cause my brother got sick later that night from them, so I got the fish and chips. The fish was bland, no taste at all. You would figure there might be some taste to fish, but nope, not here. The fries weren't that great either, best part of the meal was the "spicy" tartar sauce. In short, the place looked nice, and the waitress was nice as well, but I won't be coming back. I can get a drink somewhere else with food to complement it.
(2)Katie A.
I'm from Miami and I'm in Boulder for a week. I yelped local dinner spots (as I always do when I'm visiting a new city) and this one had good reviews, so I checked it out. I sat on the 2nd floor terrace overlooking the flat irons (as recommended by the yelpers). I ordered a sanita ipa and a veggie burger. And I was very satisfied. Kudos to the chef(s). The staff was very friendly too. Great spot! A must visit if ur in the area.
(4)Bob W.
Fantastic BBQ platter - perfect for four people. Great drinks, atmosphere and food. Great view from the roof top. Highly recommend.
(5)Jason J.
I've heard this place has been redesigned? I have no idea. but it looks good! I popped in here one random Monday afternoon for a couple snacks after a stroll on the Pearl St Mall. Our server was a trainee, and aside from being 100% certified adorbs, she was pretty good. The menu was tasty, and diverse, though I think we confused the server quite well with just a few very small app & side orders (we were peckish, not hungry!) and their beer list was small but had a great locally focused element, so that was grand. It was a quick trip, during a very non-busy time. I'm not in Boulder very often but enjoyed the experience and I'm pretty sure I'll be back.
(4)Amy P.
The food is soooooo good my husband's exact words were the best fried chicken biscuit sandwich hes ever had. I love theyre blackened shrimp po boy. Also they have really good homemade mac n cheese.
(5)Dave C.
Stopped in for lunch on my last day in Boulder. Really enjoyed my meal. I was by myself and sat on the roof top and didn't realize what a great view of the mountains you'd have. That was a bonus in my book. As for the service, Emily was really great. The food was pretty good as well. I had the pork shoulder BBQ and I thought it was pretty good. Maybe not as good as the BBQ I used to get when I lived in TN and GA but not bad. The fries were pretty good as well. I didn't have any drinks but the selection of bourbons was pretty good and I would have loved to have tried one of the flights they offered. Maybe next time I'm in town I can give it a shot.
(4)Kiki R.
We had a delicious lunch at West End Tavern. I ordered the veggie burger and it was house made, flavorful and filling. Loved the tomato jam that came with (I opted for the avocado slices instead of the cheese .) My husband had the ham and cheese and potato fennel soup and a strawberry rhubarb tart and enjoyed it. The service was super quick, even on a busy Saturday and our server recommended a beer we both really enjoyed.
(5)Cara L.
Everything we ordered was delicious; grilled cheese, field green salad, steak sandwich. The redstone black raspberry mead is delicious, the rotating beer list is great too. Pretty competitively priced. Service was great and laid back ambience! The upstairs patio is great! Mountain views and beautiful planters on the ledges.
(5)Alice K.
Boozy Sunday bar hopping destination 2. West End is a favorite of mine for happy hour and summertime lounging. The upstairs, back patio is gold - if you're lucky, you'll get a seat with a view of the gorgeous flatirons. We ordered the Not Your Grandma's Bourbon and Ginger (Yelp & Boulder Passport special), two sides of fries, and an order of buffalo wings. Fries and wings are basic finger foods - nothing special about these ones, but just as tasty. The drink was different, as I usually order beers, but still quite good. There's just something about taking sip of a drink and taking in the glory of the mountains.
(4)Isabella S.
This place was perfect for a late lunch. We started with the cornbread which was sweet and yummy. The burgers were perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious, along with the home cut fries. The great service paired with such amazing food and ambiance is definitely going to have me making the trip from WillVill to come back again!
(5)Jay F.
Excellent high end tavern food. Stylish interior, rooftop with one of the best views in Boulder. They nail the tavern essentials but have a nice variety on their menu. I love their chicken and waffles when they're on the menu (it changes monthly i believe). Huge selection of interesting microbrews. Knowledgeable staff. One of my favorite restaurants in town. A little pricey.
(5)Fern S.
After hiking all morning, we were trying to figure out where to go for lunch on Easter Sunday where no one would notice the mud on our legs and that we left our Easter bonnets at home. The West End Tavern! And thankfully, we were lucky enough to get a table on the rooftop deck. Yes, there is a building blocking the once perfect view, but it's still a nice view, and a great outdoor space with some of the friendliest and most accommodating staff ever. The food is good too. There were some excellent drink specials on this visit, and it looked like the crowd on the roof on this day was enjoying the weather, the view, the hospitality and the cocktails! It was a perfect Sunday all the way around!
(4)Denis N.
Hands down the best BBQ pulled pork I have ever tasted! You should make a point to stop here for some while you are in Boulder! They also have a great selection of beers that pair very well with the food as well as bourbon! I highly recommend a visit here and try the outdoor seating if it's a nice day!
(5)Luis N.
I came in for lunch with my wife on our boulder exploration day. I normally stay away from veggie burgers but the description these guys had of It kinda sold me. My wife ordered the fried chicken and biscuits. My burger came with two big buns and a crap load of fries. Enough fries that if you order this meal, you don't need anyone else to order fries for the table. I enjoyed my burger a lot actually. I took off the top bun because I felt it helped my taste the actual flavors more. I recommend it if you're into trying something new. My wife's dish was good and she enjoyed it but she was expecting chicken and biscuits but basically got two smaller biscuit sandwiches with fried chicken inside it. She loved it but felt it was a piece short since she are the chicken and biscuits separately. I enjoyed their selection of drinks but chose to stay dry this time around. Next time tho I'll try one of their beers.
(4)Jason H.
I always a have a good experience here. The menu selection is somewhat limited but very good. The fried green tomatoes are excellent. The drink options are great.
(4)Angela B.
Ate here on a quick trip to Boulder. I can't remember the name of our server, but he told me he had recently moved from the south. I'm from Florida and we talked about that. I'm saying all this to let him know he did a great job and his suggestions were excellent. I had the Pork Schnitzel and it was FANTASTIC! The apricot mustard and fontina cheese were the perfect addition to this sandwich. The fries were fresh and hand cut. The drink menu is impressive. I wanted to try everything, but we enjoyed local pale ale. Only obstacle are the restrooms which are located downstairs. I didn't mind the walk, but just a precaution if you have difficulty taking stairs or maybe call ahead to see if they have another restroom to accommodate. I can't wait to get back to Boulder and try something else on their menu!
(5)James T.
Food = 4 Price = 4 Experience = 4 Really cool interior and quality service. Good Job!
(4)Jason V.
Excellent. Needed a place to spend an hour waiting on a Hewlett store. They have more whiskey than I've ever seen before. The food is excellent. I had the tomato soup which came with a small grilled cheese. Then I had the buffalo three cheese patty melt. It was all incredible. Great spot
(5)Jennifer P.
Love this place! We come here every time we are in Boulder! It's good casual food, a fun atmosphere, and the servers are always nice! My son loves the frisbee he gets with his meal and we have a collection of frisbees now! Absolutely recommend!
(5)Josh S.
By the time we went it was empty so not sure if this review is fair. Drinks were fine but nothing too memorable. We just say and chilled
(3)Sayoni N.
This place is great! The food is delicious, the drinks are wonderful, the atmosphere is chill--and everything is fairly priced. They have a decent array of vegetation options :) I would definitely visit again.
(4)J M.
Bar tender was incredibly slow and lackadaisical. Place was not clean. Beer selection was only ok. Waiter had no clue about the beers on tap.
(2)Agn M.
We had dinner at the Wed End Tavern again last night. I think they have the best buffalo wings in Boulder.
(5)Cait C.
The wings were decent, cornbread was good. The pie could've been fresher. We enjoyed sitting on the porch upstairs and playing the games in the bar area. Overall and pretty fun place with decent bar food.
(4)Nastassia S.
My boyfriend and I come here often for Happy Hour and the food is always delicious. The wings are nice and crispy and have tons of flavor. The chicken biscuit and fries are tasty as well. The only downside is they tend to fill up quick and we have been turned away before because of limited seating.
(5)Amber R.
The new menu is missing the hallmark yam chips and guacamole. Big disappointment. Host service is usually fair, but last night was sad. We called ahead 30 minutes for a table on the rooftop. We got there on time, and were told the wait was another 25 minutes unless we wanted to sit inside (which was unusually empty). We asked if we could snag a table in the upstairs bar for drinks while we waited. We were told no, they like to keep those open. We approached a waiter who was awesome and glad to have us sit in his section. A few minutes later, the hostess told us our table would be ready soon and we needed to wait by the hostess table. Again, there were plenty of empty tables in the bar area, with no one waiting for one. We indicating we were paying our tab and would be right over. After being seated, at our dinner table the greeting from the new waiter was "Hi, did you pay your bar tab?" After all of the shuffling around and lack of hospitality, that was lame. The food was decent, though our fries were sent out burned. With the mixed signals and attitude of the staff, the new subpar menu might be the best thing about West End right now.
(2)Barbars S.
Party of 7. Pulled pork, fried chicken, grilled cheese, beef pit, mac n cheese,iceberg wedge salad, blackened shrimp po'boy. All superb! Friendly helpful staff. Good service. Definitely worth another visit when in Boulder. Good drinks and brews also. Ate on the roof, good vibes. Liquid gold Carolina bbq sauce out of this world.
(5)John W.
We love the ambiance, beer and vibe of this local restaurant . However, they made a horrible mistake and removed their French Onion Soup from their menu. Creative differences or not , you never remove an item from a menu that you're known for far and wide. They have the best chicken wings in Boulder and we like the chefs new additions. Great for happy hour!
(3)Auston N.
Great vibe, great music, great people, great food! I highly recommend sitting upstairs. They have a patio and also a more enclosed patio area. Great place to chill.
(5)Ernesto M.
We went here last week and we still regret spending $35 bucks on a terrible meal. I got the pork snitzchel sandwich and my wife got the chicken and biscuits with gravy. My sandwich was ok, but not worth the price, I would not order it again. And my wife's chicken was terrible. It was dry and oily, tough to chew and left her feeling sick to her stomach to the next day. We left still hungry with stomach aches feeling oily and gross, and like we spent money on nothing worthwhile. The customer service was also poor- the waiter was rude and condescending and we were charged extra for ranch dressing, without warning, and more than we even ordered. We love going out and never have a problem, which is why it's extra disappointing going somewhere you expect something good when you don't get it. We were with a big group and we didn't complain because we didn't want to be rude to start a scene, but seeing how it was on our minds as a regret this whole week, we wanted to share our unfortunate experience here. Hopefully it was a one time thing, but many people at our group afterwards didn't enjoy their meal, and we previously got wings here that weren't bad, but still dry and tough compared to usual wings. The chicken on the biscuits and gravy was almost inedible though. It tasted like drinking oil while chewing something so tough and having that land and remain in your stomach. Not pleased.
(1)Lynn R.
West End Tavern bring back your old chef! This place has been a Boulder staple for us for years -- great atmosphere, awesome patio & fantastic, fresh, healthy (ish) food. But we may have to find a new staple. The atmosphere and patio are still intact, but the latter...not so much. Does this new chef not know he's in BOULDER, CO?! They actually advertise WHITE bread on the menu. Does anyone in Boulder even eat bread anymore?? If so, it's definitely not white bread. And the yam chips are gone! Say it ain't so! We went on a 2,000' vertical gain hike with the sole purpose of being able to reward ourselves with the yam chips...and we got to West End to find out they only serve them on Thursdays! Wha?? And they only do that because so many people asked to see them back on the menu. I was not at all impressed with the new menu. Far fewer choices on the new menu, even fewer healthy choices...and russet potatoes?? West End please reconsider your new menu choices so we don't have to reconsider our dining choices.
(2)Bryan D.
I had the field greens salad and green chile. My son had the wings and fries. We really enjoyed our food. My wife was not happy at all with the spinach salad she got. The service at West End is excellent. Our waiter Eric talked to my wife about the spinach salad and understood her concern. The manager then came to talk to is about the poorly made spinach salad. The folks at West End made us feel at home and we will be back in the future.
(4)Brett G.
I loved this place. After a wedding in Denver my girlfriend and I had an hour to kill in Boulder. We ended up walking down Pearl Street and found this little gem. We went to the upstairs to the rooftop as it had a nice view of the mountains. The other half of the rooftop didn't have a mountain sightline but it was pretty cool as well. Heh, kind of had a tree garden on the roof next door. The drinks were good. My girlfriend was very pleased with their Jul-IPA beer selections. We came just for drinks but ended up getting the mac and cheese with bacon and pulled pork.. which was great. The service was great too. If I was back in Boulder... I'd definitely come back.
(5)Shawn R.
Roof top is the best way to dine at the West End. I'm not a fan of the actual restaurant its small and poorly lit. Fabulous bourbon selection and great appetizers. Its a must see when you are hosting out of town friends for drinks in Boulder. I miss the home made sweet potato chips they really need to bring those back (WTH were they thinking?). The Mac and Cheese is a huge carb-a-holic extravaganza I highly recommend jumping off your diet and indulging. The designer Root beer is a favorite splurge. I'd give them a 5 Star rating but as mentioned above....no yam chips?
(4)Jackie L.
Came here for lunch on a Saturday - good selection of beer and my friends and I had lunch. The good was typical pub fare, but the fries were seriously dry and old... all of us had fries (2 had reg, 1 had steak fries). My veggie burger was great and filling - well seasoned. My friend had the pork schnitzel sandwich and it was really dry. Loved the burger, hated the old fries. I will come back and try another item and hopefully add a new 5 star rating! Quick sidenote, I would like to say that our service was very nice and attentive!
(3)Carlos Ã.
Best ribs in Boulder, and a very good beer selection. A great place for a business lunch. Highly recommend it.
(5)Sean S.
The wings!!! They are great, the people are great, the beer is great. Love this place!
(5)Devon L.
I love The West End Tavern. My boyfriend and I frequent this place for the amazing wings and extensive whiskey list. The atmosphere on the upstairs patio can't be beat. If you like wings and whiskey, please try West End! You won't be disappointed.
(4)Bob J.
This place is legit, I went for a couple beers and ended up staying for lunch. I had the Pork Schnitzel Sandwich, which was outrageously good, and it's served with amazing homemade pickles. Very good beer selection, and the bartender was knowledgeable and friendly. Will 100% go back next time I'm in Boulder/
(5)Julie P.
Wanted to sit on a rooftop patio, and enjoy the views. This place definitely has some beautiful mountain views. The food was "eh." Atmosphere was good.
(3)Joseph S.
The welcome was...as the bouncer put it "thorough". He inspected my id, asked for not one but two credit cards. It was a little more on the excessive than thorough side. That being said, cool atmosphere, good beer and a great burbon list.
(3)Beth R.
At first glance, I thought I might be in for another "What I did for love" dinners - the kind where my husband is excited about everything on the menu and I nibble on some sad little lettuce leaf someone found in the back of the cooler. And then maybe have to hit up a Dairy Queen drive-thru on the way home so I can fend off a hunger coma with some soft-serve. Well, let me tell you - that didn't happen! And I think it's possible that I found the best veggie burger west of the Mississippi. First, Yelp needs to classify West End Tavern as a BBQ place. That would help those of us who'd spotted it on a walk along Pearl St. and then tried to locate it later on the Yelp app under the BBQ category. Because sure, it's a bar, but it's got some b*tchin' barbecue (according to those in the know (David R.)). Anyway, my hopes rose when I saw that they had a homemade veggie burger. This one was crafted by someone named Julio who knows his way around a veggie patty. It's four main ingredients (chick peas, lentils, spinach and oats) and much more flavorful than you would think. I skipped the cheese and tomato jam and didn't miss them. It also hung together pretty well and was a good size. Really satisfying, and really pleasing to find a well-conceived vegetarian option in a smokehouse. The handcut fries were also excellent - really salty and delish. The service was good, and the wait was minimal on an early Friday night. The hostess resembles Kristin Stewart minus the sourpuss too, if there are any Twi-hards in the house. We sat just outside the kitchen and that is a kind of loud and very warm table, if there are any menopausal women in the house. Whoever's in the house, they will find a great spot for hearty foods and nearly any beer they want.
(4)Tiffany H.
Great food and great service. The pulled pork sandwich was delicious as was the prime tavern burger.
(4)Alexandra W.
I attempted to go here tonight at 7:30 pm for a few appetizers and beers. The hostess was very rude and told us unless we were having a dinner she would not put us on a wait list for a table. When we told her we would get enough appetizers to equal a dinner she still refused to put our names down for a table. It was a horrible experience and will never return, and also tell our friends to never return.
(1)John S.
Have had a number of great meals here with family and friends. The staff are nice, the burgers are great, the corn bread is terrific, and during the warmer months the upstairs deck with its view of the flatirons is awesome. They also have a substantial selection of beer and bourbons (whiskey probably too, but I've focused more on the bourbon). It can get quite busy, so be patient if you have to wait a little bit - well worth it.
(4)Joe K.
I've never caught myself trying to suck the marrow out of a chicken wing before (I'm pretty sure it was hot sauce) and I'm slightly embarrassed to say I might have bit the waitress if she had attempted to take them prematurely. Oh ya, they have a lot of whiskey available..and flights..
(5)David R.
I love a place that gives me an opportunity to use one of my favorite lines from Tombstone. Usually it occurs when I'm trying to decide whether to order dessert or to have another beer or to take home my leftovers instead of finishing a big plate of food. My wife might politely try to nudge me towards moderation, and I will utter in my best Doc Holliday voice, "I have not yet begun to defile myself." This was the case at West End Tavern, as my desire to finish the largest half of fried chicken I've ever seen wrestled with my desire not to cause my stomach and/or heart to explode. When one of the managers stopped by to check up on us, I asked her, "Is this a chicken or an ostrich?" The meat itself was good but the coating was somewhat bland and a tad overcooked, so I put my leftover barbecue sauce to good use. I had already enjoyed an appetizer portion of the pork ribs (nice meat and excellent sauce) and devoured my side servings of cole slaw (okay but lacking zip) and French fries (outstanding). Sadly, I just could not take down that bird. Ultimately I took home the drumstick and ate it for breakfast two days later. West End has a very solid selection of Belgian-heavy imports and quality domestic microbrews. Most of the beers are better suited to drinking alone or after your meal rather than during. Service was great throughout; we had a main waitress, but about four or five other young ladies stopped by the table for one reason or another. And on a very bustling Friday night, the hostess seated us almost immediately at a cozy little table for two in the back. It's hot and loud, but they offer a nice list of beers and serve some pretty mean grub in a fun, cheerful atmosphere. Two thumbs up.
(4)Keira M.
This place was so cool. They serve Epic beer and have a great menu. They lose a star because our waiter was not so great. He mixed up our beer samplers, so it was hard for us to know what we were drinking. But, still fun and we will go back.
(4)Sara R.
Food is pretty good, but the drink list and cocktails are impressive! Students also tend to stay away from here... big plus!
(4)Leah A.
This review is about their beer selection only. I used to live in Boulder and was a fairly regular customer of the West End Tavern. I always liked the bar: both the old wooden bar downstairs and their rooftop. But I don't remember them having a very impressive draft beer selection. However, I recently visited them again (after a few years), and I was blown away by the awesome tap list! They seem to have greatly increased the number of craft beers they carry. I will definitely stop by again the next time I'm in Boulder.
(5)Megan A.
Get the grilled cheese with soup and sub avocado for the tomato slices! And sit on the roof with views of the flat irons.
(5)Eric V.
My wife and I had a great time visiting this place on our 1st time to Boulder. We tried the cornbread with whipped honey and promptly became addicted. The cocktails were excellent and we enjoyed the atmosphere while it snowed outside. Highly recommend!
(5)Kelly B.
While visiting from out of town, my friends and I stopped in for lunch after reading good reviews about it. We started with the yam chips and guacamole, which were delicious. The guac was some of the best I've had in a long time. I had the mac and cheese for my entree, and I couldn't have been happier. The addition of the goat cheese and bread crumbs really made the dish. I didn't order a drink, but the selection of beer and booze looked pretty stellar. I think we may go back later tonight to try some of it out! Oh, and we sat on the rooftop patio and were treated to a fantastic view.
(5)Paul E.
Portions are a little small for the prices they charge, but the food is damn good. The brisket is particularly excellent. If you're feeling indulgent, try the macaroni and cheese topped w/ pulled pork. It's heavenly.
(4)Tash B.
Not Your Grandma's whiskey ginger (don't remember the full name but that's the gist of it) is awesome. Our waitress was super patient, flexible and knowledgeable. Interior is neat - speakeasy like environment.
(5)Kyle H.
So I ended up at this restaurant after a recommendation from someone who works in the area...supposedly the chef and menu changed since she last dined because it was disappointing...the pork shoulder was okay but considering it was smoked, I would have expected much more intensity of flavor and maybe some bark...the house bbq sauce was almost not present and the pickles didn't come close to impressing me. While I never experienced the old menu, maybe it should revert back.
(2)Juliet N.
Came in for lunch with my husband on a Friday afternoon. We sat at a booth right near the door, so didn't get to see much of the rest of the restaurant. The beer selection was good, and they had some interesting cocktails on the menu, but we did not partake this time. The service was prompt and friendly, no issues there. The food was good. My husband had a veggie burger that came with a TON of delicious fries he shared with me (there was plenty for two, glad I hadn't ordered my own). He liked the burger, said the ingredients were good. I ordered the "fried chicken and biscuits," with a side of greens. The greens had a nice, garlicy seasoning. I got two smallish pieces of chicken in between a biscuit. I guess you're supposed to eat it like a sandwich. The seasoning on the chicken was very tasty and it was cooked perfectly. The biscuit was fluffy and yummy. My only complaint is that for $13 I expected maybe one more piece of chicken since the pieces were pretty small. Good food quality though. Wouldn't mind going back, maybe for some happy hour deals.
(3)Valerie E.
Cozy ambiance, good happy hour cocktails and great food! Plus there's always somethin' smokin';) Great music playlist too
(5)Snoodly R.
We went during happy hour and had the burger, fries, wings, and green chili. The food was all good, except the green chili. It wasn't bad it just wasn't anything to write home about, Turley's is much better. The service was slow but it was happy hour, although after we received our food no body ever checked in to see if we needed anything else. We wanted to order fries and had to flag somebody down to do it. But they did keep the water glasses full, which was good because we both ordered the 'Not your grandmas bourbon and whiskey' which is very good, and a bit spicy. I'm not a huge bourbon fan so having water as a chaser of sorts was nice. The reason I give them 3 stars is that they initially overcharged us, which can happen, but then it took about 15mins to correct the error. We didn't have anyplace in particular to be but it was a while to wait. Overall, the food was very good, but the service was lacking.
(3)