Explore Olde Town Arvada: A Culinary Journey Through History, Craft Beers & Artisanal Cocktails

Stepping onto the quaint main street of Olde Town Arvada is like discovering a hidden sanctuary, a charming escape from the bustling modern pace of Denver. This unique corner of the city masterfully blends its rich historical character with a vibrant, contemporary dining and drinking scene. While the meticulously preserved historic buildings whisper tales of the past, the innovative bars and restaurants nestled within offer an experience that is anything but old-fashioned. Prepare for an unforgettable evening in New Historic Arvada, where you can indulge your senses with an exquisite array of craft beers, sophisticated cocktails, and delectable culinary creations designed to tantalize your taste buds!

Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Arvada Tavern and Kline’s Beer Hall! As always, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own. We appreciate you supporting the esteemed brands that contribute to Cake ‘n Knife!

It’s often surprising how many Denver locals have yet to discover the captivating allure of Olde Town Arvada. For me, it took a remarkable 15 years to finally venture northwest to this enchanting and adorably quaint section of the metropolitan area – a lapse I now consider truly shameful! Olde Town Arvada stands out as a destination that has flawlessly maintained its historic integrity, preserving the classic Main Street Americana aesthetic in its buildings and overall ambiance. Yet, it has skilfully avoided becoming stagnant or forgotten, instead evolving into a dynamic hub.

Instead of fading into history, Olde Town Arvada thrives with a lively food, cocktail, and craft beer scene that pulsates along its main thoroughfare and spills into charming side streets. As you wander through Olde Town Arvada, you’ll find yourself captivated by the beautifully preserved brick buildings, the diverse array of boutique shops and inviting restaurants, and the pervasive feeling of being transported away from the urban sprawl. It offers a refreshing escape, a truly unique sense of place that feels delightfully distant from the city, yet remains conveniently close to home. This vibrant energy, coupled with its historical charm, makes Olde Town Arvada a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Denver’s surrounding communities.

Kline’s Beer Hall: A Haven for Beer Enthusiasts and Foodies

Kline’s Beer Hall holds a special place in my heart as the ideal starting point for any evening out in historic Arvada. This veritable heaven for beer lovers draws its inspiration from Adrian Klein, the visionary who secured Arvada’s very first beer license back in 1933. I must say, the team at Kline’s does his legacy proud, offering an expansive and diverse selection of beers served expertly over their impressive heavy wooden counters.

Upon entering Kline’s, past a charming outdoor patio perfect for people-watching and soaking in the Olde Town atmosphere, you are immediately enveloped in the authentic ambiance of an old-school German beer hall. The long, inviting communal tables, the rich, dark wood accents, and the lively strains of live music all work in harmony to draw you in, even before the first sip of beer touches your lips. It’s an atmosphere that is both laid-back and genuinely authentic, promising an experience where your beer cravings will be endlessly satisfied. The rotating selection of craft brews ensures that you’ll never encounter a dull moment on their tap list.

During my visit, I was absolutely enamored by their “Summer of Sours” theme – a collection of delightfully tart and refreshing brews that I wholeheartedly hope makes a return next year (please, please, Kline’s Beer Hall, bring it back!). Beyond seasonal specials, their extensive menu boasts a remarkable array of beers from across the globe, including some exquisite Belgian varieties that fondly reminded me of my recent travels to Bruges. Whether you’re opting for a tasting flight to explore multiple options or taking advantage of their fantastic happy hour deals with $2 off full pours, Kline’s Beer Hall consistently delivers on its promise to satisfy every beer enthusiast’s palate.

Kline’s Beer Hall isn’t just a paradise for beer lovers; it also offers a curated selection of whiskeys and some of the finest beer hall-inspired cuisine I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying in a long time. It’s impossible to kick off an evening here without indulging in some truly killer snacks that perfectly complement their extensive drink menu. I mean, seriously, just look at this incredible spread of goodies!

From tantalizing appetizers to hearty snacks, and from savory sausages to classic pretzels, Kline’s offers creative new takes on all the traditional beer hall favorites you’d typically find in Germany and beyond. I cannot adequately express how much I savored the lamb merguez sausage – a delightful discovery I hadn’t encountered before! This North African-inspired sausage, served with a vibrant homemade harissa sauce, creates a robust and richly flavored pairing that stands up beautifully to your chosen brew.

For fellow bread enthusiasts, the Bavarian-style pretzel with its accompanying mustard and rich beer cheese is an absolute must-order. I had to exert considerable self-control to prevent myself from devouring the entire thing solo – it’s that good! The warm, chewy pretzel perfectly contrasts with the creamy, tangy dips, making for an addictive start to your meal.

Another culinary highlight was the grilled buffalo wings, distinguished by their unique preparation method: they are cooked in three distinct ways! First baked, then fried, and finally grilled, these wings achieve a perfect balance of tenderness, crispiness, and smoky char. The result is succulent, juicy chicken generously coated in a fiery buffalo sauce, offering just the right kick of spice, pepper, and that irresistible char flavor. They are a testament to the kitchen’s dedication to elevated pub fare.

If your appetite calls for something more substantial than snacks, be sure to explore other stellar menu items at Kline’s. Their Kline’s BLT, featuring a generous 1/3 lb of house-made, thick-cut bacon, is a glorious creation (one I’m planning to riff on in my own kitchen very soon!). Don’t miss Lenka’s Latkes, served with a homemade apple chutney so delightful I wished I could take a swim in it. And for a sweet finish, the Chocolate Bourbon Tart, crafted by their talented in-house baker (the same genius behind that amazing pretzel!), provides a decadent close to your meal. Truly, Kline’s Beer Hall is the quintessential spot to kick off your evening in Arvada, offering the perfect combination of happy hour drinks and delicious, innovative beer hall snacks.

The Arvada Tavern: A Cocktail Mecca with Unforgettable Cuisine

When the thought of dinner in Olde Town Arvada crosses my mind, one exceptional establishment immediately springs to the forefront: The Arvada Tavern. This isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a culinary and mixology destination that consistently delivers an outstanding experience.

While I typically refrain from becoming a regular at many establishments – primarily due to the overwhelming abundance of exciting new places constantly emerging throughout the city – The Arvada Tavern is one of those rare gems where I could happily settle in as a frequent patron. Its unique charm and consistent quality make it an irresistible draw.

First and foremost, The Arvada Tavern is renowned as a true cocktail mecca. Boasting an extensive list of expertly crafted classic cocktails alongside a dynamic selection of seasonal concoctions, it’s easy to understand why the skilled, aproned bartenders are among my favorite individuals in all of Arvada. Their dedication to their craft is palpable, as they consistently nail the delicate balance of flavors, offer ingenious modern riffs on familiar combinations, and infuse a playful creativity into their drinks. This ensures that patrons eagerly return each season to discover what exciting new libations have graced the menu.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of indulging in two particularly memorable seasonal drinks: “Lost Beginnings” and “Destination Unknown.”

“Lost Beginnings” was a sophisticated blend featuring rye, sherry, bitters, cinnamon, and lemon. Each ingredient contributed harmoniously to create a drink that was perfectly balanced, incredibly smooth, and wonderfully sultry – a true masterpiece of mixology that offered a comforting yet complex flavor profile.

Then came “Destination Unknown,” a cocktail that initially captivated me with its stunning visual presentation. However, it was the very first sip that truly took my breath away, as the flavors burst forth in a symphony of pure bliss on my taste buds. You might never guess that this incredible concoction is Scotch-based, yet it is! I had never experienced Scotch presented in such an innovative way – blended with pineapple, lime, Campari, and orange – and the result was absolutely brilliant. It delivered a delightful combination of smoky, tangy, and fruity notes, evoking the sensation of being transported to a tropical beach while I sat comfortably on the patio, watching the world stroll by. This drink truly embodies the bartenders’ creativity and willingness to push boundaries.

While exploring the seasonal menu, don’t forget to consider a classic like the Sazerac, which is just one of the 18 meticulously crafted cocktails that grace their unchanging, classic cocktail list. Each one is a testament to the timeless art of bartending.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the food, shall we? Because The Arvada Tavern excels not only in libations but also in its culinary offerings.

The Skillet Mac and Cheese with green chile is so profoundly delicious that it has, quite frankly, ruined all other mac and cheese for me forever. I honestly believe I will never be able to fully enjoy regular mac and cheese again. The rich, savory pork green chile is, for me, now an indispensable component – it must always be there. Served piping hot directly from the oven in its skillet, this dish is incredibly cheesy, deeply comforting, and so utterly satisfying that I could easily make an entire meal out of it on any chilly day. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and hearty.

Finding exceptional pierogies in Denver can be a challenge, and discovering truly perfect ones is even rarer. However, The Arvada Tavern’s golden-fried pierogies are a triumph. Made entirely from scratch, they boast a delightful crispiness and an abundance of flavor. Served atop perfectly sautéed kale with bacon, this dish even managed to convert me into a kale enthusiast! Seriously, I wasn’t typically a fan of kale, but now, all I crave is a side of that incredibly savory bacon-sautéed kale every single night. The combination of the tender pierogies and the flavorful greens is nothing short of brilliant.

And you absolutely cannot miss their Duck Confit Grilled Cheese. This indulgent creation is generously piled high with gooey provolone cheese, tender duck confit, and a smooth, rich tomato sauce. Yes, yes, YES! It’s deliciously messy, but truly worth every bit of the delightful chaos. Just remember, don’t be that person who reaches for a knife and fork; this is a sandwich meant to be enjoyed with your hands, exactly as intended. The richness of the duck, the creaminess of the cheese, and the tang of the sauce create an unforgettable flavor profile that elevates a classic to gourmet heights.

Regardless of what you choose to eat and drink (and undoubtedly, you’ll want to eat and drink plenty!), you are unequivocally guaranteed an amazing meal and an outstanding experience at The Arvada Tavern. It consistently stands out as a top dining destination in Olde Town Arvada.

So now it’s your turn! Have you had the pleasure of visiting Olde Town Arvada? What were your favorite spots, and what dishes or drinks left a lasting impression on you? Share your experiences and perhaps inspire others to explore this captivating Denver gem!