Support Local: The Bluegrass Coffee & Bourbon Lounge
The COVID-19 virus has affected all of us in some way. Hopefully, you or your family members are not some of the infected. Even those not suffering physically are impacted in many other ways. One such impact we have seen in each of our cities and neighborhoods is the mandated closure of restaurants to all but carry-out or delivery orders. This is especially painful for the locally-owned establishments.
We at the ABV Network and The Whiskey Corner would like to do what we can to help promote the most Bourbon-friendly restaurants especially during this time.
The Bluegrass Coffee & Bourbon Lounge
Located approximately 7 miles North West of Downtown Denver, sits the beautiful Historic Olde Town Arvada. Scenic views dot the landscape as you follow the sidewalks to the various storefront boutiques, galleries, and multiple restaurants and bars.
Tucked behind the tree-lined walkway is The Bluegrass Coffee & Bourbon Lounge. Opening early for breakfast, they serve up some amazing pastries and breakfast sandwiches with a beautiful cup of espresso-based coffees. (I prefer the Kentucky Coffee, a tummy warmer made with a shot of Benchmark, Kahlua and Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream then topped with a heap of whipped cream).
In the evenings, the menu changes, and you are treated to oven-toasted subs, salads, and pizzas named after Kentucky Derby winners. These pair wonderfully with the more than 120 bourbons that fill the shelves behind the very tall bar.
Whiskey Wednesday's allow patrons to sip and learn in various whiskey education events from the distillery ambassadors or the distiller's themselves, like Deerhammer's Lenny Eckstein. These classes are an excellent addition to the already enjoyable whiskey experience.
Unfortunately, these experiences are on hold while we all self-quarantine and practice this social distancing experiment. The owner, Sheena Gordon, employs approximately 12 employees, and she is doing everything in her power to take care of them while providing for the Arvada community as well. So far, she has been able to retain all staff through these uncertain times.
The Bluegrass Carry-out Facts:
Location: 7415 Grandview Avenue, Arvada, CO 80002
Hours: 9AM – 11PM
How to order: Call 720-476-3950
Menu: Full breakfast and lunch/dinner menu is available here
Currently, the staff of The Bluegrass is offering the entire menu as a take-out option. That includes their signature cocktails. (A Cherry Old Fashioned TO GO, Are you kidding me??)
To help employees, Sheena is providing one free meal a day to all employees as well as a meal while on shift. They are going to start a delivery option that will allow employees to deliver to help with their income.
Sheena is working hard fundraising as well. The Bluegrass has created Bourbon themed T-Shirts that 100% of the proceeds will go to her employees. If you would like to help by ordering a t-shirt you can click on the link here. In the next several days, she is creating a Go Fund Me for her staff. Friends of The Bluegrass, Spirits, Wines, & Provisions, (SWP), and Casey & Emyle Adler, are holding a donated bottle auction where all proceeds will go to The Bluegrass Lounge and the Arvada Tavern, another Arvada favorite.
The Bluegrass already had plans to open a small market, but the current state of things has forced a premature opening. Now fellow Arvadians can hit the Gold Line Grab 'N' Go market across from The Bluegrass to grab much-needed essentials. This market will not only help the community but allows The Bluegrass staff more working hours.
In these crazy and uncertain times, it is always important to support our local businesses. They are the backbone of what makes this country great. Their hard work and dedication are what the American Dream was founded. Sheena's commitment to her employees and the Arvada community makes it no wonder why The Bluegrass has been such a staple for many years.
The Bluegrass Experience
Like many in the Denver area, The Bluegrass holds a special place for me as well. It was one of the first stops on my Bourbon journey. It was there on my first visit that I met Josh Schwartz, the bar/booking manager. Josh presented me with my very first Bourbon flight tasting. Before that, I hung out with guys named “Jack” and “Jim”. Josh introduced me to guys named Elijah, Basil, and Henry. After a couple of flights, he suddenly changed the way I think about Bourbon by providing me a tasting of Booker's "Kathleen's Batch," which set me on the course that has brought me here today.
It was after that day and that incredible Bourbon that I went in search of more. I donned my safari hat and went hunting - hunting for Bourbon, that is. My bunker has a stock of Kathleen's Batch among other little gems I fell in love with that faithful day. A bug bit me, I had to see more, try more and of course, drink more.
I spoke with Josh today, as we discussed this pandemic situation and the effects on The Bluegrass, he remains upbeat and hopeful. We can only hope that it is short-lived, and we can resume our regular bar attending habits. Until then, let us do what we can, for all that we can.
Reminder
Please keep all your local businesses in mind during this Coronavirus shutdown. They are doing all they can to continue to serve you and your community and they need your support. Finally, please remember to tip when you pay even when doing carryout.
