A large collection of tequila, specialty cocktails, Latin-Asian infused dishes, sushi, and tasty small plates are served in the classy yet casual La Biblioteca that will be opening shortly in Denver’s Riverfront Park neighborhood. La Biblioteca took over the Al Lado location next to Zengo and has been renovated, bringing you something new and exciting. This restaurant was brought to Denver by Chef Richard Sandoval, and it follows the NYC concept of “the Library of Tequila”
Fortunately, I was able to attend a sneak preview event of La Biblioteca. The Sweet Heat and Cucumber Pepino were two of the cocktails of choice. The sweet heat was a serrano and pineapple infused tequila with pineapple juice and agave. This cocktail is perfectly described by it’s name: sweet heat.
The cucumber pepino is a refreshing drink with serrano infused tequila, muddled cucumbers, and citrus. I loved eating the chunks of cucumber after the drink was gone. This drink was really good but for me, it was a little sweet and that became more evident towards the end.
[Following photos are courtesy of denver.eater.com]
As little tastes of the menu continued to come out, I realized all the little snack size bites were adding up and happily filling my stomach! We got to try a lot from sushi rolls, to pork sliders and guacamole with smoked trout! My favorite sushi rolls were the volcano and the crispy shrimp & tuna roll. The regular tuna roll was incomparable to the other ones, in my opinion.
The guacamole with smoked trout was definitely a favorite because not only do I LOVE guacamole I LOVE smoked trout and had never had them combined. Delicious!
The pork sliders were another delectable choice. I would definitely order these upon my next visit. There was a tasty sauce and house-made pickles in between a locally made bun. Even the french fries served with a chipotle ketchup were a good snack.
The atmosphere is sexy with dimmed lights and a red light that casts over a brick wall in one area of the bar. It can provide privacy but also open casual talk. A couple TVs were put in which does not really fit the atmosphere but I think it is an attempt to provide for a more diverse crowd. All the bottles of liquor that line the back of the bar add a cool display. Overall, it is an intimate setting that is less formal than the sister restaurant, Zengo.
Whether stopping in for happy hour cocktails and small plates, a full dinner or late night cocktails, La Biblioteca can satisfy all these needs. Denver Eater listed the opening date as tomorrow, Saturday, November 9.
Happy hour 4-7 daily with $3-6 bites, $3 cervezas, and $5 margaritas.
$5 margarita Mondays
$2 taco Tuesdays
I am also looking forward to the first Thursday of every month where they will have Meet the Maker with $5 tastes!
Music For Your Ears:
~Tiny Soldiers by Milo & Otis
More To Love:
What a Cool Place and the food looks delicious! Happy Weekend:)
Thanks! I want more sushi! π
Awesome jam! Very cool vibe. The food looks great! Can’t beat “Meet the Maker” $5! Not much you can get these days for that! Hahahaha Great post!
Thank you! Glad you like the song! I think it is awesomely catchy π I am very excited for the first Meet the Maker π
oh wow–I saw the NY version on the Cooking Channel a few years back and am so glad the concept is moving to the heartland. Maybe Minnesota will follow π Tequila gets a bad rap–it makes a lovely and classy cocktail. Loving your review–great tunes, too π
You think it gets a bad rap in general or just in Minnesota? I never really liked tequila except in my margaritas but a friend that absolutely loves tequila has turned my ways- also, it was more the quality of tequila that turned things for me as well π Thanks Liz!
Sounds like a great place for great drinks, food and cool atmosphere. I love tequila, it makes great cocktails.
Ya, and I really like the infused tequila! Thank you!
Hi Lilly, what a great place to introduce. And that sushi looks really good. Hope you’ve had a great weekend. π danny
I had a very good weekend! Thanks Danny!
What a great concept and the food looks amazing! Love these posts of yours!
Thank you! π