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Highland TavernA-Worth Trying

Name: Highland Tavern
Address: 3400 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211, Denver, United States
Rating: 4.6

3400 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211 · Bar, American restaurant, Bar & grill · 4.6/5 Google (1754 reviews)

Takeout

Neighborhood tavern with standout house-made bar food (tots, pastrami, burgers) and lots of TVs; lively vibe, occasional service misses.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Highland Tavern delivers competitive neighborhood tavern dining through strong food quality anchored by house-cured pastrami, signature tots, and solid burgers that justify its DDD recognition. Service shows variability—friendly and knowledgeable in many encounters but occasionally brusque at the bar—while reliable execution on signature items and generous portions at fair prices build loyal repeat visits. The lively sports atmosphere and neighborhood charm appeal, but lack the polish or distinctive dining experience needed for grade A territory.

Restaurant Summary

Highland Tavern feels like a true neighborhood hangout: warm and bustling without pretense, TVs glowing with the game, and a crowd that mixes regulars with DDD pilgrims. Service ranges from friendly to a bit hands-off at the bar, but a typical visit brings hot plates, cold beer, and comforting bar classics. One diner summed it up: "This is the kind of place you end up staying longer than planned." The kitchen leans elevated tavern over trend chasing—house-cured pastrami, big crispy tots, green chile touches, and a burger lineup that hits the spot. Think crafted bar food with pride rather than culinary fireworks. Portions are generous, prices reasonable for Denver, and the hits (Tavern Dip, Bombshell, tots) draw fans back. Expect the occasional miss on wings or a drink, but most leave happy and full. Families do fine here. Kids can dive into mac and cheese, tots, simple burgers, and fries, while salads and a vegan/gf veggie patty help with dietary needs. It is lively during games, so bring ear-ready children then, but off-peak visits feel relaxed and workable for a casual family meal.

At a Glance

House-cured pastrami, signature tots, and hearty burgers anchor the menu
Lively sports vibe with plenty of TVs and a neighborhood feel
Portions are big for the price; strong value for a tavern
Service can be uneven, especially at the bar or with large groups
Occasional item misses (wings, fish special) and drink variance

What Sets It Apart

house-cured pastrami program
signature tater tots
sports-focused atmosphere

What People Love

Crispy, house-made tater tots
Savory pastrami dip with au jus
Hearty sandwiches and burgers
Easygoing neighborhood atmosphere

Points of Concern

Service variability: friendly servers but brusque bartenders noted by some
Large party coordination can lag; one tipping confrontation reported
Occasional food misses (wings, fish special) and a watered-down cocktail report
Game nights can be loud and crowded; plan timing accordingly

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$28-42 per person ReservationsNot required

Perfect For

Watching a big game with shareable snacks
Casual weeknight dinner with comfort food
Solo bar bite and a beer
Out-of-towners seeking a local-feel tavern

Location Insights

Area: Residential-meets-commercial Highland block with a local hangout feel; sports-watching crowd and casual diners.

Safety: Generally safe, active foot traffic on game nights; typical urban street parking and lighting.

Nearby: Near downtown Denver, neighborhood bars and eateries; TVs draw game-day patrons.

SunnysideSunnyside is a residential neighborhood with a laid-back, eclectic vibe. It has a growing number of casual dining spots, craft breweries, and local cafes, appealing to those seeking a neighborhood feel with access to Denver's broader cultural amenities. The dining scene is informal and community-focused, often featuring locally sourced ingredients and craft beverages.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–02:00 Tuesday11:00–02:00 Wednesday11:00–02:00 Thursday11:00–02:00 Friday11:00–02:00 Saturday10:00–02:00 Sunday10:00–02:00

Available: Takeout

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