Walk Into The Wonka Factory Of Whiskey At This Annual Holiday Celebration

Photos courtesy of Kevin Austin

Hello my fellow foodies, and welcome back!  The holidays are approaching, and I am ready!  I was invited to head down to Olde Town Arvada to The Bluegrass Coffee and Bourbon Lounge for their annual NOEL celebration.

The Bluegrass Coffee and Bourbon Lounge is a little taste of Kentucky right in Arvada complete with the amazing southern hospitality and stellar food and cocktails.  The restaurant/bar is voted one of the top 80 whiskey bars in the country year after year and their pizza is also award winning. They roast their own coffee as well for the morning coffee drinkers and brunch go getters. The Bluegrass is open early morning till late at night.  Owners Drew and Sheena Gordon make sure everyone always has a good time.  The Bluegrass transforms their back patio into a winter wonderland every year full of all things holiday including boozy bingo, wreath making, karaoke, and holiday cocktails. They also have wine, beer, and other libations.  It is an event not to be missed for adults and children I’ve heard, and I get to go check it out. Off I pop!

When I walked in, all I could think of was that this place looked like the Willy Wonka of Whiskey bars with so many options.  The bartenders here know their cocktails.  Feel free to tell them what you like, and they will suggest the perfect drink.  We made our way back to NOEL, and I was blown away.  This once-a-year tradition boasts over a half a million lights, a vintage ski lift chair from Loveland Ski area, and something holiday everywhere you turn.  The theme this year was “Christmas in Colorado”.  It was made to look like you were looking out of a cabin in the snow.  Clever and beautiful complete with a nod to South Park and Dion Sanders.  Part owner and General Manager Josh Schwartz was on hand to make sure everyone was having fun.  We ordered their famous pizza named after, what else, Kentucky Derby horses.  The Man O’ War was an amazing vegetarian option while the American Pharoah was a mix of sausage, green pepper, red onion, and mozzarella.

The pizza was spot on, crispy crust, and the prefect amount of fresh ingredients.  It’s no wonder they win awards for it!  We also ordered a holiday drink called “Resting Grinch Face”.  These cocktails are carefully thought out for the holidays and this one tasted like mint chocolate chip ice cream.  Buyer beware, there is alcohol in there, but it is so good.  We looked around and the place was packed full of holiday festive people having a great time.  I spoke with some locals who told me that The Bluegrass is an institution in Arvada and on any night, you can expect award winning food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.  After experiencing NOEL and their food, I will make the one-hour journey on any given night to dine there, it’s that’s good with reasonable prices and the friendliest folks.

Josh Schwartz, GM and Co-Owner of Bluegrass Coffee and Bourbon Lounge

I wish I could keep this diamond gem a secret, but I feel obligated to tell you to go there for NOEL (Tickets sell out quickly for workshops), or any night.  Think Kentucky comes to Arvada with a twist.  If you are a whiskey fan, a pizza fan or just a fan of great food and great hospitality, go there.  I promise you; you won’t be disappointed.  I left there full of holiday spirit and had so much fun.

Until next time my fellow foodies. Eat well, drink well, and have a happy and safe holiday season.