Behind the Books at Denver International Airport's Speakeasy
"This airport outpost recreates a bookstore-speakeasy experience near Terminal A gate 38, where guests enter through a book-fronted fake door into a cozy bar with views of aircraft and a “take one, leave one” shelf of books. Operated by Mission Yogurt, it closely follows the Highlands original in both hospitality and menu, offering deviled eggs, frog legs, bone marrow and an acclaimed burger with crispy fries dressed with aioli and a malt vinegar gastrique. Breakfast and brunch choices run from Hawaiian bread French toast topped with coconut, pineapple and hot honey to a range of breakfast sandwiches (vegan to bodega-style chopped cheese), plus Colorado staples like a green chili–smothered burrito and cotija-topped chilaquiles. Cocktails (and breakfast booze) are a highlight — guests can order classics like Bloody Marys or Espresso Martinis, or indulge in award-winning specialty drinks such as the Blackberry Sage Smash (made with Woody Creek Rye) and the Great White Buffalo (Zubrowska Bison Grass Vodka, Licor 43, grapefruit, lemon, Chinese five spice) — while nonalcoholic “temperance” riffs like the My Bitter Clementine (Earl Grey, clementine shrub, Giffard Aperitif, lemon) offer creative alcohol-free options. Proprietor Sean Kenyon’s third-generation bartending pedigree and a focus on consoling, attentive service anchor the airport experience." - Cynthia Barnes
