Federal Bar and Grill

If you are gluten-free, this is the place to be! The food here was amazing, and the service was excellent. As soon as they come to take your order, they ask if there are any gluten-free orders. They have dedicated fryers! All the GF options are clearly listed on the menu. We went during the day so there weren't too many people in the restaurant. There is a lot of seating and a free parking lot. I really enjoyed my experience here and will definitely be returning.

I would eat here at least once a month for the last 6 years and am very familiar with their burgers. A few months ago I opened my takeout when I got home and the burger patty was 2/3 of the normal size. I called the manager to let them know what was going on and immediately met with, “well our burger patties come premade from something something farm and they’re 4 ounces each so I’m pretty sure it’s 4 ounces.” to which I exclaimed, “I have a food scale and I’m weighing it right now and it is not 4 ounces“. To which your manager said, “well we have a scale you can use over here if you like.“ As if i was going to bring back my food to weigh it to then wait another half hour for a new burger? That was the last time I ordered from you guys and I’ve not been back since. I thought about not leaving this review but I just drove by there and was reminded that one of my favorite places treated me so awfully and there was not even a slight possibility that they were wrong or that the farm that they get their burgers from was wrong or anything other than your manager implying I was in the wrong/lying. I even kept the pictures from April here they are below

We had a wonderful meal with excellent service at Federal Bar and Grill today. Beer, potato skins, chicken bites, and burgers were all excellent. Especially appreciated the wide variety of burgers on the menu. Thank you!

Excellent service. They work together to make sure things stay excellent. Originally came here for the potato skins, my favorite thing. The runny cheese was off-putting for me. But let me tell you about the fried artichoke hearts. This is a death bed meal for me. I told my daughter I want to be buried with them.

I really loved this place. It had a nice pub feel. Our waiter was super friendly the food was amazing and the atmosphere gives you the I can relax play cards or just hang out. The other nice this was that parking is right around back, and the location is easy to get to. I had the juicy Lucy, which had some deep flavors. However, I got a bite of the vampire burger with garlic butter and roasted garlic chips. That would be the burger i get next time man it was delicious, so flavorful and the buns had a hint if sweet to really tie it all together.

Gluten free fries!! They are made in a dedicated fryer. I had the pulled pork on a gluten free bun. They even have gf beer available. So delicious! The staff was friendly and super knowledgeable. I can't wait to go back when I'm in Colorado again.

I LOVE this restaurant! I’m 100% gluten free and so it majority of the menu, so it’s very refreshing to have a safe place to eat with good food! I always get a regular cheese burger on a gluten free bun with fries, and I’m OBSESSED with the loaded potato skins… so good!! My boyfriend loves the sweet potato fries and the BBQ pulled pork sandwich as well. Staff have always been pleasant and welcoming as well!

Stopped here for dinner after the broncos game. The food was delicious and the service was fast. Happy we stopped by!

We were on an 8 day road trip last week that ended in Denver. On our final night we visited the Federal Bar & Grill, based on the reviews and my wife's recent celiac diagnosis. Dan, behind the bar was so friendly and welcoming, always busy but not too busy to stop by the table and check on us. The food was incredible. Our party of 4 ordered The Blast, the Fish n Chips, Banh Mi Sandwich and I had the chicken tenders and fries. We also shared the Ghost Fries. Everything was SO good. We were grateful for the staff's knowledge and handling of the food. They were so willing to give details about the menu and the gluten free options, something you don't see very often. We also enjoyed Monday Night Football and the MLB playoff game as well as played some darts! Great atmosphere. So much fun.

*CELIAC / GLUTEN FREE REVIEW both the owners have celiac, so GF here truly means GF. Dedicated fryer / celiac safe batters and flours on fried items - a huge menu to choose from! Staff are knowledgeable about precautions for the kitchen, and orders are marked as allergy and announced as GF when brought to the table. we got the nachos to start, those were delicious! and then a classic cheeseburger with fries, and a ghost pig with tater tots. Both with GF buns. The buns were super fluffy and did the job, the tater tots were crispy but unfortunately our fries weren't. GF beer, seltzer, & cider options to drink. overall, glad I tried it and happy for the options but just average taste.

I have to say I really enjoyed Federal Bar & Grill. You feel like Iike you have walked into a old school bar with friendly atmosphere. The owners Nikki and Christopher Mohaupt were very friendly. Nikki greeted us as soon as we walked in and was great at helping to suggest which lunch items out of the two choices we gave her. My partner loved the REUBEN: Slow roasted corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and our housemade Thousand Island dressing on marble rye, and I enjoyed the FISH & CHIPS: Cod fillets hand-dipped in our gluten free beer batter, fried crispy and golden, served with fries, house made tartar sauce and a lemon wedge (GF). Federal Bar & Grill has an extensive GF menu and GF beers on tap--I had a beer that was grapefruit infused--very delicious, and I'm not a beer gal ever since I found I had celiac disease over twenty years ago. I also love that Nikki also has celiac and is very knowledgeable. I'm not someone who gives a lot of 5 Stars, however, finding a new gluten-free forward restaurant with great service and food--I felt compelled too. We will definitely be back!

Visiting Denver for work and came across this place on Yelp. The Vampire slayer caught my eye and glad I tried this place out. The bartender was so nice and welcoming. Held the perfect amount of conversation and both the burger and salad were so good. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town.

Me and my aunt visited Denver and wanted some food nearby the place we were staying. This bar was in walking distance so we took the 5 minute walk to check it out. When I walked in, it was giving typical neighborhood bar, but I sat down and ordered I realized I stumbled in on a gold mine. Our server helped us pick out what would soon be the tastiest meal we were going to have in Denver. That's saying a lot because all we did was take long adventures and eat, I got the ghost pepper sandwich and fries. The flavors were so perfect. The burger was cooked perfectly. The fries were hot and tasty. The sandwich was not spicy to me but delicious nonetheless. If I ever go back to Denver , I'm coming back here and getting a burger.

I've been batting a thousand finding some great hidden gems lately conveniently located near my work destinations around the US..and Federal Bar and Grill in Denver is no exception..I came for the amazing old fashioned but left full of some of the best soft tacos around (and the veggie is THE best btw) and also saved room for the federal burger but subbed with chicken breast based on the expert recommendation of Dan...the very awesome bar tender here. Really great food and experience and looking forward to returning!

What an amazing spot - especially if you are gluten free! My sister lives in Denver and she loves to come here. I am so glad she brought me. Not only do they have gluten free beer on tap, they also lots of bar food all gluten free. I got the GF fish and chips and they were the best fish and chips I've had in my life. And I've been to London and gotten it there too! We shared the nacho plate with chicken as a table - chips were nice and crispy and had perfect amount of toppings. If you are GF and want some bar food, be sure to try this place. It was great!

Great place with a lot of gluten free options, including apps, entrees and beer! Large restaurant with plenty of seating as well as a large parking lot too. Service was quick and the food was delicious.

Nothing special, okay food, kind of expensive. Once you have tried it, no reason to ever go back. It's a place you should only order beers from. Worst margaritas ever, not a place to order cocktails at. Okay service, nothing special about it.

Wow, Gluten-free food! Last day in Denver and we trekked to Federal for the deviled eggs...always looking for deviled eggs, strongly recommend trying these. Had the Salmon salad and hubs had the Pig On Green salad with a side of tater tots and ghost curry dipping sauce. But let's get back to me and gluten-free eating...server and the kitchen did a fab job-love it when there's a food handling glove change.

We love this place! The food is always spot on. My celiac daughter especially enjoys the fish & chips! And my celiac best friend enjoys all the options! I would have given 5 stars, but our waitress last night was extremely rude and seemed like she didn't want to deal with us. We got there before the dinner rush, so she wasn't overly busy. She never once smiled at us or asked us how we were, UNTIL she brought the check. Her attitude was underwhelming. Next time I'll sit at the bar! Because the food and the rest of the staff are great

The atmospheres, staff and food were all amazing! So many gluten free options! We had fish and fries and a gluten free fried chicken sandwich. Both were amazing!!!

Stopped by to watch Monday night football and the service was great. Clean restaurant and the food was excellent. Recommend the Federal burger

The food is amazing. So many gluten free options. We had 2 fish tacos, chicken tenders, and the buffalo chicken salad. The salad was delicious and so big that I could not finish it. Plus there is gluten free beer. If your gluten intolerant, this the place to go.

I've literally lived in the Highlands for a year and never visited Federal Bar & Grill. How has it taken me so many years to discover their amazing Bleu Shroom Burger and Ghost Fries? My partner and I came here after paddleboarding on Sloan's Lake, hungry for some bar food. He had the Wasabi Salad with Salmon. Everything was delicious. Customer service was excellent. The place was pretty empty (so parking was easy and we sat at the bar) probably because of some sports game going on. Whenever I crave a burger and beer next, I'm coming here!

Live right around the corner from this place and have been like 6 times in the last year love it! The burgers are to die for, just a really good bar burger, they make a great juicy Lucy. I just wish they had a patty melt. Service is usual for a bar with a full service kitchen, super quick if you are at the bar, a little slower if you are at a table or both but they still make sure you are taken care of, and will get you water and refills of things as you eat. Recommend the Chicken Bites with Jalapeno ranch. Make sure to bring cash if you want to save 3.2% or you will be paying your own credit card processing fee, which for a local place like this I won't make a fuss about. great atmosphere for happy hour with friends and co-workers, have come here multiple times after work as I work legit just up the street.

This was my third time to the Federal Bar & Grill and as with my other visits, the food didn't disappoint, it was wonderful! We were greeted promptly at the door by our friendly server and seated in a booth with menus and waters. The tavern atmosphere is comfortable and casual. We did have to wait a little longer than expected for our food orders, however, we were there right at the lunch rush. The server and owner, (I think that's who he was) were very attentive, they checked on us multiple times during our meal. I had the Pork Taco and the Chipotle Taco, (the Chipotle Taco was not on the menu but recommended by our server). These are street tacos. They were yummy! If you like spicy, you'll love the Chipotle one. My daughter had the Nachos with pork. Another awesome dish, it was a big portion (we all ate it) with lots of slow-roasted pork! For me personally I would have liked more melted cheese. My son-in-law had the Fed Cheese Burger. This was a delicious burger, cooked to a perfect medium temp. He ordered it without onions but it came with them by mistake. He just took them off. This burger comes with a fried egg on it too! If you've never had an egg on your burger, you're missing out. It makes it even better. BTW they have many gluten free items. All in all a great lunch, I highly recommend Federal Bar & Grill!

As someone who has a severe gluten intolerance, I am so thankful this place exists. I have had a hard time eating out because I typically am on the floor after eating things that were contaminated with gluten. With places that are gluten free, it's hard to find somewhere with pub-type food that hits the spot--this place satisfied my craving for wings and fries. The owner (I think) also came up to our table and said he was gluten-free too and expressed how seriously this restaurant takes allergies which I really appreciated. Hours later I feel great with a happy stomach :) Aside from the great food, this place had a great local bar ambiance. I'm so glad this place exists and I will 100% be back!!! Thank you for existing :)

This is such a low key, but awesome neighborhood spot! - It is located on the federal. It has its on parking lot. - I it is a sports bar with multiple screens. Good spot to watch sports. It has an outdoor patio as well. - I was amazed by two dishes, and I will strongly recommend: 1) ghost fries. The ghost pepper flavor does bring a hit, but is not too much or overpowering. 2) the chicken bites, achieved a perfect balance of crispy and tender! (I hate when fried chicken get dried out.)The chicken was served with a side of homemade dipping sauce as well. They give you approximately 15 selections for your dipping sauce and we were happy with the ghost curry sauce - again, not overpowering, just the right amount - for the salads they are a good portion for the practice and I like the dressing. There's nothing standing out though.

Federal Bar will charge you 3.5 percent fee if you don't pay with cash. lol what a scam right. See photo attachment

Yummy american food with a decent bar and a nice staff. I am new to the neighborhood and found this restaurant on Federal in a strip where you could easily miss it with the construction directly in front of it. The vibe was welcoming, everyone was bustling and getting stuff done, it was a reasonable amount of people with a very short wait time. I order the Chicken Sandwich which wasn't out of this world, but it was definitely tasty. I look forward to trying more things on the menu and checking this place out some more.

Our meals here were absolutely delicious! We were sat immediately, and both our drinks and food came out to us quickly. It was awesome to have gluten free/dairy free options to choose from. When we went, it was relatively quiet and chill!

Great experience. We went over to watch part of the Super Bowl. The place is very cool, and the staff is very friendly. I was excited to see soooo many gluten free options. We had some chicken to start, then fish and chips and reuben. Big portions! Chicken was absolutely great, as was the Reuben. The fish and chips impression was more mixed - the batter was great, but the fish itself wasn't the best. I wouldn't expect some amazing quality, so that would be fine, but I'd recommend for the kitchen to add lots of lemon juice and a bit of salt before dipping it in the batter, could remove some of the muddy taste, plus it's difficult to season it later. Happy overall, though, we will be back. With some many GF options, I couldn't be happier to have a spot like this!

This place is a standout bar and grill. They make all of their bread, sauces, etc in house and it shows. My go to is their Buffalo chicken salad - HUGE and flavorful! They are also extremely great for gluten free/celiac folks.

Good burger, good beer and good price. This thing is asking me for 85 characters, idk what else to say...

They did a fantastic job of accommodating my allergies. Nearly everything is gluten free already, then they accommodated soy and potato allergies really well. I had black beans and pork tacos and let me tell you, I wished I had more room in my stomach because I could have eaten all that for every meal for a month and still thought it was fantastic! 10000% would visit again. Super thrilled!

Two year update - this burger is best when high but still an amazing burger. Might need to ask for more cheese

Lots of seating televisions for sport watching and a darn good menu at decent prices Neighborly atmosphere

We have been coming to the Federal Bar & Grille for burgers and pulled pork sandwiches. Over the last 2-3 months their burgers have become increasingly smaller and smaller. To the point that they aren't worth $17. Time to find another burger joint, I believe.

It was my first time here. The staff here was wonderful, the girls working here were very friendly and informative about the gluten free food. They explained to me how it is prepared safely for people with like myself with Celiac's. However the food was just mediocre and it was SO expensive. I was even charged for a side of ranch when I asked for it to dip my fries in. They also add on fake taxes to your bill.. like a kitchen tax...that goes to what pay the kitchen...? A 3.5% service fee, side of ranch for $1.00, $2.50 up-charge for dry and tasteless gluten free bun, $1.50 charge to upgrade from regular fries, it's just ridiculously expensive bar food. It's just not worth it for what you get. Very disappointing.

My husband and I have visited quite a few times, sometimes for brunch sometimes for dinner. We make the drive from south Denver just so I can have some celiac friendly bar food. My favorite thing to get is a bleu shroom burger with a juicy Lucy patty (that means there is cheese stuffed inside) with a side of fries. We also like the breaded artichoke hearts (GF of course) and they're our favorite appetizer. A little on the pricier side for bar food, but as a GF girly who loves fried food, it's worth it! Gluten free dishes are served on round plates and red baskets to help differentiate!

Wow, this place used to be our go to pub in the neighborhood. We went there tonight, and not only were the sandwiches and cocktail that we ordered tiny, but they were totally caught trying to pad the bill. Oh, and they charge you 3% for using a credit card without telling you. That's how a pub meal for two adults and two kids suddenly adds up to $160 after tip! Double check what you're being charged in this place and save your receipts, folks. Needless to say, we're not going back. Too bad.

If you like bar food with condescending staff, a bunch of fees, and being up-charged and over-charged for GF items, then Federal Bar & Grill is for you. I kept giving this place second chances, but last night's bad experience took the cake. I started by ordering a GF beer (forewarning: I missed this on the menu, but this beer goes for $1 AN OUNCE!). The server asked if I was Celiac. I said *no*. She then proceeded to make our appetizer and my meal gluten-free (without asking my preferences or needs). The burger came out with a GF bun that was like a sponge that had soaked up all sauce and moisture from the burger. I politely got her attention and asked for a regular bun/burger. They brought a bun on a separate plate (did not remake the sandwich) and the man delivering it (who arrived at my table with the owner) announces, "You know that is FULL of gluten." Again, I explained that was fine -- I am not Celiac. He then rudely says, "I have lots of questions!" and walks away. I was too shocked to ask him what his questions were. The whole situation was embarrassing and unpleasant -- all because I ordered a (super expensive!) gluten-free beer I guess? Oh, they also charged me and extra $2.50 for the GF bun that ruined my dish, a bun that I did NOT ask for. Finally, they tacked on an extra ~5% in fees before tax and tip (credit card fee and kitchen staff fee). Such a terrible experience. The final bill was *$70 for 2 beers, 2 burgers, and a potato skin appetizer.* I should have gone to the Thai place next door. Pretty sure it would have saved me and my dining companion ~$30 and the patronizing encounter.

Horrible experience. Don't go here. Service was slow, took forever to get our overpriced watered down drinks. Awful.

Wow!!!! OMG!!!! This is my favorite restaurant in Colorado and possibly in the world! For more than 20 years, I have been looking for a restaurant that would serve gluten-free fish and chips and I finally found it! I am so grateful!!! Not only I finally found it, but it was so freaking good! So tasty! Also, pretty much everything on the menu is gluten-free including all their fries and dipping sauces (They have 17 different ones!). Everything we ordered (breaded artichoke hearts, chicken bites, fresh cut fries, fish and chips, BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, Chipotle sauce, fed cheese burger, flourless chocolate cake, popcorn) was amazingly delicious. The beers were awesome. Their selection is great. The service was fantastic. The ambiance was fun. We got to talk to the owner, who is super nice. This is our new to-go place with the family and with friends. I anticipate that we will be coming to this place a lot (if we can, every week). I can't wait to try more food there! Give this place a try, you will not be disappointed!

Great neighborhood spot for burgers. It's has a very local feel to the place and plenty of seats at the bar. They also have a pretty large dog friendly patio which is great in the summer. Staff is always super helpful.

My boyfriend and I visited this place after sight seeing. They had a great selection on the menu and a cool environment. That's why we chose this place. HOWEVER, They would not serve my almost 23 year old boyfriend a beer because his Alabama drivers license is vertical. In Alabama, you don't get a horizontal license until you're 25 Or whenever you need to renew your license. Our waitress wouldn't serve him a beer. Annoying, but whatever. I got the nachos and he got the pork belly Bahn mi. The waitress heard him wrong and put pulled pork instead of the pork belly. She had an attitude about it. It was just really uncomfortable after she wouldn't serve him a beer. We weren't ugly about it. But I feel like she assumed we weren't going to tip her, so she did the bare minimum. Hardly came to fill up drinks. Had a different attitude. I just felt unwanted. The food was okay. Typical bar food. The nachos could have used a little more spice, but maybe that's just me. The bahn mi was okay. I know that I will never return. Not because of the food. (It's bar food, my expectations weren't high) but because of the service. Our waitress just had an awful attitude and she was a grown woman. It was silly.

A very happy find! We went out for dinner here after someone mentioned they had a pretty expansive gluten free menu. They do, and that's just the start. We really loved the friendliness and casualness. We were greeted like we were regulars. Our waitress was amazing as well, she was really friendly and informative. Everything was served piping hot in spite of it being rather busy (it was a Broncos home game). Service was extremely efficient and the food was delicious. It appears most of the menu itself can be made gluten free. My husband is not GF, and really enjoyed the food as well. We binged a little and split the fish and chips, home made chips, and fried artichokes. We will definitely be back, this is a rare gem of a place and I hope they keep the amazing atmosphere and great food/service.

There's a 3.5% credit card charge if you don't pay in cash (making a large profit margin off of credit card payments and not simply charging it to just cover the cost) Livable wage kitchen charge that owner refuses to pay employees or raise menu prices even more and then passes on to customers in a sneaky manner. Expect to pay far more than what you think you will before going here, roughly 15% more in hidden charges and actual taxes BEFORE tipping. Menus online don't say anything about these hidden charges.

I ate here TWICE during my 4 days in Colorado. Why? Because it's the only place open for lunch at 11! Also, after my delicious first meal I was happy to go back for a second. I rolled into town after an early flight, ubered to my Airbnb, and looked for something nearby since I was famished. It wasn't quite 11 and nearly every lunch place opened at noon. The Federal opened at 11. Winner, winner, chicken dinner. When I arrived they'd just opened, but I was warmly welcomed nonetheless. The bartender recommended some local brews (pro tip: they have half pints!) and I ordered the deviled eggs and the Federale (as a veggie burger). The deviled eggs are so SO good. Not so far from traditional that they're overly fussy, but with a little added something. The fresh green onion on top was a nice touch. The burger was delicious as well, with spicy green chili on top. As I prepared to leave town again, I had time (and appetite) for something to eat first. The same friendly bartender was working and I'm a jerk for not remembering her name. Since it was a Sunday, I treated myself to brunch: the Florentine Quinoa Benedict. Different and tasty. I definitely recommend this great local spot.

Great gluten free food! Dedicated fryers. Not a dedicated kitchen but very close. Ask the nice, knowledgable servers. I love the neighborhood bar atmosphere, but it's good to take kids also, especially at lunch. Did I mention everything on the menu except two things are gluten free? They have regular bread and buns for "regular" people--lol. If I lived in Denver, this would be one of the places I'd go regularly. My son and I ate there for lunch in February of 2024. I had a salad with added protein. Then I got takeout supper that same day of gluten free fish and chips! Oh my. Delicious. Please note: I do not have Celiacs, but I am very sensitive. I did NOT get the least sick from these meals. My son got a burger and fries. He loved the NON-gf buns on his burger. Happy family.

If you like quiet and boring this place is for you. The owner is a pompous prick, and heaven forbid you raise your voice watching sports. They will cut you off. Bar staff is very unfriendly. Just too many really great spots around, no real need to go in here. I personally will never step foot inside again EVER. This place sucks

Hands down, the Federales Burger is easily one of the best burgers I have ever had. Their fries and fish tacos are great as well. The waitresses were great and attentive. I only give it four stars because when I received the bill, a credit card fee and kitchen staff fee was added onto the bill without prior notice. Other than that, amazing food! Would recommend!

Stumbled across this spot as we were trying to find a bar close to Broncos stadium with a good set of TVs. We were glad we came across this place! They have fantastic selection of WINGS! (Nothing better than watching a sports game with good wings). I had the PB&J wings and they were phenominal! They were coated in a delightful peanut sauce and then came with a jelly-like dipping sauce. Sounds crazy but it was remarkably good! I also tried the soft pretzel with the cheese sauce. Not bad when its only $5 and they'll throw on more cheese if you ask them! Perfect end of the night snack! We sat at the bar and the bartender was great- such a stand up guy and great conversationalist. We know he was busy but he was great to always check in on us. I'm more of a wine drinker and the wines were around $7-$9. I will be back for more of the PB&J wings!!

Super impressed with my fish tacos. Went here before a game and the service was great despite how busy they are. Highly recommend and hoping to come back here again!

Love this place! Good food, good people, good service. Tried the Federale burger and it was delicious. The sweet potato fries were some of the best I've had. See you again soon

I'm in love! I think this will be my new local favorite. The ambiance is so cozy and casual-- a place for locals, for sure. The menu has a large selection and really unique pairings. I got the Chipotle BBQ sandwich with ranch slaw and added avo. The sauce on this was SO thick and flavorful unlike other really watery bbq sauces. My boyf got the red hot fed with au ju and italian giardiniera. They have ghost fries which are like, ghost pepper slated-- so spicy! The service was fast and friendly and I am looking forward to coming back!

Great service and great food, should've followed bar tenders recommendation. My wife and I loved the environment and will totally be back!

Very casual and laid back neighborhood place with a great staff and owner! This is very close to our Airbnb and had a lot of options for our party. We had the artichokes (loved! Hardly ever seen on menus so this was a great find!), the pretzel (also delicious--cheese dip was yummy too), wings and chicken bites (both really good.) All of us had salads for dinner entrees after all of the appetizers--2 chicken sink salads (lots of stuff, great blend of ingredients), chicken Caesar (a more basic choice but it was really good), and the warm quinoa (another hard to find item--it was great!) This would be a regular place for us if we were locals--for sure worth giving it a try!