Asbury Provisions is the new best place in town.
The city of Denver is full of top-notch food and drink, but unfortunately the same can’t be specifically said about the University of Denver neighborhood. Nearly every place to grab a bite around campus is a low-quality chain, and the bars are so dark and damp that you might as well resort to a frat basement instead. But just recently, a breath of fresh air has graced both DU’s food and drink scene. In the former space of the Renegade Publik House on University Blvd. is Asbury Provisions, the new best place in town for any thirst or hunger, on any occasion.
This gastropub was founded by three ambitious professionals who believe in high-quality food and beverages through hard work and a fantastic Indiegogo campaign. They’ve all been in the restaurant business for years before taking this leap of faith into entrepreneurship, and, upon walking into their new pride and joy, it’s clear that this leap is well-planned and destined for success.
The design of Asbury Provisions is cozy and relaxing, holding a mixed style that is both rustic and modern. Shelves made of pallets, candles in ball jars and exposed light bulbs elegantly hanging from the ceiling make up the rustic side of things while shiny steel chairs and bronze tap handles and a hint of stylin’ floral wallpaper cover the modernity. It’s a small space, but the owners have made it work wonderfully with a large bar and plenty of tables without any sacrifices. You won’t find any bar or arcade games, but that’s exactly why this place is so uniquely great.
The music also holds a mix of the old and new, covering tunes from Sam Cooke and Otis Redding to the Black Keys and Alabama Shakes. If you’re looking to hear top hits, try out one of the more mediocre options on University. They’ll surely be happy to play “Shake It Off” or perhaps the tune from that Degrassi dude, “0 – 100.” for you and your equally mediocre taste.
Whether you’re in for a small bite or a full meal, Asbury Provisions has a great menu that will fit any hunger. Lighter options include wings, mussels, fish tacos, macaroni & cheese, deviled eggs, candied bacon, hot pretzels and a farmers board. These small plates are their specialty, straying away from being a full-on restaurant. But a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches are available too. They’ve got the traditional choice of a classic burger, but also less-common options such as a grilled bratwurst and short rib sandwich. No matter what you’re having, it will be made from the highest-quality ingredients that are far superior to any “competitor” near campus.
While the food is phenomenal, the focus at Asbury Provisions is drinks. This is best explained by the business’ motto, “I would rather eat at a bar than drink at a restaurant.” Over 25 craft beers are on tap at all times, along with 13 different wines and an extensive cocktail list. The happy hour is also one of the best around, offering $3 craft beers, $5 glasses of wine, $5 Schuylkill Punch (a fruit/vegetable-style beer) and $2 bacon fat, truffled popcorn. That’s right. Bacon. Fat. Truffled. Popcorn. Never before have four such wonderful words been combined. Stop in from 4 – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday to indulge in the affordable greatness.
Despite the thriving food and drink scene of Denver, DU’s neighborhood just hasn’t caught up, or even felt the need to from what it looks like. But Asbury Provisions has broken that trend, and is an example of what every business is supposed to be like around here. So, if you’re sick of conforming to chain restaurant diet and losing flip flops to the sticky floors of the Border every weekend, look no further than the new best place in town.
