After a week of soft openings, Blackbird, the new neighborhood eatery set in the former Handlebar Tavern, is fully open for lunch and dinner every day.
A venture by the group behind Atticus and Boone's Tavern, this new restaurant and lounge has a cozy modern vibe with an industrial touch: some of the walls are brick while some are reclaimed wood, accents lamps are contemporary, seating is comfortable and inviting.
Chef Thomas Newsted, whose culinary career includes stints in Vail and working with chef Kevin Taylor, created an approachable menu that spans from artisan pizzas to small plates with an international flare. Highlights on the menu include the addictive fried rice and the lamb T-bone with parsnip ratatouille.
The cocktail program is created in collaboration with acclaimed bartender Sean Kenyon of Williams & Graham. There are classics to choose from as well as originals like the Western Slope, a combination of Spring 44 Vodka, Leopolds Bros. peach liqueur, lemon, honey, Angostura bitters and egg whites.
Weekend brunch will launch late-December/early January. Here's a peek inside the space.