We're a week away from the debut of Wurstküche in Denver, as the sausage kitchen prepares for its third store, and first outside of California. Cousins and business partners Tyler Wilson and Joseph Pitruzzelli are set to open the concept on Monday, February 23, providing a gathering spot for those seeking brats, beer, and more.
Wilson, who dropped out of USC to open the first spot in Los Angeles in 2008, heads up the kitchen development, while Pitruzzelli is responsible for the design. All three locations have been housed in triangle-shaped brick buildings, with Denver's in the former Triangle Lounge and Rockaway Tavern venue.
Guests enter and order at the counter, then make their way through a corridor to the beer hall. A bar in this area is prime for follow-up rounds of drinks, though for additional food, ordering has to be done back at the front. Within the space are long, picnic-style community tables, plus some smaller tables with stools and banquettes around the perimeter. No TVs are in sight, but there are plans to have a DJ spinning on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Known for sausages both classic and exotic, Wurstküche will serve a menu of some made-in-house staples, as well as unique picks like chicken and turkey with mango jalapeño, rattlesnake and rabbit, and pheasant. Each comes grilled-to-order on a roll from the Aspen Baking Company, with a choice of two toppings—think caramelized onions, sauerkraut, sweet peppers, or spicy peppers. A selection of gourmet mustards round out the options, plus Belgian-style fries with an array of dipping sauces. Those choices include chipotle aioli, curry ketchup, and pesto mayo, among others.
Wash your meal down with a brew from the Belgian- and German-heavy list that features 24 drafts and 45 to 50 bottles. The German drafts are available in half- and full-liter steins, while the Belgians are poured in specialty glasses.
With approximately 4,500 square feet total, the property also boasts a large ground-level patio/beer garden that can hold about 200 people, complete with stadium seating and two fire pits. There's also a rooftop deck suitable for 30 to 40 people, which can be reserved by large groups. Real estate in the basement is in development to open as a bar with a separate name and concept in early April. Guests will be able to access the 40-person establishment from an entry in the alley.
Wurstküche is located at 2036 Broadway and will be open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. A special grand opening party is also planned for Saturday, February 28.