Bar Helix Seduces Drinkers and Diners in RiNo

Bar Helix burst onto the Denver bar scene last month in RiNo. “Swirl girl” Kendra Anderson, an entrepreneur, chef, writer, and sommelier, opened the swanky space as a modern twist on a bygone nightlife era. Since the opening, the word “sexy” has been thrown around a lot. Food has been described as high-meets-low. And the owner herself as been applauded for her efforts. So, what do Denver diners and drinkers think of the new RiNo establishment?

Naturally Cool: Dining Out notes that Bar Helix “effortlessly” exudes the “it” factor through its “playful yet decadent” food and “expertly executed” drinks. Though the kitchen is small, the level of food served is “really remarkable” in taste and execution, and the small plates manage to be “both surprising and memorable.” Stand-outs include the Naughty Waffles, layered with tater tots, smoked salmon, cream cheese, and caviar; and the Crack Mix, Helix’s take on bar snacks. While the food was “delicious,” managing editor Peter Gietl notes that the drinks will really drive customers back. [Dining Out]

Trending Now: The bar popped up on multiple Zagat features, including a fall roundup of “Eat This Now” dishes, and Denver’s ten sexiest new restaurants and bars. Zagat writer Ruth Tobias said, “[W]e couldn't resist updating our list any more than we can resist the place itself — neo-Negronis, caviar service, glittering bar, banquette cage, ‘yacht rock’ and all.” The Bump and Bubbles plate garnered attention as well for its classic pairing of champagne and caviar. Despite the small plate’s $20 price point, “there's no cheaper — never mind sexier — way to go” on the Bar Helix menu. [Zagat]

Unexpected and Sexy: The Denver Post celebrated Bar Helix’s diverse menu and applauded the fact that Denver finally has a bar that pairs the champagne of beers with actual champagne, and Pringles with its caviar service. The space’s mashed-up seventies and “gritty street” vibes accumulate into a “super-sleek cocktail lounge.” Bar Helix’s “highly-drinkable” signature cocktail, the Bar Helix Negroni, impressed Reedy, as did Anderson’s expert selection of wines. However, the “well-executed, unexpected, and fun” food packs the biggest punch. Devilish Eggs and Trailer Taters (loaded with beef tallow-confit fingerlings and white cheddar beer fondue) top the list. [The Know]

Sass, Flavor, and Swag: Denver diners raved about Bar Helix on the bar’s Facebook page. Reviewers directly praise the owner, who clearly sets the tone for her establishment. One patron enjoyed how the food menu reflects “Kendra’s style: sass, flava, and swag,” while another commented that Bar Helix is “fabulous, from top to bottom.” After a satisfying experience, another diner admitted, “Kendra owned it,” and celebrated the debut of this female-owned and -operated bar into Denver’s thriving scene. A few complaints arose over mischarged drinks and menu prices (most cocktails cost $12). However, the majority of Facebook reviewers said they were eager to return. [Facebook]

• Bar Helix Swirls Into the RiNo Cocktail Scene [EDEN]
• A Sneak Peek Inside Kendra Anderson’s Bar Helix [EDEN]