Tuesday 2nd of March 2010 04:11:36 PM

link
I just visited Denver again for the first time in twenty years and Falling Rock was at the top of my list of places to visit. Walking in, you're overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tap handles, both those on services and in racks along the walls.

The first time we stopped in, was for lunch on a Friday. We were fairly early, perhaps 11:30, so the bar wasn't crowded at all, though it was beginning to fill up as we left about an hour later. We sat in a booth on the bar-side and perused the amazing beer menu. An absolutely huge selection, both on-tap and in bottles, including a selection of Russian River beers, seldom seen anywhere but around Santa Rosa, CA. They were even planning to tap two 4 gallon torpedoes of Pliny the Younger at 5 PM that day, but our server advised against showing up for that, since based on past experience, the beer would be gone in less than 15 minutes, leaving many disappointed customers.

Food was good, if a little greasy; standard bar food, sandwiches and burgers. Service was great; perhaps because it was slow, our waiter took plenty of time to chat with us. Beer was absolutely spot on, with my wife enjoying a Trumner Pils and me a RR Damnation.

We returned after dinner that evening, with some friends. We managed to snag some couches and chairs on the opposite side of the booths from the bar. Noise level was fairly high but not unbearable and the place was pretty busy. The server we got this time around was not as friendly, but then he was much, much busier than our earlier one had been.

All-in-all, this was the best place we went in Denver as regards to beer, an absolute must-stop on any visit.

Tuesday 5th of January 2010 11:14:33 PM

link
Falling Rock is one of my must-stop places whenever I'm in the Denver area whether for GABF, work, or vacation.

During GABF (and heaven forbid there's a home Rockies game) the crowds make the place downright insane. Finding a seat, getting to the bar, or flagging down a server can be a challenge for even a saint's patience.

At other times I've managed to stop in for a late lunch before heading to the airport and the place is shockingly peaceful and reminiscent of the neighborhood taverns I grew up visiting with my (grand)father(s). I've even had some great conversations with the staff during these times.

The beer selection is extensive with something for nearly every palate. I really enjoy being able to get a variety of beers not available at home all in one place. Depending on when it was printed and how busy they are, the paper beer list can be quite out of date. Even the chalk boards above the bar can be wrong. When they're busy, it's a good idea to have a couple "back up" beers in mind in case something has run out. This is even more important if seated outside with the servers are running around like crazy. If in view of the bar, being able to identify tap handles at a distance has come in handy.

My preferred meal is the blackened chicken club sandwich with an upgrade to spicy fries or onion rings. The sandwich has always been great but the fries are variable.

Sunday 27th of September 2009 12:18:46 AM

link
Certainly a place to hit for the tremendous variety, probably over 100 beers on tap with just an awesome selection of basically everything you can get in Colorado. The issue is the service, it was crazy busy during my visit, however, this place actually advertises on their shirts how proud they are of bad service. Like a cheap knock off of Dick's Last Resort, just with good beer. Colorado, Oregon, Washington and California are all well represented however.

Food menu appeared to be nothing special. Walking distance from Coors Field.

Sunday 9th of August 2009 06:47:54 PM

link
I've been to FRTH many times. The selection and special tappings keep me coming back. It's location close to Coors Field makes it ideal for game day or to hit other beer places in the area. Beer bottles and signs are all over the walls. Seating is limited if you have 2people (all booths and tables seat at least 6), so I feel bad taking a huge table for just 2 of us. Oh well. Service is usually so bad that it would drive me away but the selection is strong enough to have me return. Food is ok, some items are really good, fries are terrible, and most is average. It gets crowded and either the staff cannot handle it, or the infrastructure of service needs work. I get a feeling this place really wants to be a beer bar, but the location insists it must accomodate the party crowd, too.
Many taps to choose from, with a semi-accurate, cheap paper menu. Good selection of styles, if not on tap, then in their bottle fridge. Glassware consists mostly of pints and small snifters. Downstairs is a pool and dart room, with a nice little lounge area..but no service down there. Pity.

Friday 22nd of May 2009 12:45:10 AM

link
Unlike many BeerMapping places, at least this one is getting the attention it deserves. The few days we were in Denver we made it twice.

The beer selection is AMAZING. Go there. Now. The only thing I call 'foul' on is they are so close to Lyons, CO yet the only Oscar Blues beers they have on tap are Old Chub and Dale's Pale Ale. While they are mighty fine beers, those are the ONLY two OB beers available at home (Boise, ID). If I could ever have the chance to try Ten Fidy or Gordon's Beer I thought this would be the place! No luck.

Nevertheless, excellent beer selection. I give the service a "4" because the first night the bartender was an @$$. While not outright rude, he was very slow and resented having to pour my group (6 of us) beers. I think he was just slammed and in a bad mood, so I can understand. But his service would rank 1.0 on a 5.0 scale.

The fact we returned a second time is testament to the power of the beer selection. On the bright side our server this time (again party of 6) was phenomenal: funny, engaging and very knowledgeable.

The food was good, decent pub fare. All good food and not too expensive. The atmosphere is nothing to speak of: it's a noisy building crammed full of people, great beer and wallpapered in coasters and beer bottles. But I find that highly appropriate - after all it's all about the beer anyway. Why put on fancy airs? Grab yourself a Yeti and enjoy the evening!

Monday 20th of April 2009 11:58:55 AM

link
Had the pleasure to visit at the end of February while on vacation. Was more than happy to see the 65 plus taps along with the 3 cask taps. Has an outstanding selection on draft along with an equally outstanding selection in bottles. Beer was served in proper glassware for the style. Had nice atmosphere and the walls are lined with bottles and tap handles of the various beers that are and have been on tap. If you are even somewhat near Denver, this is a must visit if you enjoy craft beers.

Thursday 4th of September 2008 04:44:01 PM

link
Colorado Road Trip – 2006
Oh WOW this is Mecca. I wish I could have walked around the place 7 times it was awesome. Loved all they had on tap. I wish I had more time. They had such awesome brews on Tap and then to offer special GABF brews that even the GABF did not have was awesome also. The beer selection was above almost all. The Food was not bad and the service on such a busy day was great. A must stop for any beer fan.

Friday 25th of July 2008 11:31:28 AM

link
Falling Rock Tap House is a great place to go if you want a wide selection of beers and don't need an upscale atmosphere.

The selection of beers is great. Lots of Belgians and Germans, including many on tap, and they try to serve them in the correct glassware. This is the reason to visit. Also a good selection of local microbrews, although this is not unique in Denver.

Service is hit-or-miss. Being close to Coors Field, home of the local major league baseball team, the place can get crowded around gametime and after games. Servers are pleasant enough but not always numerous enough.

Food is not outstanding - lots of greasy pub food. I have not discovered a great or unique dish on the menu. Not great for kids either. But there is something to eat, and not notably bad for that matter.

Atmosphere is kind of a dive, but not in a scary way - just not posh. Fine for people who just want to drink beer that's different from what is served at most American bars. Outdoor seating is available and like all Colorado restaurants is your only chance at a smoking section.

Saturday 28th of June 2008 11:08:35 AM

link
This is the place to go in Denver. If you want service though do not go during the Great American Beer Festival because you won't get any. It takes 45 plus minutes to get a beer at that time, other times though the place is great. Never much of a crowd. The multiple taps are great. Lots of imprts and good craft brews including beers you won't find anywhere else. Food is typical pub food. Lots of bottles and beer memoribilla hanging around.

Saturday 20th of October 2007 11:06:00 PM

link
We hit Falling Rock three times in four days during the recent Great American Beer Festival. It seems that most brewers and beer lovers end up drinking at Falling Rock either before or after the festival sessions.

Falling Rock had a superb selection during the events, so I guess my views could be swayed a bit. But the number of taps they have should lead someone to believe that there are super beers available most of the time.

During our visits the bar was obscenely packed. At times people were four deep waiting for service. I expected the bartenders to be unhappy, but they were serving people quickly with a smile. Their attitudes were seriously impressive. If you are worried about how packed the bar is, make sure you check the live web cam aimed at the bar before you head over.

I didn't try any Falling Rock food, but I heard and saw that it was available.

The atmosphere when we visited was probably a bit different than the usual visit. Again, I would suggest a viewing of the site's web cam if you are worried about that. I wouldn't suggest putting anything down that you were interested in eating though. The floors were a bit sticky and the bathrooms had the essence of "gas station" but overall Falling Rock felt like a laid back place to drink a few beers.

Falling Rock is extremely close to Coors Field and it is a short stroll from the free 16th Street Mall Bus. There are parking lots in the area that were mostly paid lots, so I would suggest the bus if you are traveling by public transportation.

Wednesday 11th of April 2007 05:28:23 PM

link

This person needs 3 or more reviews on the site for their scores to start counting.

The Falling Rock Taphouse is THE beer bar in Denver! For any beer lover it is a MUST when visiting Denver. The wall of draft handles features a diverse selection of beer from all over the world...many that are very difficult, if not usually impossible, to find on draft. In addition to these selections, the [primarily Belgian] beer cooler with bottled selections is outstanding. Add great live music to the amazing beer selection, then a patio for nice afternoons and evenings, then pool tables, darts, etc. downstairs and you've got it made. We'll see you there!