I Visited Denver Airport’s Hidden Bar; Made Layover Higher

Flying internationally within the winter may be tough — crowded airports typically flip right into a no-man’s land of grumpy vacationers, downcast because of dangerous climate and flight delays.

But I do know one factor could make that journey extra bearable: a cocktail. Especially when it is in a themed bar.

During a latest 16-hour journey from the UK to the US, I made a decision to go to a speakeasy known as Williams & Graham throughout my layover on the Denver International Airport.

Although I used to be initially nervous the idea can be tacky, it made for a enjoyable option to go the time. Here’s what it was like.

The entrance was hidden, nevertheless it wasn’t arduous to search out

Kasia Kovacs

The entrance to Williams & Graham, situated close to Gate A38, is disguised by a curved bookshelf.

An observant passerby would discover clues — just like the hostess with a shiny smile standing subsequent to a purple velvet rope — that this wasn’t any previous bookcase. There was additionally outstanding Williams & Graham signage.

When I walked as much as the hostess, I used to be advised the wait can be about 15 to twenty minutes. As I waited for a desk, I watched a gentle stream of individuals attempt to get in, and the wait time rose to 25 minutes.

After calling my title, the hostess pulled open the bookshelf, which changed into a door and revealed the bar.

Kasia Kovacs

Although not precisely massive, the speakeasy had extra space than I anticipated for an airport location. The lights have been dimmed, which made the ambiance really feel extra bar-like after leaving the sterile lighting of an airport.

I used to be given a seat on the totally stocked bar, which felt acceptable for a solo traveler.

The menu had a very good quantity of choices

Kasia Kovacs

All cocktails have been $18, and the menu included a mixture of each traditional and distinctive home choices, with names like “Becky with the Good Hair” and “Swol Juice.”

The worth felt steep for my very own day-to-day spending, however contemplating that airport costs are notoriously excessive, I used to be virtually stunned they weren’t dearer.

I counted 26 cocktails on the menu, which felt like a very good vary of choices for vacationers in a time crunch. The menu did not listing particular beer or wine choices, however patrons might ask a server in regards to the choice in the event that they have been .

Along with cocktails, the menu had meals gadgets like mac and cheese, a burger, and the occasional French-themed dish like ratatouille. The entrées ranged in worth from $14.20 to $28.80.

Since I did not wish to miss my flight, I caught with a drink. But I seen just a few folks round me ordering meals, together with a hefty, juicy-looking burger and frog legs, described on the menu as “frog booties.”

I loved my drink and thought the speakeasy was a enjoyable option to go the time

Kasia Kovacs

I ordered the Highland Lass, a whiskey-based cocktail made with Glenfiddich 12, yellow Chartreuse liqueur, lemon, cucumber, honey, and ginger.

The drink went down easily, and the whiskey, honey, and ginger felt comforting. Although it was an iced cocktail, the mix felt like heat on a winter’s day.

I additionally loved the little bit of sweetness that did not really feel too overwhelming. Though nothing spectacular, it was a nice drink.

Overall, though the thought of an airport speakeasy is a bit camp, the drinks have been good sufficient for an airport bar, and the ambiance was pleasant.

For me, a cocktail and conversations with strangers have been enjoyable methods to distract me from the woes of a layover.