Emerald Isle: An Unlikely Oasis

by Paddy
(Chicago)

We went to Emerald Isle down on S. Parker Road late after work one Friday night. Even though there were nine of us, the staff were very welcoming, and with a closing time of 2AM we were never rushed.

The Mexican food was wonderful - yes you read that right - Mexican food, despite the Irish sounding name the main menu is Mexican and especially good are their steak fajitas. Emerald Isle does not take reservations, but despite arriving close to midnight we were seated and served in short order, after a swift drink, or was it two, in the bar at the front.

The dining area looks out to the Cherry Creek Reservoir and with a mountain backdrop and the patio, it looks like a relaxing place to spend a warm summer evening.

Drinks were reasonably priced and I'd recommend the bar to anyone looking for somewhere to meet up in Denver, although from the outside the bar's roadhouse look can seem a little daunting. The inside is more than welcoming, with interesting caricatures and photographs of the regulars.

The Americanized Mexican food is best demonstrated with their avocado and bacon cheeseburgers which we had with crisp fries and ice cold beers. Tacos were piping hot and fresh and covered in cheese with servings on the very generous side.

We were told that the place gets very full on the weekend, especially the terrace area, and with no reservation booking, it's somewhere that you might want to take a chance on, rather than expect a pre-arranged quiet sit-down meal.

I found it by accident and didn't expect much from the outside, but it's become somewhere I visit every time I'm town.