The West End Tavern

I cannot comment on the food since we only went for a drink, but the beers were pretty tasty. We went after a hike with some friends from out of the country who had never been to Boulder. It was a pretty busy, later Sunday afternoon. I paid the bill with my debit card and our friends left a really good cash tip (even though it took a REALLY long time to get served, finally get our beers, and eventually our bill). When I checked my bank statement online a week or so later I noticed that I was charged well over the amount that I saw on the receipt, so I called the restaurant to check it out. The manager apologized profusely and promised to fix the issue and get back to me. Two or three weeks later, since my account was never credited and the management of the West End Tavern never got back to me, I called again. Same thing: an apology, a promise to resolve the issue...but they never got back to me or credited my account. I definitely won't return to this restaurant, and if you go, maybe you should consider paying in cash because if you are overcharged, they won't fix it.

Great food, great vibe, great people.

You can't go wrong with their BBQ, it's the best you can get in Boulder, and maybe the only place you can get it really. Second, they have shuffleboard, you don't find many of those in Boulder. Third, their rooftop patio is probably the best one in Boulder.

While their food is pricey, I wouldn't care so much if they had more options, the small options leave me with constantly going for the same thing. It's an all or nothing kind of menu, some smaller plates would make it perfect.

I've come here twice in the past few weeks because I was meeting friends.  I've been here between 5-10 times over the past 5 years.  I like the location and I like the general vibe for late-night (usually pretty busy and lively crowd).  However, the food and drinks are just OK.  I've had their bbq sandwich, chips, burger, and loaded fries.  Nothing bad, but nothing to write home about either.  

My biggest complaint is that the last two times I went, I saw either the bartender or waitress "sample" the drinks.  My friend ordered a glass of nice whiskey and we saw the bartender taste it with a straw.  The second time I was there, I saw the waitress try my vodka tonic.  Hmm.  It would be one thing if the bartender was trying it to make sure the drink tasted right, but that doesn't seem to be what is going here.  

I'll go to the West End when my friends want to meet, but I'll suggest elsewhere if given the chance.