Ignite Kitchen + Cocktails (2124 Larimer St., Denver) got a makeover! Ignite, which has been in the Ballpark neighborhood for five years, recently decided to update its look as well as its food and drink menu. I stopped in for a sneak peek this week and got to check out the transformation. For those adverse to change, no need to worry: Ignite still offers plenty of burgers as well as its famous Man Candy! Man Candy, Ignite’s sugared bacon, has been a longtime favorite of its customers, who will be pleased to find that this tasty snack hasn’t gone anywhere.
Man Candy! And Guacamole with House Fried Chips
The updated food menu contains several wood-fired entrees including creole-seasoned Ruby Red Trout, served with patatas bravas, herb butter and vegetables; Wood-Roasted Steak with bacon and blue cheese creamed Brussels sprouts, red wine sauce and herb butter; and Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, served with rosemary potatoes and fresh vegetables.
Arête Barleywine from Elevation Brewing with a piece of Wood-Fired Brie + Pear Flatbread
For those looking for lighter options, entrée bowls and salads have been added, such as a Sushi Salad, Tuna Poke Bowl and Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Arugula Salad. Additionally, there are now four delicious shareable wood-fired flatbreads from which to choose, and three of them are meatless—which is great news for vegetarians like myself.
Fig + Pig Wood-Fired Flatbread: Balsamic fig jam, manchego cheese, prosciutto, dressed arugula
Beer fans will be happy to see many local craft beers on tap from breweries like Boulder Beer, Lefthand Brewing, Odell, New Belgium, Great Divide, Dry Dock, and more. I went with Arête barleywine from Elevation Brewing, which was the rotating handle.
Of course I’m always up for a good local brew, but I love a nice cocktail too. Ignite now has several enticing cocktails for under $10. From classics like mules, margaritas and the Old Fashioned, you’ll also find exiciting new flavors such as the Cucumber + Rose: Hendrick’s Gin, St. Germain liqueur, cucumber, simple syrup, mint, lemon, Port of Call: Del Maguey Vida organic mezcal, Ruby port, fresh lime, agave syrup, Grand Marnier, and my favorite, Strawberry Jam: Weller’s Bourbon, limoncello, mint, house-made strawberry jam, soda.
Strawberry Jam cocktail with Ballpark Peanuts
During happy hour (3-6 pm daily), Ignite offers both $5 and $7 cocktails, plus $1 off all draft beers. Other weekly specials include: half off frozen drinks, wines by the glass, draft beer and flat breads every Monday and Wednesday starting at 8:30 p.m.; “Pitcher Perfect Tuesdays,” featuring $14 pitchers of select beers and sangria on the rooftop; and “Wine Down Sundays,” with half-priced wines by the bottle after 6 pm, with purchase of food.
Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl (GF): Marinated Ahi tuna, green onion, sesame, avocado, mango, pickled vegetable, steamed rice
The interior now has a more intimate feel, making it an excellent choice for date night. The new decor includes brass & capiz orb chandeliers, whitewashed brick, natural white-stone tabletops and reclaimed vintage pieces, including iron Spanish gates (pictured at the bottom of the staircase below) and leaded glass windows from the 19th century.
And last, but certainly not least, Ignite now has valet parking, available nightly for $7, a feature that is sure to be a welcome change in this growing neighborhood where parking can be a challenge, especially on game days.
Spanish gates from 1855
Check out Ignite Kitchen + Cocktails’ new look and be sure to try one of the many killer cocktails along with the chef’s latest creations.
Local craft beer tap handles
