Thirsty Lion Gastropub is big into seasonality. The popular spot across the splashpad from Denver Union Station, and around the corner from where light rail and bus lines let off, makes it a prime location for those in Downtown Denver. On a recent visit, we tried the Fall Seasonal Menu to see what they are serving up for sweater-weather.
When we were seated, we were presented with Thirsty Lion’s regular menu as well as their new seasonal menu. We zeroed in on the latter. Under “Starters,” we ordered the Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates ($12.95) which are stuffed with gorgonzola cream cheese and almonds, wrapped up with maple pepper bacon and served with a balsamic reduction. Sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy, they were a delicious treat and the perfect way to start the meal. The other option under “Starters” was Spicy Dynamite Shrimp ($16.95) with tempura fried shrimp coated shrimp in sambal Dynamite sauce served with Sriracha sauce and soy glaze.
Under “Entrees,” we could have the Wagyu Beef and Prosciutto Burger, Smoked Pork Ramen, or Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna. Instead, we ordered the Fall Harvest Bowl ($14.95) to which you can add grilled chicken, grilled shrimp or grilled salmon for an additional cost. My husband added salmon to the Bowl which had arugula, shaved Brussels sprouts, quinoa, brown rice, butternut squash, caramelized pears, cranberries, goat cheese, beets, candied walnuts, and a pomegranate vinaigrette and apple honey dressing. Obviously, there was a whole lot going on in this bowl! What the description didn’t say, was that The Fall Harvest Bowl is not served hot or even warm. It was cool, more like a salad. Although the flavors were good, what with the quinoa and brown rice, the dish would have tasted even better had it been warm. The salmon was served hot and was tender and delicious.
I was excited to try the Seared Shrimp & Butternut Squash Linguine ($24.95) because the combination of ingredients isn’t the typical. The dish had seasoned shrimp sauteed with butternut squash, prosciutto, spinach, red peppers, garlic, shallots, red chili flakes, Reggiano cheese, and basil over linguine noodles. The flavors and textures were excellent. I loved the brininess of the shrimp, the slightly sweet tenderness of the squash, and the tug of the prosciutto. Twirling my pasta, it was easy to end up with a bite full of a little bit of everything.
On the new Fall Menu at Thirsty Lion, they devoted a whole section to Zero Proof Craft Cocktails. Options include an Old Fashioned made with zero proof bourbon Better Bitters, Fever-Tree club soda, agave, orange twist and a Bordeaux cherry. There’s also a Chocolate Espresso Martini, Ginger Mint Mule, Passion Fruit No-Jito, and a Ritual Margarita.
We opted for one of a beer and a Smoked Old Fashioned, also on the seasonal menu, but with alcohol. I told my server that I love Old Fashioneds but wasn’t sure about the smoked part. She assured me that it adds a little something extra that’s really good, so I was willing to try.
Here’s one of the many instances that prove that everybody’s taste buds are different. I found the Smoked Old Fashioned to be way too smoky. It was overwhelming for me, obscuring the other ingredients. However, my husband absolutely loved the drink. So, just know if you’re an Old Fashioned cocktail purist, the smoked version might be a bit much. But if you enjoy mezcal, for example, it could be right up your alley.
Desserts on Thirsty Lion’s Fall Menu included a Chocolate Chip Cookie & Ice Cream Sandwich ($11.95) which is two cookies filled with vanilla ice cream plus hot fudge and caramel sauce whipped cream, chocolate shavings powdered sugar and a mint sprig. Despite being serious chocolate lovers, we passed on that and, instead, went for the Whiskey Apple Crumble ($11.95). Granny Smith apples are glazed in whiskey for this dessert, baked a yummy cinnamon pecan streusel topping, served with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. It’s a very fall-like cozy dessert.
Thirsty Lion’s New fall menu is only here through November 27 so be sure to get in there and give it a try. And if nothing on the seasonal menus happens to strike your fancy, which would be surprising, the regular menu is there for you too.
Thirsty Lion is located at Union Station at 1605 Wynkoop St in Denver. The place is popular so we recommend visiting them on their website and making a reservation. It’s a great stop to make before heading to The Theater.
-Story and photos by Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher & Managing Editor, InGoodTasteDenver.com
Please note, as is common practice in our industry, we were hosted for this dining experience to help facilitate this article. However, as is always our policy, our opinions are our own and are for the purpose of informing our readers.
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