We were lucky enough to check out Federales during their ‘soft’ opening last week. What was thought to be friends, family, and some people stopping by eventually turned into an absolute party with a line wrapped around the corner which told us everything we needed to know.
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As if RiNo’s bar scene isn’t lively enough, Federales, the open-aired tacos-and-tequila restaurant, took out major real estate on the corner of 29th and Larimer and is doing what RiNo does best – throwing a party.
The space is massive to say the least: 2,800 square feet inside; 2,200 square feet outside; and a retractable roof so you never have to worry about spending a beautiful CO day inside. Yet, it’s what they do with the space that will have people coming back for more.
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Painted along their vast back wall is a mural stretching to every corner. Colorado native, Jason Botkin and Vincent Gordon of Denver’s DCCX Gallery took on this monumental project for Federales. Starting on the left, the mural gives an homage to their roots in Chicago, but soon progresses to some of Denver’s infamous characters like Blucifer.
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Heard from blocks away, Federales offers something especially unique. For $10, you can buy a shot that comes in an ice shot glass and shatter it against a bell letting all your friends know that you either 1) have solid aim or 2) took a shot.
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Other than shots, Federales highlights their margarita menu with showstoppers like spicy watermelon, frozen mango, and frozen tequila rose. For those who aren’t interested in tequila, they also offer beers on draft like Ratio, Odell, and Avery, and Laws Whiskey, Woody Creek, and Leopold Bros for spirits.
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Aside from their noteworthy bar menu, Federales packs a punch with their food menu, all of which is made in-house and accommodates any and all dietary restrictions. The tamales, wood-grilled shrimp, and crispy potatoes have servers raving to tables, but they also offer larger entrees like quesadillas and burritos.
Post-last call food is almost impossible to find in Denver, so we got whiplash when they told us about their late-night menu options. The reclaimed home on the property has now been turned into every midnight wanderer’s oasis: the ‘caja.’ Available for pick-up, the ‘caja’ will offer walk-up grab-and-go service for tacos and drinks until last call.
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Federales truly is a party. Except the kind of party where people are always giving you free chips and salsas and things to throw. They also only accept reservations for 25% of their seating, leaving the rest open for passersby and admirers -- and we love an equal-opportunity waitlist. First come, first serve (but even first on the waitlist puts you in an outdoor section with easy access to the caja house for drinks and food.)
If you haven’t checked out Federales, you’re most likely on a short list. They are affordable, approachable, and admirable in their facing of the late-night food-desert that Denver becomes every night once bars close. Throwing ice-shots or not, Federales is throwing down every day of the week.
Written by Jenna McGoldrick