Eats & Beats: New pub in 5 Pts., Dunbar

interview with Charles Wessels

The next exhibit in the renaissance of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood is the opening of Dunbar Kitchen & Tap House, in the same space as the previous 50-year tenant Dunbar Barber Shop, at 2844 Welton Street.  Managing Partner Charles Wessels visited “First Take with Lando and Chavis” to celebrate the three-week old space.

“My business partner Mike Ayre saw the location right when it came up and thought it would be a fantastic location to turn into a restaurant,” said Wessels.  ”Five Points is just such a booming area right now.”

With a menu priced in the mid-range, Wessels said they’re going for a neighborhood vibe.  ”What we wanted was just that feeling of being part of the community.”  They keep restaurant hours.

The vintage decor took advantage of abundant brick, and they recycled as much wood as they could during the renovation, said Wessels.  They also rescued the original barbershop window just before it went to the dumpster.

A few of the cocktails and menu items echo the jazz heritage of the historic district (The “Jazz”erac, the Proud Mary, the “Yard Bird” sandwich).   Being a half-block from the Five Points Media Center, early reports from KUVO staffers are that the food is fresh, quality and tasty.  This writer was especially impressed by the ketchup (with a kick).