32nd and Lowell, where sister pub Three Dogs Tavern is located, wasn't the only corner of the Highlands neighborhood with a dearth of quality watering holes (dearth, of course, meaning serious shortage or drought - a great and underused word). The 41st & Tennyson neighborhood, aka Berkeley, was a pint short of a party as well - until Patrick Carroll's opened its doors in 2005. Like most Little Pub Co. joints, this place defies stereotyping. At lunchtime you'll find the place packed with dudes of every stripe (back in Hoboken, you could always tell the best deli or burger joint by how many plumbers' and roofers' vans were double-parked in front of the place). In the evenings, it's happy time for a wide spectrum of folks - from Bimmers to beaters, many booth-hopping to check out the collection of old-school family photos from Taunton, Massachusetts, of all places.
Patrick Carroll, you see, was a Boston-area blacksmith back in the late 1800's, and from his loins sprang a whole bunch of crazy, Irish Carrolls, one of whom ultimately founded this pub. You remember Samuel Adams: Brewer/Patriot? Well, this is Patrick Carroll: Blacksmith/Pub Guy. Kind of gives new meaning to the notion of getting hammered?
Anyway, Carroll's is the proud home of homemade fish & chips, smoked wings, and the Scottie Burger: a burger smashed up with A-1, cheese and bacon into a delicious mess. It's actually named after a Guinness merchandise rep who invented it while working as a line cook in some dump. Oh yeah, and he's from Ireland, like that matters.
Patrick Carrol's3963 Tennyson St DenverCO80212Tel: (30) 345-8666
Pat Carrolls is a highlands fixture, one of the best places for good beer, good food, and great ambiance. Everything you need in a traditional Irish pub from the dark wood embellishments to booth/bar seating to the St. Paddy's Day countdown clock. The staff is welcoming and make it an enjoyable, low-key experience.
Mom and I arrived without expectations, but talked about our next visit before we were out the door. Brilliant sandwiches, thoughtful menu and good beer taps.
