This post was originally published on November 19, 2015.
Last Saturday my friends and I were feeling pretty hungover after an astounding evening with Trey Anastasio Band at the Fillmore. If you know me, you know I love Phish and all of the side-projects between. And sometimes, we party. Therefore, we couldn’t physically go too far, as heads were pounding and legs were pretty shot. I also woke up with an extreme craving for a Reuben sandwich. So we headed to the Elm, one of my favorite neighborhood bars located only ***4*** blocks away! I’ve been to the Elm a number of times– St. Patrick’s Day (corned beef baby), for dinner on multiple occasions, and one drunken night stumbling down Colfax for my friend’s birthday. This Saturday warranted $4 Bloodys (the also have $4 mimosas for you sweet toothed folk) and a tasty samwich. I’m always game for a cheap Bloody. I also found out the Elm has a decently priced breakfast menu including a burrito and some other items involving eggs. I recommend the Elm if you want a modestly priced brunch and plan on drinking a lot. Hey, if you’re like me, you can even walk. For more details about the Elm’s Bloody, please read my review below.
AT A GLANCE 16/20
The Elm’s Bloody was bright red and full of spices in moderate-sized chunks (yum!). It was presented in a clean fashion and was garnished with an olive, lemon, and lime.
GARNISH 14/20
The garnish, as mentioned in the “At A Glance” section, solely consisted of an olive, lemon, and lime, but it was only $4. You guys know I’m a sucker for tasty and cheap Bloodys. So the garnish choice was quite sufficient for the price. The olive looked and tasted good, while the lime’s rind was a bit dirty and off-looking. I tossed it out. I squeezed juice from lemon into my Bloody– no harm there. The garnish was not very creative, but again, the Bloody was cheap.
SPICE 19/20
The spices within the Elm’s Bloody Mary were fresh-tasting and the cocktail had a punch to it. It was quite a zesty Bloody and relatively hot in terms of heat index. Pepper, horseradish, and hot sauce all shined through within the flavor.
TEXTURE & ACIDITY 18/20
The texture throughout the Bloody was relatively thick and constant through (score!). It was filling and tangy, leaving a barely-there acidic feeling in my throat. Is there a good type of “acidic?” If so, this Bloody had it.
UNIQUENESS 15/20
Uniqueness points for yet another delicious and inexpensive Bloody! I still don’t get why some places charge $9 for a Bloody (unless tasty and extravagant garnishes are involved!). The Bloody also had a distinctive flavor and, as I said in the previous section, a “good” acidity to it if there was one. Plus I like the Elm. It’s four blocks from my house and super convenient– can’t factor that into the score though 🙂 Just had to shout it out.
FINAL SCORE 82/100
If sandwiches, burgers, and inexpensive Bloody Marys are your thing, visit the neighborhood pub aka The Elm. The Elm is located at:
5001 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO, 80220
