BY DENNY DRESSMAN
The Cherry Creek restaurant scene has added an exciting, one-of-a-kind dimension.
Derecho Bar, which opened last month at 2817 E 3rd Ave, features the first and only Spanish-themed tapas/small plate fare in the neighborhood.
“We want our guests to start their evenings off right, with a Spanish snack and a glass of wine or cocktail,” said co-owner John “Wally” Wallrath.
Derecho Bar offers $5 draft wines and premium craft cocktails under $10. Specialties such as Goat Cheese Stuffed Piquillo Peppers are the creation of chef Kevin Marquet, formerly of the original 9th Door, a popular tapas stop in LoDo.
“We wanted an approachable, comfy, cocktail and wine bar in Cherry Creek,” said Wallrath. “We opened up the west-facing wall with a beautiful 15-foot retractable door, built a private mezzanine upstairs, and commissioned a local artist from Boulder to create a gorgeous 20-foot mural behind the bar.”
Hours are 4-11 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 11a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday; and 11a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Derecho Bar is closed on Mondays.
A new venture for Wallrath and co-owner Dan Ohlson, Derecho Bar is a few steps away from their Machete Tequila + Taco—one of three related locations. The other Machete Tequila + Taco outlets are at 3570 E. Colfax Avenue and near Union Station.