My husband and I went back to La Biblioteca this evening- after having a less than great experience during our first visit and writing a review reflective of such, I was personally contacted by the manager who asked me to give the restaurant another chance. We had a delicious meal with excellent service. Our server was Leah, and she was attentive and very friendly. For great drinks and yummy small plates, I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Disco L.
Do you like tequila? Go to this bar. Do you not like tequila but have an open mind? Go to this bar. Do you like Japanese-Mexican fusion(wtf)? Go to this bar. Do you want to learn about tequila from the extremely knowledgable bartender Kevin? Go to this bar. Just shut up and go to this bar.
(5)
Maria P.
Excellent drinks with good snacks. The recommendations from the waitress were excellent and he was very knowledgeable. We went a little late on a week day and the store was empty. It is a great place to try good quality drinks.
(5)
Eric Y.
Our first visit was for happy hour. We sat at the bar and were promptly served by the bartender. He was helpful in making suggestions but a little dull and disinterested otherwise. Adequate would sum up the service. Happy hour prices are a good (not great deal) with the infused margaritas probably being the best deal for HH. The guacamole and chips were flavorful and authentic and the albondigas were a pleasant surprise. Top marks for an exceptional tequila selection and a really pleasant atmosphere.
(3)
Diana W.
Warning: i came here for restaurant week and its a relatively new restaurant so excuse me if my review isn't glowing. This place is next to zengo and owned by the same people so you know you are in for a beautifully dark and trendy restaurant with awesome drinks. Alert: mondays margaritas are only $5!!! I drank two because of how tasty these were! Tart and spicy! Free valet! Too bad it was only one attendant all night! For restaurant week we had the option of 4 plates. Below are the ones we tried: -trout and avocado: huge portion but bland tasting. The chips are crunchy and not greasy. Highly addictive. -ceviche: fresh tasting with a hint of coconut. -spicy tuna roll: meh, it was ok. Unless you are really craving sushi...skip it -wagyu beef appetizer: small portion but incredibly seasoned well!! -lamb meatballs: nothing fancy or spectacular but the saucy is sweet and tangy! -sliders: tiny and pretty dry. The waitress was kind and quick but our food took forever to come out. Hopefully this will get better as the restaurant continues growing. The dishes didn't wow me, but i would definitely be back to try the whole menu and more of those tasty drinks! Girls night anyone? Ps the desserts were amazing!! Best part of our meal! Get the mexican bar!!
(3)
Emily M.
Immediately after I wrote my review for brunch on Sunday one of the directors contacted me directly to apologize - great customer service! My friend and I went back in for dinner tonight to give it another try. We got a sampling of items - crab cakes, tempura-asparagus tacos, edamame, some sushi, and a peanut-butter dessert. The food was hot when it was served and had a lot of flavor. The overall favorite was the dessert and then the asparagus tacos - good limey flavor and tempura wasn't overdone. The waitstaff was friendly and made sure our water was always full. The manager came by to make sure our meal was good too. The atmosphere of this place still confused us - we weren't sure if it was a restaurant, a tapas place, a lounge, a bar, or what. I think overall, while the food was better this time around, it seems like more of a bar with small plates rather than a restaurant for a meal. It would be a good date place for conversation as well. Overall, it was a decent experience and unique food and flavor combinations, but La Biblioteca needs to get a better idea of what it's going after - there's Latin food, sushi, lounge-feel, large plates, small plates, and an ad-hoc array of other items. Thanks for having us though and letting us give it another try!
(3)
Cyn C.
Having only gone once, I can't yet give 5 stars, but I see the extra star going up pretty soon. Great ambiance, great service, great food, and delicious drinks!! Came here for happy hour with a friend. It's close enough that I could bike here in the spring/summer/fall so I can teeter-totter my way home after a few delicious drinks. I got a $5 infused tequila marg (blueberry lemon infused marg with salt rim) which was WAY too easy to drink and my friend had the house red (pinot noir). We shared the guac, steamed chicken buns (2 buns), vegetarian roll, korean fried chicken wings (4 pcs), and shishito peppers. We devoured it ALL. I particularly enjoyed the shishito peppers and the chicken buns. We topped it off with the cheesecake (substituted vanilla ice cream). Yes yes. We were little piggies. For all that food and drink: $52. Can't wait to go back for dinner! ps. They have a library card program, you can also get a "locker" for bottle service, and they have a bottomless brunch option, just like their big sister restaurant Zengo.
(4)
Lauren J.
I've eaten at Zengo, Tamayo, and now La Biblioteca. I'm not quite clear on the purpose of having three restaurants that do some things great and others not so much versus having one powerhouse. The empanadas, xo edamame, and chorizo tacos were huge wins. The modern mexican bar, which I've had at Zengo, and the flourless chocolate cake were both delicious. Service was spotty at best which was odd as the restaurant is small and wasn't busy. The menu was tiny, so I guess it was good that the items we got, which was most of the menu, were good. The "large" plates aren't btw. One person could easily finish the lomo saltado and still have room for more. This would be my preference of the three restaurants though as the other two have become forgettable less the items that are across all three restaurants.
(4)
Amanda A.
Tyler the magnificent (our server) was amazing!!! Made our dinner spectacular!! Food and drinks were delicious! Duck tacos very yummy! Tuna salad with watermelon very yummy! Thai chicken empanadas yummmmm!!! Lump crab guacamole also yummy And finally volcano roll was yummy yum! Pineapple margarita was better than apple, and the sweet heat was not very good. Maybe could have made the margarita a bit stronger!!! Overall a wonderful night and like I said Tyler the magnificent (our server) made our experience!!! Excellent service on top of everything, very friendly and we were thankful for his suggestions on foods to try!!! Thanks Tyler!!!
(5)
Aaron S.
My girlfriend and I are trying to get as many stamps in our Denver passport as we can so we decided to stop in for a drink. Things seemed alright until I mentioned we were there with our passport. I felt the woman behind the bar took this as us being cheap instead of us wanting to try a place we otherwise might not consider. She did make our drinks quickly which was nice but never came around to ask how we were doing or how the drinks were. Maybe she didn't ask about the drinks because she knew how weak they were. And for me, any bar that goes light on the booze is not a bar I want to drink at.
(2)
Chris F.
Worst margarita ever. Came in for late night happy hour and got a glass of sour mix from the gun, with no hint of tequila. Asked about the happy hour small bites and the answer was edamame. Anything else I asked, "no, just edamame".
(1)
Amanda D.
This place easily has some of the best food I've eaten in Denver. You walk in and the atmosphere is kind of the typical cool industrial woodsy chic that most of the hipster restaurants in Denver are so fond of. What really set this place apart for me was the lack of pretension that you so often find in other "cool" Denver hotspots. I can't stand walking into a place and having the waitstaff either looking bored to death or silently judging you because your glasses are not half as big as your face. The staff at Biblioteca were both friendly and willing to go the extra step to help you navigate the giant tequila menu and the impressive array of food. There was a big group of us and we ordered a lot so I'll go over the more memorable items: Smoked Trout Guacamole: Ordered only because of the bartender, it sounded pretty gross but it was seriously delicious. My only quibble is they should give you the proper proportion of chips to dip. Oh my god, the Edamame with stuff on it: Holy shit, if I didn't love my boyfriend so much I would dump his ass to marry this. I guess it takes them a week to make the sauce they marinate the beans in... If you only order one thing, order this. The mini-hot dogs - Fancy night out with hot dogs... yes please. Being a grown up never tasted so good. Skewers of Steak - Perfectly cooked little chunks of steak that come on actual mini swords. Sweet Heat (cocktail) - Just like the name says, it was sweet with a little bit of a kick on the end. We ordered some other drinks and TONS of other food, but I can't remember it all now. Everything we ordered was delicious, some just more memorable than others. The other point I need to make was our bartender that evening... he was awesome! He knew so much about all of the tequila's and he really seemed to know what he was doing with the cocktails. If you go on a night when the tattooed blonde bartender is on duty, you know you're in a for a great night!
(5)
Christopher B.
I really liked the ambiance of this place although I was part of an event so it was packed. They are known for their tequilas- one of the biggest selections in the world- and I had the one on happy hour and surprisingly it was really good. It is also good to know that I could find the tequilas that I like here. Also, I did order a happy hour item- the bahn mi hot dog. Sort of a strange concept for me since I love bahn mi and I'm a big fan of Chicago dogs but, as I expected, you sort of have to block both out of your mind. It was really good but I still think it was overpriced. Overall, I would definitely would like to come back until they prove me otherwise. The service was good, the food was tasty and tequila selection unequaled.
(4)
Joe J.
Went there for the Bottomless Brunch. Food portions were good since I had not tried some of the items before and didn't have to waste any. Mimosa's were good and the make your own Bloody Mary was good as well. Recommend getting there at 10AM. Started getting really busy when I left around noon.
(4)
Rick S.
Simply awesome restaurant / bar and the staff is amazing!!! If you sit at the bar... be prepared to be entertained with great conversation and laughs.
(5)
Meghann P.
We enjoyed La Biblioteca at the beginning or April! I forgot to post then, but we thoroughly enjoyed our meal! The service was outstanding and the food, obviously delicious!! We enjoyed a variety from the La Biblioteca menu and also ordered off the adjacent Zengo menu! It was nice to have both menus to choose from! We enjoyed guacamole, tequila flights, new sushi rolls that are featured on the new spring menu, empanadas (pockets of pure love and joy), and of course plenty of desserts and drinks! It was a special occasion celebrating a friends birthday, so we did not skimp! But we left savoring every flavor. My only reason for 1 less star, I would like to see a couple more fresh salad options and maybe a couple more chicken options. But the service is really outstanding!!
(4)
Jerad L.
I was here for happy hour. Not impressed at all. The margaritas were too sweet (even after we asked about them), and I ended up just leaving mine on the table. The tacos were pretty lame, but i'm not going to make a big deal about it considering it was happy hour pricing. The service was terrible. We sat at a table by the window, and it might as well have been just the bartender trying to serve everyone. Service was very slow. I've experienced better.
(2)
Leanna C.
I've been here for both food and drinks and I love it all! The drinks here are so delicious, try any of the house infused tequilas in a mojito or a margarita for added flavor. My favorite is the Serrano margarita, it's spicy and sour and all around delicious. We ordered sushi and mexican food here, a little bit of a strange combination but all in all really good. The guacamole here is pretty tasty and they will make it to your spice liking. I love that their happy hour runs from 4-7 and that they also have nightly specials. Wasabi Wednesday for half off sushi rolls is a great deal and the sushi is fresh and delicious!!
(5)
Jessica H.
As a librarian, I was so excited to try out La Biblioteca on my recent trip to Denver. I purchased a LivingSocial deal for $30 worth of food and drinks and headed with my sister, brother-in-law and their baby for a tapas dinner. We went on a weekday evening and it was pretty empty. We all loved the decor and I especially appreciated the antique librarian look with vintage card catalogs and globes. We decided to split up a bunch of tapas and took advantage of their happy hour menu. We tried the wings, sushi, albondigas, guacamole and steak taco options. My favorite was the albondigas (mini meatballs)- the sauce was amazing. The others were okay. We all tried different margaritas- the pineapple, lemon/blueberry, orange cranberry and tamarind (only $5!). They were tasty but we all agreed they were pretty weak. Overall, a fun place to grab tapas and drinks in a unique setting. I wouldn't mind going back when I'm in the area again and overall enjoyed this trendy area of Denver.
(4)
Mark M.
Brunch. $35 for all you can drink and eat. But, y'all, this is no substandard Vegas buffet. We all need to be gluttons once in a while, and this is the perfect place to GluttonBrunch on decent food and drinks. The brunch drinks are solid and aren't skimping on the booze (which one might expect when you're paying a flat price). The make your own bloody mary bar is one of the most extensive and detailed I've ever seen. Choose your weapons and make it just like you like--also take the opportunity to try new things: new mixes, new add ons, new hot sauces. Super cool. The brunch margaritas are also surprisingly good. I just wish I could've drank more. So - the $35 cost is worth it just for the drinks (assuming you have 4ish). The food is a teeny notch above average, but again, good for the price and good considering you literally list off all the items from the menu you want to try. Like something a lot? Get a second. Hell, get a third! Don't expect to get to try a lot if you're downing small plates by yourself. Share. This way you will be able to try lots. Our server, while stretched thin with all the tables in the joint, was super sweet, funny, fun and attentive. Two hour limit on drinks. Don't expect to be functional the rest of the day. Moral of the story: if you want to eat and drink a bunch for a low price, this is your place.
(3)
Britney K.
I come here for Kim. And her yummy Apple margaritas. Food is always bomb as F and i try to stay strong and not order the churros. But sometimes the margaritas make me order the churros. Sigh. YOLO.
(5)
Brittany S.
This place has lots of tequila! We came here for happy hour, the margaritas are delicious. We also had the duck buns with are to die for! The salsa was also very good and different tasting.
(5)
Melissa H.
We had a large group dinner at La Biblioteca on a Friday night. The staff welcomed our party and treated us well all night. Our drink orders were handled and our multiple requests for more, and more, and yet more small plates as efficiently as possible. The menu is a mix of Mexican and fusion dishes, although there seemed to be more fusion than actual Mexican/Latin inspired dishes. All of the plates were delicious. Portions are small so a small plate is suitable for a few bites between maybe two people. If you have a large group, plan on ordering many. The highlights of the night were the skewer, steamed buns, mini tacos, and the albondigas. Keep this place in mind if you're looking for a good place to have a meal with a group of friends. Just allow plenty of time to find parking or confirm if there is valet service when you plan to arrive. Extra bonus is that their happy hour lasts until 7pm.
(4)
Jasmine M.
I've heard great reviews from my friends about this restaurant, so naturally I was excited to try out the place. When I first arrived the direction on how to be seated wasn't clear so I asked a passing waitress. She blandly said I could sit anywhere. Once I found a table to my like I inquired about a tequila "sampler" my friend recommended. She had no idea what I was talking about and assured that they didn't have anything of the sorts. I looked at the extensive tequila menu and saw they had an option for a tequila tasting with my choice of 3 infused tequilas for 16. I inquired about the tasting option and the waitress seemed clueless about what was really on the menu. Not to mention her rude demeanor. I left immediately. I just can't take bad service and a place that doesn't know the product they sale. I think the ambiance and setting were very nice. If you go hopefully you won't end up with the same waitress as I did. I will say the people at the bar seemed to enjoy themselves. Treating customers well goes a long way.
(2)
John K.
Seriously some of the best margs in town. The house infused varieties are absolutely delicious. Serrano is spicy, tamarind is tangy... And with a daily happy hour from 4-7, the deals aren't bad. $5 coin style margs are pretty on par with the rest of town. The food is also great, sharing a kitchen with Zengo next door. Oh, and they have over 400 types of tequila. Definitely a great neighborhood spot.
(5)
Mo C.
LOVE this place! La Biblioteca de Tequila is such a fun, funky concept in the Riverfront Park neighborhood. They are a tequila bar where you get a library card. Each time you try a new tequila there, you get a stamp on your card. After you have tried several, they give you a free shot based on what you liked or disliked. Rad. And, when you buy a bottle of tequila, you can keep in in a locker there in the restaurant and "check it out" when you come back in. They share a kitchen with Zengo, so their food is extremely high quality and always beautifully plated and delicious. La Biblio has more small-plate style offerings and killer happy hour munchies. My personal favorite is the Shisito Peppers with the cheese sauce. Delicious! This place has great events, too. We love the "Meet the Maker" nights on the first Thursday of the month, where you get to meet a local rep from a Tequila Distillery and they do a free tasting. We've learned all kinds of things about the tequila making process, special toasts for drinking tequila and great stories about the brands and artwork. La Biblio has Free Valet Parking (shared with Zengo) and is a bridge-walk away from the Union Station Lightrail.
(5)
Brittany B.
Our adventure at la Biblioteca got off to a slightly rocky start. We had a reservation, checked in with the hostess and were asked if we wanted a high top or booth. Apparently "booth" was the wrong answer because we were sitting at our table for a good ten minutes before being addressed. We were also sitting VERY close to another couple, who thankfully left just before our impromptu server came to see if we had been helped yet. (I believe having them literally inches away would have made dinner a little more inclusive than we were hoping for) We were encouraged to look at the drink menu, with the flights being highlighted. The menu states to choose three tequilas of the same family (blanco, anjeo, or reposado)... however the bar tender actually chooses for you. That took a lot of pressure off (that menu is daunting!) after we'd perused the menu trying to narrow down to three to sample. We received one selection that reminded us both of our college days (not in a good way) and two that we each enjoyed. One a bit sweet, the other a bit spicy. Food was fantastic! The fried rice was elevated to a new level by suggestion of our server: hot sauce. It really brought it up to another wonderful level. The bacon wrapped dates were small but perfect, lamb albondigas were amazing, volcano roll hit the sushi spot, and bahn mi mini dogs are pretty stinking good. For dessert we were fortunate enough to get the birthday special (thanks to my man getting another year older): chocolate mousse cake with a passion fruit custard that was a perfect end to our meal. The food & eventual service (thank you Rena!) made up for our rocky beginning, I absolutely see us returning.
(3)
David A.
I wandered into this place with a friend the other day intrigued by the notion of a tequila bar. It was a really nice experience. It's dim and sexy atmosphere gives it a real upscale vibe. I decided to wander in there again when I saw their happy hour sign that said $2 happy hour cerveza's however when I asked for one they said there was no such thing but they offer me a $4 beer. I decided to get a happy hour margarita which was $5 so I felt a little duped into going in again but the jalapeno margarita was delicious. I didn't confront them about their happy hour sign because I think maybe the bartender just didn't know and I still want that $2 cerveza deal especially when beers in this area are always six plus dollars.
(3)
Aileen D.
Definitely cozier and swankier than Zengo. We came for the bottomless brunch - whoa boy! similar to Zengo's brunch except the drinks were more tequila based. Our server Mary was entertaining and accommodating, and at times, 2 steps ahead of us when it came to more plates and more drinks. Will cone back again and again for the kim chee fried rice, bacon and eggs, potstickers, etc.
(4)
Ted C.
This is a review for the bar and happy hour. I have been to La Biblioteca 4 or 5 times now and have yet to be disappointed. The $5 infused Margs are pretty much the best I have ever had and the $2 small drafts are not a bad deal at all. Really the only thing I would change is the Sangria isn't all that amazing I think that recipe could use some tweaking. The idea of La Biblioteca is that you can come in and enjoy it like you would at a scotch or whiskey bar. The bartenders know what they are talking about and have been very happy to help me get into Tequila. Before I came in I had no idea about Tequila, now I am happy to report, while not a connoisseur I know enough to be dangerous. I am kicking myself now because there has been a particular bar tender who I really like but I can't remember his name at the moment. I will have to get it next time I go in and update my review. Anyone want a drink? I'll probably be at La Biblioteca Friday afternoon. See you there!
(4)
Crystal C.
My boyfriend and I ate here for Valentine's Day over the weekend. I was a little disappointed that they only offered a 4 course option instead of their normal menu. $70 per person is a lot so I had high hopes. The food was mediocre with the exception of the lobster roll. That was the best thing I ordered. The noodles were very "cilantro-y", the steak was alright, and the cake for dessert was bland. The Kaffir Kiss cocktail was pretty good but for $10, it tasted like a house margarita. Our server was awesome and I loved the ambiance. I would go back but only for the normal menu.
(3)
David K.
Great little restaurant in the newer part of 16th mall. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the food here. Their tequila menu is absolutely unbelievable!!! If you like tequila then this is a must-try. I would absolutely recommend the wagyu beef on a hot-stone as well. It's a bit pricy but worth every bite. Calamari salad was awesome too! Service was good but not excellent however I would still return for the food and drinks. They also have a really nice happy hour menu.
(4)
Kameron C.
I have been to La Biblioteca the past two nights for happy hour and have been extremely impressed. If your a tequila drinker this should be your new spot!
(5)
Jeremy C.
Food was excellent, great molle and the tequila was very good with a wide variety. The salsa could be a little less sweet, the service is awesome
(4)
Matt W.
Here are the caveats: we've eaten at la sandia, zengo, isla, and tamayo. We are fans of Richard Sandoval. We love Mexican food. This is NOT a restaurant. It is a bar. Are you coming for some good food? Go somewhere else. Tequila? Yes. For a price. It's a hipster bar. Our fish tacos were fish and chips on a tortilla. Our carnitas were dry and boring. You can pay a fifth of the price and get ten times the quality at almost any taqueria on federal. Don't come here for food. Go elsewhere. You have been warned.
(2)
Lee M.
The Good: -Atmosphere -Happy Hour -Steak and chorizo tacos. Nice and spicy. The Not So Good -Chicken Steam Buns. Chicken on a sponge. -Can get pricey for dinner. -Fries. Way too salty. They are working on it though. -If cold outside, it will be cold inside.
We were disappointed to say goodby to Al Lado in this spot, but La Biblioteca has been a nice replacement. I'm not a tequila drinker (I've tried--really), but the bf is. He has a 'library card' that tracks his tequila consumption. It's fun for him, since he'll often ask, "what was that stuff I had last month that I really liked?" Now he can go back and find out. Happy hour here is pretty good. For the non-tequila-lover like me, the $3.50 beers are a great bargain. The chicken buns (they have a better name) are tasty. He likes the hot dog 'banh mi'. We look forward to trying brunch here soon!
(4)
John A.
Had gone here several times with reasonably good outcomes and were pretty satisfied. Went there recently on a Friday evening right after happy hour. Was terrible on nearly every possible dimension! Margarita was sour and barely passable, with several customers also complaining and asking for remakes. One customer had two remakes and gave up, asked for money back and left. Food delivery was crazy! Brought wife's entree first by itself, she ate her's so it would not get cold, mine came ten minutes after she was done and the appetizer came about ten minutes after that. Server's attitudes were bad because they apparently were slammed during happy hour when one person did not show up for work. Everyone working there was stressed out and could have cared less about our dinner problems. Sorry guys, you have lost our business.....we won't be back!
(1)
Carina T.
Never have I ever been disappointed by Taco Tuesday, until this place. The service was terrible. It took them an HOUR to get us tacos the size of my thumb. The waitress was arguing with me about the margarita special which was apparently non-existant. NO CHIPS AND SALSA?! Okay enough. I'm going to Pinches.
(1)
Shawn P.
Awesome place, great food and even better Tequila. Your best option to to ask for bartenders choice, the flavors are a great. They really know how to mix and match flavors.
(5)
Carolyn M.
I really enjoyed my experience at La Biblioteca. Excellent ambiance, fantastic service, and really tasty food and margs. The serrano marg was my favorite, although the house packed a tequila-punch as well. Bacon wrapped dates were good, as were the chorizo and mahi tacos. XO edamame and ceviche are both worth ordering as well. Get there before happy hour ends (at 7pm) and enjoy $5 margs! Good stuff, all around.
(5)
Chris L.
Service, service, service!!! Like other posts have mentioned...this was probably the worst service I have ever had. We went here for a bday party (group of 12) during a heavy snow storm, so the place was empty, but it still took us like 30+ min for every drink order and over an hour for the food to start coming out. By the end of the night we were order 2 drinks at a time since the wait for the bar was ridiculous. Plus when our food finally did come out it was cold and the tortillas were hard. The final straw was when the check came...We had asked her to split it up front, but when we got our bills we noticed that she put the same drink items on multiple bills (not hard to tell when everyone is drinking different types of tequila)...very strange. Bottom line...stay away. Not worth the money at all. Disappointing since I usually love R.Sandoval joints.
(1)
Michsel B.
food was good when we finally got it. Sunday brunch is under staffed Good place but they need to figure out the service end of the business or lose customers., great location, nice people and good food just needs customer service to be great. Managers were very receptive to suggestions. Service is good. Would recommend to all that like a trendy tequila bar and good food.
(3)
Sami T.
I hate writing bad reviews but, sometimes it has to be done. Food was decent, nothing to write home about. I wasn't drinking much tonight so I didn't get to enjoy the tequila side of things. If I come back to this place, it will only be to try some tequila. Service was horrible as follows: 1) Waitress was loud and overbearing. She was there when we didn't need her and nowhere to be found when we did. 2) She asked me if I was ready to order literally a minute after I sat down and hadn't even looked at the drink menu yet. 3) I ordered a Pinot Noir and she brought me a Pinot Grigio 4) No Mexican Beers 5) After my friend and I finished our two small plates, I asked to see the menu again because I was still hungry. She came back later and asked if I had decided on something else to eat but I still didn't have the menu. So I reminded her ... and still, the menu never showed up. Next time she returned, she asked if we were ready for dessert. Parking sucks. FAIL.
(2)
Victor B.
Richard Sandoval establishments have yet to let me down.....be it Zengo right next door, Tamayo a bit further into downtown, or one of the many other locations around the country or in the high country here in Colorado, the creative menu options and delicious flavors are absolutely astounding. La Biblioteca is currently in the spot that used to be occupied by another former favorite of mine Al Lado....I have to say it had big shoes to fill and has filled them and then some. Our particular server was amazing at giving us options to fill our tequila yearnings to go with our small plates and tapas options. It was also my birthday on this visit and they were absolutely phenomenal at making it such a special event. The exclusive birthday dessert (not on the menu) was delectable and spot on for this chocolate lover. Will we be back....without question the food is amazing, staff - awesome, and the ambience, spectacular!
(5)
Kay P.
La Bib is awesome and they deserve every star. I started out with the tequila infused sampler ( you get to choose three flavors) and I got pineapple, blueberry lemon and cucumber. The cucumber was fresh and my favorite but all were good. Next are small plates ! DO NOT pass up the bacon wrapped dates. The dates were fresh and juicy and the bacon was chewy yet still crispy and not overdone. Absolutely perfect. I also ordered the pork belly steamed buns, calamari, pork carnitas tacos and volcano roll sushi . All were divine and I would order them all again. The steamed buns were juicy and the pickled onions were a nice touch. The volcano roll with spicy salmon was fresh and not too spicy but just enough to feel the heat without it being overwhelming. The service is a little on the slow side but it was a busy night and our server was always a attentive and checking back with me. Nice ambiance and it's perfect for date night.. And to get your date drunk fast. Kidding .
(5)
Stephanie S.
Went for happy hour after a tough day at work. Had a glass of the forgettable happy hour wine, and then got smart and ordered infused tequila! I had grilled pineapple and my friend had blueberry and lemon, and we were both very pleased. Also ordered chips, salsa and guac (solid) and a salmon belly roll (great, but that's prolly because I love tempura). Good service and good prices make this a place I'll keep in mind, especially for week night visits. It was quiet and comfortable.
(4)
Amy M.
The good news is they take Richard Sandoval restaurant gift cards. My husband and I have been here twice now and unless we have another gift card we won't be rushing back anytime soon. It's like the place is having an identity crisis. Do you want to be a tequila bar? If so why all the Asian dishes? They have not been able to pair drinks and dishes in a way that works. My husband filled out his "library card" on our first visit and it was lost by the restaurant during the 1 month between visits. We have had the same server both times and we have no complaints there. Amy has been great and attentive despite the chaos going on around her. During both of our visits food runners have brought the wrong food to our table at a minimum 5 times. It's painful to watch them stand there trying to figure out what goes to who each time. Between the menu offerings, the time it takes to get a meal from the kitchen it's been less than A-ok.
(2)
Jessica D.
A large group of us went to try La Biblioteca recently and had a good night overall. Our server was really great. He provided recommendations when needed and was very attentive. The food was tasty, though the portions were quite small in most cases. There is no way you could even think about sharing most of those small plates, and they were definitely priced to share at $10-$15 a plate. The ceviche, while delicious, was a good example of that. The reason I gave only 3 stars is because I felt like almost everything we had was overpriced. When the bill came, I was actually pretty surprised...mostly because I wasn't even close to being full or buzzed. lol! The tequila list was really impressive and the food was good, but it just wasn't a good value overall.
(3)
Christopher T.
So after leaving a message Sunday night and not hearing back from the manager till 5:30PM Monday I visited the restaurant and spoke with the manager. She was friendly and apologized and invited me back for a free meal giving me her card and cell. Tuesday morning I was working on my expense report and saw that a $2 dollar tip was added to my receipt even though I left no tip reflecting the poor service, bad drink, and overcharge for the drink. I emailed the manager in the morning but did not hear back until 4pm. She was friendly in her e-mail but questioned whether the credit fraud occurred. This bothered me and the credit fraud bothered me. Obviously I can not trust the restaurant again and will not be not be returning.
(1)
Stace T.
Last night my wife and I and two other couples went for dinner La Biblioteca. When I booked our table the young lady told me that they "had complementary valet parking". We got there about 4;30 PM and NO valet. After looking for about 15 minutes I finally found a spot on the street. I was then told the valet didn't come on duty until 5 PM. The employees need to get their stories straight. Now to dinner...THE worst service I've had in years. Our meals all arrived at separate times. So, some were finished before others were even served. I ordered the burger; which wasn't nearly worth the $12.00 charged. The menu said it came with lettuce, tomato & onion (fries were alla carte). The burger arrived with only lettuce. I asked for the onion and tomato. They only brought onion. I gave up and lived with it. All three couples agreed that none of us would return!!! Oh, BTW, why can't the server who takes the orders serve them? Is he/she just an order-taker, not a server. Folks other then the "server" brought the meals and had no idea who had ordered what was brought. Ridiculous!!!
(1)
scot s.
Little Raven/ Commons Park is in danger of becoming nothing beyond purely residential - endless cell blocks of condo's, apartments, and (terrifyingly boringly) an actual old folks home ( 15th and little raven ...). I live on Common's Park and pray for an actual urban mixed use neighborhood - stuff to do outside one's door; not simply other people's doors outside my door. So, I want this place to thrive. It's predecessor, El Llado gave me hope, it's closure was sad and seemingly inevitable - nearly vacant, decent food, overstaffed. Recreated as La B., the stink of death seems gone. But the food stinks & the cocktails sorta stink. The tacos of dry nonspecific proteins tasted like Doritos and mayo. The Guacamole was bland, thin, and covered in a splash of vegetables typically found floating in green jello at a family reunion. The cocktails were just poorly executed - too much ice, sloppy, old limes, mediocre mixes (or good mixes prepared/stored shabbily) The bartenders seem lost in making a fairly rudimentary menu. The cocktails are better than those at Senor Frog - but far below the quality at most Airport bars. The server was very nice - and maintained warmth and dignity despite the really ludicrous leather bodices required of the women servers. The service was awful - slow, confused, completely without pace (so a date her would be nearly impossible). One final thing - lighting, the room has this weird red lighting in a large portion of the bar. This light makes everyone - even the beautiful people- look garish, drained, and ... kind of hideous. This color and angle (at many tables it shines under the chin) is usually used in telling scary stories around a campfire. If you wish to test your attraction for your date - no matter how he/she looks- go here. Given the awkwardly arranged space. not sitting in the "red zone" may mean comfort (to the right as you enter) or cold isolation (to the left). So, if you are on a date and care about either ambience, your appearance, the appearance of your date, be specific - ask for one of the three tolerable tables in this place (right side, window, front of house) otherwise you will be sad, hungry, unattractive, and thirsty. I hope La B works through this, finds good chefs, good bartenders, sets standards, hires a decent decorator, and becomes the good, fun, place that this neighborhood so needs. Update - went back two weeks later and La B has improved. The food was much better. The lamb meatballs were as good as they had been when served at El Llado. The steak skewers were well prepared and tasty. The house Margherita was still - 'Meh'; an overly iced, bland commercial tasting mix. So, the stars align and accumulate - please, La B - keep it up !!!!
(3)
Eric J.
Love the concept. it's a solid choice for food and fun. The Lomo Saltado could use a little tuning up, but it's worth it. Then again I am comparing it to Limon Rotisserie in SF the gold standard in my book.
(3)
Becky C.
I literally live upstairs from this establishment. The first time we visited was in July of '14 right after we moved in. We thought we had hit the jackpot. The happy hour and late night menu (shared with zengo) seemed to fit our budget and our work schedules perfectly. This with sangarita tequila pairing seemed to be something that set this apart from other places in walking distance. Since then we have been nothing but disappointed. We had frequented there maybe half a dozen times since then with high hopes that have been dashed. First of all...they stopped serving sangarita and instead substitute a Bloody Mary mix. If I'm paying $14 for a shot of tequila in a tequila bar I expect that touch of class. Second...ordering food has been nothing short of a joke. We have ordered food we never received, we never got place settings, and we're told by wait staff it's zengos fault. Most recently we were told that half of the late night menu wasn't available and the only thing that was available was a salmon slider that was 2 bites for $8. This place has potential. It's a competitive market in this area and these guys need to get on board and set themselves apart from the rest.
(1)
Bryce B.
Best margarita I've had. The serrano infused tequila added great heat to the drink. The happy hour small plates are tasty and the fish tacos were quite good. Nice dark low key atmosphere - a great spot to wind down a Sunday.
(4)
Deno C.
It's very clear they're still as fresh as the new paint in the place. Service was terrible. I never received a how is your food, can I make recommendations, etc. I don't need hand holding, but sitting at the bar on a marginally busy night usually implies conversation. Rather than offer to take me through the huge tequila menu it was a bland "ask me if you have questions". I ordered wine. The other bartender seemed much better, but they never appeared to work as a team. They could learn a lot from Zengo's bar staff. Food was okay. I had the bacon wrapped dates and wouldn't order again. The hamachi tiradito was nice though. Atmosphere is decent. It has an upbeat feeling inside. Music is a little too loud although I liked the selection. I'd give it another shot as I'm an optimist and like Zengo. Unfortunately, I see this place going down the same path as the last spot.
(3)
Kate G.
I don't know why more people aren't ranking this place higher. It is awesome. The margaritas are the best in tow -- blood orange in particular. And on Mondays they are only $5. The menu has lots of items that come from Zenga next door...I recommend the tacos.
(5)
Oliver V.
Went to dinner tonight expecting a nice dinner and drinks . I instead came away unsatisfied and let down. First off the whole place is way too dark. The "ceviche" I ordered was three pieces of luke warm ahi tuna with a bland sauce. No mexican beer on tap. My dates three tacos although she said were ok looked measly. And my Lomo Saltado was a 6 out of ten at best pretty sure they've never had real Lomo the steak in it was good no tomato the fries were meant for a burger and no rice not to mention it was served in a small wierd bowl . The dessert was a pumpkin empanada with fried banana some wierd ice cream and a cookie wafer on top? It was ok except i would have used regular banana rather than under cooked I'm guessing plantain? Oh my date did like her cocktail which was a tequila . Total bill $52.00 I will more than likely not be going back. I would have had much better food at Los cabos minus the nice decor and valet that took forever.
(2)
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Address :1610 Little Raven St,Ste 200
Denver, CO, 80202
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Quiet Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Steph G.
My husband and I went back to La Biblioteca this evening- after having a less than great experience during our first visit and writing a review reflective of such, I was personally contacted by the manager who asked me to give the restaurant another chance. We had a delicious meal with excellent service. Our server was Leah, and she was attentive and very friendly. For great drinks and yummy small plates, I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Disco L.
Do you like tequila? Go to this bar. Do you not like tequila but have an open mind? Go to this bar. Do you like Japanese-Mexican fusion(wtf)? Go to this bar. Do you want to learn about tequila from the extremely knowledgable bartender Kevin? Go to this bar. Just shut up and go to this bar.
(5)Maria P.
Excellent drinks with good snacks. The recommendations from the waitress were excellent and he was very knowledgeable. We went a little late on a week day and the store was empty. It is a great place to try good quality drinks.
(5)Eric Y.
Our first visit was for happy hour. We sat at the bar and were promptly served by the bartender. He was helpful in making suggestions but a little dull and disinterested otherwise. Adequate would sum up the service. Happy hour prices are a good (not great deal) with the infused margaritas probably being the best deal for HH. The guacamole and chips were flavorful and authentic and the albondigas were a pleasant surprise. Top marks for an exceptional tequila selection and a really pleasant atmosphere.
(3)Diana W.
Warning: i came here for restaurant week and its a relatively new restaurant so excuse me if my review isn't glowing. This place is next to zengo and owned by the same people so you know you are in for a beautifully dark and trendy restaurant with awesome drinks. Alert: mondays margaritas are only $5!!! I drank two because of how tasty these were! Tart and spicy! Free valet! Too bad it was only one attendant all night! For restaurant week we had the option of 4 plates. Below are the ones we tried: -trout and avocado: huge portion but bland tasting. The chips are crunchy and not greasy. Highly addictive. -ceviche: fresh tasting with a hint of coconut. -spicy tuna roll: meh, it was ok. Unless you are really craving sushi...skip it -wagyu beef appetizer: small portion but incredibly seasoned well!! -lamb meatballs: nothing fancy or spectacular but the saucy is sweet and tangy! -sliders: tiny and pretty dry. The waitress was kind and quick but our food took forever to come out. Hopefully this will get better as the restaurant continues growing. The dishes didn't wow me, but i would definitely be back to try the whole menu and more of those tasty drinks! Girls night anyone? Ps the desserts were amazing!! Best part of our meal! Get the mexican bar!!
(3)Emily M.
Immediately after I wrote my review for brunch on Sunday one of the directors contacted me directly to apologize - great customer service! My friend and I went back in for dinner tonight to give it another try. We got a sampling of items - crab cakes, tempura-asparagus tacos, edamame, some sushi, and a peanut-butter dessert. The food was hot when it was served and had a lot of flavor. The overall favorite was the dessert and then the asparagus tacos - good limey flavor and tempura wasn't overdone. The waitstaff was friendly and made sure our water was always full. The manager came by to make sure our meal was good too. The atmosphere of this place still confused us - we weren't sure if it was a restaurant, a tapas place, a lounge, a bar, or what. I think overall, while the food was better this time around, it seems like more of a bar with small plates rather than a restaurant for a meal. It would be a good date place for conversation as well. Overall, it was a decent experience and unique food and flavor combinations, but La Biblioteca needs to get a better idea of what it's going after - there's Latin food, sushi, lounge-feel, large plates, small plates, and an ad-hoc array of other items. Thanks for having us though and letting us give it another try!
(3)Cyn C.
Having only gone once, I can't yet give 5 stars, but I see the extra star going up pretty soon. Great ambiance, great service, great food, and delicious drinks!! Came here for happy hour with a friend. It's close enough that I could bike here in the spring/summer/fall so I can teeter-totter my way home after a few delicious drinks. I got a $5 infused tequila marg (blueberry lemon infused marg with salt rim) which was WAY too easy to drink and my friend had the house red (pinot noir). We shared the guac, steamed chicken buns (2 buns), vegetarian roll, korean fried chicken wings (4 pcs), and shishito peppers. We devoured it ALL. I particularly enjoyed the shishito peppers and the chicken buns. We topped it off with the cheesecake (substituted vanilla ice cream). Yes yes. We were little piggies. For all that food and drink: $52. Can't wait to go back for dinner! ps. They have a library card program, you can also get a "locker" for bottle service, and they have a bottomless brunch option, just like their big sister restaurant Zengo.
(4)Lauren J.
I've eaten at Zengo, Tamayo, and now La Biblioteca. I'm not quite clear on the purpose of having three restaurants that do some things great and others not so much versus having one powerhouse. The empanadas, xo edamame, and chorizo tacos were huge wins. The modern mexican bar, which I've had at Zengo, and the flourless chocolate cake were both delicious. Service was spotty at best which was odd as the restaurant is small and wasn't busy. The menu was tiny, so I guess it was good that the items we got, which was most of the menu, were good. The "large" plates aren't btw. One person could easily finish the lomo saltado and still have room for more. This would be my preference of the three restaurants though as the other two have become forgettable less the items that are across all three restaurants.
(4)Amanda A.
Tyler the magnificent (our server) was amazing!!! Made our dinner spectacular!! Food and drinks were delicious! Duck tacos very yummy! Tuna salad with watermelon very yummy! Thai chicken empanadas yummmmm!!! Lump crab guacamole also yummy And finally volcano roll was yummy yum! Pineapple margarita was better than apple, and the sweet heat was not very good. Maybe could have made the margarita a bit stronger!!! Overall a wonderful night and like I said Tyler the magnificent (our server) made our experience!!! Excellent service on top of everything, very friendly and we were thankful for his suggestions on foods to try!!! Thanks Tyler!!!
(5)Aaron S.
My girlfriend and I are trying to get as many stamps in our Denver passport as we can so we decided to stop in for a drink. Things seemed alright until I mentioned we were there with our passport. I felt the woman behind the bar took this as us being cheap instead of us wanting to try a place we otherwise might not consider. She did make our drinks quickly which was nice but never came around to ask how we were doing or how the drinks were. Maybe she didn't ask about the drinks because she knew how weak they were. And for me, any bar that goes light on the booze is not a bar I want to drink at.
(2)Chris F.
Worst margarita ever. Came in for late night happy hour and got a glass of sour mix from the gun, with no hint of tequila. Asked about the happy hour small bites and the answer was edamame. Anything else I asked, "no, just edamame".
(1)Amanda D.
This place easily has some of the best food I've eaten in Denver. You walk in and the atmosphere is kind of the typical cool industrial woodsy chic that most of the hipster restaurants in Denver are so fond of. What really set this place apart for me was the lack of pretension that you so often find in other "cool" Denver hotspots. I can't stand walking into a place and having the waitstaff either looking bored to death or silently judging you because your glasses are not half as big as your face. The staff at Biblioteca were both friendly and willing to go the extra step to help you navigate the giant tequila menu and the impressive array of food. There was a big group of us and we ordered a lot so I'll go over the more memorable items: Smoked Trout Guacamole: Ordered only because of the bartender, it sounded pretty gross but it was seriously delicious. My only quibble is they should give you the proper proportion of chips to dip. Oh my god, the Edamame with stuff on it: Holy shit, if I didn't love my boyfriend so much I would dump his ass to marry this. I guess it takes them a week to make the sauce they marinate the beans in... If you only order one thing, order this. The mini-hot dogs - Fancy night out with hot dogs... yes please. Being a grown up never tasted so good. Skewers of Steak - Perfectly cooked little chunks of steak that come on actual mini swords. Sweet Heat (cocktail) - Just like the name says, it was sweet with a little bit of a kick on the end. We ordered some other drinks and TONS of other food, but I can't remember it all now. Everything we ordered was delicious, some just more memorable than others. The other point I need to make was our bartender that evening... he was awesome! He knew so much about all of the tequila's and he really seemed to know what he was doing with the cocktails. If you go on a night when the tattooed blonde bartender is on duty, you know you're in a for a great night!
(5)Christopher B.
I really liked the ambiance of this place although I was part of an event so it was packed. They are known for their tequilas- one of the biggest selections in the world- and I had the one on happy hour and surprisingly it was really good. It is also good to know that I could find the tequilas that I like here. Also, I did order a happy hour item- the bahn mi hot dog. Sort of a strange concept for me since I love bahn mi and I'm a big fan of Chicago dogs but, as I expected, you sort of have to block both out of your mind. It was really good but I still think it was overpriced. Overall, I would definitely would like to come back until they prove me otherwise. The service was good, the food was tasty and tequila selection unequaled.
(4)Joe J.
Went there for the Bottomless Brunch. Food portions were good since I had not tried some of the items before and didn't have to waste any. Mimosa's were good and the make your own Bloody Mary was good as well. Recommend getting there at 10AM. Started getting really busy when I left around noon.
(4)Rick S.
Simply awesome restaurant / bar and the staff is amazing!!! If you sit at the bar... be prepared to be entertained with great conversation and laughs.
(5)Meghann P.
We enjoyed La Biblioteca at the beginning or April! I forgot to post then, but we thoroughly enjoyed our meal! The service was outstanding and the food, obviously delicious!! We enjoyed a variety from the La Biblioteca menu and also ordered off the adjacent Zengo menu! It was nice to have both menus to choose from! We enjoyed guacamole, tequila flights, new sushi rolls that are featured on the new spring menu, empanadas (pockets of pure love and joy), and of course plenty of desserts and drinks! It was a special occasion celebrating a friends birthday, so we did not skimp! But we left savoring every flavor. My only reason for 1 less star, I would like to see a couple more fresh salad options and maybe a couple more chicken options. But the service is really outstanding!!
(4)Jerad L.
I was here for happy hour. Not impressed at all. The margaritas were too sweet (even after we asked about them), and I ended up just leaving mine on the table. The tacos were pretty lame, but i'm not going to make a big deal about it considering it was happy hour pricing. The service was terrible. We sat at a table by the window, and it might as well have been just the bartender trying to serve everyone. Service was very slow. I've experienced better.
(2)Leanna C.
I've been here for both food and drinks and I love it all! The drinks here are so delicious, try any of the house infused tequilas in a mojito or a margarita for added flavor. My favorite is the Serrano margarita, it's spicy and sour and all around delicious. We ordered sushi and mexican food here, a little bit of a strange combination but all in all really good. The guacamole here is pretty tasty and they will make it to your spice liking. I love that their happy hour runs from 4-7 and that they also have nightly specials. Wasabi Wednesday for half off sushi rolls is a great deal and the sushi is fresh and delicious!!
(5)Jessica H.
As a librarian, I was so excited to try out La Biblioteca on my recent trip to Denver. I purchased a LivingSocial deal for $30 worth of food and drinks and headed with my sister, brother-in-law and their baby for a tapas dinner. We went on a weekday evening and it was pretty empty. We all loved the decor and I especially appreciated the antique librarian look with vintage card catalogs and globes. We decided to split up a bunch of tapas and took advantage of their happy hour menu. We tried the wings, sushi, albondigas, guacamole and steak taco options. My favorite was the albondigas (mini meatballs)- the sauce was amazing. The others were okay. We all tried different margaritas- the pineapple, lemon/blueberry, orange cranberry and tamarind (only $5!). They were tasty but we all agreed they were pretty weak. Overall, a fun place to grab tapas and drinks in a unique setting. I wouldn't mind going back when I'm in the area again and overall enjoyed this trendy area of Denver.
(4)Mark M.
Brunch. $35 for all you can drink and eat. But, y'all, this is no substandard Vegas buffet. We all need to be gluttons once in a while, and this is the perfect place to GluttonBrunch on decent food and drinks. The brunch drinks are solid and aren't skimping on the booze (which one might expect when you're paying a flat price). The make your own bloody mary bar is one of the most extensive and detailed I've ever seen. Choose your weapons and make it just like you like--also take the opportunity to try new things: new mixes, new add ons, new hot sauces. Super cool. The brunch margaritas are also surprisingly good. I just wish I could've drank more. So - the $35 cost is worth it just for the drinks (assuming you have 4ish). The food is a teeny notch above average, but again, good for the price and good considering you literally list off all the items from the menu you want to try. Like something a lot? Get a second. Hell, get a third! Don't expect to get to try a lot if you're downing small plates by yourself. Share. This way you will be able to try lots. Our server, while stretched thin with all the tables in the joint, was super sweet, funny, fun and attentive. Two hour limit on drinks. Don't expect to be functional the rest of the day. Moral of the story: if you want to eat and drink a bunch for a low price, this is your place.
(3)Britney K.
I come here for Kim. And her yummy Apple margaritas. Food is always bomb as F and i try to stay strong and not order the churros. But sometimes the margaritas make me order the churros. Sigh. YOLO.
(5)Brittany S.
This place has lots of tequila! We came here for happy hour, the margaritas are delicious. We also had the duck buns with are to die for! The salsa was also very good and different tasting.
(5)Melissa H.
We had a large group dinner at La Biblioteca on a Friday night. The staff welcomed our party and treated us well all night. Our drink orders were handled and our multiple requests for more, and more, and yet more small plates as efficiently as possible. The menu is a mix of Mexican and fusion dishes, although there seemed to be more fusion than actual Mexican/Latin inspired dishes. All of the plates were delicious. Portions are small so a small plate is suitable for a few bites between maybe two people. If you have a large group, plan on ordering many. The highlights of the night were the skewer, steamed buns, mini tacos, and the albondigas. Keep this place in mind if you're looking for a good place to have a meal with a group of friends. Just allow plenty of time to find parking or confirm if there is valet service when you plan to arrive. Extra bonus is that their happy hour lasts until 7pm.
(4)Jasmine M.
I've heard great reviews from my friends about this restaurant, so naturally I was excited to try out the place. When I first arrived the direction on how to be seated wasn't clear so I asked a passing waitress. She blandly said I could sit anywhere. Once I found a table to my like I inquired about a tequila "sampler" my friend recommended. She had no idea what I was talking about and assured that they didn't have anything of the sorts. I looked at the extensive tequila menu and saw they had an option for a tequila tasting with my choice of 3 infused tequilas for 16. I inquired about the tasting option and the waitress seemed clueless about what was really on the menu. Not to mention her rude demeanor. I left immediately. I just can't take bad service and a place that doesn't know the product they sale. I think the ambiance and setting were very nice. If you go hopefully you won't end up with the same waitress as I did. I will say the people at the bar seemed to enjoy themselves. Treating customers well goes a long way.
(2)John K.
Seriously some of the best margs in town. The house infused varieties are absolutely delicious. Serrano is spicy, tamarind is tangy... And with a daily happy hour from 4-7, the deals aren't bad. $5 coin style margs are pretty on par with the rest of town. The food is also great, sharing a kitchen with Zengo next door. Oh, and they have over 400 types of tequila. Definitely a great neighborhood spot.
(5)Mo C.
LOVE this place! La Biblioteca de Tequila is such a fun, funky concept in the Riverfront Park neighborhood. They are a tequila bar where you get a library card. Each time you try a new tequila there, you get a stamp on your card. After you have tried several, they give you a free shot based on what you liked or disliked. Rad. And, when you buy a bottle of tequila, you can keep in in a locker there in the restaurant and "check it out" when you come back in. They share a kitchen with Zengo, so their food is extremely high quality and always beautifully plated and delicious. La Biblio has more small-plate style offerings and killer happy hour munchies. My personal favorite is the Shisito Peppers with the cheese sauce. Delicious! This place has great events, too. We love the "Meet the Maker" nights on the first Thursday of the month, where you get to meet a local rep from a Tequila Distillery and they do a free tasting. We've learned all kinds of things about the tequila making process, special toasts for drinking tequila and great stories about the brands and artwork. La Biblio has Free Valet Parking (shared with Zengo) and is a bridge-walk away from the Union Station Lightrail.
(5)Brittany B.
Our adventure at la Biblioteca got off to a slightly rocky start. We had a reservation, checked in with the hostess and were asked if we wanted a high top or booth. Apparently "booth" was the wrong answer because we were sitting at our table for a good ten minutes before being addressed. We were also sitting VERY close to another couple, who thankfully left just before our impromptu server came to see if we had been helped yet. (I believe having them literally inches away would have made dinner a little more inclusive than we were hoping for) We were encouraged to look at the drink menu, with the flights being highlighted. The menu states to choose three tequilas of the same family (blanco, anjeo, or reposado)... however the bar tender actually chooses for you. That took a lot of pressure off (that menu is daunting!) after we'd perused the menu trying to narrow down to three to sample. We received one selection that reminded us both of our college days (not in a good way) and two that we each enjoyed. One a bit sweet, the other a bit spicy. Food was fantastic! The fried rice was elevated to a new level by suggestion of our server: hot sauce. It really brought it up to another wonderful level. The bacon wrapped dates were small but perfect, lamb albondigas were amazing, volcano roll hit the sushi spot, and bahn mi mini dogs are pretty stinking good. For dessert we were fortunate enough to get the birthday special (thanks to my man getting another year older): chocolate mousse cake with a passion fruit custard that was a perfect end to our meal. The food & eventual service (thank you Rena!) made up for our rocky beginning, I absolutely see us returning.
(3)David A.
I wandered into this place with a friend the other day intrigued by the notion of a tequila bar. It was a really nice experience. It's dim and sexy atmosphere gives it a real upscale vibe. I decided to wander in there again when I saw their happy hour sign that said $2 happy hour cerveza's however when I asked for one they said there was no such thing but they offer me a $4 beer. I decided to get a happy hour margarita which was $5 so I felt a little duped into going in again but the jalapeno margarita was delicious. I didn't confront them about their happy hour sign because I think maybe the bartender just didn't know and I still want that $2 cerveza deal especially when beers in this area are always six plus dollars.
(3)Aileen D.
Definitely cozier and swankier than Zengo. We came for the bottomless brunch - whoa boy! similar to Zengo's brunch except the drinks were more tequila based. Our server Mary was entertaining and accommodating, and at times, 2 steps ahead of us when it came to more plates and more drinks. Will cone back again and again for the kim chee fried rice, bacon and eggs, potstickers, etc.
(4)Ted C.
This is a review for the bar and happy hour. I have been to La Biblioteca 4 or 5 times now and have yet to be disappointed. The $5 infused Margs are pretty much the best I have ever had and the $2 small drafts are not a bad deal at all. Really the only thing I would change is the Sangria isn't all that amazing I think that recipe could use some tweaking. The idea of La Biblioteca is that you can come in and enjoy it like you would at a scotch or whiskey bar. The bartenders know what they are talking about and have been very happy to help me get into Tequila. Before I came in I had no idea about Tequila, now I am happy to report, while not a connoisseur I know enough to be dangerous. I am kicking myself now because there has been a particular bar tender who I really like but I can't remember his name at the moment. I will have to get it next time I go in and update my review. Anyone want a drink? I'll probably be at La Biblioteca Friday afternoon. See you there!
(4)Crystal C.
My boyfriend and I ate here for Valentine's Day over the weekend. I was a little disappointed that they only offered a 4 course option instead of their normal menu. $70 per person is a lot so I had high hopes. The food was mediocre with the exception of the lobster roll. That was the best thing I ordered. The noodles were very "cilantro-y", the steak was alright, and the cake for dessert was bland. The Kaffir Kiss cocktail was pretty good but for $10, it tasted like a house margarita. Our server was awesome and I loved the ambiance. I would go back but only for the normal menu.
(3)David K.
Great little restaurant in the newer part of 16th mall. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the food here. Their tequila menu is absolutely unbelievable!!! If you like tequila then this is a must-try. I would absolutely recommend the wagyu beef on a hot-stone as well. It's a bit pricy but worth every bite. Calamari salad was awesome too! Service was good but not excellent however I would still return for the food and drinks. They also have a really nice happy hour menu.
(4)Kameron C.
I have been to La Biblioteca the past two nights for happy hour and have been extremely impressed. If your a tequila drinker this should be your new spot!
(5)Jeremy C.
Food was excellent, great molle and the tequila was very good with a wide variety. The salsa could be a little less sweet, the service is awesome
(4)Matt W.
Here are the caveats: we've eaten at la sandia, zengo, isla, and tamayo. We are fans of Richard Sandoval. We love Mexican food. This is NOT a restaurant. It is a bar. Are you coming for some good food? Go somewhere else. Tequila? Yes. For a price. It's a hipster bar. Our fish tacos were fish and chips on a tortilla. Our carnitas were dry and boring. You can pay a fifth of the price and get ten times the quality at almost any taqueria on federal. Don't come here for food. Go elsewhere. You have been warned.
(2)Lee M.
The Good: -Atmosphere -Happy Hour -Steak and chorizo tacos. Nice and spicy. The Not So Good -Chicken Steam Buns. Chicken on a sponge. -Can get pricey for dinner. -Fries. Way too salty. They are working on it though. -If cold outside, it will be cold inside.
(3)Paul S.
Intimately placed in the river front area of downtown,the decor is comfortable and warm a smaller space...I recommend reservations even still the venue doesn't lose anything giving it a modernized and elegant feeling to guests this is a place you want to come to drink and relax. This is a tequila bar with over 150 of the finest tequilas.In my personal opinion tequila flights are the way Togo. as well ask your server if your looking for a specific, taste or have a preference. I myself am partial to anejo tequilas.Both myself and my guest did flights. Our server Bonnie was more than knowledgable,polite, engaging and fun while maintaining a level of professionalism you expect from the best. For the ladies I would recommend a flight or a servers choice of there infused tequilas which are all exceptional.Unless you are a tequila aficionado I suggest telling your server what you like and letting them select for you... You won't be disappointed, while your at it add an appetizer of xo edamame which is exclusive to La Biblioteca you can't get this anywhere else! Also the jumbo crab lump guacamole is so good your not gonna want to share it . If you have a little more of an appetite and the biblio burger or one of the other fine offerings doesn't catch your eye, conveniently you can also order off of the zengo menu which is an Asian fusion cuisine exquisitely designed by Richard Sandoval as well. I had the wok Prime skirt steak which you dip in a beautiful sauce and sauté yourself on a hot stone brought to the table, as fun and entertaining as it is delicious. Patrick one of the managers of this fine establishment came by to say hello and was more than welcoming and attentive to all of our needs.By the way keep an eye out for the avocado lobster roll that will be released soon on their new menu it is absolute perfection! Now on to continuing cocktails and dessert. For Signature Margaritas to chocolate tequila martini's. If you challenge your server to surprise you, their more than willing to accept it and you won't be disappointed with your personally selected cocktail.For dessert the dulce de leche cheesecake is absolutely stunning.From the cheesecake itself to the blueberries accompanying it I dare to say the best I've ever had. Chocolate fix? Get the Mexican bar, trust me you wont be disappointed.or spring for a classic churro with 3 sweet and savory dipping sauces you can't go wrong! My evening was grand to say the least,La Biblioteca in one word Devine! Go there it's good for your life.
(5)Cherie C.
We were disappointed to say goodby to Al Lado in this spot, but La Biblioteca has been a nice replacement. I'm not a tequila drinker (I've tried--really), but the bf is. He has a 'library card' that tracks his tequila consumption. It's fun for him, since he'll often ask, "what was that stuff I had last month that I really liked?" Now he can go back and find out. Happy hour here is pretty good. For the non-tequila-lover like me, the $3.50 beers are a great bargain. The chicken buns (they have a better name) are tasty. He likes the hot dog 'banh mi'. We look forward to trying brunch here soon!
(4)John A.
Had gone here several times with reasonably good outcomes and were pretty satisfied. Went there recently on a Friday evening right after happy hour. Was terrible on nearly every possible dimension! Margarita was sour and barely passable, with several customers also complaining and asking for remakes. One customer had two remakes and gave up, asked for money back and left. Food delivery was crazy! Brought wife's entree first by itself, she ate her's so it would not get cold, mine came ten minutes after she was done and the appetizer came about ten minutes after that. Server's attitudes were bad because they apparently were slammed during happy hour when one person did not show up for work. Everyone working there was stressed out and could have cared less about our dinner problems. Sorry guys, you have lost our business.....we won't be back!
(1)Carina T.
Never have I ever been disappointed by Taco Tuesday, until this place. The service was terrible. It took them an HOUR to get us tacos the size of my thumb. The waitress was arguing with me about the margarita special which was apparently non-existant. NO CHIPS AND SALSA?! Okay enough. I'm going to Pinches.
(1)Shawn P.
Awesome place, great food and even better Tequila. Your best option to to ask for bartenders choice, the flavors are a great. They really know how to mix and match flavors.
(5)Carolyn M.
I really enjoyed my experience at La Biblioteca. Excellent ambiance, fantastic service, and really tasty food and margs. The serrano marg was my favorite, although the house packed a tequila-punch as well. Bacon wrapped dates were good, as were the chorizo and mahi tacos. XO edamame and ceviche are both worth ordering as well. Get there before happy hour ends (at 7pm) and enjoy $5 margs! Good stuff, all around.
(5)Chris L.
Service, service, service!!! Like other posts have mentioned...this was probably the worst service I have ever had. We went here for a bday party (group of 12) during a heavy snow storm, so the place was empty, but it still took us like 30+ min for every drink order and over an hour for the food to start coming out. By the end of the night we were order 2 drinks at a time since the wait for the bar was ridiculous. Plus when our food finally did come out it was cold and the tortillas were hard. The final straw was when the check came...We had asked her to split it up front, but when we got our bills we noticed that she put the same drink items on multiple bills (not hard to tell when everyone is drinking different types of tequila)...very strange. Bottom line...stay away. Not worth the money at all. Disappointing since I usually love R.Sandoval joints.
(1)Michsel B.
food was good when we finally got it. Sunday brunch is under staffed Good place but they need to figure out the service end of the business or lose customers., great location, nice people and good food just needs customer service to be great. Managers were very receptive to suggestions. Service is good. Would recommend to all that like a trendy tequila bar and good food.
(3)Sami T.
I hate writing bad reviews but, sometimes it has to be done. Food was decent, nothing to write home about. I wasn't drinking much tonight so I didn't get to enjoy the tequila side of things. If I come back to this place, it will only be to try some tequila. Service was horrible as follows: 1) Waitress was loud and overbearing. She was there when we didn't need her and nowhere to be found when we did. 2) She asked me if I was ready to order literally a minute after I sat down and hadn't even looked at the drink menu yet. 3) I ordered a Pinot Noir and she brought me a Pinot Grigio 4) No Mexican Beers 5) After my friend and I finished our two small plates, I asked to see the menu again because I was still hungry. She came back later and asked if I had decided on something else to eat but I still didn't have the menu. So I reminded her ... and still, the menu never showed up. Next time she returned, she asked if we were ready for dessert. Parking sucks. FAIL.
(2)Victor B.
Richard Sandoval establishments have yet to let me down.....be it Zengo right next door, Tamayo a bit further into downtown, or one of the many other locations around the country or in the high country here in Colorado, the creative menu options and delicious flavors are absolutely astounding. La Biblioteca is currently in the spot that used to be occupied by another former favorite of mine Al Lado....I have to say it had big shoes to fill and has filled them and then some. Our particular server was amazing at giving us options to fill our tequila yearnings to go with our small plates and tapas options. It was also my birthday on this visit and they were absolutely phenomenal at making it such a special event. The exclusive birthday dessert (not on the menu) was delectable and spot on for this chocolate lover. Will we be back....without question the food is amazing, staff - awesome, and the ambience, spectacular!
(5)Kay P.
La Bib is awesome and they deserve every star. I started out with the tequila infused sampler ( you get to choose three flavors) and I got pineapple, blueberry lemon and cucumber. The cucumber was fresh and my favorite but all were good. Next are small plates ! DO NOT pass up the bacon wrapped dates. The dates were fresh and juicy and the bacon was chewy yet still crispy and not overdone. Absolutely perfect. I also ordered the pork belly steamed buns, calamari, pork carnitas tacos and volcano roll sushi . All were divine and I would order them all again. The steamed buns were juicy and the pickled onions were a nice touch. The volcano roll with spicy salmon was fresh and not too spicy but just enough to feel the heat without it being overwhelming. The service is a little on the slow side but it was a busy night and our server was always a attentive and checking back with me. Nice ambiance and it's perfect for date night.. And to get your date drunk fast. Kidding .
(5)Stephanie S.
Went for happy hour after a tough day at work. Had a glass of the forgettable happy hour wine, and then got smart and ordered infused tequila! I had grilled pineapple and my friend had blueberry and lemon, and we were both very pleased. Also ordered chips, salsa and guac (solid) and a salmon belly roll (great, but that's prolly because I love tempura). Good service and good prices make this a place I'll keep in mind, especially for week night visits. It was quiet and comfortable.
(4)Amy M.
The good news is they take Richard Sandoval restaurant gift cards. My husband and I have been here twice now and unless we have another gift card we won't be rushing back anytime soon. It's like the place is having an identity crisis. Do you want to be a tequila bar? If so why all the Asian dishes? They have not been able to pair drinks and dishes in a way that works. My husband filled out his "library card" on our first visit and it was lost by the restaurant during the 1 month between visits. We have had the same server both times and we have no complaints there. Amy has been great and attentive despite the chaos going on around her. During both of our visits food runners have brought the wrong food to our table at a minimum 5 times. It's painful to watch them stand there trying to figure out what goes to who each time. Between the menu offerings, the time it takes to get a meal from the kitchen it's been less than A-ok.
(2)Jessica D.
A large group of us went to try La Biblioteca recently and had a good night overall. Our server was really great. He provided recommendations when needed and was very attentive. The food was tasty, though the portions were quite small in most cases. There is no way you could even think about sharing most of those small plates, and they were definitely priced to share at $10-$15 a plate. The ceviche, while delicious, was a good example of that. The reason I gave only 3 stars is because I felt like almost everything we had was overpriced. When the bill came, I was actually pretty surprised...mostly because I wasn't even close to being full or buzzed. lol! The tequila list was really impressive and the food was good, but it just wasn't a good value overall.
(3)Christopher T.
So after leaving a message Sunday night and not hearing back from the manager till 5:30PM Monday I visited the restaurant and spoke with the manager. She was friendly and apologized and invited me back for a free meal giving me her card and cell. Tuesday morning I was working on my expense report and saw that a $2 dollar tip was added to my receipt even though I left no tip reflecting the poor service, bad drink, and overcharge for the drink. I emailed the manager in the morning but did not hear back until 4pm. She was friendly in her e-mail but questioned whether the credit fraud occurred. This bothered me and the credit fraud bothered me. Obviously I can not trust the restaurant again and will not be not be returning.
(1)Stace T.
Last night my wife and I and two other couples went for dinner La Biblioteca. When I booked our table the young lady told me that they "had complementary valet parking". We got there about 4;30 PM and NO valet. After looking for about 15 minutes I finally found a spot on the street. I was then told the valet didn't come on duty until 5 PM. The employees need to get their stories straight. Now to dinner...THE worst service I've had in years. Our meals all arrived at separate times. So, some were finished before others were even served. I ordered the burger; which wasn't nearly worth the $12.00 charged. The menu said it came with lettuce, tomato & onion (fries were alla carte). The burger arrived with only lettuce. I asked for the onion and tomato. They only brought onion. I gave up and lived with it. All three couples agreed that none of us would return!!! Oh, BTW, why can't the server who takes the orders serve them? Is he/she just an order-taker, not a server. Folks other then the "server" brought the meals and had no idea who had ordered what was brought. Ridiculous!!!
(1)scot s.
Little Raven/ Commons Park is in danger of becoming nothing beyond purely residential - endless cell blocks of condo's, apartments, and (terrifyingly boringly) an actual old folks home ( 15th and little raven ...). I live on Common's Park and pray for an actual urban mixed use neighborhood - stuff to do outside one's door; not simply other people's doors outside my door. So, I want this place to thrive. It's predecessor, El Llado gave me hope, it's closure was sad and seemingly inevitable - nearly vacant, decent food, overstaffed. Recreated as La B., the stink of death seems gone. But the food stinks & the cocktails sorta stink. The tacos of dry nonspecific proteins tasted like Doritos and mayo. The Guacamole was bland, thin, and covered in a splash of vegetables typically found floating in green jello at a family reunion. The cocktails were just poorly executed - too much ice, sloppy, old limes, mediocre mixes (or good mixes prepared/stored shabbily) The bartenders seem lost in making a fairly rudimentary menu. The cocktails are better than those at Senor Frog - but far below the quality at most Airport bars. The server was very nice - and maintained warmth and dignity despite the really ludicrous leather bodices required of the women servers. The service was awful - slow, confused, completely without pace (so a date her would be nearly impossible). One final thing - lighting, the room has this weird red lighting in a large portion of the bar. This light makes everyone - even the beautiful people- look garish, drained, and ... kind of hideous. This color and angle (at many tables it shines under the chin) is usually used in telling scary stories around a campfire. If you wish to test your attraction for your date - no matter how he/she looks- go here. Given the awkwardly arranged space. not sitting in the "red zone" may mean comfort (to the right as you enter) or cold isolation (to the left). So, if you are on a date and care about either ambience, your appearance, the appearance of your date, be specific - ask for one of the three tolerable tables in this place (right side, window, front of house) otherwise you will be sad, hungry, unattractive, and thirsty. I hope La B works through this, finds good chefs, good bartenders, sets standards, hires a decent decorator, and becomes the good, fun, place that this neighborhood so needs. Update - went back two weeks later and La B has improved. The food was much better. The lamb meatballs were as good as they had been when served at El Llado. The steak skewers were well prepared and tasty. The house Margherita was still - 'Meh'; an overly iced, bland commercial tasting mix. So, the stars align and accumulate - please, La B - keep it up !!!!
(3)Eric J.
Love the concept. it's a solid choice for food and fun. The Lomo Saltado could use a little tuning up, but it's worth it. Then again I am comparing it to Limon Rotisserie in SF the gold standard in my book.
(3)Becky C.
I literally live upstairs from this establishment. The first time we visited was in July of '14 right after we moved in. We thought we had hit the jackpot. The happy hour and late night menu (shared with zengo) seemed to fit our budget and our work schedules perfectly. This with sangarita tequila pairing seemed to be something that set this apart from other places in walking distance. Since then we have been nothing but disappointed. We had frequented there maybe half a dozen times since then with high hopes that have been dashed. First of all...they stopped serving sangarita and instead substitute a Bloody Mary mix. If I'm paying $14 for a shot of tequila in a tequila bar I expect that touch of class. Second...ordering food has been nothing short of a joke. We have ordered food we never received, we never got place settings, and we're told by wait staff it's zengos fault. Most recently we were told that half of the late night menu wasn't available and the only thing that was available was a salmon slider that was 2 bites for $8. This place has potential. It's a competitive market in this area and these guys need to get on board and set themselves apart from the rest.
(1)Bryce B.
Best margarita I've had. The serrano infused tequila added great heat to the drink. The happy hour small plates are tasty and the fish tacos were quite good. Nice dark low key atmosphere - a great spot to wind down a Sunday.
(4)Deno C.
It's very clear they're still as fresh as the new paint in the place. Service was terrible. I never received a how is your food, can I make recommendations, etc. I don't need hand holding, but sitting at the bar on a marginally busy night usually implies conversation. Rather than offer to take me through the huge tequila menu it was a bland "ask me if you have questions". I ordered wine. The other bartender seemed much better, but they never appeared to work as a team. They could learn a lot from Zengo's bar staff. Food was okay. I had the bacon wrapped dates and wouldn't order again. The hamachi tiradito was nice though. Atmosphere is decent. It has an upbeat feeling inside. Music is a little too loud although I liked the selection. I'd give it another shot as I'm an optimist and like Zengo. Unfortunately, I see this place going down the same path as the last spot.
(3)Kate G.
I don't know why more people aren't ranking this place higher. It is awesome. The margaritas are the best in tow -- blood orange in particular. And on Mondays they are only $5. The menu has lots of items that come from Zenga next door...I recommend the tacos.
(5)Oliver V.
Went to dinner tonight expecting a nice dinner and drinks . I instead came away unsatisfied and let down. First off the whole place is way too dark. The "ceviche" I ordered was three pieces of luke warm ahi tuna with a bland sauce. No mexican beer on tap. My dates three tacos although she said were ok looked measly. And my Lomo Saltado was a 6 out of ten at best pretty sure they've never had real Lomo the steak in it was good no tomato the fries were meant for a burger and no rice not to mention it was served in a small wierd bowl . The dessert was a pumpkin empanada with fried banana some wierd ice cream and a cookie wafer on top? It was ok except i would have used regular banana rather than under cooked I'm guessing plantain? Oh my date did like her cocktail which was a tequila . Total bill $52.00 I will more than likely not be going back. I would have had much better food at Los cabos minus the nice decor and valet that took forever.
(2)