Arvada has unveiled one of its most anticipated new dining spots, the Arvada Beer Garden.
This new establishment welcomed its first guests this week, providing a unique indoor-outdoor setting where adults can enjoy food and drinks while their children can frolic in an outdoor plaza embellished with numerous trees and a plethora of shrubs and flowers.
“We opened on Monday and by 4:30 p.m., there were about 100 people in line at the bar, and that line remained steady for the next two or three hours,” said Joe Vostrejs, a principal with City Street Investors, which developed the beer garden with significant backing from the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority (AURA).
Vostrejs expressed delight at the swift influx of guests, describing the scene as extremely busy.
Located at the west end of Ralston Central Park on 9258 W. 58th Place, the Arvada Beer Garden is poised to anchor a substantial new public-private development in the area.
Vostrejs noted, “What we’ve created here is a park with a really good concession stand that serves food and drink.”
City Street Investors also has plans for another building adjacent to the beer garden, which they aim to lease to retailers or other food establishments.
The public funding for this venture has been significant, with AURA investing $3 million to buy and demolish the site’s previous gas station.
They subsequently sold the land to City Street Investors for only $270,000.
Moreover, AURA contributed an additional $1.6 million to develop the outdoor space of the beer garden, while CSI invested another $4 million into the project.
The premises are designed to be inclusive to the public, although the site is ultimately owned by CSI.
Vostrejs explained that while visitors are encouraged to make purchases, the enforcement of this expectation is quite casual.
He remarked, “The area is liquor licensed, so we’re legally obligated to control it somewhat, but the environment feels very much like a public space, and we strive to operate it as such.”
City Street Investors has a history of success with similar ventures, having previously opened the Lowry Beer Garden and similar locations in Edgewater and Green Valley Ranch.
Local officials voiced optimism regarding the project, suggesting it could attract visitors and investments to a struggling part of the city.
Former AURA Director Maureen Phair noted, “The private sector is not interested in coming into these older sections of town.
We are the public in a public-private partnership, and we must entice the private sector to recognize the area’s potential.”
Interestingly, there was no formal competitive process to choose CSI for this venture.
Funding for AURA’s investments comes from taxes generated by local businesses, like a Target and Walmart, emphasizing a similar strategy that previously revitalized Olde Town Arvada through tax revenue from stores such as Costco and Home Depot.
The opening of the beer garden has sparked varied reactions from the public, generating both excitement and criticism.
Jason Bailey, a former restaurateur and Denverite reader, criticized the project by stating that “millionaire developers are using taxpayer money from teachers, nurses, restaurant workers, retail workers, truck drivers, to build privately owned beer gardens.”
He framed the project as an example of “corporate welfare,” contributing to an increasing financial divide in the community.
In contrast, supporters of the development contended that such projects would be unfeasible without governmental assistance, arguing that the new venue could consistently generate tax revenue while transforming a previously neglected gas station site into a valuable community resource.
Vostrejs explained the inherent challenges in developing beer gardens, stating, “They are costly to build—especially because they require ample land.
To capture the right ambiance and operational functionality, a significant amount of square footage is necessary.”
Reviews for the beer garden have generally been positive, with patrons lauding its food offerings and scenic ambiance.
With 18 draft beers available, the menu includes a variety of items: most burgers priced around $11.50, fries at $5, bowls ranging from $13 to $15, salads from $13 to $19, and wings at $15.
The menu also boasts a Mediterranean spread, shrimp, and more, while drinks range from $6.50 to $8.
Happy hour is offered from 3-5 p.m. on weekdays, featuring select $5 drinks.
Additionally, the restaurant applies an 18 percent service fee, intended to supplant traditional tipping practices.
The beer garden is set to border Ralston Commons, which will include 195 planned apartments and 27 townhomes.
Further developments in the area include The Caroline at Ralston, which has transformed a former Kmart site into 328 apartments, an acre of park space, and an additional 10,000 square feet devoted to commercial use, with some apartments designated as affordable housing.
To the south, Ralston Gardens will feature 102 affordable units adjacent to the newly established Garrison Paseo, enhancing community connectivity through pathways and planting beds.
While CSI has yet to secure a tenant for the neighboring building, Vostrejs expressed aspirations for a bike shop, but recognized the challenges independent shops face in the current market.
He mentioned other possibilities, including a breakfast cafe or a gift and garden store, emphasizing a deliberate approach to finding the right tenant.
image source from：denverite
