I think I can truly say that the restaurant Bang! in the Highlands has been the most surprising dining experience I have had in Denver. For starters, the name threw me off completely. Hearing a word like Bang! most likely would make anyone think of vibrant, spicy food. In reality Bang! is know for it’s Southern style comfort food such as hush puppies, country fried chicken, and meatloaf.
After discovering that Bang! is famous for its meatloaf I was sure it was not the place for me. I grew up eating meatloaf that was made exactly like my mom’s famous Italian meatballs, which is a coveted secret recipe by anyone who has tasted her cooking. Knowing that this was one of Bang’s specialties, we decided to order the meatloaf that comes with a side of mashed potatoes and Bang’s own ketchup. With my nose still turned up a bit when our food came I sliced off a piece of the meatloaf, made sure I had a good amount of ketchup on it, and sampled the feared dish. Well, as they might say it in the South, “that is some fahn meatloaf.” I will also admit to being a bit of a ketchup snob knowing that nothing really beats Heinz, but Bang’s ketchup was a great addition.
I was also surprised to find that Bang! is located in an old house where you don’t enter through the front door, but you squeeze through a narrow passageway to the back. You then enter through the patio in the backyard. It is a small house, filled with local artwork for sale on the walls and tables and chairs situated in little nooks and crannies. With painted walls and interesting artwork, I do have to say that Bang! fits the eclectic, artsy-fartsy atmosphere of the Highlands.
I highly recommend taking a trip to this restaurant. It is quite the surprise, which I guess is the true meaning of the word Bang!
Tips and Info:
- Bang! has been featured in Denver’s 5280 Magazine.
- If you are heading to Bang! be sure to take the time to enjoy the uniqueness of the Highlands. It is a charming area filled with boutiques, privately owned coffee shops, used bookstores, and some of Denver’s trendiest places to eat. Check out the Highlands website to find out about the street fair.
Take a look at the simple Bang! website to preview their menu.
