The Pioneer Bar
| Address: | 2401 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210, USA |
| Phone: | +1 720-536-4802 |
| Site: | thepioneerbar.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 10AM–2AM 10AM–2AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
MI
Michael Greenberg
The only reason this place is getting two stars is because of their balcony and tacos. This place has so much potential, but really falls short. The service was terrible. After sitting there for 10 minutes (non-busy) we were finally approached. While ordering drinks, my girlfriend asked for a water. When we got our drinks, there was no water. When we ordered our food, my girlfriend asked for a water again, our server nodded, but still nothing. Upon the third time we asked for a water, he then decided to explain that we have to go up and get our own water at the other end of the patio. While my girlfriend was getting her water, our server decided it would be a good idea to pour a bucket full of ice in the water jug. This caused water to spill all over my girlfriend, and he didnt even apologize. My margarita glass had lipstick and other dirt on it, and when I requested an new drink, I just got a sigh. Finally we got our food, which luckily was really good. The server came over after we were both done to finally ask if everything came out right ( he was busy taking shots behind the bar and watching soccer). After taking away our plates, he never asked if we wanted anything more or even brought over our check. We had to ask for that after 10 mins of waiting. The only reason we might return to this place is because its nearby and it has a nice patio, but this place could be a nice little gem if you step up your service.
PA
Pabs Sarka
Im always up for supporting the places in the DU hood. The Pioneer does pretty well--nice Boone statue on the 2nd floor, helps the place fit into the campus surroundings and give it a sense of place. The only halfway-unpleasant thing in my experience was a bearded bartender that evening who just kind of had an attitude. The rest of the staff was very pleasant, but Im too old to sit at a bar and order drinks for a guy with a tude. The Pioneer has good potential to be a go-to DU joint, and some tweaks to their staff will help it along. Top shelf margarita was good. Also, mushroom and goat cheese tacos were good, but not enough vegetarian selections on the menu. And if you have a bartender with a tude, at least publish a beer list so I can avoid his impatient droning about whats on tap. All that said...I will return to the Pioneer.
DO
Doug
The food is good, and the people are very friendly, but the actual service provided is always slow. Be prepared to wait for 40 minutes for your order to be taken, and another 40 minutes for the food to arrive. Our large party was told that the server couldnt find a pitcher and therefore everyone had lunch without water (or anything else) to drink. The large party next to us was told about an hour after they arrived that they would not be getting the burgers they ordered as they had run out of burgers, at 2 PM, on a Sunday. Ive been going to the Pio for years, usually with enough time to remember the food but forget the wait in-between. Im sure Ill be back again when I have three hours to spare on lunch.
A
A Private User
I cant speak for the food, which I havent really tried, but as a bar this place is just so-so. The drinks are more or less cheap but the atmosphere is a blah and sometimes gets way too frat-boyish. Also the staff are nice but have an occasional tendency to get a bit of an attitude. For instance my party was charged for a drink that we did not order or receive and instead of just taking it off the bill they argued with us that we must have ordered it if it was on the tab. Around closing time they start screaming at everyone to leave instead of just asking nicely. Overall then, it does in a pinch but is nothing to write home about.
ST
Stephen Florian
Tacos were not good at all and the service was awful. Audi was our waitress (according to our receipts) and she was sassy from the beginning and shortly after bringing our meals we proceeded to wait over 45 minutes before we decided to flag down a different server to finally get out checks. After we asked for our checks from a different waitress suddenly our original waitress showed up in our area but never once stopped by to check on us. This is the first time in my life Ive refused to give a tip and I dont feel bad about it at all. Our party was completely disrespected and the food was meh. Never going back the the pioneer.
BU
Burp Reynolds
The people were very nice, but we didnt get what we asked for. I asked if they had a salsa that was peculiarly hot for a restaurant. The answer should have been "no, but you can put some Tabasco in our kid-friendly salsa before you leave with your take-out." I asked for corn tortillas for my wifes tacos. The answer should have been "GFY. Shes probably not even celiac." The workers were really nice, but I value the truth over a smile.
GR
Grey Miller
Just paid $10 for a to go quesadilla. It was literally cheese that was barely melted between tortillas. Their reasoning behind the cost is that they only have one quesadilla on their menu to ring up and it is a goat cheese quesadilla. But that isnt even the one they are selling. Didnt even come with salsa or any sort of lettuce or other topping. If you arent serving the one you are charging for, fix it and charge a reasonable price.
SE
Sean Hlousek
The Pioneer has a fantastic upstairs open air patio and a good patio on the main floor. The food is a little better than you might expect from a "College Bar". Beer menu could be better with more options for local craft beers. They have the larger local craft beers but they could add some more taps for smaller breweries. Cocktails are decent. Prices are fair for everything. Lots of TVs for sports.
PA
Patrick Shannon
A lot has changed since the opening 2 years ago. This is a local neighbor hood DU bar that brings a diverse group together to have a good time. Happy Hour from 4-7 has $1.50 Coors Light and also from 10-12. Cinco De Mayo this year was out of control, bands, DJs and lots and lots of beautiful girls! Food is awesome and the atmosphere rocks! Definitely a must if you are looking to drink with good people.
JA
Jace Jackson
Best chile rellenos Ive had in Denver. Cant beat it. Only reason for 4 stars and not 5, is that the service is often sub-par. They have a few waitresses who obviously hate their jobs. But after a couple of their cheap (great) Margs, I totally dont care and you wont either. Also, avoid the enchiladas at all costs. Go for the chile rellenos (obviously) or the carne asada burrito.
SH
Shain Goodman
We had 4 different people take care of us and it was still hard to get refills on our waters. The food was ok but the cook got the order wrong. We got the check but nobody came back to get payment, I had to go up to the bar to pay. We parked in the back where it says customer parking and someone double parked back there and almost blocked us in. Definitely will not be going back.
