[Editors Note— this piece has been updated to mention Kevin Taylor’s restaurant Limelight, which opened in 2007.]

On July 7, The Arista Broomfield will gain a new restaurant with the opening of Hickory & Ash — a joint venture between veteran Denver restaurateur Kevin Taylor and his son Ryan Taylor. Right by the 1stBank Center, this modern American restaurant is not Kevin Taylor’s inaugural restaurant. Known for dominating Denver’s fine dining scene before the turn of the millennium, he has not opened a new restaurant since Limelight in 2007. Hickory & Ash will attempt to mirror the evolution of Denver’s dining trends by taking a more casual approach. In order to usher in a new era, Kevin Taylor has tapped his son Ryan Taylor for a fresh perspective.

“My father taught me so much about food, cooking and the restaurant industry,” executive chef Ryan Taylor explained. “Working in my dad’s kitchens — and learning from my dad — I fell in love with food and discovered the beauty in cooking and creating the perfect dining experience. A lot of passion has gone into developing Hickory & Ash from the ground-up, and I’m excited to watch it come to fruition; the project is extremely meaningful for our restaurant group — and our family.”

The Space

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The Taylors knew exactly what they wanted to Hickory & Ash to be — inviting instead of intimidating, comfortable instead of stuffy. The 5,500 square foot restaurant seats 120 guests inside, with extra room on the small patio and private dining room.

The space walks the line between warmth and masculinity. Riddick Semple Architects designed the space in partnership with Kevin Taylor, adding creative touches to the space like birch branch pergolas over the tables and urban lighting wrapped around old railroad ties.

“We’re excited to move beyond our white-tablecloth roots,” said Kevin Taylor. “Hickory & Ash will provide a more approachable, yet still chef-driven experience from a service-oriented, passionate team.”

The restaurant sits in the back corner of Arista Broomfield, a 200-acre community centered around the 1stBank Center. Other tenants include office buildings, the Aloft Hotel, the UCHealth Broomfield Hospital and other neighborhood apartment complexes and restaurants.

 

The Food & Drinks

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The Hickory & Ash menu is elevated American filled with local touches. From starters like the Lobster Bisque Soup with black truffle dumplings and herb cream to the Burrata Toast with smashed peas, mint and baby peppers, there are plenty of reasons to cozy up to the bar with a cocktail and appetizer — especially if you like cocktails.

From gin and vodka, to tequila and bourbon, the Hickory & Ash drink menu has something for everyone, but it offers even more for those willing to try something new. If you’re looking for a twist on an old, familiar favorite, try the summer rendition of Manhattan, the Old Basil Blue with Bravo Zulu whiskey, basil and blueberry or — our favorite — the Arista Place Limeade with cucumber-infused Bravo Zulu gin, elderflower and tarragon — it’s light, flavorful and the ultimate outdoor cocktail for a hot day.

As for entrees, Ryan Taylor has pulled a lot of inspiration from his upbringing, as he’s been working in restaurants since he was 15. For a comforting dish, order the Short Rib Pastrami with Brussels sprouts, mustard and pumpernickel. It will take you back to your childhood sandwich, but with a more adult plating and flavor profile. Our favorite, though, was the Colorado Striped Bass Veracruz with white beans, local zucchini and a jalapeño pesto — it’s inspired by the Taylor family’s many trips to Mexico, but with the touch of Colorado that they’ve always called home.

Hickory & Ash is located at 8001 Arista Place, Suite 150, Broomfield. It opens for dinner Friday, July 7 from 5 to 10 p.m, with plans to start brunch and lunch service in the weeks following. 

All photography by Rachel Adams