First time in the Denver area and my wife and I wanted to see what the local scene was like. Glad we decided on the Wayback, we had a wonderful experience. Cocktails were spot on, atmosphere was fabulous for our night out, menu was rather creative and the service was excellent. We sampled several appetizers and when we ordered our entrees asked if we'd be sharing those as well, we were, so she had the kitchen course them out separately so we could share them one at a time. A simple thing to do but it really elevated the experience.
We had a fantastic meal and experience here! It was a bit out of the way from other places we were checking out on a recent trip to Denver, but it was worth it! It was definitely a trendier spot, but we enjoyed the food and drinks! I will say that the portions were on the smaller side, so either eat a snack before or don't come too hungry without knowing you'll have to spend a bit.
Very unique and powerful flavors though. You could definitely taste the quality and 'freshness'.
Words can't begin to describe on how the food here is. They have an amazing service an A+++. It's a little on the price side but their service and food makeup for it. They have a good selection of drinks and all their food is made by local organic ingredient. Their menu does change as season change since they only use ingredients that are in season. Defiintly a must try.
Seasonal rotating menu with nice variety of dishes with small plates, fresh ingredients, and some larger dishes. Beautifully plated and good service. Happy hour available in the bar area. Reservations recommended in dining area.
Had a wonderful time at The Way Back getting drinks, appetizers, and desserts. The bartender was very friendly and attentive. The drinks and appetizers were delicious, but the Cornbread dessert was insanely delicious. I was actually sad when we finished eating it.
Southern Hot Chicken meets trendy small plates in the heart of Tennyson.
"The Way Back" is a fairly new restaurant that brings together sustainable local ingredients to create both old Comfort foods and modern dishes served in a tapas-style experience.
Just thinking of the name, I thought the decor would be similar to that of Annie's Cafe. I was anticipating a nostalgic throwback to the 1950s. Yet the architectural style of the bar reminds me of the early turn of the century, while the uniforms of the waitstaff and bartenders could be from many decades within the mid-twentieth century -- they all wear floral print shirts and blouses. There are accent walls of floral patterned wallpapered as well. The front part of the establishment is mostly covered in black paint and reminds one of a speakeasy. However the back of the house, is a more formal setting with white linens.
We had recently heard our friends raving over their fried chicken, so we decided to give it a try last Saturday. After opening the OpenTable app and finding that there were no reservations available anytime Saturday evening, I decided to give them a call. The hostess assured me if I came on the early side during the happy hour which was from 4 to 6 p.m., she could probably get us a table in the front section. She did; we had a nice booth close to the bar.
We were able to take advantage of some of the happy hour selections and prices including $5 whiskey sours, a bread-and-butter appetizer for only $3, and an exquisitely prepared veggie plate for only $6. The veggie plate had unique heirloom-style vegetables. What looked like a couple of a really long and skinny pink carrots ended up being Cincinnati red turnips. The plate also included white baby turnips, endives, cucumbers, and a nice dill-flavored dip.
I ordered one of the specials of the day which comprised of hand-rolled pappardelle pasta, oyster mushrooms, ramps, and a three-year aged cheddar cheese from Durango's Jackson Farms. The fresh pasta was cooked al dente and paired perfectly with the sharp and decadent creamy flavors of the rest of the dish. It was remarkably filling for a small plate of pasta with no meat. However, for $19 I feel it was a little on the pricey side for a tapas plate. Bob, of course, ordered the fried chicken that everyone had raved about. It was actually really really good. The battered skin of the chicken was incredible. There must be a few sweet ingredients in the batter that give the skin a sweet and savory, yet very crispy finish. I thought the chicken was cooked perfectly to my taste, but some that like their chicken cooked well would have been disappointed by a few pieces that looked a little pink. Again the price seems a little high at $19 for two legs and a thigh. It was served with hot sauce, which is a southern way of serving chicken known as Southern Hot Chicken, and bread & butter pickeks.
Our fun and sassy waitress encouraged us to get a "side" plate as well. Since they were out of their collard greens, the cook had substituted them with a creamed-spinach option. The creme fraiche sauce with a touch of nutmeg elevated the traditionally simple side dish to a more adult option.
We were surprised that we were actually full with only ordering these two larger tapas plates and the side of spinach. This could get pretty expensive in a larger group where a lot of plates would need to be purchased.
Another dish that I have heard good things about, but was not able to try, is the squid ink fettuccine.
Overall, it was a great experience, and I anticipate going back for happy hour during a First Friday on Tennyson night.
Great food! Chef Dylan and Matt are very talented and know how to create some real tasty dishes. This is a must go to restaurant for cocktails and dinner. Can't forget dessert too!
We heard about this place in a list of the best new restaurants for Denver. It was amazing! Everything tasted great, the service was friendly and attentive, the atmosphere was quiet and comfy.
I had the pork belly, which she described as a deconstructed BLT (or bacon tofu she said haha). It tasted great and I ate every last bit of it. So tender and the tomatoes and lettuce were grilled perfectly.
My wife had the pappardelle pasta with summer squash and loved it. I tried it and agreed. The homemade pasta was soft and flavorful.
We also got the broccolini side dish which was delicious.
We will tell everyone we know about this place and keep it on our “fancy” list.
We came here based on the Eater reviews and I'm so glad we did! Service was extremely friendly - a little slow but it looked like there was a party of about 30 in the back so that's normal. Food and drinks were all excellent - we got a bunch of different dishes to share, definitely snag some bread and butter to start but after that you can't go wrong! The menu changes weekly so I won't recommend specific things and get your hopes up....but it was all good :)
I was on the way to the Japanese place nearby but couldn’t resist the cool vibe coming from this place. And OMG if the old fashioned wasn’t the most delicious with the biggest clearest rock I had ever seen. And the roast chicken was to DIE for. And the bar staff were super cool and nurturing and friendly.
love the restaurant - the new remodel is very dark and a cool space. the booths from the old irish pub are not the most comfortable, but a fun environment. I love the ever changing menu - though the picture is of a salad (it's because I was too busy eating the rest of the food). anytime I've eaten that week's take on roasted chicken, it is amazing. they are also very good at accommodating allergies.
I spent my Golden birthday/NYE dinner at The Way Back and it was fantastic! The atmosphere is sophisticated but laid back and the cocktails are where it's at. I believe our Bartender's name was Leanna? She killed it! Everything we asked for, on or off the menu, was perfect and strong. We sat at a corner booth and had impeccable dinner service. The food was different but delicious. I think we'll be coming back for the cocktails more often though. The team also topped off the evening with an adorable birthday card signed by everyone :)
Super impressed. Very creative menu. Fantastic fun service. In on a night with discounted bottles of wine - super bonus. Excellent cost/benefit ratio.
Fantastic experience. The owner has a lot of pride in his baby, explained the whole creative menu to us. Service was on point, atmosphere is A cool mix of back yard neighborhood feel with a twist of high end speakeasy. I'll be back.
My husband and I love this place. Perfect mix of high quality, interesting food with a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. The staff is always helpful and friendly, the food is always great.
Excellent cocktails and food! The service is great and staff makes you feel at home.
Good main courses but the bread was burnt and they charge for bread and butter...
We only had drinks here but can't wait to go back for food. The aroma coming from the kitchen was delicious smelling and our cocktails were top-notch.
The bartender was super friendly as we asked tons of questions about what went into the drink and what made it so spectacular.
Can't wait to go back for a full dinner and maybe even get a few friends together for a cocktail making class here!
The ambience is great and our waitress, Hannah, was a complete delight! Incredibly accommodating, honest and fun. The food was incredible. Cocktails were great. To top it off, after hearing it was my birthday, Hannah brought a candle and a card that the staff signed, and splash of prosecco. Cannot say enough good things about this place!
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