Tucked away in Congress Park between Colfax and 6th Avenue on Madison Street is a place where patties rule: TAG Burger Bar. One of three restaurants owned by chef Troy Guard, TAG Burger amazingly keeps things fresh and natural with a menu of nothing but burgers. All kinds of burgers, such as Angus beef (locally-sourced, hormone- and antibiotic-free), local bison, naturally-raised turkey, Colorado lamb, salmon and veggie. The patties are served 13 different ways and with all kinds of goodies, including seven kinds of cheese and fries done up five different ways.

Of course, patrons need something to drink with all that food and what goes best with burgers? Beer! There are 20 beers on tap and 15 more in bottles or cans. Bar manager Jake Kesler wanted to have some fun with the drink menu. He and his staff came up with three new beer cocktails named after popular TV shows of the 1990s. One taste and you’ll be singing “Yo home to Bel-Air!”

The Fresh Prince:  With a title befitting an excellent cocktail, the Fresh Prince contains two whole strawberries and ginger muddled together plus Colorado-made Spring 44 honey vodka and Steamworks Kolsch. The drink is very shandy-like with the ginger and strawberries mingling, perfect for warmer weather.

Party of Five: This drink uses Odell’s 5 Barrel Pale Ale with fresh basil, lime and an amazing housemade honey simple syrup. The Party of Five turns out very floral and minty, and the hops from the 5 Barrel go great with the basil. Hop lovers will enjoy this zesty cocktail.

Dawson’s Cherry Creek: Created by a TAG bartender, this drink uses Avery White Rascal, lychee juice, mint, and Luxardo cherry juice. This one has more of a grapefruit taste, not too sweet and not too tangy, kind of like the show. Enjoy this one on TAG’s outdoor patio.

All three cocktails are served in snifter glasses, all the better to get the most from the nose and flavor of these specials. Though served without ice, all three drinks are cool and refreshing, just in time for summer.

TAG Burger Bar is open 11 AM–10 PM, Monday–Thursday; 11 AM–11 PM, Friday; 10 AM–11 PM Saturday; and 10 AM–10 PM, Sunday (1222 Madison St., 303-736-2260).

Photos by Carrie Dow