To get a library card at La Biblioteca, the only assignment is to drink tequila. With more than 350 kinds, you’ll be an agave scholar in no time. Located in the space formerly known as al Lado in Riverfront Park, La Biblioteca ups the sophistication level with a journey to Mexico and its fine agave, mescal and sotol spirits.

La Biblioteca is adjacent to Zengo and both are Richard Sandoval restaurants, however, bar manager Jason Hayes says there is nothing quite like La Biblioteca because of the slight Asian influence. Even the brick walls of the bar’s interior are a recreation that Sandoval saw in a Singapore watering hole. So while the focus is on Mexican tequila, enjoy it with Korean fried chicken wings or a salt and pepper shrimp roll.

In this “library of tequila” guests can “check out” their favorite tequilas by the bottle or try a flight of several kinds. Flights are three tequilas served with a savory house-made tomato juice palate cleanser. Flights can be three samples of one type of tequila, blanco, reposado or anejo, or all three types of tequila by one agave house. The three tequila types are based on length of resting or ageing, anywhere from a few days to over 25 years.

Guests are allowed to house bottles of tequila from La Biblioteca in special lockers at the bar and enjoy them anytime. Depending on the tequila purchased, the lockers are included in the price and patrons can share lockers as well. The library program allows patrons to have personal library cards and each time they sample a tequila, receive a stamp on the card to earn free tastings and drinks. A true tequila library!

Some of the tequila concoctions found at La Biblioteca include the Cucumber Pepino. This drink is serrano-infused tequila with cucumber and citrus. The sweetness of the cucumber and citrus wrap the tongue with a hint of heat on at the finish. The Sweet Heat is serrano- and pineapple-infused tequila with pineapple juice and agave and has a slight syrup texture. Reminiscent more of Hawaii than Mexico, the bar definitely pushes the boundaries of how a tequila cocktail should taste. All the infusions are made in house and include such flavors as blueberry and lemon, cilantro and tamarind.

Although tequila is the focus, La Biblioteca is a full service with bar with traditional cocktails such as the Moscow Mule and Mojito as well as wine and beer. Try the Day of the Dead beer series by Cerveceria Mexicana, a favorite of Hayes.

Happy hour is daily from 4 to 7 PM and features tasty finger foods such as adobo chicken steam buns and mini bahn mi dog sliders. Cocktails and wine are $5, bottled cervezas are $3.50 and draft beers only $2. On Sundays, bring a book to donate to the Denver Public Library and get a signature cocktail for half price.

La Biblioteca, 1610 Little Raven St., #200; 720-904-0965