White Fence Farm serves up the best American comfort food in the metro area. Fried chicken, bean casserole, homemade pies, and thick mash potatoes and gravy are why families have been coming here for over forty years. However, White Fence Farm is more than just a restaurant. The property in Lakewood has a farm animal petting zoo, duck pond, hay rides, an old timey photo center, and provides a fun place for families and friends to get together, all of this bound food that is better than Grandma used to make. Sorry Ma.

What few people realize, even those that have been there recently, is that White Fence Farm serves alcohol. They always have, but it was just beer and wine featuring good ole’ Coors Banquet. It wasn’t until restauranteur Craig Caldwell took over two years ago that things changed. It all began with a friend’s funny story.

After Caldwell bought the place, he and General Manager Whitney Carloss took the time to remodel and change the Farm’s layout. They updated a building now called Americana Barn to house a bar covered in beetle-kill wood and a music stage for nightly events. They also moved Professor Goodbellows Old Time Photos Studio from the now closed Heritage Square upstairs. The farm animal petting zoo, duck pond, and gazebo were updated, but unchanged. They didn’t change the menu, because that was already a winner, but they did add some new items. Then Caldwell invited his friends for a visit.

A doctor friend of his sat at the new bar. The doctor asked if the bartender had a Pinot Grigio and she said, “What’s that?” The doctor then asked what kind of wine they had. “Red and white,” was the reply. The doc chuckled and said he’d take the white. The bartender then filled the glass from a tap. When the doctor told Caldwell about this encounter, he knew it was time to update.

Carloss says that before Caldwell, the entire beverage menu for the restaurant, alcohol and otherwise, fit at the bottom of the food menu. After careful consideration, the beverage menu now has its own page. Featured at the top are beers from New Belgium, Blue Moon, Sierra Nevada, Samuel Adams, Stella Artois and Guinness. There is also a rotating seasonal. Next are a variety of wines including three Chardonnays, two Cabernets and Pinot Noirs and that coveted Pinot Grigio. Guests will also find a Riesling, which pairs well with fried chicken, and Merlot and Malbec. For special occasions sip some prosecco or a Sonoma Brut. In the middle of the menu is a list of premium spirits that guests can order as pre- or post-dinner sippers for $7-8 or have made into cocktails, such as Margaritas and Manhattans for only $5.95 At the bottom are unlimited refills of sodas, teas, lemonade, and coffee. Milk is also available, but not unlimited.

Caldwell is pleased with how the new beverage menu has been received, and beverage sales have increased substantially. For the holidays, the bar has a special cocktail menu featuring the Peppermint Kiss with Peppermint Schnapps and hot chocolate, a Hot Toddy with bourbon, honey, hot water and lemon and a Spiked Cider with rum. All holiday drinks are only $4.95. White Fence Farm remains true to its country roots in this new millennium.

The Americana Barn has live music nightly. During the week there is a small band, but musicians and singers from the crowd are welcome to join. Professional bands play Friday and Saturday, mostly country and bluegrass. The restaurant is divided into rooms, much like the rooms of a house, for personal family dining. Some areas of the restaurant are “adults only” with fireplaces to enjoy romantic dinners for two.

If you would like to enjoy this classic menu with an adult beverage, White Fence Farm is open Tuesday through Friday 4:30-8 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 8 PM. Closed Mondays. Reservations can be made for parties of eight or more by calling 303-935-5945. 

Photos via Carrie Dow