Sobo 151 - Denver, CO

 A comfortable sports bar slash Czech joint in the Baker neighborhood of Denver . . . 

Was looking for a place to chill and have dinner before the Dustbowl Champion/Computer Kill show at the hi-dive up the street.  My colleage's husband was traveling with us, and I'd just found out he was Czech, and I do love a golash, so I hit up Sobo 151. I'd be more than happy to have it out in the Twin Cities 

It bills itself as Denver's Hockey Bar, and sports a ton of sweaters hanging from the ceiling, though a surprising dearth of TV's for Denver's self proclaimed Hockey Bar.  Maybe say Czech Check would have been an appropriate name

The place was lively, especially back in the small packt pool table area, yet I felt fully comfortable sitting at the wall end of the bar with my book.  Bartenders were helpful and attentive as needed.  One of them speaks Czech (I assume it was) as I overheard him conversing with an older patron

How was the food? 

The menu (below) offers about a dozen Czech and Germanic options, and it was hard to choose, but I couldn't resist a cup of the Zelnacka, a soup of sauerkraut, kielbasa, and potatoes.  Straight up delicious, but DAMN it was rich.  I'm not sure how you'd eat a whole bowl.  The bread reminded me of spongier S.Rosen Cocktail Rye Squares.  A steal at $5 bucks

I also ordered the Smazene Zampiony, Czech fried mushrooms.  Maybe a tidge too ungreasy and dry, and the Czech tartar sauce was much too sweet, but they worked with the ranch.  I'd say better as a shared app than going it alone

And then of course the Czech Gulas.  The gravy was flavorful, and the slow cooked beef wasn't nearly tender as advertised, but that was fine with me.  If anything let the dish down it was the somewhat dry and overly simple dumplings.  They desperately needed the gravy.  I'm absolutely no expert on goulash, and it was respectable, but I wouldn't say to go out of your way for theirs 

If I was back in town, I'd love to try their Schnitzel (Rizek), Sausage of the Day, the Double Garlic Cheese Burger, the Devil's Toast (Dabelske Topinky), and I'd make a point to hit them for breakfast to try the Dumpling Scramble (Smazeny Knedliky), Grilled Kielbasa and Eggs, and especially the Schnitzel Ranchero ("Schnitzel topped with pork green chili, 2 eggs and cheese, with homefries and a tortilla")

Comments, Questions, Two Bit Opinions, and Whatnot are welcome:

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SoBo 151 - 151 South Broadway, Denver, Co 80209

303-830-1001

IG #sobo151

www.sobo.net