Ace Eat Serve has been serving Denver’s Uptown neighborhood since 2012, and over the years it has grown and changed while still keeping the backbone strong. Think casual Asian eats, a great bar program, a huge outdoor area, and numerous ping pong tables for those who want a side of competition with their meal. Now, for the first time, it’s open during weekdays for light bites and coffee.
The idea, said co-owner Emily Biederman, is to open up the large space that houses Ace to more than just dinner and evening fun. For those who want to come for a coffee and to get some work done during the day there’s free WiFi and plenty of room to spread out with a laptop. It’s also the only place in Uptown offering this sort of work/event/social space in Uptown. Plus, pups are totally welcome on the patio.
On the food side, absolutely try chef Michael Kurowski’s Smash-saunt ($7), a large, pressed croissant he makes fresh and then dips into something tasty. On a recent visit that included Strawberry Inspiration chocolate by Valrhona, and previously he used pistachio white chocolate. The menu also features pastries such as croissants ($5), ham and cheese croissant ($6), breakfast burritos with Steuben’s salsas ($8 to $10), and muffins ($5).
Stay a while longer and go from breakfast to lunch starting at 11 a.m. when Ace’s sister spot Steuben’s, right next door, opens up. It’s American comfort food delivered right to your makeshift office at Ace. Need a break from the screen or to settle a dispute over font size? Play a few rounds of ping pong. Or, cozy up into a corner for a private phone call.
As for libations, Ace offers breakfast and coffee fare. The beverage menu features the usual suspects including drip coffee ($4-$5), cold brew ($5-$6), macchiato ($4.50), latte ($5.75), and shots of espresso ($4).
The menu also showcases drinks with an Asian twist, such as the Thai Iced Tea ($6), Vietnamese Iced Coffee ($6), and the Miso Kame Mocha ($7), which comes hot or iced and spiked with a sweet and savory miso caramel. The black Sesame Match Latte ($7) hits the right notes too, and a bright Jasmine Cloud tea ($6) offers a lighter beverage option. Coffee shop maven Arika Drake has also created the vegan Banana Milk Latte ($7), a must for banana lovers and brilliant with Ace’s chai blend. Both cow milk and alternative milks are available for all most drinks.
Not only is Ace Coffee Bar good for the solo visit, but groups should keep in mind the space for daytime rendezvous and meetings as well. The natural light, laid back energy, and hip vibe make Ace a great option for those looking to branch out from the traditional and stuffy hotel conference room and boring lunches.
And, if you are going to get some work done over a solid cup of coffee, enjoy the natural light and the feeling you’re actually somewhere fun and not just working.
Visit Ace Coffee Bar inside Ace Eat Serve, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 501 E. 17th Ave., Denver, aceeatserve.com
