Troy Guard’s Done Deal Opens Today
Done Deal, the newest haunt in Republic Plaza, is the latest sip-and-be-seen spot from chef Troy Guard—and his first cocktail-forward concept. Opening today, Jan. 16, Done Deal is a place you go to raise a glass and toast with your coworkers when that deal you’ve been working on is done. Or to lament those deals that aren’t.
Last Friday’s preview drew Denver’s swankier crowd, everyone ignoring the kind of cold that makes you question your life choices all for a first sip in Guard’s newest spot. Where is that spot? It’s smack dab in the middle of the lobby of the state’s tallest building—Republic Plaza. Done Deal fits right in—more urban and sophisticated than any other Denver spot I can think of, and that’s the point. This isn’t the Denver of yore—this is the Denver of now, and it’s all grown up.
Done Deal does its best to carve out its own space using strategically placed high tops, lounge chairs, lights, and planters to mark the boundaries, lest you wander off and wind up in a board meeting. The space is huge, with high ceilings and lots of light, plus a massive hanging art installation above the central bar. The designers aimed to create a sophisticated lounge-like ambiance through the strategic placement of lights, high tops, lounge chairs, and bar stools.
Along with wine, cocktails, and local craft beer, it’s serving a food menu that includes charcuterie and other small bites. Meaning it’s perfect for happy hour. And, as things get off the ground, it’s only going to be open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, so when you tell yourself you’re just going to grab one after work, you’ll really mean it this time.
If you’re only having one, make it the key lime spritz, which is perhaps one of the best cocktails I’ve ever tasted. Definitely tops the list of best beverages I’ve imbibed in 2024. If you’re not into frothy perfection (who are you?) try the Dividends, a mezcal-based concoction with elderflower liqueur, Green Chartreuse, and basil, if only because Green Chartreuse is like impossible to come by these days.
Not drinking these days? All the cocktails can become mocktails with a simple request.
Wines by the glass hail from France, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, and the good ole U.S. of A. And, this being Denver, there’s of course beer and of course, it’s local—Denver Beer Co., Upslope, Odell, and Left Hand in the house.
As for food, it’s all small plates, many seafood forward—shrimp cocktail, king crab cocktail, smoked salmon rillette (the best bite of the night), TAG tuna tacos. Plus mini hot dogs wrapped in puff pastry, charcuterie, ricotta/olive oil/focaccia, marinated olives, and warm mixed nuts round out the offerings.
Part of TAG Restaurant Group (TRG), Done Deal joins a portfolio of concepts that includes Guard and Grace, HashTAG, Los Chingones, and Bubu. Its opening falls on the heels of a new location for his chef-driven boozy brunch joint HashTAG, which opened its second location in Highlands Ranch in November. A third HashTAG will soon be tempting downtown diners with its signature cinnamon rolls, and the restaurant group is bringing back its TAG Burger Bar concept early this year, too. (The original Congress Park locale shuttered in 2021.)
If you find yourself there having a drink with a coworker for the first time and the conversation lags, here are some conversation starters for you: Republic Plaza is in fact the tallest building in Colorado, stretching up 717 feet to 56 floors. The 1,850,000-square-foot building was built in 1984 and mostly houses office space. It’s the 137th tallest building in the country, and it houses beehives on its rooftop in partnership with Alvéole Honey and shared with tenants. The architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the same firm behind several of the tallest buildings in the world, One World Trade Center and Burj Khalifa among them.
And let’s be honest, it’s about time our skyline’s crown jewel got a little more spirited.
Today—Tues., Jan. 16, 2024—is the first day of operations. Please stop by this week and wish them well (but not on Thursday, they’re closed on Jan. 18).
About The Author
Steph Wilson
Steph Wilson is a writer, editor, and creative maximalist in Denver. She makes magazines for a living and throws color around the world like confetti for fun.
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