Flying internationally in the winter can be difficult — crowded airports sometimes turn into a no-man’s land of grumpy travelers, downcast due to bad weather and flight delays.
But I know one thing can make that trip more bearable: a cocktail. Especially when it’s in a themed bar.
During a recent 16-hour journey from the UK to the US, I decided to visit a speakeasy called Williams & Graham during my layover at the Denver International Airport.
Although I was initially nervous the concept would be cheesy, it made for a fun way to pass the time. Here’s what it was like.
The entrance was hidden, but it wasn’t hard to find
The entrance to Williams & Graham, located near Gate A38, is disguised by a curved bookshelf.
An observant passerby would notice clues — like the hostess with a bright smile standing next to a red velvet rope — that this wasn’t any old bookcase. There was also prominent Williams & Graham signage.
When I walked up to the hostess, I was told the wait would be about 15 to 20 minutes. As I waited for a table, I watched a steady stream of people try to get in, and the wait time rose to 25 minutes.
After calling my name, the hostess pulled open the bookshelf, which turned into a door and revealed the bar.
Although not exactly large, the speakeasy had more space than I expected for an airport location. The lights were dimmed, which made the atmosphere feel more bar-like after leaving the sterile lighting of an airport.
I was given a seat at the fully stocked bar, which felt appropriate for a solo traveler.
The menu had a good amount of options
All cocktails were $18, and the menu included a mix of both classic and unique house options, with names like “Becky with the Good Hair” and “Swol Juice.”
The price felt steep for my own day-to-day spending, but considering that airport prices are notoriously high, I was almost surprised they weren’t more expensive.
I counted 26 cocktails on the menu, which felt like a good range of options for travelers in a time crunch. The menu didn’t list specific beer or wine offerings, but patrons could ask a server about the selection if they were interested.
Along with cocktails, the menu had food items like mac and cheese, a burger, and the occasional French-themed dish like ratatouille. The entrées ranged in price from $14.20 to $28.80.
Since I didn’t want to miss my flight, I stuck with a drink. But I noticed a few people around me ordering meals, including a hefty, juicy-looking burger and frog legs, described on the menu as “frog booties.”
I enjoyed my drink and thought the speakeasy was a fun way to pass the time
I ordered the Highland Lass, a whiskey-based cocktail made with Glenfiddich 12, yellow Chartreuse liqueur, lemon, cucumber, honey, and ginger.
The drink went down smoothly, and the whiskey, honey, and ginger felt comforting. Although it was an iced cocktail, the combination felt like warmth on a winter’s day.
I also enjoyed the bit of sweetness that didn’t feel too overwhelming. Though nothing spectacular, it was a pleasant drink.
Overall, although the idea of an airport speakeasy is a bit camp, the drinks were nice enough for an airport bar, and the atmosphere was friendly.
For me, a cocktail and conversations with strangers were fun ways to distract me from the woes of a layover.
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