Neighborhood bar dishes up a divine slice

The building that now houses Ernie’s Bar & Pizza has become a casual and friendly neighborhood bar and pizza joint.

The bar seats 43 and is the perfect place to grab a seat and enjoy the fantastic food. They have community tables, perfect for chatter and meeting new people. Warm colors of brick, greens and beige and great lighting add to the scene.

Start with the antipasto. Choose from the many selections served in bowls perfect for sharing: Zucchini salad, roasted beets, artichokes, eggplant caponata, peppers, slow-roasted tomatoes (divine), prosciutto, cheeses and seafood.

Then for your next option order a terrific salad and/or appetizer. The choices are limitless with: stromboli, frito misto, chicken wings, bruschetta, grilled cheese sandwiches or fried pizza dough strips served in a bag with prosciutto and Taleggio cheese.

And then dive in to the main course with their specialty pizzas. The thin crust pizzas are topped with tomatoes, sausage, meatballs, mushrooms, shrimp and your choice of red or white sauces.

The business partner and chef, Sean Kelly, is stunning as he’s gone back to his roots by bringing back the Sunday night Judy Rogers chicken dinner. It is cooked in the pizza oven and finished off with toppings to order.

Leave room for the decadent tiramisu, cannoli or gelato for dessert. And, not to mention, the wine list features mostly Italian vino’s which complement the food while remaining affordable.

Ernie’s is a perfect neighborhood eatery.

Ernie’s Bar & Pizza
2915 W. 44th Ave., 80211
303-955-5580
http://erniesdenver.com

The most fun:
The great bar ambience but welcoming to families and a totally casual feel.

Do not miss:
Sunday night roast chicken, the small plate appetizers and of course, the pizza.

Price:  $$

Hours:
Mon. – Fri.: 3:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Sat. – Sun.:11 a.m. –
Kitchen closes at 10 p.m.

About the chef:
Sean Kelly began his career at Barolo Grill and then opened Aubergine Café, which gave him huge success. He left to take a bigger part in his twins’ upbringing and re-entered the food world with Clair de Lune and then Somethin’ Else. Now he heads the very successful Ernie’s Bar & Grill and LoHi Steakbar and continues to be a favorite chef in Denver. A friendly, warm and talented person, Kelly does not seek the spotlight but shines as a top toque in the area.