Ivywild School is where I first learned to drink (and love) craft cocktails. It’s where I first ate Mark Anthony’s Pretzels (the absolute best), and it’s where I’ve spent probably 5 of my past 7 birthdays because I love it THAT much. I have seen and met A LOT of people in that school. I’ve celebrated. I’ve cried. I’ve called many Ubers.
Oh God. I’m becoming one of THOSE bloggers who spends the first half of the post talking about some nostalgic story while you’re just waiting to get to the important parts. OK, I’ll spare you. But long story short, this place holds a very, VERY special place in my heart and I’m so happy to see it re-open with new life and changes that I expect will make it even more popular than it originally was.
One of the biggest changes is to where you can go with your cocktails! You are now allowed to order a cocktail at The Principal’s Office and take it over to Bristol Brewing, and vice versa. It just allows every person in your party to have a better experience so you’re not limited in what you consume if you’re at Bristol and prefer liquor, or want to switch from cocktails to beer without switching where you are in the building. LOVE THIS.
The other big change is the food vendor (s). Originally the school housed the bakery and kitchen. People could order from the PO, Bristol, or Axe and the food all came from the same place. NOW, the school has taken on more of that food hall vibe and there are multiple food vendors that you visit to place an order. The vendors include Lazo Empanadas, Decent Pizza Co., Salad or Bust, and Ivywild Kitchen.
Salad or Bust has been operating inside Ivywild School for a few months, and Decent Pizza and Lazo opened a couple weeks ago. Tomorrow (Friday, April 16th), Ivywild Kitchen will officially begin serving food at the school and while I am obsessed with the other concepts that have opened, I’m mostly excited to sip a boujie cocktail while I snack on Mark Anthony’s Pretzels and chicken tenders – just like the original Ivywild days. What can I say, I’m a creature of habit!
Here’s a look at some of what you can expect at the revamped Ivywild School:
The Principal’s Office – Smoked Beez Kneez: gin, blended scotch, grapefruit bitter, and lemon. 
Decent Pizza – Red Top: brick cheese, house red sauce, sourdough crust 
Decent Pizza – Stallion: brick cheese, salami, banana pepper, artichoke hearts, roasted garlic, house red sauce, sourdough crust 
Decent Pizza – Small Salad 
Lazo Empanadas – Ground Beef: ground beef, onions, red bell peppers, raisins, marinara sauce, black peppers, basil, oregano, blend of extra virgin olive oil and sunflower. 
Ivywild Kitchen – Buffalo Wings (These are a special due to the chicken wing shortage. No, I’m not joking. There is a chicken wing shortage). 
Ivywild Kitchen – Tenders: hand breaded buttermilk chicken tenders served with fries & your choice of sauce. I had the spicy aioli and curry mayo. 
Ivywild Kitchen – Bacon and Blue Burger: local Colorado beef topped with bacon, blue cheese, caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato, & house sauce on a potato bun. 
Ivywild Kitchen – Double Cheeseburger: local Colorado beef topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickle, & house sauce on a potato bun.
The chicken tenders are hand breaded. The burgers are just burgers, but they are damn good burgers. The pretzels aren’t pictured, but they’re STILL perfection. The pizza is better than decent.
But tangent. Did you know there is a chicken wing shortage? Yes. This is not a joke. WTF? So if your favorite restaurants aren’t offering wings, be nice. It’s not their fault. So I was lucky enough to get to taste the chicken wings from Ivywild Kitchen – and they were BOMB – however they are just going to be featured occasionally as a special until this dang chicken wing shortage is over. So if they’re available, do yourself a favor and order them.
Ivywild School is just one of many spots re-opening post pandemic so be on the lookout for even MORE re-opening announcements and previews. But in the meantime, I’ll see you at school.
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