For as long as it's been there, I half expected Spanky's to be dark and dank on the inside and full of college students. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by the slick décor consisting of retro looking booths and chairs within the open ceiling and exposed brick wall modern industrial seating area. There are no shades covering the lights above the tables. The bulbs are dim, also designed to look retro, so there's a nice glow over the whole table rather than one bright spot in a dark haze. Despite its close proximity to the DU campus, the crowd was actually made up of families from the neighborhood; parents and grandparents with children. I didn't notice a juke box anywhere, but the tunes were mainly rock and alternative. Everything looked fresh and clean; no un-bussed tables or un-swept floors. I expect prompt, friendly, and attentive service on the rare occasions I eat out. Initially, service was a little slow. I stood at the hostess stand for a moment waiting to be acknowledged. I wasn't offered water or any other beverage upon being seated. Perhaps it wasn't the hostess's role to offer drinks. It was another few minutes before the server arrived. He may have had to finish some side work in the back. He did answer my questions about the menu in a friendly manner, and didn't seem annoyed that I was asking. My beer came pretty quick once ordered, and my server was attentive the rest of the time, checking in frequently. My meal was served pretty fast as well; less than ten minutes after I ordered. The menu is certainly unique. Some items look familiar, but are just a little bit different than what one might be used to. Parmesan breadsticks come with green chili and queso. Appetizers include fried Brussels sprouts. Other options on the menu list fig jam and hazelnut beer batter. Some may not love garlic as much as I do, but I appreciate that Spanky's has their own house garlic hot sauce bottled on the table. Being an average male American, I've eaten my fair share of burgers and fries over the years. I decided to try the Sugar & Spice as I had never had cinnamon-spiced pears on a burger before. Normally, I would say $12 is a little pricy for a burger and fries, but considering the unique ingredients, and that I felt satisfied once I finished, I was ok with it. The pears went well with the goat cheese, honey-molasses glaze, and lemon-garlic aioli. Many restaurants will drench their burgers in condiments, making it difficult to eat as the soggy bun falls apart in your hands. Surprisingly, this burger was amazingly neat, not overly slathered with its toppings or sauces. It wasn't overly greasy, so I didn't feel lethargic afterwards. They also use "rocket greens (arugula)" instead of the standard shredded iceberg lettuce. This gave a fresher, crispier crunch factor to the burger. There are a few different choices for sides. I ordered the truffle fries. They weren't really any different than any other truffle fries I've had except for a dash of parsley sprinkled on them. Everything was served on a square plate rather than a paper lined basket typical of many burger joints. Overall, I enjoyed my meal and time at Spanky's. The establishment, dishes, and staff were clean; no trash on the floor, no crusted on remnants from the dishwasher, no blackness under any ones fingernails. The service was friendly; even if a little slow at first. There was music, but it wasn't elevator music, and it wasn't so loud that you couldn't have a conversation. The menu was unique and interesting; even if a little pricy. If you're looking for something inexpensive that you're used to, Spanky's is not the best option. However, if you don't mind paying a little bit more, and your taste buds are feeling a little adventurous, I would definitely recommend this place. I am definitely going back to try the Peanut Butter Jealousy. read more

Avoid Roadhouse Hospitality Group and its family of restaurants. Roadhouse Hospitality Group, in particular Tstreet Roadhouse and the now defunct Dusty Boot Foxfield , are guilty of institutionalizing drug use and sale of drugs out of its restaurants. They have remained willfully ignorant despite multiple warnings about the activities of its bartenders and have taken no action as they refuse to acknowledge that illicit activity takes place on properties. Whistleblowers have also taken the brunt of the kick back from reveling what has taken place inside the restaurant through a campaign of harassment by fellow coworkers. They hide behind excuse that they won't fire anyone for activities that take place outside of work but have done just that to former managers and employees. Through nepotism the manager find protection from illegal activities, like on premises drug use and more recently the sale of alcohol to minors. Additionally the drug dealers (or providers given their verbiage) find sanctuary in the very managers that are there to regulate their activities. This group is a danger to the very workers they employ as some are recovering alcoholics and drug users and the communities to which they server. If you are willing to support illegal activity by all means contribute to the epidemic of drug use, but otherwise stay away. In particular one should avoid Bryan Koehl and Alex Misquez at the Tstreet restaurant. Below is a list of Roadhouse Hospitality Group restaurants to be boycotted: T-street Roadhouse -445 S. Teller Street, Lakewood, CO 80226 Roadhouse Boulder Depot -2366 Junction Place, Boulder, Colorado 80301 Wazee Lounge & Supper Club- 1600 15th St, Denver, CO 80202 Zuma Roadhouse- 91 River Run Road, Dillon, CO 80435 Kickapoo Tavern- 129 River Run Road, Keystone, Colorado 80435 Luigi's Pasta House | Keystone- 140 Ida Belle Dr, Keystone, CO 80435 Luigi's Pasta House | Eagle- 140 Ida Belle Dr, Keystone, CO 80435 The Metropolitan- 210 Offerson Road, Suite 201C, Beaver Creek, Colorado 81620 Urban Roadhouse Downtown- 999 18th St #101, Denver, CO 80202 Spanky's Urban Roadhouse- 1800 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210 Smokin Joes- 6955 South York St., Centennial, CO 80122 Reivers Bar and Grill- 1085 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80209 Dusty Boot | Beaver Creek- 210 Offerson Rd., Suite 301, Beaver Creek, CO 81620 Dusty Boot | Eagle- 1099 Capitol St, Eagle, CO 81631 Dusty Boot | Greenwood Village- 5960 South Holly St., Greenwood Village, CO 80111 read more

Avoid Roadhouse Hospitality Group and its family of restaurants. Roadhouse Hospitality Group, in particular Tstreet Roadhouse and the now defunct Dusty Boot Foxfield , are guilty of institutionalizing drug use and sale of drugs out of its restaurants. They have remained willfully ignorant despite multiple warnings about the activities of its bartenders and have taken no action as they refuse to acknowledge that illicit activity takes place on properties. Whistleblowers have also taken the brunt of the kick back from reveling what has taken place inside the restaurant through a campaign of harassment by fellow coworkers. They hide behind excuse that they won't fire anyone for activities that take place outside of work but have done just that to former managers and employees. Through nepotism the manager find protection from illegal activities, like on premises drug use and more recently the sale of alcohol to minors. Additionally the drug dealers (or providers given their verbiage) find sanctuary in the very managers that are there to regulate their activities. This group is a danger to the very workers they employ as some are recovering alcoholics and drug users and the communities to which they server. If you are willing to support illegal activity by all means contribute to the epidemic of drug use, but otherwise stay away. In particular one should avoid Bryan Koehl and Alex Misquez at the Tstreet restaurant. Below is a list of Roadhouse Hospitality Group restaurants to be boycotted: T-street Roadhouse -445 S. Teller Street, Lakewood, CO 80226 Roadhouse Boulder Depot -2366 Junction Place, Boulder, Colorado 80301 Wazee Lounge & Supper Club- 1600 15th St, Denver, CO 80202 Zuma Roadhouse- 91 River Run Road, Dillon, CO 80435 Kickapoo Tavern- 129 River Run Road, Keystone, Colorado 80435 Luigi's Pasta House | Keystone- 140 Ida Belle Dr, Keystone, CO 80435 Luigi's Pasta House | Eagle- 140 Ida Belle Dr, Keystone, CO 80435 The Metropolitan- 210 Offerson Road, Suite 201C, Beaver Creek, Colorado 81620 Urban Roadhouse Downtown- 999 18th St #101, Denver, CO 80202 Spanky's Urban Roadhouse- 1800 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210 Smokin Joes- 6955 South York St., Centennial, CO 80122 Reivers Bar and Grill- 1085 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80209 Dusty Boot | Beaver Creek- 210 Offerson Rd., Suite 301, Beaver Creek, CO 81620 Dusty Boot | Eagle- 1099 Capitol St, Eagle, CO 81631 Dusty Boot | Greenwood Village- 5960 South Holly St., Greenwood Village, CO 80111 read more

Avoid Roadhouse Hospitality Group and its family of restaurants. Roadhouse Hospitality Group, in particular Tstreet Roadhouse and the now defunct Dusty Boot Foxfield , are guilty of institutionalizing drug use and sale of drugs out of its restaurants. They have remained willfully ignorant despite multiple warnings about the activities of its bartenders and have taken no action as they refuse to acknowledge that illicit activity takes place on properties. Whistleblowers have also taken the brunt of the kick back from reveling what has taken place inside the restaurant through a campaign of harassment by fellow coworkers. They hide behind excuse that they won't fire anyone for activities that take place outside of work but have done just that to former managers and employees. Through nepotism the manager find protection from illegal activities, like on premises drug use and more recently the sale of alcohol to minors. Additionally the drug dealers (or providers given their verbiage) find sanctuary in the very managers that are there to regulate their activities. This group is a danger to the very workers they employ as some are recovering alcoholics and drug users and the communities to which they server. If you are willing to support illegal activity by all means contribute to the epidemic of drug use, but otherwise stay away. In particular one should avoid Bryan Koehl and Alex Misquez at the Tstreet restaurant. Below is a list of Roadhouse Hospitality Group restaurants to be boycotted: T-street Roadhouse -445 S. Teller Street, Lakewood, CO 80226 Roadhouse Boulder Depot -2366 Junction Place, Boulder, Colorado 80301 Wazee Lounge & Supper Club- 1600 15th St, Denver, CO 80202 Zuma Roadhouse- 91 River Run Road, Dillon, CO 80435 Kickapoo Tavern- 129 River Run Road, Keystone, Colorado 80435 Luigi's Pasta House | Keystone- 140 Ida Belle Dr, Keystone, CO 80435 Luigi's Pasta House | Eagle- 140 Ida Belle Dr, Keystone, CO 80435 The Metropolitan- 210 Offerson Road, Suite 201C, Beaver Creek, Colorado 81620 Urban Roadhouse Downtown- 999 18th St #101, Denver, CO 80202 Spanky's Urban Roadhouse- 1800 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210 Smokin Joes- 6955 South York St., Centennial, CO 80122 Reivers Bar and Grill- 1085 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80209 Dusty Boot | Beaver Creek- 210 Offerson Rd., Suite 301, Beaver Creek, CO 81620 Dusty Boot | Eagle- 1099 Capitol St, Eagle, CO 81631 Dusty Boot | Greenwood Village- 5960 South Holly St., Greenwood Village, CO 80111 read more

Avoid Roadhouse Hospitality Group and its family of restaurants. Roadhouse Hospitality Group, in particular Tstreet Roadhouse and the now defunct Dusty Boot Foxfield , are guilty of institutionalizing drug use and sale of drugs out of its restaurants. They have remained willfully ignorant despite multiple warnings about the activities of its bartenders and have taken no action as they refuse to acknowledge that illicit activity takes place on properties. Whistleblowers have also taken the brunt of the kick back from reveling what has taken place inside the restaurant through a campaign of harassment by fellow coworkers. They hide behind excuse that they won't fire anyone for activities that take place outside of work but have done just that to former managers and employees. Through nepotism the manager find protection from illegal activities, like on premises drug use and more recently the sale of alcohol to minors. Additionally the drug dealers (or providers given their verbiage) find sanctuary in the very managers that are there to regulate their activities. This group is a danger to the very workers they employ as some are recovering alcoholics and drug users and the communities to which they server. If you are willing to support illegal activity by all means contribute to the epidemic of drug use, but otherwise stay away. In particular one should avoid Bryan Koehl and Alex Misquez at the Tstreet restaurant. Below is a list of Roadhouse Hospitality Group restaurants to be boycotted: T-street Roadhouse -445 S. Teller Street, Lakewood, CO 80226 Roadhouse Boulder Depot -2366 Junction Place, Boulder, Colorado 80301 Wazee Lounge & Supper Club- 1600 15th St, Denver, CO 80202 Zuma Roadhouse- 91 River Run Road, Dillon, CO 80435 Kickapoo Tavern- 129 River Run Road, Keystone, Colorado 80435 Luigi's Pasta House | Keystone- 140 Ida Belle Dr, Keystone, CO 80435 Luigi's Pasta House | Eagle- 140 Ida Belle Dr, Keystone, CO 80435 The Metropolitan- 210 Offerson Road, Suite 201C, Beaver Creek, Colorado 81620 Urban Roadhouse Downtown- 999 18th St #101, Denver, CO 80202 Spanky's Urban Roadhouse- 1800 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210 Smokin Joes- 6955 South York St., Centennial, CO 80122 Reivers Bar and Grill- 1085 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80209 Dusty Boot | Beaver Creek- 210 Offerson Rd., Suite 301, Beaver Creek, CO 81620 Dusty Boot | Eagle- 1099 Capitol St, Eagle, CO 81631 Dusty Boot | Greenwood Village- 5960 South Holly St., Greenwood Village, CO 80111 read more

Avoid Roadhouse Hospitality Group and its family of restaurants. Roadhouse Hospitality Group, in particular Tstreet Roadhouse and the now defunct Dusty Boot Foxfield , are guilty of institutionalizing drug use and sale of drugs out of its restaurants. They have remained willfully ignorant despite multiple warnings about the activities of its bartenders and have taken no action as they refuse to acknowledge that illicit activity takes place on properties. Whistleblowers have also taken the brunt of the kick back from reveling what has taken place inside the restaurant through a campaign of harassment by fellow coworkers. They hide behind excuse that they won't fire anyone for activities that take place outside of work but have done just that to former managers and employees. Through nepotism the manager find protection from illegal activities, like on premises drug use and more recently the sale of alcohol to minors. Additionally the drug dealers (or providers given their verbiage) find sanctuary in the very managers that are there to regulate their activities. This group is a danger to the very workers they employ as some are recovering alcoholics and drug users and the communities to which they server. If you are willing to support illegal activity by all means contribute to the epidemic of drug use, but otherwise stay away. In particular one should avoid Bryan Koehl and Alex Misquez at the Tstreet restaurant. Below is a list of Roadhouse Hospitality Group restaurants to be boycotted: T-street Roadhouse -445 S. Teller Street, Lakewood, CO 80226 Roadhouse Boulder Depot -2366 Junction Place, Boulder, Colorado 80301 Wazee Lounge & Supper Club- 1600 15th St, Denver, CO 80202 Zuma Roadhouse- 91 River Run Road, Dillon, CO 80435 Kickapoo Tavern- 129 River Run Road, Keystone, Colorado 80435 Luigi's Pasta House | Keystone- 140 Ida Belle Dr, Keystone, CO 80435 Luigi's Pasta House | Eagle- 140 Ida Belle Dr, Keystone, CO 80435 The Metropolitan- 210 Offerson Road, Suite 201C, Beaver Creek, Colorado 81620 Urban Roadhouse Downtown- 999 18th St #101, Denver, CO 80202 Spanky's Urban Roadhouse- 1800 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210 Smokin Joes- 6955 South York St., Centennial, CO 80122 Reivers Bar and Grill- 1085 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80209 Dusty Boot | Beaver Creek- 210 Offerson Rd., Suite 301, Beaver Creek, CO 81620 Dusty Boot | Eagle- 1099 Capitol St, Eagle, CO 81631 Dusty Boot | Greenwood Village- 5960 South Holly St., Greenwood Village, CO 80111 read more

This is simply where it's at. After trying the perfection know as the "Spanky's" Burger and their "Fish Fry", I've come to the conclusion that Spanky's Roadhouse is the best burger place in DU Denver. The burger is cooked to order, topped with crispy fried onions, guacamole and bacon, plus fresh jalapeno jack cheese served with a bundle of crispy fries. The bun is warmed up on the grill, and only adds to the amazing-ness of the whole ordeal. On top of all those delicious add-ons, you have a huge selection of milkshakes, ranging from classic vanilla, to Oreos and Reese's pieces. This huge burger runs about $10, but it surely gets the job done. They also offer salads, Wisconsin Fish fry, burritos, and "wraps". I tried the nachos and they were excellent. The meat on them is hot off the grill. Great stuff here, too, with all the fixings you need/want. The employees are super nice, and the service is always extremely fast. I don't know what else I could ask for. Spanky's Roadhouse is one of my favorite spots in the DU area. read more

oh my god, I looked for SO LONG to find someplace in this godforsaken city that uses real Walleye, Perch and Haddock fish and doesn't cost $30 for a tiny meal. One of the things I hate about having moved here is that no one ever seems to use very good fish, especially Wisconsin fish. Anyway, I looked and agonized forever, only to discover that at Spanky's, which is literally across the street from where I work, you can get great fish fry for under $16. I want to kiss my landlord for insisting that I go here. Also, the burgers and shakes and the cheese curds are very good. And the bacon is the best chewy bacon I have ever eaten, without a doubt. The service is great, lots of tvs, and very clean. Love Spanky's Roadhouse... Nick S. read more

This place has plenty of energy and a cool setup. The music runs a little loud, but it fits the atmosphere and the staff keeps things moving with solid service. We started with the nachos, and they were legit--loaded up and packed with flavor. Everyone at the table was happy with their meal, and the burgers were easily a standout. I can see this place being even better when the weather warms up and everything opens up. Definitely worth a visit. read more

Nicole at Spanky's is honestly the best. She's super friendly, remembers the little things, and just makes the whole experience way better every time. You can tell she actually cares and isn't just going through the motions. Even when it's busy, she's always on top of everything and makes you feel taken care of. Definitely one of the main reasons I keep coming back. Absolute game changer for the brand and the people. read more

seriously? you have to be kidding. the food tasted like it was right out of a Gortons fish box. the extra bonus wasn't just the ego and 'tude of our server, but it was the punk manager (trying to make a bad situation, more awkward?!?!), that was the true "cherry-on-top" com'on kids, barf-ner is served! I'd rather be poked in the eye, than eat at that fish-fry Cheers! Dr. Josephine P read more

Owner is a super rude dude. Employees follow his lead as they refused to refill my water and refused to remake my order when they messed it up. Waiter even complained about tip even after super terrible service. Don't know what is good with the owner but he is not a good guy and seems like he doesn't care about his restaurant. Wouldn't go here food is trash on top of all of that. read more

If you want a place that is accepting, kind, and hardworking, come to Spankys. It is truly one of the greatest restaurants by the University of Denver. The staff is top-notch and the food is beyond incredible. I feel at home when I'm at Spankys and that is because of the wonderful atmosphere and the incredible staff. read more

I was visiting from out of town and loved this place! Really chill vibe, good food, and the bartender Jen was absolutely fantastic and made me feel very welcome even though I was an out of towner and sitting alone. If I come back to Denver, I'll most definitely stop back in :) read more

Amazing food and drinks! They have the best customer service and are so nice!! Shout out John!! I always choose here first!!! I love Spankys everyone needs to go here! I love the food, honestly best on campus. Thank you Spankys!!! read more

Spankys is truly delightful. The service is incredible, the environment is always welcoming and lively, and I have not once left the restaurant as anything but completely satisfied!!! Couldn't recommend more :) read more

I lived here all 4 years of college and after being 1 year post grad- i'm sitting here in a different state still thinking about the chorizo nachos... Nachos, if you're reading this, i love you and i miss you. read more

Great food, they pour a strong drink and they serve breakfast late. Their food selection is great and everything I've ordered has been delicious. Definitely a step up from college bar food. read more

The Staff is friendly and helpful. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is incredible. Fantastic job on the remodel and new menu. It is also a great spot for brunch! read more