Seeking just appetizer and drinks on a Tuesday night in Old Colorado City we found just a few eateries open. Based on the reviews of TripAdvisor, we checked out the Alchemy, Not Just a Pub. Sitting inside it seems like Pub with its dark decor, bar and limited seated. There is a patio area - we did not visit. We were impressed with the friendly bar tenders/waiters and beer. The Reuben Rolls appetizer was terrific. Just what we wanted with our beer and wine. Their menu looked good for sandwiches and some entrees.
Disappointing to say the least. Ordinarily an Irish pub is a safe bet for decent Fish n Chips in the US. Sadly, our experience here was probably the worst we have had on this continent (from NZ and travelled the world extensively including the UK). The chips were pretty decent but the battered & crumbed fish was dry, tasteless and most lacking well, fish (and two of us ordered it so not a one off issue). The desert spoonful of coleslaw didn’t look appetising at all. The 3rd member of our group had the Nochi which she said was reasonably good. The server was friendly but the only one on duty both inside and on the outdoor patio.
This was awesome for lunch. The portions were perfect after a long morning of hiking. Plus the Alchemy beverage was so delicious. Their house drink is gin, kraken, benedictine, lemon, and thyme. We tried the Philly Steak and Fish n Chips. The breading on the fish n chips was so delicious and perfectly crispy. The ketchup did not taste like traditional Heinz and it was so much better. And the tartar sauce was so good I needed a secondary cup of it. Our server was so kind, sociable, and attentive. We wish we could have tried it for dinner as well.
Great small bar. Best small pub in Old Colorado. The food is fantastic, service is excellent and the beer and drinks are wonderful. The bar tender does a great job of making recommendations based on selection and interest. I would definitely recommend making a stop.
Friendly atmosphere and good food & libations!
Awesome experience and friendly staff.
Excellent drinks, appetizer was amazing and the main meal were to die for. Friendly staff, cozy atomspher. Would definitely be returning.
Great place with a real Irish bar feel and size!!! Good drinks and food!!!
To be fair, they were jam packed for St Pattys Day. Went to grab some corned beef and cabbage take out. Hesitated because they, meaning staff, were super busy. But I proceeded. Ordered corned beef and cabbage, a reuben, and bowl of cheese potato soup. Got home in 2 mins, opened it and... ... you have got to be kidding me. $43. As said, they were super busy. But that is no excuse. My missus was like, what corned beef? There was hardly any. Reuben, same. I doubt there were 2, 3 ozs of meat between the two sandwiches. Capper was the potato soup cup was not even 2/3rds filled. I went back to get our money back and would have just left it at that. Except the very nice manager (owner?, and he was a nice bloke) asked me what was wrong. I first said I did not care to fix the order, just money back. He wanted to know. I said 'look', gesturing to open the take out boxes. He did. Then said "what's wrong what that"? So am writing this review because of that response. There was more serving of food on appetizer plates coming out of their kitchen as I waited to get money back than in either box. There is no way anyone would accept the scant offering, especially on St Pattys Day.. A corned beef and cabbage should be a flagship meal. It was instead, not even close. As said, I woul dhave left it alone except the "what's wrong with that" response, as in it looked fine.. no, it was not even close to being fine. Need to do way, way better than that guys. Sad aspect of this is my father was integral for saving the "Westside" Colorado Springs, aka Old Colorado City (he named it that). He knew all the businesses, helped most of them secure loans in the 70s and 80s and OCC has become highly successful. Granted this establishment is generations removed.. but still... there is a pride of knowing the WestSide from the 70s onward. No way would he have found this acceptable. So, urging the establishment to do better. Way better. I know you were busy, slammed. Still... do way better. Am glad the St Patty's Day patrons were having a blast. They were set up for that. I should not have tried a take out, but wanted to try a local establishment for their corned beef and cabbage.
Great atmosphere, food, and drinks. We will be back to try more! I'm glad we decided to try this place out, it's a wonderful spot.