Drink of the Week

I became a fan of Williams Tavern the moment I saw the piece of paper hanging on a wall reading "Any tab left open will be closed and a 20% gratuity will be added." That simple sign told me a number of things about the bar: 1. It's had its share of drunks; 2. It's not going to take your crap; 3. The servers know they deserve a good tip for dealing with morons who can't even remember to get their credit cards before stumbling home. I became an even bigger fan of Williams Tavern when I discovered that it's the friendliest bar in all of Denver. Not only are the bartenders affable, but the regulars are the most amiable I've encountered. We were in the joint no more than two minutes before we were introduced to everyone sitting at the bar. Pat, a regular, was chatting with my friend. I couldn't place his accent, and when I asked about it, he told me he was pretty sure that his accent was from Drunkland. Although I've been to Funkytown, I've never visited Drunkland (not officially, at least), so I asked Pat how to get there. He suggested a shot called the Red-Headed Slut ($5) made with Jägermeister, peach schnapps and cranberry juice. That drink, coupled with the friendly crowd, made my stay at Williams Tavern seem like a magical combination of a wake at a big Irish family's house and a weeknight at a clean college frat; I felt happy and welcomed. And there's more good news: Williams hosts a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., serves free barbecue on Friday nights and offers a gratis hangover buffet on Sunday. This holiday season, let the Three Wise Men at Williams Tavern -- Jim Beam, Jack Daniels and Jose Cuervo -- transport you to Drunkland.