Trybal African Speakeasy
Audio By Carbonatix
Denver has some standout speakeasy-style bars, such as the award-winning Williams & Graham, the hidden-in-an-ice-cream-shop Retrograde, and Lincoln’s, where all the drinks are $5, cash-only. Now, another is set to open in the heart of downtown.
“A lot of African places, they shy away from downtown, which is okay. But for us, a lot of people go downtown for high-end spots, and we want to be a high-end spot as well,” says Jeff Sankeu, co-owner of Trybal African Speakeasy, which will debut at 1670 Champa Street on Saturday, October 25.
Sankeu and his friend and business partner, Collantine Nkaum, are both from Cameroon. For about five years, Sankeu has run Scatta Afrobeats, African dance parties that he throws in Denver and other cities. But last year, he decided he wanted to “build something more permanent,” he says. “Not like a nightclub, but more a sit-down spot where people can really soak in African culture.”
The result is Trybal, which took the space formerly occupied by Wild Woman Wine. “We didn’t want something that was super American modern,” Sankeu says of his search for the right location. “We wanted something a little bit rough, where we can actually get creative. We really wanted to build something intimate, so it feels like we have a bar in the middle of a jungle.”
The space is decked out with greenery and art shipped over from Africa, “so you’ll be able to come in and see different art and read the story of the artists,” Sankeu notes.
Trybal African Speakeasy
The Food
Nkaum brings food experience to the project — his family used to own a restaurant in Africa. “Right now, the food we have predominantly comes from our parents’ recipes, our moms’ recipes, our family recipes — recipes that we had growing up,” he says.
Current offerings include beef, chicken and shrimp skewers flavored with an African peanut-based spice; Puff Puffs, a beignet-like fried dough; Joloff rice; fried plantains and more.
“We wanted to figure out something that is obviously authentic to Africa but also appealing to the global scene,” Sankeu says. “We’re constantly working on extending our menu to create more inclusion of African countries. The problem we have right now is, a lot of places in America that are African places, they pick one country to represent. We’re trying to create more inclusion because various countries in Africa have amazing food to offer.”
The Cocktails
“Our cocktails are handcrafted and made from juices we commonly consumed in Africa growing up,” Sankeu says. “We’re trying to blend the tropical juices with modern industry cocktails.
There’s the Zamani Espresso Martini, described on the menu as “coffee heritage in a glass.” The Guava Glow is spiked with vodka or tequila and also includes passion fruit juice. Enjoy a floral spin on a classic with the Hibiscus Old Fashioned, or opt for cocktails flavored with ingredients like wineberry (similar to a raspberry), soursop and sugarcane.
Most drinks are $16, with the exception of the $28 Zanzibar Sangria, which is made for sharing.
Trybal African Speakeasy
How to Get In
A software developer who also creates apps, Sankeu has gotten creative with how guests can enter the bar. Right now, the journey starts by visiting Trybal’s website, where you’ll learn a fun fact about Africa (couscous is a staple dish in Moroccan cuisine), then answer a one-question quiz to get a QR code emailed to you.
The space doesn’t have a sign, so look out for an African mask. If you find that, you’ll know you’re in the right place.
“Africa is just so misrepresented overseas. We want to give representation and visibility to all of the 54 African countries as much as we can, and have people be able to learn about the culture,” Sankeu says. But most importantly, “We want to make sure people feel like this is a space for anyone and everyone. Yes, it’s owned by Africans, but we are bringing it to everyone, and we’re happily inviting everyone to come sample and enjoy our culture and treat it with respect. In Denver, things are a little bit divided. We don’t want that.”
Trybal African Speakeasy is located at 1670 Champa Street and will be open from 5 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday and Thursday, and 3 p.m. to midnight onFriday and Saturday starting October 25. For more information, visit trybalspeakeasy.com.
