A new restaurant takes over the former Old Chicago space in Ankeny. Boulder Tap House, a Minnesota-based sports bar and restaurant with 10 locations in the Midwest, plans to take over the space.
The restaurant slots in at 2732 S.E. Delaware Ave., Suite 101, Ankeny with a menu of Midwestern favorites.
What does Boulder Tap House serve?
The restaurant really specializes in Midwest favorites such as cheese curds, totchos topped with grilled chicken or pork carnitas, beer-battered pickles, Midwest sushi with a dill pickle layered with herb cream cheese and ham, and pretzel sticks served with a side of queso.
Wings and burgers make up the bulk of the entrees. Think bone-in or boneless wings tossed in sauces such as Alabama white, spicy peach, mango habanero or Jamaican jerk, or served with a dry rub, such as dill pickle, ranch, Cajun or lemon pepper Buffalo.
Those who want a true Boulder Tap House experience should try the Epic Burger with three 6-ounce Angus burger patties, four slices of pecan-smoked bacon, Pabst onions, smashed tater kegs, cheddar cheese curds, beer-battered fries, fried pickles and three slices of American cheese. A drizzle of barbecue mayo tops the one-pound burger.
Other novelty burgers include a brown sugar cheddar burger, jalapen?os popper burger with jalapen?o bacon and chipotle raspberry sauce, avocado shrimp burger topped with mango salsa and avocado fries, or the cheese curd burger served with Swiss cheese, Burger Co. sauce and monster cheddar cheese curds. A stuffed burger is a reminder of the Jucy Lucy out of Minneapolis with molten American cheese in the center, while the Swicy burger includes ghost pepper jack cheese, fried jalapen?os, and spicy peach sauce for a sweet and spicy dish.
Boulder Tap House also creates a burger of the month with novelty flavors for a limited time as well as creative renditions of bloody Marys and featured cocktails as specials.
Diners can build their own burger, go for salads and soup, try tacos or bowls, or head to the sandwiches section of the menu for a pulled pork, Cuban, Philly cheesecake, fried chicken or grilled chicken breast.
Boulder Tap House also serves milkshakes in flavors including a cotton candy, Reese’s peanut butter, Oreo, and more.
What’s on the drinks menu at Boulder Tap House?
The restaurant also specializes in beers, with 50 on tap in Ames.
Does Boulder Tap House have a children’s menu?
Yes. Kids can dine for $6.99 and order corn dogs, chicken fingers, a cheeseburger, a grilled PB&J, boneless wings, or mac and cheese.
What will be the hours at Boulder Tap House?
In Ames, the restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.
When did Old Chicago close in Ankeny?
The Ankeny location of Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom, the home to deep dish and tavern crust pizzas, a beer tour and Sicilian pepperoni rolls, closed at the end of 2023.
The Ankeny location will mark the 11th Boulder Taphouse when it opens and the fourth in Iowa along with Mason City, Ames and Cedar Rapids.
Where to find Boulder Tap House
Location: 2732 S.E. Delaware Ave., Suite 101, Ankeny
Contact: bouldertaphouse.com
The restaurant is currently hiring.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at [email protected].