The menu has changed a bit this past week. There are a few new vegan and vegetarian things on the menu, like Curried Potato Tacos. My favorite new vegan item is on the brunch menu: Vegan Stacks of Power. It's a fried quinoa cake topped with greens, roasted garlic sauce and avocado. It's so good I ate it twice last week. The brunch menu is available until 3pm every day. They have tofu scrambles and a vegan breakfast burrito as well. Lately I've also been really digging the cuban sandwich with soy meat, with sweet potato fries and sriracha ranch sauce. They have a different soup and arepas daily so check the specials board when you roll in. read more

Order: Sputnik Soul Bowl Price: $11 Pros: Good food, fair prices, a TON of vegan options, open late (apparently not a normal thing in Denver) Cons: Not a large amount of seating, fairly loud "bar style" atmosphere Thoughts: So we decided to stop in at Sputnik for a very unusual series of reasons. My siblings and I had all just gotten off a plane after flying for 5+ hours and we were about to begin a 6 hour drive to Thermopolis Wyoming and we were absolutely starving. The big problem was most places are not open at 10pm in Denver Colorado. So, while our list of options was tragically small Sputnik did seem like a good place to get some food and, to top it all off, one of my siblings is a vegan and Sputnik had vegan options, so that pretty much settled it. Seeing as Sputnik was listed as a bar in addition to being a restaurant I honestly wasn't expecting a lot. Fortunately I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of food that came out. I ordered the sputnik soul bowl, which is essentially a bowl of mashed potatoes with fried chicken, greens, kale, corn, red onions, and then topped with gravy. The chicken was very well done the mashed potatoes were not overly dry, everything was seasoned very well. Everybody at the table seemed to be genuinely happy with their order. In my experience it's very rare for a restaurant to get both vegan and non-vegan dishes right but sputnik seem to deliver on both fronts. You could essentially order any dish and they would substitute the meat options in it for a vegan alternative. I will say the atmosphere was much more like a bar then it was a restaurant. There were enough tables for people to sit down at but the music was very loud, there plenty of people talking at a pretty loud column, and most people were congregating around the bar. This doesn't detract from how good the food was, it's just something to keep in mind when you're considering if you want to eat here tonight. They did also have a coffee bar, which I was highly interested in, since I was about to drive six hours and it was already 10 o'clock at night, so I ordered a cappuccino. While the price was very reasonable for what you got I wouldn't go out of my way to get coffee from Sputnik. It was good, but not amazing, and if you have read any of my other food reviews you will know that I am incredibly snobbish when it comes to coffee. While I don't imagine that I will be in the Denver area anytime soon, if I was, I would definitely keep Sputnik in mind as a good place to eat, and a decent place to get a cup of coffee. Especially if it's late. read more

I had sweet potato fries elsewhere and was decidedly not impressed. These are not those fries (thank goodness). Wow! Wow, wow, wow! Plus it was an awesome place for Yelp office hours. Thank you so much, Tiffany! Sputnik on a Thursday afternoon was excellent. read more

Whoever invented their "White Trash Mac-n-Cheese" should get a raise!!! And yes their sweet potato fries are bomb-ditility too!! read more

My husband and I drove almost an hour last night to try Sputnik since it was late and most other places were closed. We tried calling them the whole way down there and it was a continuous busy signal. I figured we could just place the order when we got there. When I went in I was told there had been an emergency and they shut the kitchen down. She gave me a little attitude and referenced a sign on the door that I didn't see when I walked in. The emergency is of course understandable but I guess they left the phone off the hook as they couldn't be bothered to answer. If they had it would've definitely saved me time and gas. read more

I ate here last night and felt compelled to finally write a review for one of my favorite places to go in Denver. Although mostly known for the bar, I have found the food to be quite a surprise and really-really good. I think it's the perfect place to go and order several things to share because they really like to play with a lot of unique flavors - last night I shared the Ethiopian Chicken (spicy and delicious), the Arepas (w/ mango salsa), and the Fish Sandwich (unique Indian spices and cinammon)... everthing was delicious. I get the feeling that whoever put the menu together had a lot of fun doing it. Their brunch is also fantastic, I've tried most of the options and they are really good, the Hangover Special (a bowl of their famous sweet potato fries covered with eggs, green chile, and cilantro) being my favorite. I think their Cafe Americano is the best in town, though I hear they have switched espressos to Pablo's espresso. I do like Pablo's but I was still a little bummed they were going to mess with perfection. We'll have to see if it's still as good and the perfection was more from the barista or the bean. They have a lot of good drink specials during the week, the service is mostly friendly, and the place definitely has a good vibe - usually with a DJ spinning something pretty tasty. The men's bathroom is a little nasty, but that's about the only negative I can think of for this place. read more

Wow we loved this place! Went with some friends and it was a great night. And the food was delicious! Our bartender, I've already forgot his name bc he kept our drinks full, was a really cool dude. Kept everyone happy and his iPod had great music playing. So definitely be going back. And the photo artwork on the wall is an added bonus. Photobooth too. read more

I've only been to sputnik for brunch, so keep that in mind... Yeah, I'm a big fan of bottomless mimosas. However, it seems like a lot of work here. I've been a few times, and it's usually so packed with drunken hipsters that it's hard to find a place to sit. So you have to stand around awkwardly, hoping you'll find a way to squeeze yourself up to the bar. Then you get to wait for someone to fill your glass. They never seem to come around quickly enough. There are some positives though, the food I've had is really good. The sweet potato fries are awesome, and the tempeh blt is nice & light. Also, corn dogs! A little bit of something for everyone. So, if you get there early enough to get a table and plan on staying for a while, it can be a pretty good time. Just sip your mimosa and always keep your eye on that pitcher... read more

I was afraid this place would be completely over-run with hipsters but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was only partially over-run with hipsters -- I was glad that we were able to find a booth, which, even though it was on the far end of the place with the speakers blazing, we could still have a conversation. The food was pretty decent and reasonably priced. I had the cubano and my friend had the smoked tofu corndog, which I had a bite of -- I may be a convert, it was actually the best corndog I've ever had. read more

I'm still sitting in this place. Worst music ever, which is nothing compared to the weakness of these drinks, which I think a bottle of booze was maybe passed over like some kind of benediction, but not upturned in any fashion. Maybe all the booze was in the one drink the tattoo-covered barkeep spilled on us both. Apologies? What? That would be - gasp - too uncool. As others say it's too bad - nice decor. Beyond that a total bust. read more

Oh, Sputnik. We decided to pop in for brunch, my guests in town are vegetarian and we knew they had lots of awesome veggie options plus drinks. The atmosphere and decor inside are super funky and fun, we couldn't help but admire the current artwork on display. The menus were at our table making it super easy to get started. We were quickly greeted and given water, then had our drink orders taken. Fast forward and our food arrives. We ALL ordered the torta because, I'm sorry, it looks great. And it WAS great - in fact, I took my leftovers to work this morning for breakfast. I got mine with eggs and added the mushroom chorizo, which I would probably forgo the second time around cause it just wasn't the best spice blend to me (I'm very picky, if you like spicy or Mexican inspired dishes you'll like the chorizo) but I still ate it! The bread, oh lawd, the bread though is divine and I could eat it all day. My friends all enjoyed their varying degree of torta from vegan to bacon. As for the drinks, the prices are very fair - especially their carafe for mimosas! I stuck with water, but the gang got hot toddies for $3 each and loved them. Between finishing eating and paying we probably waited 30 minutes? This is why Sputnik loses a star, the place was practically empty and I don't know how many times I made eye-contact before someone came to check on us, refill our drinks and ask if we'd like the checks. We waited another 15 after that before receiving them. nuts. We knew this going in, that the service is bad, but this is definitely not a place for anyone in a hurry. read more

Dear americans, Sputnik is out of this world. The guava jam sent me to another level and the mimosas come in giant pitchers. I LOVE THIS PLACE! read more

This place was recommended by a friend. I went on a Thursday night and I had high hopes but I left disappointed. The food was good. I was happy with the option of some healthier vegan dishes on the menu, but the service was severely lacking. I felt like I was inconveniencing the bartender by asking him if it was open seating. It then took 10 minutes for someone to clear off the table we picked, and another 10 minutes for someone to offer water or take any drink order. I think there was only one waiter...poor guy. He looked confused and nervous most of the time. And the bartenders were pretty aloof and not accommodating at all. overall, not a welcoming establishment/ atmosphere and I'm sorry to say, I will not be back. read more

Okay, I admit it, Sputnik isn't my scene. I like places that are a bit spiffier, but I loved the mac and cheese and the sweet potato fries.

Cool bar with great happy hour specials on drinks and fries. Yup, fries. $1 for white potato or sweet potato fries. They have an assortment of dipping sauces to choose from. We tried the bacon Mayonnaise. Interesting combo but I'll probably try a different one the next time. Service was great! the bartender and waitress were both very attentive. There's also a photo booth which was kinda cool. read more

Sputnik always comes up when I and friends just can't think of anything to do... however we really shouldn't relegate it to a 'last ditch' option. It definitely deserves more attention! Next to the Hi-Dive, it's almost always packed with a fun crowd. Local beers to choose from is always nice to see... but the food... the food is what keeps me coming back. Sweet fries with a huge selection of varied sauces... mac and cheese... arepas, sliders, tacos... and some inspired salads and sandwiches. I've never had a bad bite to eat here... and it's still the only place in town where you can get a corn dog with your IPA. ;) read more

Want a hint of NYC while in Denver? Then go to Sputnik. Last Thursday, it wasn't too crowded and surprisingly, wasn't too pretentious. I feel like I've stopped in before to meet up with friends and was immediately too "normie" or too preppy to be on such hallowed art-kid grounds. First, it's a dive bar, an upscale dive bar, but a dive bar. Everyone seems confused by this. Sputnik has a small menu of food... because it's a dive bar. Your waitress works at a dive bar, not fucking Chili's. 1. When your drink has been empty for a bit, she'll stop by and see if you want another. Short of that, go ask for what you need from the bar. 2. Bad lighting? We clearly don't go to the same places. Sputnik has way better lighting than the 12 Volt, the Lion's Lair, Bar Bar and most of the Marquis. 3. Their mixed drinks remind me of drinking in NYC. Creative. Delicious. Strong. If I'm paying $7, I want something I can't make at home. The Thor is definitely that. Jalapeno, spice and smoke. So I liked Sputnik. Notes of a more upscale life brought in by good lighting and great, creative mixed drinks served in a surprisingly laid back dive bar ambiance. read more

I should have read reviews first. This is a great place to go drinking but the food and service are mediocre. Last night my roommate and my girlfriend both ordered Cubanos with a side of green chili. I ordered the ramen and hush puppies for the table. The Cubanos were the best thing served. A little sloppily put together with dry pork but they more than made up for those shortcomings with the taste. My dinner companions were more than a little upset by the green chili. Namely that it is not green chili, it was luke warm salsa verde. Did the cook grab the wrong can? The hush puppies were a big let down as well. Half of them were completely cooked through and inedible, the other half were cooked at too low of a heat/ too long and absorbed a lot of oil. Finally the ramen was so poorly made that I went home and had to make my own dinner. I could have made cup of noodle for a better experience. The ramen broth was nothing more than hot pepper water. No salt, no other seasoning of any kind. Half of the pork was fat. I'm not over exaggerating, there was 3/4 cup worth of pork fat on my napkin by the time I had trimmed it all off. The non fat flesh was crazy dry. Like they had tried to boil pork jerky. It is clear that the cooks and management are lazy. Change your menu if you aren't going to serve green chili, cut the fat off your pork the night before and marinate it. Broth is really simple and if your cook can't make it, find a half competent dog. Maybe he will accidentally drop a bone in the boiling pepper water. read more

I used to love sputnik for their fish tacos. But now those have been replaced for beef tacos, yuck. Two stars for their arepas and late night menu. This place is a hipster magnet. It's loud and the staff has a collective "i don't give a shit" attitude towards their patrons. I don't mind the attitude, but you have to follow it up with great service. And that, they do not. So, If you don't mind not being able to hear anything but obscenely loud music, and waiting forever for your food and check, this place is for you! Oh, and you'll get to eat your food off wax paper that will probably end up in your mouth, as well. Bon Appétit! read more

My bartender, Chan, was great! He was so attentive..my water was never low. He made me a cocktail and called it "The Christ Consciousness". True story: I felt woke. Clean bathroom. Easy reading graffiti. Perfect chicken. Thanks Sputnik. read more

Second trip on mac and cheese tour... I opted for a brew and sweet potato fries... Why? I was slightly traumatized from Saturday when i was slightly forced to try the Bennie Mac sandwich.... Which made me wanna kinda upchuck personally.... BUT the mac by it self was interesting... i still am not sure how I feel about it.... the spices were overwhelming... BUT it was 3 bucks... and they combined them all in to one heaping dish for each table. I thought that was nice of them. Or they were just trying to get rid of it... not sure but whatever. Waitress was nice... took a few for her to get to the table but that was fine. I do not like the lighting... everything seemed red.... booths are comfy like always. I may be getting of the Sputnik train.... Not as awesome as I always remembered! read more

If you can detach and amuse yourself with the cloying self-awareness that projects off everyone who first walks in the door; if you can deal with bartenders who will likely never remember your name or banter with you; if you can either fly solo or sink into a booth with good friends and forget the world around you... then, my friend, you can fall in line with this satellite's orbit. Honestly, the music has never been aligned with my tastes (though they were uncharacteristically playing some old school jazz the other night and it gave everything a refreshing, sultry NOLA vibe). I've never met someone here (i.e. no one will strike up conversation with you). But somehow I still, over the course of almost 8 years (?!), come back. It's just that now I come on off nights so I don't have to battle crowds or lodo bros who come to pick up hipster women. And I just have no expectations. That soothes my soul. The food is always fast, cheap, and is overall better bar food than in most places. You just have to consider it a bar with food rather than a restaurant with booze. Overall I find the social character to be a little cold and aloof (and this, coming from a misanthrope herself), the food to be sating, the music to be uninspiring, the interior to be comforting, and the drinks to get the job done. read more

I've been coming to this joint for quite sometime now because it's a sweet little dive spot with great vegan food options. That being said, today's service by Eleanor was TOP NOTCH. Honestly, before today I've come to expect a pretty slow wait staff & not to be acknowledged immediately when walking in. Sometimes waiting 5 or so minutes before someone tends to me (I'm usually belly-up but today we sat in a booth). Anyway...I love the place enough that despite that, I still come back. Today's service from Eleanor was so awesome. She was friendly, attentive, and witty. Was definitely not what I expected but a pleasant surprise nonetheless. Keep it up, Eleanor! read more

Ended up in Sputnik since Hi Dive was closed. Yeah, I would say it's a hipster haunt. Took all of about 1-2 days as a tourist to penetrate Denver's "obscure," indie subculture, a refreshing break from nothing but Northface jackets everywhere else. Anyway, the place was chill and had great band posters on the wall. It was bingo night which we ignored. But I did end up scoring free jewelry by answering a triva question. Sweet. The soundtrack ranged from ambiguous dance beats to...Feist. I liked it. The funnel cake- their one dessert- was pretty ok. Oh, and pints of miller lite for $1 because they ran out of PBR. Hah. read more

I love Sputnik most times of the day. I frequent most often for the hangover brunch. The BEST mimosa deal in Denver in terms of price and the fact that they leave a full mimosa carafe at the table. Nothing worse than flagging down a waiter every time you need a refill (often). I haven't ventured far outside of the beer/mimosa/mojito realm as far as drinks go but I've had a pretty large amount of their food menu items and never a disappointment. My favorite is the arepes with chayote. I also like that the eggs in their scramble, tacos, and sandwich are not fully scrambled. Small detail, but one that I think makes it. read more

I'm apparently not hip enough for this place, especially in the evening-time. Maybe it's just me, but when I smile and am friendly to people at a local watering hole I expect to be treated with the same sort of attitude. I certainly don't expect a crusty look shot in my general direction. Maybe it was because I wasn't wearing plaid, or that I didn't have a clue what band the DJ was playing or maybe it was because my bike has 26 more gears than what "it should" but I never feel welcome and comfortable in this place. I have come to accept the fact that I will never be cool enough for Sputnik and I am ok with that because I like to eat food and I like to smile and somedays I don't feel like squeezing into a pair of skinny jeans. You may ask, "Fallon, why would you give this place that you seem to not enjoy 3 whole stars?" And I will answer, "So glad you asked! They have sweet potato fries, hangover food, and bottomless mimosas on the weekends." That, my friends, deserves at least a star. Although I'm still baffled how these superior beings that are regularly seen here can still fit into their super skinny jeans after eating all that. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen them eat.... And now I'm sure I will never be able to show my face here again. :) read more

I don't know how I haven't reviewed this place before. I guess it's b/c I'm usually drunk when I'm here. However, I recently did something I should have been doing for a long time: visit during the day. Saturday afternoon is a big difference from Friday night. Sure, this is hipster central, but it's the truly hip that hang out during the sunlit hours. In all seriousness, it's the food, more than anything, that deserves to be praised here. I've known for years how good the sweet potato fries and awesome dipping sauces are. Of course, I've consumed plenty of late night corn-dogs, but it's more than just that. They have a ton of great sandwiches ( I recommend the Cuban) and the Westword wasn't wrong when they gave Sputnik the award for best vegetarian green chili. In fact, 90% of the menu is either vegetarian or vegan. You wouldn't know it if it didn't spell it out for you on the menu. Anyway, I feel like I've been missing something by not hanging out here more when there isn't a show at Hi-Dive. read more

This place is really fun. It's got a very hipster vibe. You have the option of sitting at the bar or at a booth, but there are only a few booths, so get there early (before 7) if you want one. It's seat yourself, but you get waiter service at a booth. Our waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. He made several really good recommendations. The menu: great! They have fantastic gluten free (french fries, anyone?!) and vegan options. Happy hour specials include most of the appetizers. We ordered quite a few things for our party of four, and more or less cleaned our plates. It was all delicious. My favorite was the Arepas. Soooo good. I will definitely be back! read more

Great vegan options. The seitan reuben was especially delicious as were the fried pickles. Cant wait to try more of their veggie options.

Easily my favorite bar in Denver. It's a far cry from the slight variations on the same thing (think: sports bars and irish pubs) and that's the precise reason i enjoy it so. Good drink specials and even better music with a mixed, tattooed crowd armed with asymmetrical haircuts are only a part of the appeal. There's also art on the walls for looking and a pretty, friendly staff. PS: There ain't a damn thing wrong with skinny jeans. read more

Double vodka soda was decently strong, service was fast, price was right. Smells but not in the old man dive bar kinda way. More like in a fried food kinda way. Too hipstery for my tastes. read more

I really like the wash park area, but it may be sputnik specifically that causes me to move there. Searching for apartments today, I was quite hungry from a hot hot bike ride and landlord interrogations. I knew that a few blocks away was the magical hi-dive/sputnik/fancy tiger block, so I walked over and realized that if I moved to wash park I could be munching on this magical cuban and sweet potato fries as often as i liked. 'come to think of it' i thought 'all their sandwiches are great' This is true. Sputnik serves up very good food at very reasonable prices. Its a fun bar too, breezy and cool in the day, loud and raucous in the evening. They got all their angles covered-good djs, frequently rotating art, espresso/wet bar, wifi.. Yes, Sputnik, I believe you have finally moved me closer to you. I'm excited for our future together. read more

Apparently vegan is cool I like to venture out of my comfort zone once in a while, especially when it comes to dinning options. And this hipster vegan hot spot was sooo worth it. I went for brunch on a Sunday morning around 11. Although we had to wait for a table--we didn't wait long. I like the dive bar/local hangout/cool vibe this place pulls off without being obvious about it. They have $5 carafes of mimosas on the weekends. I was won over instantly by this. But it's certainly not their only strong point! I had the breakfast burrito with bacon and vegan chile (I know--the waitress looked at me weird too). There's a difference between strips of bacon in a burrito and tiny chunks of pork in your chile. It was the perfect size, flavorful, and filling. I asked for light cheese and it came with light cheese. perfect. My girlfriend had the hangover scramble and enjoyed it as well. The service is friendly and although the place was filling up quickly, we never felt rushed. 2 carafes later, it was time to leave. I've never had such an inexpensive and fully fabulous brunch! I'll be back. read more

Yeah so like others I can deal with the hipsters because Sputnik definitely has great tasty and GLUTEN FREE food. YUM. Though I wouldn't personally hang here on a busy night, I would go here for the delicious $3 corndog and AWESOME bartenders. read more

I've had better. I can handle a hipster place if it delivers good food, but Sputnik fell short. Traveling to Denver I looked for a place with vegan and gluten-free options so this seemed like a place that would fit my needs. After looking at the menu online I decided to get the vegan power stack since it's gluten-free, but when I arrived I was told it wasn't. First disappointment, the second was the waitress/bar maid who seemed annoyed to have to answer my questions. The environment was overly loud and dark, pumping 90s rap in exchange for ambiance. My food came out room temperature and was basically a plate of pinto beans with a few tortilla chips. As the cooks brought out the food they set it on the bar to be deliver and walked back to the kitchen wiping their noses and touching their faces. This happened a few times before I received my order and I was thoroughly grossed out. I wish I didn't choose to have my birthday brunch there. Being disappointed is an understatement, read more

By far my favorite place to eat in Denver so far! I moved into town only a few months ago from SLC and finding an easy, affordable, vegan friendly hangout has been less than easy. Sure, there are some amazing vegetarian/ vegan specific restaurants in the area, but only if you are ready to drop a substantial amount of cash. I have mostly run through their vegan selection and have ALWAYS been more than satisfied. My non-vegan friends only have had positive reviews as well. Come for late night happy hour and get a LOT for very little. The atmosphere here is unique. Comfortably lit, music that ranges from excellent to tolerable (depending on taste), and a decent bar/ booth selection. I am greeted adequately, receive wonderful service in a timely manner, and always get exactly what I want. Of course don't expect a fake chipper smile, excessively enthusiastic greeting, or obnoxious happy-go-lucky attitude from the staff. You're at Sputnik, not Red Robin. They will do what is within their ability to accommodate you, without the air-headed, corporate, bouncy, cookie cutter attitude. As for the "non-hipster" discrimination mentioned, each time I have been in I have been wearing J. Crew, Banana Republic, Marc Jacobs and the like. Never once have I felt my quality of service was lacking compared to a plaid wearing hipster next to me. You get what you give. Yes, service people are supposed to be responsible for setting the tone, but if you walk in feeling singled out that is all you're going to see. Lighten up, have a good time, and quit looking for the difference. Again, go to Chili's if you're looking for boring, typical dining where people are going to do anything they can just to get a tip. Okay, done with my rant. Sputnik is the perfect place for sensible omnivores and vegans alike! Affordable, fun, accessible, and just plain good. Mmm mm!!! read more

Vegan Cubano for the win. Seriously, can't express how glad I am that I asked the waitress for a recommendation. My friend couldn't even tell it was vegan . . . and didn't believe me until the waitress actually swore that it was in fact meatless. The drinks and food never ever disappoint me at Sputnik, and I always leave there sad that I don't live within walking distance of this place anymore. read more

Nice little lunch spot, relaxed and inviting and food was good! Had the chicken strip with white BBQ sauce and the Cubano. Both amazing

Ordered the fried pickle chips and white BBQ sandwich. Both were amazing. Will definitely come back and recommend this place to my friends.

We went here twice in one week. Thursday for happy hour and some food, and today for Brunch. Both days we had the same bartender. Thursday I let it slide, and just assumed she was having an off day. But it happened again today, we just could not get friendly service. I don't know what I could have possibly done to offend her. It was not that busy. I have worked service industry for a long time, and it is just kind of a bummer to go to a place that could be super cool, and have the service be really awful. If you don't mind be totally ignored and having someone seem super irritated with you, this places rules. On the plus side they have really great food. And they have pretty great cocktails. Maybe go at night when they have nicer bartenders? read more