One thing became clear the moment I opened the menu at Hashtag. Behind the playful graphics, funky furniture and fun atmosphere was something much more serious. Someone really knows how to cook!
Everything I ordered was delicious. Take the burger. Bread, meat and cheese. No mustard, ketchup, lettuce or even pickles. Sounds pretty basic, right? I have no idea what spices they used, but this burger was incredible. Then came a single, enormous, fluffy pancake covering my entire plate. Every bite was better than the last. And the beverages? You know I’m partial to those. Alcohol-free or fully loaded, the drinks were creative, delicious and practically begging for a second round.
Chef Troy Guard, who also owns Guard and Grace (Denver’s upscale Steakhouse) and several other restaurants across the country, sat with me to share his vision, challenges and successes. The last person to explain every detail of my meal was my mother! Troy talked about growing up in Hawaii, watching his father cook everything on the barbecue. Clearly, those childhood memories made an impression.
Hashtag opens at 7 a.m. in Clear Creek Crossing, across the playground from the newly opened Prost Brewery and near Lutheran Hospital. Easy parking, beautiful views and indoor/outdoor seating for approximately 160 guests. This is where you’ll meet Lutheran’s night shift nurses winding down.
I’ve already visited three times, ordering something different each time. That’s how diverse the menu is. Service is fast and friendly. But I’m not surprised. When you approach breakfast with the standards of a high-end steakhouse, there’s little room for error.
Troy also shared his commitment to supporting local schools and organizations through fundraising. Now, I’m notorious for returning to restaurants until I’m practically asked to leave. Clancy’s may eventually prove that theory, especially if I achieve my goal. But breakfast is sacred to me. Since moving from New York to Wheat Ridge, Apple Ridge Cafe has been my favorite. There’s something comforting about that classic diner atmosphere.
I’ve tried nearly every breakfast spot in Wheat Ridge. Some are terrific. Others? Let’s just say once was enough. Hashtag is a game changer. Breakfast with flair. Welcome to Wheat Ridge!
And while we’re talking food… Did you know Edwards Meats on 44th and WRM on 29th, two of Wheat Ridge’s premier butcher shops, offer prepared meals to go? Who knew? Perfect when cooking sounds exhausting but staying home sounds wonderful.
Finally, there’s a message I’m hearing louder every month. Emails, texts, conversations everywhere: “Wheat Ridge needs more nice places for dinner!” I get it. There’s only so many times I can visit West 29th. But here’s my question. Could Wheat Ridge actually support another upscale dinner restaurant? Not just for anniversaries and birthdays, but regularly. Once a week, perhaps? Because that’s what keeps restaurants alive. Not grand openings or occasional celebrations. Regular customers. Are we that town? I’d love to hear your thoughts. [email protected]
