Bonnie Brae

Bonnie Brae Ice Cream shop - a Denver tradition

Here we are in the midst of a beautiful Colorado weekend. It is getting cooler, the trees are just beginning to show some color, and it is a perfect time to be outside. After watching the news about the "instant" Hurricane Humberto that narrowly missed my hometown of Houston, it's good to know that it will take a heck of a lot of global warming to bring a hurricane to Denver. So, what better way to enjoy a late summer day than to explore one of Denver's historic neighborhoods, and try out some very good ice cream too!

The Bonnie Brae retail district is not very big, but it definitely has character. Situated on South University Boulevard between the Cherry Creek district and the University of Denver, Bonnie Brae is home to several small retail establishments, as well as a branch of the Denver Public Library. After enjoying the Blue Bell last week, the lovely wife and I decided to try a local favorite. No, it's not sold in stores, and is nowhere near as big as "the little creamery in Brenham", but Bonnie Brae Ice Cream is known as a Denver tradition, and is well known for being a creamy treat. Believe it or not, in the 13 years we have been in Colorado, we have never eaten any...until today!

Oh my gosh! Its reputation for being a terrific premium ice cream is well deserved. Made on the premises of the shop, this was every bit as creamy, smooth, and tasty as the best Blue Bell. I had a sugar cone with a scoop of delicious apple pie ice cream. The cream itself was loaded with apple bits, streussel-like streaks of yummy goodness, and had a wonderful apple-cinnamon flavor. The texture was perfect too. What took me so long to give this a try?


A cone of dairy goodness - it didn't last long!

Now that we have enjoyed looking at that delectable ice cream, let's look around the block and see what else is there. Below is a cute little florist shop that had lots of beautiful flowers on display under the awning and along the sidewalk. The ice cream store also had some fantastic cement pots of flowers growing along their sidewalk cafe seating, and I imagine they came from this shop as well.


Bonnie Brae Flowers - a real budding enterprise

Next, we have the Saucy Noodle Pizzeria and Italian restaurant. I have never eaten here, but I have seen its slogan as I have passed by here in the past. "If you don't like garlic, go home!" Don't say they didn't warn you.



Finally, we have the Campus Lounge. I have never been here either, but I understand it is quite a cozy little neighborhood bar and grill, and a good place to eat, have a drink, and watch your favorite sports on television. I looked, but no sign saying, "If you don't like beer, go home!"

The thing I like about this nondescript building has nothing to do with the architecture, but rather the classic neon sign that adorns the outside. This is definitely not the type of signs you see at your average suburban strip mall.


Come on in, grab a bite, and pound back a few cold brewskis.