Denver Bacon and Beer Festival

[DeusExMachina]

Yeah, wondering the same thing. We were late due to car trouble and saw the line around the building at 3. We only waited 15 minutes in line but...seemed like if you got there anywhere close to 2:30 you were waiting a half hour.

Inside was a zoo...barely room to think. Managed to get to every table but felt like a pig trying to get to the trough.

I was suspicious they got greedy when I saw they still had almost 20 tickets last Sunday, as last year they sold out in a day and I couldn't go. Waiting for Jmetz's input on that.

Overall it was still a better experience than GABF last year and nearly everything I ate and drank was tasty. Except for the stuff that was gone. Someone had beef Wellington, they said they went through "700 plates in 20 minutes".

[kawiracer14]

We got there about 2:15 and weren't in until 3:00. Only 4 people checking IDs and 4 other people scanning tickets as slowly as they could. It was incredibly difficult to get to the food and with no tables around to put a plate or cup down you were doing some soft of awkward dance to try to eat and keep at cup at the same time.

The food I had was good, but I didn't like fighting people to get to it, and most of the beer was good - but much of it can be had at any decent bar around town. Could have had a very nice dinner with good beer or wine for $95.

[DeusExMachina]

We got there about 2:15 and weren't in until 3:00. Only 4 people checking IDs and 4 other people scanning tickets as slowly as they could. It was incredibly difficult to get to the food and with no tables around to put a plate or cup down you were doing some soft of awkward dance to try to eat and keep at cup at the same time.

The food I had was good, but I didn't like fighting people to get to it, and most of the beer was good - but much of it can be had at any decent bar around town. Could have had a very nice dinner with good beer or wine for $95.

I was glad I had my girlfriend with me. We spent half the time feeding eachother, holding plates or cups for eachother, or just being an extra hand.

The place was also affected by the "lets get a sample and stand there and drink/eat it while there's 20 people waiting for me to get the fuck out of the way" phenomenon that made me hate GABF. I was surprised at the courtesy a lot of people showed, but the lollygagging of others offset it.

Of course, this wouldn't have been a big deal if they sold maybe 200 less tickets. But then they wouldn't have had a massive profit, and the organizers appear to have gone full silent after the event is over.

[kawiracer14]

I think I enjoy Beer Fests less and less each time I go to them. I can go to Falling Rock or Hops and Pie or Euclid Hall with my $45-$75 worth of ticket cost and drink plenty of good beer, not wait in ridiculous lines, and no deal with shit heads clapping every time someone drops a glass.

I went to Epic Beer Fest earlier this year, it wasn't very big and the lines weren't too bad... but I would imagine it will get really crowded this year.

[DeusExMachina]

I think I enjoy Beer Fests less and less each time I go to them. I can go to Falling Rock or Hops and Pie or Euclid Hall with my $45-$75 worth of ticket cost and drink plenty of good beer, not wait in ridiculous lines, and no deal with shit heads clapping every time someone drops a glass.

I went to Epic Beer Fest earlier this year, it wasn't very big and the lines weren't too bad... but I would imagine it will get really crowded this year.

Yeah it's like you need to go to first run festivals for it to be enjoyable.

[codyzak]

I didnt see the big deal/care for it.
My tickets were gratis too.
Would not go again, even under same circumstances.
Bacon dipped in chocolate makes the ladies smile though!

[R&S]

yum

[Jmetz]

My .02:

Last year was very well done, not over sold, and there were many memorable dishes. This year I was not impressed. Nothing stood out, the food was mediocre and not presented well. They increased the beer vendors and reduced the food vendors. It was super crowded and hot. Everything I was afraid would happen from last years success did. They got greedy and it made the event suck. Unless I'm reassured of changes to improve, I likely won't attend again.

[DeusExMachina]

Unfortunately I did not attend last year but you confirmed my suspicions about this year. It seems the organizers vanished after the event, can't find anywhere to give feedback.

[kawiracer14]

Denveroffthewagon.com is a good spot... they have an article about the event on there that you can comment on. Lots of industry folks read it.