The old Apple Tree Shanty restaurant which opened in 1949 was located at 8710 East Colfax Ave. at Xanthia Street. The Apple Tree Shanty graced the east Denver city limits on Colfax Avenue until the late 1990s.
Their specialty dish was beef tenderloin tips seared in a unique cast aluminum apple mold with a removable lid. The mold and lid were heated to a high 400 degree temperature on the apple wood grill, then the seasoned tips were stuffed in the mold and topped with the hot lid. The dish was served in the mold on a white plate. The beef came out perfectly seasoned and seared to medium rare. This dish was accompanied by a giant loaded baked potato.
In the 1990s it became the Del Rio restaurant and then most recently became The Word religious bookstore. As of 2014 the property was for sale for $324,000.
Here's hoping someone buys the property to open a restaurant or café again! (courtesy East Montclair Neighborhood Association)
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My family made an annual trip from Kansas City just for the sealed apple steak it is one of my fondest memories If I was on death row this would my last meal The baked beans were unbelievable
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteI too am from KC ...back in the 60's as a child we would travel out to Grand Lake,CO..and always stop at the AppleTree Shanty ...great memories
DeleteDes Moines here, it was a yearly event for over 25 years in our family!
DeleteIn 1965 when I was 17, my parents & I stayed a Saturday night in Denver on a vacation trip from North Texas to Montana. Somehow, my mom found an ad for the Apple Tree Shanty and we decided to try it. It was fabulous! Since I first got on the Internet in 1995, I've been searching unsuccessfully for something about the Apple Tree and was beginning to think I dreamed it. Glad to find it here. Sorry it is gone.
ReplyDeleteI worked there in 1965. It was a great place to work.
DeleteMary Anne, contact me if you’d like a matchbook from the place. I got it from my grandfather. dodge_ram11@yahoo.com
DeleteI worked there 1968 and 1969. Played the concertina for birthdays, anniversaries etc. Dr. Peterson was a real role model for me. I admired him. Had so much fun being an appletree girl!
DeleteI worked there from 1969 to 1974. Dishwasher to Pit Chef. My fondest job memory since I, like most employees, used this to pay for college. Dr. Peterson established a wonderful institution.
DeleteHi Bob...I think I worked with you in 73 and 74. I hired on in the kitchen and worked my way to the pit. Ron Tucker
DeleteOur family of 10 from Omaha, NE ate there on a vacation in the early 1960's! Never forgot that place. Thought it was the best meal I'd ever had.
ReplyDeleteI moved to Aurora in '76 and had my first meal out at Apple Tree Shanty; the first of many times over the next four years. I'll never forget the great meals.
ReplyDeleteIn 1955, we lived in Aurora and ate at the Apple Several times until 1958 when I graduated from Denver University and then moved away. Always remember it, but never got back to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I lived in Denver from 1974 to 1978 and the Apple Tree Shanty was one of my favorites. I loved the ham steak with plum sauce and their apple muffins were wonderful. Wish they were still there.
ReplyDeleteI worked there one summer in the late 60s. I was stationed at Lowry AFB as an Instructor and needed a job. I washed pots and pans for the whole summer season. The food was wonderful and the young kids I worked with were fantastic.
ReplyDeleteloved their pork ribs and baked potato
ReplyDeleteBest Ribs I have ever tasted. Born in Denver, but left in 1962. Have great memories of this adorable place and most delicious menu.
ReplyDeleteI went there after my high school graduation with my best friend. I do fondly remember the baked potatoes. They were baked in salt.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I lived there in the area from 1967-1971. We went there as often as we could. Have missed their ribs ever since.
ReplyDeleteMy stepdad would take me to the Apple Tree Shanty almost once a month, and he said he wanted me to know how to order steak. I can still remember they were so good! Glad to see how they made those beef tips here, I can still remember how tender and juicy they were.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone ever found the recipe for the muffins?
ReplyDeleteWorked there in the 80s as a cook.
ReplyDeleteSome of the recipes and information you find on line are incorrect. But it was a great place to eat and work.
Lynn worked there too.
DeleteMy Mom and I stopped there in 1976 when I drove across country from Virginia and went thru Denver, CO, on my way to a new job in Washington state via California to visit family.
ReplyDeleteI have an old matchbook from the Apple Tree. Anyone treasure the thought of having it? It would mean a lot to my grandfather if someone had a memory of the place and would like it.
ReplyDeleteMy email address to contact menus dodge_ram11@yahoo.com
DeleteI worked there in the mid 1970's. Good people and I made a friend for life there.
DeleteThis was one of the best restaurants I've ever eaten at. My husband was a Denver native and we ate there often. When you sat down they brought you those warm apple muffins. I was so sad when it closed. I still miss it.
ReplyDeleteGreat memories! All you could eat ribs when I was 14!!
ReplyDeleteSurprised they didn’t cut me off…. Lol
The waitresses always introduced themselves as "Hi , I am ****, your apple tree girl for the evening:." They literally ran to provide service. This was late 50's or early 60's. The food was terrific!
ReplyDeleteJust looked at a pic from the Apple Tree Shanty. It was my dad's favorite, when ever he visited Denver we ate there.
ReplyDeleteThis was our favorite restaurant.. Back in the day.. I went there for my prom in 1984. then my hubby and I want there for our first anniversary in 1988.. we frequent the restaurant at least once a month or more.
ReplyDeleteWe miss it terribly!!!
I was born in Denver. My family lived on Xenia Street until 1959. Eating out was a luxury we could not afford, but we did eat at the Shanty. Exactly ONCE! And yet I have very fond memories of the place. I thought the name was magical when I was a child. So glad to find this post.
ReplyDeleteWe should organize a Apple Tree Shanty Reunion
ReplyDeleteAs an ex employee, I'd be interested
ReplyDelete