Most talked-about Braised Short Rib
Red wine-braised beef short rib over creamy mashed potatoes with haricots verts and natural jus.
Highlands Ranch · American Gastropub
Scratch-made, seasonal cooking and a full craft bar built to match — from crispy shareable starters to short rib worth the drive. Lunch, dinner, date night, or the whole group: your table's here.
Scratch-made & seasonal
Cooked to the season
Full craft bar
Rotating local taps
Every table welcome
Families to big groups
Dine-in & takeout
Call to order ahead
What we're known for
Most talked-about Red wine-braised beef short rib over creamy mashed potatoes with haricots verts and natural jus.
House favorite Smash-style double patty, American cheese, bread-and-butter pickles, crispy onions, and comeback sauce on a toasted brioche bun.
For the table Fried Brussels sprouts tossed in honey, sriracha, and toasted pepitas — a table favorite.
The Bar
The drinks list is designed to sit alongside the food, not compete with it — rotating local draft taps, seasonal cocktails, and a wine list edited to complement the plate rather than just fill the page.
Ask your server or bartender for a recommendation — they'll steer you right.
The Table
From the first round at the bar to the last bite of dessert — this is the room you'll find your table in.
Our Story
Every community deserves a place that feels made for the people who live there. Wren & Thistle was built to be that place in Highlands Ranch — a gastropub that takes the cooking seriously without making the evening feel precious. The menu leans on seasonal ingredients and scratch-made technique: slow-braised meats, house-made sauces, and produce sourced to match the season. The bar program is designed to pair with the kitchen — rotating local taps, seasonal cocktails, and a wine list edited to complement the food rather than just fill the page. Whether it's a quiet Wednesday lunch or a full Saturday with your whole group, the goal is the same: a meal you find yourself talking about on the way home.
4.8★
average rating
386
Google reviews
25
dishes on the menu
Is this your kind of place?
Birthdays, work dinners, private events — call and we'll put it together.
See the menuFrom real diners across Highlands Ranch and the south metro.
“The short rib is the best thing I've eaten on the south side, full stop. Cozy room, the bartender actually knows cocktails, and our server had the wine pairing dialed in. Already booked our next visit.”
“Found it on a 'date night near me' search and we're so glad we did. Lighting and music hit the perfect note — lively but you can still talk. The green chile mac is dangerous. We'll be regulars.”
“Sunday brunch is the move. Bottomless coffee, a biscuit that's worth the drive, and they sat our group of seven without a fuss. Staff clearly likes working here, and it shows.”
“Did a birthday dinner for 12 and they nailed it — pre-set menu, dietary stuff handled without us having to nag, dessert came out with a candle. Real hospitality, not a chain doing a script.”
“Solid neighborhood gastropub with a kitchen that actually cares. The fish special changes and it's always fresh. Only knocked a star because the patio fills up fast on Fridays — get there early.”
“Walked in off the street on a whim and ended up staying three hours. Great beer list, warm room, food that punches way above the price. This is what a local spot should feel like.”
Weekend evenings and groups of six or more fill up fast. Reserve ahead and we'll have it waiting.
Hours
Location
You'll find us in Highlands Ranch, CO — proudly serving the south metro neighborhoods of Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Castle Rock.
Good to know
Yes — we recommend reserving ahead, especially for weekend evenings and groups of six or more. Call us at (720) 555-0162 to book your table.
Absolutely. Wren & Thistle welcomes families, date nights, work lunches, and everything in between. The menu has options for a wide range of tastes and appetites.
Yes. Several menu items are vegetarian by default, and our kitchen can accommodate many dietary needs. Let your server know when you're seated and we'll guide you through what works.
Yes, we offer takeout orders. Give us a call at (720) 555-0162 and we'll have your order ready when you arrive.
We have a full craft bar with rotating local draft taps, seasonal cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic options — designed to pair with the food. Ask your server or bartender for a recommendation.
Yes — we can host larger groups and private events. Call us to discuss availability and what we can put together for your occasion.
Get in touch
Send a note and we'll get right back to you. For same-day tables or takeout, a quick call is fastest — we'll take care of the rest.
Call the restaurant (720) 555-0162