Niwot Tavern reopens for dine-in service

Known for the past 14 months for takeout and outdoor concerts that offered a safe outdoor community gathering spot during COVID-19, Niwot Tavern has officially reopened for sit down service indoors.

On a hot Tuesday June 23rd at lunchtime, diners could finally enjoy the Tavern's menu at a solid wooden table with air conditioning. Lunch service was fairly crowded, with work colleagues, Niwot business owners and restaurant regulars stopping in to enjoy an indoor meal.

"I saw that they posted on Facebook that they were open, and I said to my husband, 'we're going,'" said returning regular and Longmont resident Anna Young.

Young's husband Mark added, "This beats sitting outside, huddled in a jacket under a heater with a to-go container and trying to cut my steak with a plastic knife."

Niwot Tavern co-owner Tara Shaheen hustled on opening day. She hoped she didn't have to continue her quadruple roles as server, bartender, manager and owner for long.

"We're hiring," Shaheen said. "We've got open positions, but it's hard to find people."

Hiring has been so tough that it was one of the reasons the restaurant didn't reopen as soon as it could have. "We always said that we weren't going to open until the masks came off. But once they came off, we didn't have staff." Shaheen said.

Niwot Tavern's current staff is all vaccinated and ready to greet customers. At the same time, Shaheen hopes customers are patient as current staff works to maintain service with a limited workforce.

The day brought some strong emotions for Shaheen. "Everything has all really been a blessing. I'm excited to see the old people back and the new people we've met this past year. There were people I didn't know and, all of a sudden, they were here two or three times a week for their takeout order."

At the same time the restaurant is off to a strong start. Additionally, The Rotary Club is honoring Tavern co-owners Shaheen and Stacy Szydlek with a Community Achievement Award for work done in the community during COVID-19. The award will be presented at Rock n Rails on August 5.

In notifying Shaheen, Rotary president Thom Lynch texted, "You guys brought a lot of sunshine to a Covid-dark year."

Shaheen said part of what she thinks drove the award. "We're the place where you can come and hang out with your neighbor. We're the neighborhood bar. We know who you are. We know what you like to drink. If we don't know it, we're going to find out really quick."

This spirit was evident with the community concerts held just out front of the restaurant in Cottonwood Square. Shaheen said these were initially suggested by Szydlek who noticed musicians were also suffering. "Their industry was hurt as bad as our industry was hurt. It was her way to get them an audience, keep the musicians safe, and offer customers a place to come together. A couple of times I did cry as I looked out our window."

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and as they begin to dine inside, customers should expect some changes in the restaurant. There will be new menu items and returning favorites, like bacon wrapped jalapenos, eggrolls, and hummus. Holiday meals the restaurant served during the pandemic will also happen.

Music out front will also continue, at least through the summer, and service for patio tables will remain as food and alcoholic beverage takeout only. Those who are looking for full service should come inside.

In the end, the day was about resuming service for customers the same way the restaurant has done for years. "I've got pretty much every emotion," Shaheen said. "I feel scared. Happy." Then she paused before adding, "There's just so much to do. Overwhelmed might be the biggest feeling I have."