Fire on the Mountain: They’ve got the sauce

By: Emily Summers, Practicum Reporter

 3.5 stars (out of 4)   

With homemade sauces, down-to-earth employees, and a casual atmosphere, Fire on the Mountain has quickly become a growing hotspot in the Highlands area. The menu ranges from traditional wings and hand-breaded mozzarella wheels to house-made vegan seitan strips –

there is something on the menu for everyone. The restaurant has an “order at the counter” style, so there is no rush in the menu selection. 

 Vibe:The unique lighting, vibrantly colored walls and artwork from local artists creates an edgy, casual vibe throughout the restaurant. Above the bar hangs more than 100 different beer tap handles (those that aren’t currently in use), each belonging to a uniquely crafted brew. The bathroom walls are covered in stickers from various bands, shops and campaigns. Overall, Fire on the Mountain creates an edgy, relaxed atmosphere that draws in customers from all walks of life. 

Hits:Fire on the Mountain serves a dozen different wing sauces, all made in-house. Each sauce has its own unique flavor and is created to pair perfectly with a variety of items on the menu other than wings. The hormone-free, antibiotic-free, cage-free wings are fried to a perfect crispiness on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy in the middle. They are smothered in the sauce of your choice and served with house-made ranch or blue cheese. 

 Although this restaurant is popular among wing lovers, there are many gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options on the menu. Try the cauliflower wings covered in your choice of vegan sauce, or give the house salad a taste. There is a variety of options for those who choose not to eat our feathered friends. 

Misses:Fire on the Mountain needs to expand. The wait time comes not from the laziness of employees, but from the popularity of the restaurant and its crazy long lines. If the goal is a quick bite to eat, Fire on the Mountain is not the right choice. If it's not a weekday lunch, then a wait is guaranteed. 

Service:With its relaxed, casual vibe, Fire on the Mountain has become a weekend hotspot for anyone looking to grab a bite to eat. Despite its growth in popularity, the restaurant has yet to catch up. On a typical Friday or Saturday night, the minimum wait time for a table is around 45 minutes. Once inside the restaurant, the wait for food isn’t much shorter. Although the wait time isn’t ideal, the friendly, welcoming staff make up for it. Immediately inside the door, customers are greeted with a smile and helped instantly. There’s no need to stand around and wait for a hostess, as they are always prompt and the place is plenty staffed.

Bottom Line:It’s worth the wait. Despite the wait time, your taste buds will thank you. From the classic traditional wings to the perfectly crisp fries – and even the “Asian Persuasion” salad, there is no wrong choice on the menu. 

Price:Wings (about $1 each); Sandwiches ($12 to $13); Salads ($6 to $12); Appetizers ($5 to $12); Dessert ($7)

Fun Fact:Fire on the Mountain is the first restaurant in the Highlands area to be certified green by Certifiably Green Denver, meaning they compost and recycle a significant amount more than they throw away. Along with composting and recycling, they also send in fryer oil to be turned into biodiesel, creating renewable fuel. In an effort to encourage sustainability, Fire on the Mountain offers a 5 percent discount to customers who utilize some alternative method of transportation.

 Fire on the Mountain

3801 W. 32 Ave; 303.480.WING; www.fotmdenver.com

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday 

Reservations: Not accepted

Parking: Street