The Toasted Coconut

The Toasted Coconut has perfected the summer staycation. This tiki bar in Montrose has flaming rum cocktails served with plastic mermaids, the infectious beats of Parliament albums, and an incredible cheeseburger that keeps the parking lot packed every night. Nothing is too serious here, from the kitschy hut-shaped covered patio to the art lining the walls making jokes about “smoking seaweed.” But we’d head to The Toasted Coconut even if all they offered were four blank walls and their burger. The beef is the star and can hardly be contained by the buns it’s encased in. The scientifically-impossible-to-be-sad-here energy makes it easy to love, especially while tearing off pieces of lamb flatbreads or waxing poetic about the numbing Szechuan french fries.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Spiced Fries

We always appreciate a perfectly cooked, crinkle-cut fry. And with the Szechuan spices sprinkled on top, this dish is one of the best uses of a potato and a deep fryer, even if our tongue goes numb halfway through.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

World Famous Cheeseburger

The double-patty burger is our favorite thing here. We love the tender beef and fluffy buns that maintain their form even after a half-hour of gushing over how much smokiness can fit into the two asymmetric patties. Add bacon jam for a little sweetness, or turn up the heat with pickled jalapeños.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

OG Fried Chicken

A crispy piece of chicken is easy to come by. But this crispy piece has seasoning and spice that doesn’t stop at the breading and is served with a cooling aioli.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Lamb Flatbread

A thin slice of the lamb flatbread is a prime example of how the appetizers that seem like fun little decorations for the table are actually some of the menu’s best dishes. Every bite includes a sliver of lamb and a touch of Szechuan spice, and it is served with enough cilantro yogurt to soothe the heat.