Cocktail bar and dinner restaurant The Wilds Tavern opened May 1 on Main Avenue in the space formerly occupied by Switchback Taco.
Lindsay and Dan Gearig, owners of Switchback, announced plans to convert the former taco shop at 741 Main Ave. into the new, swankier concept in late March. The shop’s roughly four-week makeover culminated in a transformed, sleeker interior with the same base layout as Switchback.
“We’re paying homage to classic dishes and cocktails executed thru (sic) thoughtful preparations,” read a post on the restaurant’s new Instagram page.
The Wilds Tavern is open 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
The Gearigs first opened Switchback Taco in 2019. The pair also own burger joint Famburger, which has two locations: one at 1400 East Second Ave. in Durango and another at 108 E. Grand Ave. in Mancos.
Despite some customers expressing disappointment about the Mexican street food shop closing, several comments on The Wilds’ new Instagram page praised the revamped food and environment.
“10/10! Fabulous food and atmosphere,” one commenter wrote.
“We loved our meal last night!! Such a great spot for Durango,” another said.
The menu touts seven entrees ranging in price from $18 to $24, including a burger, steak frites, fish and chips, and smoked chicken leg with whipped potatoes. “Little Wilds” – entrees served in smaller quantities – are also available for a reduced price.
The range of starters and sides include mac and cheese, a nicoise salad, charred carrots and grilled broccolini, among other offerings, and range in price from $8 to $15.
Drink offerings include margaritas, martinis, mixed drinks, several beers and an extensive wine list; prices range from $6.50 for an IPA to $90 for a bottle of Faust Cabernet.
Two desserts – an eight-layer chocolate cake and a brown butter peach crumble – go for $10 and $9, respectively.
Switchback, which operated as a more casual eatery and sold a different genre of food, was selling three tacos for $12, a cup of elote for $5.25 and a house margarita for $8.50 outside of happy hour before it closed.
The Wilds Tavern owners did not respond to request for comment.
epond@durangoherald.com
