There’s a whisper of smoke in the air and a flicker of candlelight catching the rim of a lowball glass. At the bar, a hand-cut cube disappears slowly into deep amber as the bartender adds the finishing touch—a citrus twist flamed just enough to perfume the glass. It’s Oak & Maple’s namesake cocktail, a warming mix of bourbon, coffee liqueur from 477 Distilling, maple syrup, and bitters. Across the room, plates of savory waffles and crackling fried chicken arrive with the same confidence as the drinks. At this Greeley staple, whiskey isn’t just a pairing—it’s a purpose.
When owner Matt Estrin chose the name Oak & Maple, he wasn’t just branding a restaurant—he was distilling a concept. “The oak is for the barrels that age our favorite whiskeys, and the maple ties back to the heart of the menu,” Matt explains. “We wanted to bring the two together: whiskey-forward drinks that feel rooted, approachable, and bold—just like the food.”
And the food does matter here. Oak & Maple's menu offers much more than sweet waffles. A full section is devoted to savory builds—chicken and waffles served plain or tossed in wing sauce, hot honey, or Carolina Reaper; cornbread waffles stuffed with jalapeños and topped with cream cheese, brown sugar syrup, fresh jalapeños, and bacon; and hearty combinations finished with fried chicken and sausage gravy. “People think maple means overly sweet, but that’s not the case. The right drink balances it. A little salt, a little spice—bourbon’s natural sweetness ties it all together,” says Matt.
While the bar doesn’t age cocktails in-house, the flavor of oak is present in every pour. With a whiskey list that includes more than 70 varieties—many of them small-batch or lesser-known labels—Matt has curated a collection that’s distinctive for Greeley. “You’re not going to see the same dozen bottles lined up on our shelf,” he adds. “We’ve worked hard to find whiskeys that are unique, rare, and worth sipping.”
Oak and Maple
2 oz Bourbon
1 oz 477 Coffee Spirit
.5 oz Maple Syrup
2 Dashes Bitters
Served over a big rock
Garnished with a House-made Waffle Crouton and Orange Peel
Add in spirits from Oak & Maple’s sister company, 477 Distilling, and a few house-developed recipes from their cocktail team, and the result is a drink menu that feels as intentional as it is indulgent. Collaboration has played a major role since day one. Many of the bar’s best-sellers use 477 products, and the drink list includes creative nods to Greeley breweries like TightKnit Brewing and Wiley Roots. Even the garnishes and flavor infusions are often developed in-house, making each cocktail a true reflection of northern Colorado craft. It’s this commitment to supporting neighbors and highlighting regional producers that gives the bar its unmistakable sense of place. “It’s not just about putting spirits in a glass—it’s about knowing where they came from and why they belong,” Matt says.
Guest favorites reflect that playful-meets-refined philosophy. The Fruity Pebbles and Espresso Martini cocktails add nostalgia and richness, while riffs on Old Fashioneds lean warm and classic. One of Matt’s favorite pairings? The signature chicken and waffles alongside the Oak & Maple cocktail—a bold match that highlights every note on the menu.
Whether guests come for a morning brunch or a late-night pour, Oak & Maple’s cocktail menu stands as more than an afterthought—it’s a central part of the experience. As Matt puts it, “We didn’t want to just have drinks on the menu. We wanted to build something that felt like it belonged here.”
Fruity Pebbles
Muddled Strawberries
2 oz 477 Lemondrop
Topped with Cream Soda
Served over small iced cubes
Topped with Whipped Cream and Fruity Pebbles