Bars & Pubs in Denver
Bull & Bush Pub & Brewery
Tel: 303/759-0333
4700 Cherry Creek Dr. S.
A neighborhood hangout in Cherry Creek, this re-creation of a famous London pub always has about 10 of its own award-winning beers on tap. On Sunday evening, there's traditional jazz by regional group. A full brew-house menu is available.
Charlie Brown's
Tel: 303/860-1655
980 Grant St
Just south of downtown, Charlie Brown's is a piano bar, some version of which has been in existence since 1927. The atmosphere is casual, with a baby grand piano and a diverse crowd. The grill serves three meals a day, inside and outside on a great patio.
Churchill Bar
Tel: 303/297-3111
321 17th St
You'll find an excellent selection of fine cigars, single-malt Scotch, and after-dinner drinks at this refined cigar bar, which caters to older, well-to-do Establishment types.
Cruise Room Bar
Tel: 303/628-5400
1600 17th St
Modeled after a 1930s-era bar aboard the Queen Mary, the Cruise Room opened in 1933 on the day Prohibition ended. Recently restored to its Art Deco best, it draws a sophisticated, fairly young crowd with a free jukebox and one of the best martinis in town.
Falling Rock Tap House
Tel: 303/293-8338
1919 Blake St
Comfy, woody, and just down the street from Coors Field, this LoDo pub has 69 beers on tap -- the best selection of good beer in Denver. You'll also find darts and pool, happy hours, and occasional live music.
Meadowlark
Tel: 303/293-0251
2721 Larimer St
This slick subterranean bar oozes style, featuring plenty of industrial chic, great margaritas, and an eclectic music calendar that's both live and prerecorded.
My Brother's Bar
Tel: 303/455-9991
2376 15th St
A Platte Valley fixture since the Beat Generation (this was one of Jack Kerouac's favorite Denver hangouts), this is the locals' choice for big, juicy burgers, wrapped in wax paper and served with an array of condiments and a side helping of friendly, unpretentious vibes.
Old Curtis Street Bar
Tel: 303/292-2083
2100 Curtis St
A classic family-owned bar, complete with vinyl booths and a Mexican menu, Old Curtis Street is our pick for a low-key evening downtown. There is an eclectic entertainment calendar featuring punk bands, DJs, and stand-up comedy nights.
Samba Room
Tel: 720/956-1701
1460 Larimer St
The atmosphere at the Samba Room -- Cuban murals, booming Latin music, a fashionable young clientele -- is right up there with Denver's flashiest nightclubs. The menu of Latin-Caribbean fusion, albeit a bit pricey and uneven, adds to the theme.
Sing Sing
Tel: 303/291-0880
1735 19th St
A noisy, eclectic crowd dominates the scene at this LoDo hot spot, located beneath the Denver ChopHouse & Brewery. You'll often find low-priced beer specials, which encourage the hard-partying college types to sing along (loudly and badly) with the dueling pianos. A fun place, but hang on tight. Closed Sunday.
Wynkoop Brewing Company
Tel: 303/297-2700
1634 18th St
Owned by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, Denver's first modern brewpub is still the city's best. Among its most interesting offerings are India pale ale, chili beer, and Scotch ale, but you really can't go wrong with any of the selections. An added attraction is a large upstairs pool hall, which generally attracts a more party-hearty crowd than the restaurant and bar.