The Lion’s Lair on Colfax (photo by Gary Isaacs from the LL website) | By Geoff Van Dyke, Jessica LaRusso, Kasey Cordell, Lindsey B. King, Patricia Kaowthumrong, Riane Menardi Morrison, Shane Monaghan, 5280.com | Prime people watching, cheap drinks, a no-fuss ambiance—no matter what you’re looking for in an unpretentious watering hole, these favorite spots in the Mile High City and beyond are sure to quench your thirst.
There’s no singular recipe for a great dive bar. It’s not just about cracked pleather booths. Or $2 PBRs. Or sticky floors. Or plainspoken barkeeps. It’s about all of that—and more—in one humble package that calls to us when we need a cold one poured without pretension. In the Denver metro area, scattered among the cocktail palaces serving $17 drinks made with 15 ingredients, there are plenty of holes-in-the-wall where you can belly up on a wobbly stool, order a Coors Banquet with no discernable eyeroll from the bartender, and drink until you no longer care that the jukebox only seems to play Johnny Cash. Here, in alphabetical order, are 17 of our staff’s go-to spots.
5280 Editor’s Note: This is a living list of the best dive bars that was last updated on January 28, 2022. Did we miss your favorite? Email us at dining@5280.com.
[COMBO Editor’s note: We’ve picked a couple of our favorites since they present live music. Please go to the article to read about the rest!]
The Berkeley Inn
… toe-tapping live music from local bands every Sunday afternoon (starting this year after football season), and you’ve got an institution that’s survived for more than 80 years by being an example of a dive-bar truism: Simplicity is best. 3834 Tennyson St., 303-477-1834
Lincoln’s Roadhouse
… This quirky little spot books live acts two nights a week, with national blues bands and popular locals such as the Closers reigning the stage on Fridays and Saturdays. Our favorite night there, though, is Wednesday. That’s when Lincoln’s opens its mic up to aspiring singers, songwriters, and other musicians. Sure, the notes aren’t always perfect, but they are always authentic—and more often than not surprisingly good. 1201 South Pearl St., 303-777-3700
Lion’s Lair
… Later at night, you’ll find indie acts or open mic nights on the tiny stage … 2022 E. Colfax Ave., 303-320-9200
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Find the rest of the “Dive Bars” here:
https://www.5280.com/2022/01/denvers-best-dive-bars/
February 3, 2022| Colorado Music-Related Business| Barb Dye