Capitol Hill's Best Bars
Where Bars are Bars
It's no secret that the bar scene is big in Denver, and that Cap Hill offers what is arguably the most diverse selection of drinking establishments around. Dive bars, bars with live music, gay bars, neighborhood bars: Capitol Hill has it all. Really the only thing you won't find much of are the dance clubs so abundant in LoDo, but if you're venturing out from there, maybe you're looking for a change anyways? This list only scratches the surface of places to check out, but it's a good start (and maybe end) on your quest for a better bar.
1. Charlie Brown's Bar & Grill
Whether it's because of the location or the history, the crowd at Charlie Brown's is always incredibly diverse, offering a fascinating cross-section of our city's residents. Depending on the day and time, you might see anyone from ancient women in huge elaborate hats singing along with the piano player to area residents popping in for a quick midday drink. One of the bars Kerouac used to frequent, Charlie Brown's has a unique atmosphere that is difficult to define. It's partly a secluded retreat, partly an old-fashioned piano bar, partly a neighborhood hangout and more. There's even food if you get hungry; if you're stuck on what to order try one of the pizzas, they're great.
2. Bender's Tavern
Hipsters and rockers converge on Bender's Tavern for the cheap drinks and the live music, usually a powerful lineup of many of Denver's best local bands. Every night features some kind of performance, whether by a band, a dj or karaoke. Tattoos and piercings abound, but despite the hard look of the place it's very friendly. During some shows the main area gets a bit chaotic, but always in the nature of good fun. Go to Bender's with a friend for the show and the drinks, it's going to be loud enough that conversation will be seriously restricted.
3. Park Tavern & Restaurant
While Park Tavern looks much like a dive bar, amenities such as huge televisions save the place from true dive status. This isn't a quiet, homey neighborhood bar, but most of the people you'll meet at Park Tavern live within walking distance of the establishment. Mostly this is because of Park Tavern's incredibly cheap drinks which will surely tempt you to have a few too many to operate a car, especially during $2 you-call-it Tuesdays. If you get hungry, the bar food is good and the menu is diverse though nothing is spectacular; once you're a few drinks in it will taste superb anyways.
4. City, O' City
Part of the vegetarian group of restaurants known as WaterCourse, City, O' City is the most popular hipster hangout in the neighborhood. While it's more known for its lunch and dinner menu, there's nothing better than showing up well after dark for a few drinks and maybe a late-night snack. Even at a late hour you'll be lucky to find a table right away; the place is packed well after dark. If alcohol isn't your thing, there just happens to be a full coffee bar to keep you alert and perky.
5. JR's Bar & Grill
If you want to get picky about it, yes, JR's is just outside of the technical boundary of Cap Hill. That being taken care of, it really deserves a place on this list as a wonderful gay bar, welcoming to everyone no matter towards whom your tastes run. On Thursdays the bar is packed thanks to its great drinks specials. On other nights the size and makeup of the crowd varies depending on what's happening. Whatever the event, show up with an open mind and extra cheer and you're sure to have a great time, or at least a memorable night out. As far as food goes, there just isn't any, despite the “grill” part of the name.
