LoDo's Best Bars
LoDo's Nightlife Is Better Than Ever
Whether it's the beauty of the drink or the beauty of the crowd that catches your eye, LoDo remains our city's most happening neighborhood for after-hours fun. You'll never have to struggle to find a place to drink, but there are a lot of so-so places you might end up in. Start with the places on the list, they represent some of the best bars in our city. Even if you've sworn off the downtown scene, these bars might just convince you to give LoDo another go.
1. Nallen's Irish Pub
Quite possibly our city's best Irish bar, Nallen's Irish Pub is friendly and authentic, plus it has the most important asset of all: great drinks. The sense of community in the little pub is nearly palpable, manifested in the cheerful, raucous behavior of the patrons and staff. If you can get into a jovial and outgoing mood, you're guaranteed to have a great time, complimented by tunes emanating from the jukebox and side conversations with the native Irish bartenders. While Nallen's is fairly well-packed during any evening of the week, it's always at its fullest during major sports events, thanks to its abundant television screens.
2. Red Square Euro Bistro
It's all about vodka at Red Square where dozens of bottles from faraway countries like Russia, Poland, even Estonia offer more tempting tastes than you'll be able to handle in a visit or even three. Even better than these foreign drinks, try some of the bistro's house infused vodkas, boasting flavors like honey, dill, garlic and cranberry. Available by the shot or the carafe, these are a great way to finish off a meal, whether you ate at Red Square or one of the other ubiquitous LoDo restaurants. Service can be a bit spotty so try to nab a spot right at the bar or on the patio where at least you've got a nice view and fresh air.
Menu3. El Chapultepec
A dive bar crossed with a jazz club, El Chapultepec is intentionally gritty, cramped and even subpar in many ways (the food being among those). Where it shines, and what gives the bar a place on the list, is its live jazz music. For decades, this bar has been home to some of the best live jazz performances in the city with the cheap drinks and nonexistent cover charge that make it affordable and fun any night of the week.
4. The Cruise Room in The Oxford Hotel
If you've ever been on board the Queen Mary in Long Beach, The Cruise Room might look eerily familiar. It was modeled after one of the historic ship's lounges, featuring huge Art Deco panels, each one unique and beautiful. Between this fancy decoration and its location in the Oxford Hotel, you can probably guess the prices aren't cheap. You're paying as much for the ambiance as for the actual alcohol, though the drinks are delicious and huge. This is the kind of place where you take a date that you want to impress or where you maturely celebrate that big promotion. Hungry? While The Cruise Room doesn't serve any food, you can order from McCormick's Fish House, also located in the hotel.
Menu5. Falling Rock Tap House
If you haven't been to Falling Rock to try some of the beers they offer, go now. Come on, this is Denver: beer is our thing! Order some of the beers made right in Colorado or branch out into some of the bottles from faraway countries. There's food of the traditional bar food variety too, which is very good for a tap house. During peak hours, namely the weekend and early evening, Falling Rock is invariably packed, especially if a game is imminent at Coors Field. If you're lucky, you might be able to nab a table on the patio, but the best choice if you want to eat is to show up at an earlier hour.
