Entertainment in Denver
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Mezcal
Sure they serve food, but we won't to lie – we come here to drink. They have a bundle of tequilas (though, strangely, not much mezcal) and the margaritas pack a punch. After a few and you will inhale the $1 tacos, which are available after 10pm. It's a great place warm up before a show at the Blue Bird Theater.
reviewed
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TAG
TAG's dinner menu, with it's bold and bizarre concoctions, might make more sense after a hit of acid; we still can't decided if hiramasa dressed in Pop Rocks is revolutionary or revolting. Apply this same mad scientist meddling to the drink menu, however, and it's amazing. Jalapeno kumquat mojito? Yes, please.
reviewed
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Falling Rock Tap House
High-fives and hollers punctuate the scene when the Rockies triumph and beer drinkers file in to forget an afternoon of drinking Coors at the ball park. There are – count 'em – 75 beers on tap and the bottle list has almost 150. With all the local favorites this is the place to drink beer Downtown.
reviewed
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Bar Standard
From the sleek deco interior to the DJ roster that spins way outside the typically mindless thump, Bar Standard is an inimitable gem on of Denver’s nightclub scene. It’s ice cold without the attitude, and when the right DJ is on the tables it can be some of the best dancing in town.
reviewed
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Divino Wine & Spirits
Bottles are stacked from floor to ceiling in this southwest shop – a little out of the way, but worth it for serious wine drinkers. They host events and do tastings on the weekend and the staff know their stuff. The budget conscious want to keep an eye on the rotating selection on the ‘10 under 10 rack.’
reviewed
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Larimer Lounge
This dive is a proving ground for acts from across the indie rock spectrum – last time we checked in metal heads in clown makeup were sound checking. With shows seven nights a week, it's a reliable bet for upcoming locals and good touring indie acts. There's also a patio to escape from the noise.
reviewed
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Benders Tavern
Benders is one of the premier music venues for smaller punk bands and local bands in Denver. It's a great space kitted out with a quality PA system and a good bar. Most nights it's free, but sometimes there'll be a modest cover charge. There's a weekly karaoke night and an open-mic night.
reviewed
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Lost Lake Lounge
According to the guys behind the bar, the photobooth in the back has 'seen more action than the Whitesnake tour bus.' This is one of the million reasons we love Denver's newest hipster magnet. Cheap drinks, a crackling fire and prowling 20-somethings in vintage tees are a few more.
reviewed
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Uptown Brothers Brewery
When we checked in, the Brothers were just getting their brewing operation off the ground, but looking at their selection of taps and bottles gives us high hopes. The menu? More of the typical bar food standards. Come here to drink and wander around Colfax to work up an appetite.
reviewed
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Celtic Tavern
The Celtic Tavern is a warm and convivial place with 50 beers on tap and a selection of top-shelf Scotch, Irish and American whiskeys to sample. The bar menu features traditional Irish stew, potato and leek soup, welsh rarebit and the like, as well as classic American favorites.
reviewed
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Breckenridge Blake St Pub
Blake St is home to the, ah, Breckenridge Blake St Pub, also known as the Breckenridge Ball Park Brewpub. Breckenridge's portfolio of beers is long and includes an unusual vanilla porter. The Trademark American pale ale is the signature brew and probably a good place to start.
reviewed
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Tracks
Events in Denver's biggest and wildest gay-orientated nightclub are a blast and many of them are huge; the monthly BabesArounDenver event is the largest women's dance party in the country. There's a mix of musical tastes and crowds, so consult local listings.
reviewed
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Charlie's
Who says Colorado is a straight state? There are masses – predominantly male – at this friendly place who would happily contest that. Shoot some pool, croon a tune in the karaoke lounge, jabber around one of the bars or get down to some music on the roomy dance floor.
reviewed
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My Brother's Bar
Classic rock and roll, lacquered booths and tables made from old wood barrels greet you inside Denver's oldest bar. Grab a seat on the leafy patio if it's nice outside. The bar is on a popular cycle path, and has been a local institution since it opened.
reviewed
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Paramount Theatre
Lots of red velvet and gold trimming deck out the Paramount, one of the premiere midsized theaters in the West. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recent acts include Rufus Wainwright, Margaret Cho and ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic.
reviewed
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Hi-Dive
Local rock heroes and touring indie bands light up the stage at the Hi-Dive, a venue at the heart of Denver's local music scene. During big shows it gets deafeningly loud, cheek-to-jowl with hipsters and humid as an armpit. In other words, it's perfect.
reviewed
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Fillmore Auditorium
One of the major music venues in town, this big open space has hosted classic acts such as Parliament Funkadelic, big indies such as Feist, and even roller derby. The acoustics are far from perfect, but it's certainly one of Denver's essential venues.
reviewed
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Beta Nightclub
This huge club swaps musical flavors like fashionable boutique sneakers. The best parties go off in the interior Beatport lounge, sending au currant bass, hip hop and electro through a sound system that will rattle your fillings loose.
reviewed
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Ellie Caulkins Opera House
A major overhaul of this historic performance house has endowed it with luxurious acoustics, excellent sight lines and a very modern feel. It's also huge – over 2000 seats – so if you buy cheap seats be sure to bring opera glasses.
reviewed
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Denver Center for the Performing Arts
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is the theater wing of the huge Denver Performing Arts Complex. Productions have included Shrek the Musical, Billy Elliott, Les Miserables, The Lion King and West Side Story.
reviewed
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Colorado Symphony Orchestra
The Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex is home to this renowned symphony orchestra. The orchestra performs an annual 21-week Masterworks season, as well as concerts aimed at a broader audience.
reviewed
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Bluebird Theater
This medium-size theater is general admission standing-room, and has terrific sound and clear sight lines from the balcony. This venue often offers the last chance to catch bands on their on the way up to the big time.
reviewed
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La Rumba
Though this place wobbles along as a salsa club the rest of the weekend, the Club Lip Gloss on Friday nights is a great party. Indie rock, garage and British pop bring a ultra hip, gay-friendly vibe to the dancefloor.
reviewed
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Mynt Lounge
This place offers one of the best happy hours in town – from 3pm to 9pm the martinis are around $3 and there is a massive list to choose from. Mynt is a white-themed minimalist lounge with a very sexy vibe.
reviewed
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Denver Wrangler
Though it attracts an amiable crowd of gay male professionals after work, the central location endows Denver's premiere bear bar with a flirty pick-up scene on the weekend. The sidewalk seating is a plus.
reviewed