Though James Brown passed away in 2006, there’s a good chance The Godfather of Soul looks down on the soulful The Thin Man and busts out one last mashed potato in their honor. The bar deserves it as they keep his spirit alive by playing early recordings and a shrine to Soul Brother Number One keeps a silent vigil behind the bar. Like The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, The Thin Man could be the hardest working bar east of LoDo. Almost always full, this place is a neighborhood haunt whose geographical area of coverage continues to grow. Pictures of St. Mark hang by the entrance bestowing prosperity on the bar and its patrons and the religious imagery mixed with boozy revelers, classic soul and jazz and a festive atmosphere create an aura reminiscent of the Big Easy.
Drinks: The taps at The Thin Man pour quality domestic and international brews and the bar stocks a wide range of liquors. But the piece de resistance is their in-house infused vodkas containing various fruits and vegetables. The jars sit behind the bar and immediately draw your attention. For a hang-over cure, the Bloody Mary mixed with pepper vodka is ambrosia fit for St. Mark himself. Even mere mortals will value its swift-kick-to-the-ass quality. Darwin could appreciate the fruit infused offerings as they have basically put all vodka drinks on notice; adapt or become obsolete. Not a vodka fan? Try the sangria. Kept in a massive glass jar on the bar, it demands recognition.
Décor: During the day, The Thin Man may seem somewhat average. But once the lights dim, the space is illuminated by white string lights and there’s something fantastic and enchanted about the place. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale only once the clock strikes midnight, instead of vanishing, the ball continues unabated. In the warmer months a giant plate glass window in the front is removed and a cool breeze permeates the deepest recesses. There’s a small gated patio which is sun baked in the daytime and moon lit at night. Narrow in size but not in scope, small tables line an expansive marble bar and leather couches offer more comfortable seating towards the back.
Crowd: The crowd is as eclectic as the bar. From the youth of today to that of yesteryear, the one constant is that it’s always there. Instead of famous headshots, black and white photographs of the regulars line the wall and you can usually pick out several of these pseudo-celebrities occupying their usual seats at the bar.
Sounds: Only the classics here. Jazz, soul and funk. Even if you didn’t know you were a fan, the sound is infectious and you’ll probably want to add some new artists to your music repertoire.
Service: The bar staff is professional and drinks come quickly no matter how packed.
Food: While The Thin Man doesn’t officially serve food, it is attached to St. Mark’s Coffee House and you can order from their menu and eat in the bar if you’re looking for something stronger than coffee to drink with your meal.
Insider tips: If you’re waiting to use the restroom; cast your eyes skyward and check out the creative birdhouses built by the bar’s regulars. If your party is at least five, try the shotski. A ski outfitted with five shot glasses. Even if you’re less than five, recruit some new friends. Feeling masochistic? Ask the bartender for the shocker. They’ll know what you’re talking about.
The Thin Man
2015 E. 17th Ave.
303-320-7814
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