Inside: 3 Kings

Dive bar royalty in the Queen City

By Richard English

Special to Metromix

Thanks to several recent articles naming Denver the “Drunkest City in America,” the Queen City is now known nationally for the number and quality of her bars, pubs and taverns. The downtown area (not to mention LoDo), seems to have almost as many watering holes as residents, and the suburbs are all but festooned with the things. Deciding which one to patronize is no simple matter, so thirsty folks must adopt certain criteria in order to simplify matters. High on most customers’ lists are atmosphere, affordability, and congeniality.

If these things matter to you, look no further than 3 Kings.

Drinks: The bars (both of them) are well appointed, and the bartenders are skilled and attentive. The selection of well labels are on a par with establishments of similar size and make-up. Featured among the top-shelf libations are a splendid selection of small-batch bourbons, whiskies and vodkas. They have 20 different beers on tap, and more adventurous souls might tackle “The Gauntlet”–20 pints of suds in eight hours. Winners get their names on a plaque behind the bar and the house picks up the tab. (Just be sure to bring cab fare…) Each day of the week arrives with its own menu of beer and shot specials.

Décor: 3 Kings is much larger inside than it appears from out on the sidewalk, with a capacity of something like 400 warm bodies. The color scheme is mostly red and black, and the walls are adorned with an eclectic array of paintings, sculptures and decorative skate decks. A stage and dance floor fill the back third of the hall, while the front area contains plenty of booths and tall tables. The main bar is good sized and there are more than enough stools to go around.

Entertainment: Few taverns in the downtown area have as many non-drinking diversions as 3 Kings. Highlights include Golden Tee, a bank of pinball machines (sign up for the monthly tourney), and three pool tables. There is a gallery space downstairs, showcasing some of Denver’s more satisfying and quirky artists. Then there’s the Kings’ full calendar of live music. The owners have positioned their bar as a fine venue for local talent, as well as a favorite stop for up-and-coming national acts. (Check their Web site for details.) And, finally, friskier types will want to pop by on Monday nights for “Panties at the Bar,” during which the lovely ladies of Ooh-La-La Burlesque take over behind the bar, wearing the latest in corsets, lace and fishnets.

Crowd: A visit to 3 Kings presents a terrific opportunity to interact with a wide range of Denver’s citizenry. It doesn’t matter if you are tattooed or manicured, or whether you arrive on a skateboard or driving a Beemer, you’ll have little trouble finding someone with whom to shoot the breeze.

Bottom Line: Denver is home to classier bars than this one, and to bars much lower on the 'Dive-Scale', but only a few hit all the right notes with the ease and affability of 3 Kings. Check it out.