Inside: Slim 7

Eating disorders aside, Slim is damn sexy

By Matt Sandy

Special to Metromix

4.5

421210
In his novel The Subterraneans, Jack Kerouac tells the tale of a frenetic love affair set in a shadowy underworld of jazz clubs and gin joints. Though the back alleys of Denver were probably more seamy during his days in the Mile High City, present day beatniks looking for looking for kicks down the myriad side streets of LoDo don’t have to worry about getting jumped on the way to the club. Located somewhere between 14th, 15th, Larimer and Market streets in Larimer Square, a heightened urban acumen is required to find Slim 7.

The hidden position keeps out the uninitiated and directions to this club might read like the way to Neverland: Second alley on the right and on till the first dumpster. There’s no sign, though occasionally, flickering torches light up the entranceway. The lounge identifies itself as “garden-level,” but descend the seven steps and the vibe is more “hip underground bunker level.”

Décor: It has been mentioned that there are seven stairs leading down into Slim 7, hence the “7” part. The “Slim” moniker relates to the girth of the club, which is probably no wider than ten attractive bar patrons. The space is a study in minimalism, ultra sleek with a European feel. Narrow and cleanly defined, the lounge borders on basic, but not boring. A simple bar is to the left and a couple of cowhide settees with low wooden trunk tables are arranged in intimate groupings. White stucco walls are bathed in soft blue hues and there are some interesting accents, but they can go unnoticed as everything is the same off-white color. Of particular interest is the upside down fireplace complete with actual logs and mantle when you first enter the bar area. It’s bizarre, but not as odd as the bright green fake grass walls in the restrooms making the stalls reminiscent of a walk in Easter basket. They may seem out of place, but provide a comfortable support for the overindulged. Towards the back, behind a sheer veil is the VIP area and DJ stand.

Drinks: Though alcohol is thankfully not one of the seven deadly sins, Slim 7 has created cocktails to represent the other capital vices. Ranging from Lust to Greed, these concoctions are strong enough that over imbibing could lead to eternal damnation. The bottle service is popular and $100 specials on certain nights could turn even the most parsimonious into pimp. Bottles are served in what appear to be antique sea chests outfitted with ice buckets to keep your vodka chilled.

Crowd: Apparently the unattractive have not yet acquired the street savvy to find Slim 7 as the crowd is always young and sexy. Originally a service industry haunt, things don’t get going most nights until after 11 p.m.

Bottom Line: Though there are an abundance of neighborhood bars, it’s rare to find a neighborhood club, which would be an accurate description of Slim 7. You might feel like an outsider the first couple visits, but not in an unwelcome way. Once dinner is over, this subterranean lounge is a classy way to wrap up an evening.

Slim 7
1443 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80202
303-359-8273