One thing that most college students have in common: the lack of deep pockets. But anyone appreciates a screamin' deal... especially when it comes to tossin' back a few with some friends. We did a little research, and while downtown Denver is filled with a variety of bars and restaurants to kick it after class, we picked out a select few that are reasonably close to campus. And remember, college is one of the most memorable experiences of your life, so save the drinking for after class. Seriously.
It's 5 o'clock somewhere
Denver's happiest happy hours and where to find them
By Kimberly Kelly
Special to MetromixJuly 21, 2009
Lavish
1448 Market Street - Denver303-880-0237
Lavish can refer to many things. Chief among them is the idea of bestowing something in great amounts, sometimes to an excessive degree. To this end, Lavish Restaurant & Lounge expends decadence upon patrons looking to dine, dance or simply decompress. Whether your regular life is spent in a cubicle or the boardroom, difficult economic times have forced all night life aficionados to curtail some of their indulgences. But at Lavish, customers can live the luxe life at only moderate expense.
Red Square Euro Bistro
1512 Larimer St. - Denver303-595-8600
Vodka! Red Square Euro Bistro is a vodka bar - just like a wine bar, but with different vodkas. Amazing how we figure all that out. This cozy, beatniky restaurant offers infused vodkas (like fig and horseradish) as well as standard versions and russian beers. The food is so delicious, the wait staff so friendly and the vodka so impressive that you will wait, for a long time, if you go on the weekends. But, where else can you get a carafe of vodka? Let's say it one more time for funsies--VODKA!
Zengo
1610 Little Raven St. - Denver720-904-0965
In Japanese, Zengo stands for "give and take." Using this word, not only as their name but as their whole philosophy, Chef Richard Sandoval brings undeniable style to its menu, focusing on small plates for friends and family to share together. Classing their cuisine as a Latin, Asian fusion, these small plates can pack big taste. Crowd and staff favorites, Won Ton Tacos with charred ahi tuna, sushi rice, pickled ginger and mango salsa are a perfect example of this principle and a physical manifestation of the word Zengo.
Old Chicago
1415 Market St. - Denver303-893-1806
Ever wonder how Smurfette was the only female Smurf, yet somehow they managed to spawn those odd little clothed ones? Ask someone at Old C’s; they’ve got a similar situation going on. In spite of a fun atmosphere, tasty pizza and more beers than were consumed on the set of “Old School,” girls just aren’t flocking to this eatery. For the ladies who do go, you’ll have your pick of guys: some brainy, some lazy – maybe even some red-panted papas.
Pete's Arena
900 Auraria Parkway - Denver303-932-6111
Located in the Tivoli Student Union on Auraria campus, Pete's Arena offers the two college ideals: pizza and beer. This is a great hub to break away for a quick bite, or to toss back a few with some friends...at the end of your school day of course. This friendly atmosphere offers rather cheap eats and reasonable prices on beer; and being the only eatery with a liquor license on campus, this hangout attracts a variety of thirsty college students. How good does a beer sound after taking that huge test? Real good.
Lodo's Bar and Grill
1946 Market St. - Denver303-293-8555
Lodo's definitely has the best patio in town with the best view—Coors Field. This insanely popular hotspot draws in crowds from all over. Everyone comes for one thing in mind; to have fun and meet new people. If you want to be a socialite in Denver but hate paying $15 for a drink, Lodo's is where to go. They have hot girls, good looking guys and everyone else in between. Just when you think it couldn't get any better, they step it up a notch. They have great food at a low cost.
Falling Rock Tap House
1919 Blake St. - Denver303-293 -8338
With a host of accolades from local and national ale aficionados, the woody and worn confines of Falling Rock Tap House lay claim to “Colorado’s Best Selection of Beers.” Though the wall-to-wall taps (and similar sampling of bottles) can seem formidable, the knowledgeable bar staff can help neophytes and hop heads alike choose the most suitable suds for them. Located in close proximity to Coors Field and Denver’s trendy LoDo area, this spacious watering hole is a social spot to catch a ball game or raise a glass with friends.
Braun's Bar & Grill and The Penalty Box
1055 Auraria Pkwy. - Denver720-932-0707
Located directly next to the Pepsi Center, Braun's is the perfect place to meet up before and after any Pepsi Center event. The structure features two distinct areas. Upstairs, Braun's is a relaxed, more upscale place to enjoy classic American food before the big game. In the basement, the Penalty Box sports bar offers a place to get rowdy. Plenty of games are spread around the hockey rink inspired floor. The brick walls and steel accents are illuminated by a plethora of large screen TVs and fans gather around the bar to pound a few brews before the big game...where they'll, again, pound a few brews at the game. We love you guys.
The Tavern Downtown
1949 Market St. - Denver303-299-0100
For a town that spends a few months under a blanket of snow each year, we sure do like to cut loose once it’s gone, and where better than on a rooftop patio? The Tavern Downtown sports a three-deck patio and plenty of room to move freely instead of the Saturday night crush that happens on so many other rooftop patios. Then head inside and play a few frames of Thunder Bowling, catch the last innings on the plasma screens and show your fancy footwork on the dancefloor. Either way The Tavern Downtown has you covered.
What other people are saying...
DenverNikki from Highlands - October 14, 2009 at 2:04 PM
For the best happy hour food deals you have to go to Bayou Bob's next to the Paramount from 3-7. $2 bayou-ritas and half-price apps?! The stuffed m...
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Report This Commentalexjimenez from A-Town - August 20, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Petes Arena Pizza on campus is bomb diggity. You really cant beat the 2 slices of pie and a coors light deal for 5.75. What better way to take a br...
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