There’s a reason Cheers reigned supreme as a sitcom and inspired multiple wildly successful spin-offs – the enduring charm and comfort of a local haunt cannot be understated. To be a good dive bar, you need cheap drinks, plentiful seating, and a certain lack of charm that becomes, in and of itself, charming. A good dive bar allows you to come as you are, without being scary or gross. If you want a casual night out with friends, try one of the best Denver dive bars.
Central-ish Denver Dive Bars
My Brother’s Bar (Platte River)
The oldest bar in Denver, this Colorado institution doesn’t technically even have a name. As the story goes, the current owners took over in the 70s and never chose a name. One day a pushy patron got the bartender to say, “it’s my brother’s bar!” According to this apocryphal tale, the name stuck around. In addition to relaxed dive vibes, My Brother’s Bar has some of the best burgers in Denver.
2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
Vesper Lounge (Capitol Hill)
A true test of a good dive bar is the graffiti in the bathroom, and Vesper Lounge has some of my favorite. In one stall in the women’s bathroom, a desperate comrade-in-arms scrawled in sharpie, “I am so f*cking sick of going on Hinge dates here.” I wouldn’t take a date here, but with a large outdoor area and shockingly good chicken nuggets, I would have a relaxed night with friends here. If you want to kick it up a notch, the excellent cocktail bar Salita is right next door (though less friendly to your wallet).
233 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
The Horseshoe Lounge (Cap Hill)
If you have the funds and willpower to be an absolute menace on a jukebox, Horseshoe Lounge will fill your cravings. It’s jam-packed with midcentury kitsch, with a crowd that’s young but not suspiciously young. Engage in the time-honored Colorado tradition of popping outside on the secluded patio when it gets too hot inside (works especially well in the winter).
414 E 20th Ave, Denver, CO 80205
Candlelight Tavern (South Pearl)
Though dangerously close to the University of Denver, you’ll find an all-ages crowd at this local institution. Everything from the facade to the real wood paneling to the prices are a blast from the past. It’s completely unfussy and unpretentious. Long and narrow, I recommend going on a quieter night to avoid being shoved into a dart board.
383 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80209
The British Bulldog (Curtis Park)
Irish pubs are a dime a dozen in the states. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve drunk my fair share of green beer and Guinness. But a genuine British pub, complete with Victorian-era woodwork, is a rare specimen in the mountain west. It can be a little quieter than other options on this list, making it a great option for a larger group, or someone looking for a chiller hang.
2052 Stout St, Denver, CO 80205
Embassy Tavern (RiNo)
Across the street from Denver’s most popular gay bar, Tracks, this bar is dark, dim, crowded, and impossibly cheap. They often have karaoke nights for the outlandish among you. In a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood like RiNo, it’s comforting to see a carpet of indeterminate pattern in a bar with blessedly few windows.
3463 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
South Broadway Dive Bars
Hi-Dive
Okay this is technically a live music venue rather than a true dive bar, but it has cheap drinks and the right sort of relaxed atmosphere. It doesn’t have acts every night, and when there’s no music it’s just as low-key (though maybe a little quieter). I recommend going when there’s an act on, because live music of any quality always enhances a night out. Find it by its iconic neon sign that reads, “The Club Is Open.”
7 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80223
Sobo 151 Bar and Grill
Technically this is a Czech bar, but the place is absolutely overflowing with Buffalo, NY memorabilia and charm. I think if it as a Buffalo-Czech bar (ha). Bigger than most of the bars on this list, Sobo 151 still has the right close atmosphere with its low ceilings and dim lighting. It’s a great spot for groups looking to do something, as they have everything from karaoke to trivia to pool. Plus, there’s pretty much always a game on.
151 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
Dive Inn
This is one of the most unique bars in Denver, thanks to their seating: speedboats. Speedboats built into the floor as booths. It’s a layout that has to be seen to be believed. Once you get past the quirky choice of chairs, it’s an easy bar to settle into, with two patios and plenty of bar games to try. When alcoholic munchies hit, I highly recommend ordering a churro from the window at the back.
1380 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
TrashHawk Tavern
Rumored to be the mythical rat bar of TikTok fame, both names fit this dive. It’s a little cleaner than some others on this list, and has more seating, but it still has a casual atmosphere. Surprisingly big (it’s long and narrow), there is tons of seating. And for good reason – they have board games! Don’t let anyone trick you into taking a shot of Malört, though.
1539 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
The Brutal Poodle
Don’t let the intensity of this metal bar fool you – The Brutal Poodle welcomes all comers. While all of the dives on this list have decent food, The Brutal Poodle is my top rec for food in general, simply given the diversity of their menu (and how well you pull all of it off). If you’re making a sojurn down South Broadway, I recommend The Brutal Poodle as your last stop of the night.
1967 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
Other Great Bars in & Around Denver
Billy’s Inn (Berkley/Sunnyside)
Located in a tiny Spanish-style building, Billy’s is a NW Denver neighborhood favorite for Mexican-ish pub food. They have an incredible happy hour, and great margaritas. I especially recommend their carne asada fries for a crowd – though you may need two plates! Located in a quieter neighborhood, you can’t bar hop as easily from Billy’s, but that’s fine because you’ll want to stay awhile anyway.
4403 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80211
Lakeview Lounge (Sloan’s Lake)
Located just across the street from one of Denver’s favorite aquatic features, this unprepossessing bar is a go-to favorite for those in the know. The bartenders are efficient and friendly, the multicolor Christmas string lights are up all year long, and the bathrooms are shockingly small compared to the size of the establishment. It’s cash only, but it’s unlikely you’ll need to take out more than $20 to run up a hefty tab – a rarity today!
2375 Sheridan Blvd, Edgewater, CO 80214
Ace-Hi Tavern (Golden)
Situated squarely in downtown Golden (just outside of Denver), some of my fondest memories happened at Ace-Hi, because we went there after my wedding! Opened in 1961, it has changed barely a whit since then. Like many of the bars on this list, you can catch Karaoke on a Saturday night (with a pretty crowded floor). For a more relaxed experience go over the summer or near Christmas (when students at the nearby School of Mines are on break).
1216 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401
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