Denver Restaurant and Bar Guide

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DOING IT UP RIGHT IN DENVER

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NIGHTLIFE
Denver has a dizzying array of choices for nightlife. That said, Denver is not a late night city compared to reigning nightlife champions like Las Vegas, New York or Los Angeles. Rather, things get swinging in Denver around 9pm and go until about 2am. Below are some of my favorites hot spots.

RESTAURANTS
The Chophouse serves the best steaks in town and is located in the heart of Denver's entertainment district. In addition to the great steaks and seafood, the Chophouse has a very active social scene after 9pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (during Broncos season). Denver Chophouse, 1735 19th St, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 296-0800.

My Brother's Bar has achieved near legendary status in Denver for two reasons: their burgers and the fact that the bar has no signs indicating its location at all. The best way to find it is to find the giant REI flagship store and then go to the corner immediately north of the store. Voila! My Brother's Bar, 2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 455-9991

Okay, the Brewery Bar II is a short cab ride from downtown ($8), but well worth the trip for the food. You won't find much ambiance and I was the most attractive woman in the bar when I was there, but if you want hot Mexican food in a dive bar, this is your nirvana. Brewery Bar II, 150 Kalamath St, Denver, CO 80223, (303) 893-0971.

Vesta Dipping Grill is an all-time favorite of mine. Vesta specializes in skewers of meat and vegetables that are partnered with dipping sauces of your choice. Choose sauces, sweet, savory or spicy, and share them with your tablemates. Vesta Dipping Grill, 1822 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 296-1970.

Wazee Supper Club is not what its name would imply. Rather than a fancy steakhouse, the Wazee is a local hangout that serves the best pizza and hamburgers in town. Wazee Supper Club, 15th and Wazee, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 623-9518.

If you're craving something spicy, but not Mexican fare, then Gumbo's is the place for you. Literally, right across the street from the Jet Hotel, Gumbo's crawfish étouffée is not to be missed. Sadly, Gumbo's discontinued their brunch about two years ago and I miss it terribly. Gumbo's Louisiana Café, 1530 16th Street, Denver, CO 80202, 1-888-210-4319

Looking for a funky little pizzeria that serves some of the best pizza in town? Look no further than Two-Fisted Mario's Pizza, a hole in the wall joint that's open late and serves beer, too. Get a slice, then walk around Double Daughter's Salotto next door. Two-Fisted Mario's Pizza, 1626 Market St, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 623-3523

Don't let the outside fool you. Mori's may look unassuming, but from their location right near Coors Field, this little spot serves the best sushi in downtown Denver. Mori Sushi Bar and Tokyo Cuisine, 2019 Market St., Denver, CO, 80205, (303) 298-1864

ECLECTIC BARS
Double Daughter's has got to be one of the most unique lounges in Denver. Where else can you sit in high-backed, neon-lit booths gazing at the work of local artists while munching on pizza by the slice from Two-Fisted Mario's next door? Double Daughter's Salotto, 1632 Market St., Denver, CO 80202, (303) 623-3505.

The Cruise Room was last remodeled in 1933, but don't think that means it's old and out of date. Rather, step back in time to a wonderfully restored art deco look frozen from the middle of the depression. Oh, and don't miss their martinis. Cruise Room, 1600 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 825-1107.

Corridor 44 is a champagne bar but when it comes to meeting people your luck on any particular night will vary greatly. You may find some of Denver's most attractive singles there or you may have the place all to yourself. Regardless, the impeccable service and high-quality food and drink are well worth the stop. Corridor 44, 1433 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 893-0044.

Trios Enoteca is a Denver landmark. A truly unique wine and cigar bar that also has some of the best in original musicians playing in their front bar area. Set in a jazzy nightclub environment, which of their 300 different wines will you try? Trios Enoteca, 1730 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202,(303) 293-2887.

BREWERIES
The Wynkoop is a great place for playing pool, drinking beer and having a bite to eat in a casual environment. It's also owned by the mayor of Denver, so drink up, but don't expect the city to step in if you are cited for public drunkenness. Wynkoop Brewing Pub,1634 18th St., Denver, CO 80202, (303) 297-2700.

The Sports Column is consistently rated among the top sports bars in the U.S. and for good reason. Spacious, good service, good food and lots of sports fans make this the perfect place for a pre-game celebration. The rooftop deck is especially fun before a Rockies games. Sport's Column, 1930 Blake St., Denver, CO 80202, (303) 296-1930.

If you're looking for a mainstream Irish pub that attracts a good local crowd on Fridays and Saturdays, or anytime there is a Rockies game in town, then Fado may be for you. Fado features live music many nights of the week and European football matches. Fado Irish Pub, 1735 19th St # 150, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 297-0066.

The Falling Rock Taphouse has a motto of ‘No crap on tap' and they deliver on that promise. They literally have hundreds of beers on tap and the place is usually not too crowded except for before a Rockies games as the bar is located near Coors Field. As strange as this may sound for a taphouse, don't miss the root beer. Falling Rock Taphouse, 1919 Blake St., Denver, CO 80202, (303) 293-8338.

LoDo's Bar and Grill is a downtown pub that gets crowded late with the 20-something set who are not looking for a nightclub experience, so get there early. It's located right near Coors Field, so its rooftop deck is a popular hangout before a Rockies game. LoDo's Bar and Grill, 1946 Market St., Denver, CO 80202, (303) 293-8555.

The Celtic is another Irish-themed pub, but seems to have less of an‘Irish' feel to it. The crowd is typically the late 20s set and this giant bar offers plenty of room to mingle around and meet the locals. Celtic Tavern, 1801 Blake St., Denver, CO 80202, (303) 308-1795,

Nallen's is a Denver tradition. It's essentially a wooden hallway with a bar serving some of the best Irish beer you can find. Nallen's is not big on atmosphere, but it's a great place to get your night started right if you're looking for a great little bar with great service. Nallen's Irish Pub, 1429 Market St, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 572-0667.

The Tavern Downtown is a great place for food and spirits in a nicely remodeled atmosphere. Fridays and Saturdays can be packed, but still a fun place to go to raise a little hell in Denver. Tavern Downtown, 1949 Market St., Denver, CO 80202, (303) 299-0100.

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