16 NOVEMBER 23-29, 2023 westword.com WESTWORD | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | LETTERS | CONTENTS | was modeled after British gentlemen’s pubs in the nineteenth century — though the menu is anything but stuffy. Classic drinks such as Sazeracs, Puka Punch and White Russians are expertly made, while new tricks featuring fat-washed vodka and whiskey taste and feel more like dessert than liquor. The Greyhound can fi ll up quickly and doesn’t take reservations, so race there before the sun goes down for a seat on the couch. Lion’s Lair 2022 East Colfax Avenue 303-320-9200 lionslairco.com This address has long housed an indepen- dent venue — fi rst as the Aladdin Tavern in the ’30s, then as the Playboy Lounge — until Hugh Hefner paid its then-owner $5,000 to change the name. In 1967, the club was purchased by John Lyons, who trans- formed it into the Lion’s Lair. Now its current owners are keeping its legacy alive as one of the best places in town to sip cheap drinks and see live enter- tainment. This is a living piece of Colfax history that we hope never changes. The Marigold 2721 Welton Street marigolddenver.com After more than two years of delays, local bar pro Sudhir Kudva and his entourage of investors debuted this combo bar and plant shop in Five Points in 2023. Brightly colored fl oral murals provide a backdrop to plenty of greenery in the space, where you can pick up a new succulent or philodendron after imbibing gin-spiked cocktails. Matchbox 2625 Larimer Street 720-437-9100 matchboxdenver.com This bar’s name was inspired partly by a fi re that gutted the space in 2009, and partly by the fact that it’s long and narrow like a matchbox. While the neighborhood has changed a lot since it opened in 2011, Matchbox has remained a reliable place to score infused shots (Baja Blast, anyone?), cheap (in the best way) drink deals and sometimes rowdy crowds (especially during Taking Back Mondays). Walls decked out in local art, a large smoker-friendly patio and a no-bullshit attitude cement the bar’s place in our hearts as one of the best spots to catch a buzz in RiNo. Meadowlark 2701 Larimer Street 303-293-0251 meadowlarkbar.com Owner Loy Merck opened this charming dive bar in 2006, and the Meadowlark has been a popular hangout ever since. To get to the bar, you have to go underground, where shots of cheap whiskey can be ordered with- out judgment. Outside, there’s a patio with a large stage and outdoor bar, perfect for the weekly concerts, DJ sets and live shows that the venue hosts. Grab a slice of pizza from the Redeemer window next door, and enjoy a lowbrow night reminiscent of Denver in the early 2000s. Middleman 3401 East Colfax Avenue 303-353-4207 middlemanbar.com Middleman is the epitome of new-school cool on Colfax. The bar staffers are some of the best in town, and they’re not afraid to get playful with both their service and their cocktails. But you’ll be equally sat- isfi ed here if you prefer to sip on a cold Montucky or pound beer-and-shot com- bos. Making this stop even better is Misfi t Snackbar, which took over the food pro- gram in late 2019 and continues to serve some of the most creative and delicious eats in town. Molly Brown Distillery 2300 East 77th Avenue 720-593-9433 mbspirits.com After dealing with pandemic shutdowns and road construction along York Street that made getting inside the building almost impossible, the Molly Brown Distillery has proven to be unsinkable — like its namesake. Those who make the drive to its Gatsby- esque tasting room unexpectedly located in an industrial part of town will be rewarded with bourbon distilled on site from local grains, a lineup of cocktails named for fa- mous women, and — another surprise — one of the best pickle shots in town. Mozart’s Denver 1417 Krameria Street 303-353-2320 mozartsdenver.com In the 1800s, the original Mozart Hall was a social center and bar for German immi- grants downtown. The bar, including the sign, moved to the Mayfair neighborhood in 1955. The Mo, as it’s known to regulars, was a favorite for decades before being rebranded as the Aqua Lounge for a time. But in 2016, new owners restored the name and the glowing neon sign, which beckons people to come inside for heavy pours and weekly events like line dancing on Wednesdays and popular karaoke nights on Thursdays and Sundays. Rock me, Amadeus. My Brother’s Bar 2376 15th Street 303-455-9991 mybrothersbar.com Yes, My Brother’s Bar has a fascinating his- tory: The building has held a bar since the 1870s; Neal Cassady hung out here when it was Paul’s Place; and as My Brother’s Bar, it’s survived with no TVs while playing classical music and serving as a neighborhood joint for the whole city. But the most interesting chapter is the current one: After four de- cades, a longtime employee and her family bought the place from owner Jim Karagas, vowing to keep My Brother’s Bar going. And the Newmans have, without sacrifi cing any of that historic charm — or changing the con- diment caddies that accompany the beloved parchment-wrapped burgers. Neighbors Park Hill 2202 Kearney Street 303-333-1149 neighborsparkhill.com To fi nd a cafe that offers over thirty wines by the glass is always a treat. To fi nd those offerings in the congenial and homey locale that is Neighbors is nothing short of wonder- ful. This Park Hill cafe opened in 2011 and has been embraced not only by the neigh- borhood, but by diners from all over town looking for a well-curated and unusual wine list. If you’re not a wine drinker, the beer list is smaller but equally interesting, and the cocktails are on point. Add in a selection of small plates and charcuterie, and you’ve got a spot that’s as crowd-pleasing as it is comfy. Nob Hill Inn 420 East Colfax Avenue 303-860-7557 facebook.com/The-Nob-Hill-Inn- 205532859604209 The Nob Hill Inn has been a drinker’s para- dise for more than fi fty years; it’s daunting to think of all the people who have spent hours on the stools here. This is the kind of joint where it’s easy to lose track of time... for decades. The square-shaped bar makes for easy people-watching, and with some of Colfax’s fi nest camping out here, it’s usually entertaining as hell. If Bukowski were still alive, this might be his idea of nirvana. Noble Riot 1336 27th Street 303-993-5330 nobleriot.com Noble Riot, which was opened in 2019 by Nocturne owners Nicole and Scott Mattson along with wine veterans Joel Kampfe and Troy Bowen, is a different kind of wine bar. The decor includes candles dutifully lit each day by its wonderful staff, along with some of the most stunning maps you’ll ever see showing where wine comes from. And it has plenty of wine to offer, whether you’re up for trying something new or want a great glass of your favorite grape. Plus, patrons can enjoy some of the best fried chicken in the city, which pairs nicely with bubbles. Occidental 1950 West 32nd Avenue 720-291-0083 occidentalbar.com When owner Sean Kenyon grabbed the ad- dress next to his award-winning speakeasy, Williams & Graham, and prepared to install a more casual neighborhood bar, he wondered if Occidental would mostly function as a wait- ing room for its sibling, which sometimes sees waits of three hours. Several years later, he has his answer: This bar has an identity and a following all its own. Occidental’s punk-rock vibe and open seating have made it a neighbor- hood mainstay, a casual place to get an excel- lent cocktail or a beer without pretense. Ok Yeah 4337 Tennyson Street 720-778-2977 hk-ok.com The Id Est Hospi- tality group had a huge 2023, racking up Michelin stars for two of its concepts, Bruto and the Wolf’s Tailor. It also opened a new two-in-one restaurant and bar three floors above Tennyson Street. Hey Kiddo landed on the Michelin rec- ommended list, and its tucked-away back bar, Ok Yeah, epitomizes the group’s focus on two important tenets: being good and being fun. So settle in and just say “yeah” as you let the skilled staff serve drinks tailored to your taste. The Owl Saloon 5026 East Colfax Avenue 720-379-5085 theowlsaloon.com An ode to Colorado’s mountain bars, the Owl is packed with treasures, from license plates to the old maps that sit under the bartop glass to the sign from the former Sid King’s strip club. Look up and you’ll see a collection of dollar bills, à la the now-closed Bucksnort Saloon. Settle in for a mystery shot, a cold beer and bar grub from the lineup offered, including loaded tots, sandwiches and pizza. The bar also regularly Drink Here continued from page 14 continued on page 18 Karaoke nights draw big crowds at Mozart’s. Every lady gets a rose at PS Lounge. KRISTIN PAZULSKI MOLLY MARTIN
