University of Colorado - Nightlife

Boasting drink specials seven nights a week, Round Midnight is an underground bar in Boulder best known for the fact that it is one of the places a person can go to dance. One side of the bar is filled with pool tables, and the other side of the bar is filled with dancing people.

Depending on the night, you may find yourself either among a group of goths or a crowd of raging ladies. Vinyl prides itself on having the biggest ladies night in all of Denver on Tuesday nights, and on Sundays, they host Denver’s oldest goth/industrial night.

Often regarded as the best spot to sip martinis, the Funky Buddha Lounge has a long list of distinctive cocktails. The atmosphere found here is elegant and sophisticated, while maintaining a comfortable sense of leisure and style.

In response to the leading club culture that would be found in more lavish cities such as Miami or Las Vegas, Denver has a nightclub that rivals its contemporaries. The three floors have five bars and four dance floors. Rise’s unmistakable size allows for sub-venues, ranging from a discreet lounge appropriately titled “Shadow Lounge,” to a patio lounge named “Skybar,” which adopts the Miami style.

Whether it is their uncanny ability to challenge sobriety with just one drink, or their undisputed title as having the best margaritas in Boulder, the Rio packs the bar to capacity every Thursday. The Rio is the most popular Mexican restaurant in Boulder. Whether you plan on drinking at the bar or enjoying a few drinks at dinner, know that policy permits only three drinks per customer, due to their margaritas’ secret powers.

Moutain Sun caters to the hippie, woodsy types in Boulder. Healthy fare like salads, hummus, and black bean chili balance out the delicious homebrews.

Inside, the walls are inscribed with the names of students who have developed devotion for the landmark, which was built in 1923. Next to the names remains classic “Sink art” that portrays comical aspects of college life. During the day, all students can enjoy a burger while studying for an exam, but at night, the Sink requires ID for admission. Monday nights are flip night, where the toss of a coin determines whether you pay only 25 cents for a drink, depending on your luck.

The Walrus would be best described as a young man’s dream, with televisions dangling from the ceilings showing sports all day. Here, foosball and video games are only steps away from a bar, and pool tables are free Monday through Friday during the 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. happy hour. The Walrus also provides free peanuts and the lure of tossing the empty shells onto the floor. Could a man ask for anything more?

Sundown boasts the best bourbon in town and hooks CU students with the free pool daily until 10:30 p.m. Locals mingle with students, making the Sundown a pretty diverse bar for the area.

People can be found at Mamacita’s intimate Mexican setting on just about any night of the week. The quaint bar usually serves as a gathering for close friends. The cozy booths that line the small space serve as perfect fixtures for friendly conversations, which could otherwise be drowned out from the loud music of the bars nearby.

Steps below the renowned Hotel Boulderado lies a blues-playing, rock-and-roll-loving bar. Though the traditional number of pool tables scattered throughout the dark basement are less than surprising, what most wouldn’t expect are the number of arcade games available. Catacombs also serves host to live venues that attract a range of Boulderites with $2 domestic drafts and well drinks on Sunday nights.

Bacaro always attracts those wanting to indulge with a ?ner taste and college ?nesse. And, on Friday and Saturday nights Bacaro gives a chance to show off your dance moves.

By night, this Latin/Caribbean infused restaurant transforms into one of Pearl Street’s Thursday night favorites. Best known for its mojitos and other tropical drinks, Centro is painted in brilliant colors and charming murals. Despite not having a dance floor, students and young professionals frequent the bar consistently to rub shoulders with Boulder’s trendsetters.

The Foundry just refurbished the entire interior to make room for more bar tables, which overlook the dance floor. The larger dance floor is not only a stage where bands play at times, but also the space in front of it. You can even play pool and dance while you're waiting for your turn to shoot. Tuesdays are '80s nights.

No bar scene would be complete without an old-fashioned Irish pub, and Conor's is the best in Boulder. Thursday night bar hoppers regularly start their night at O’Neil’s. Small circles of 21-and-over students usually stop in early for O’Neil’s infamous $3 car bombs. Tuesday is open-mic night.

Despite its size, which is capable of only seating 700 people, the Fox’s stage has seen some of the most legendary names in music. The Fox has found its niche by providing the diversity that other theaters might be reluctant to host. Here, jam bands have been booked alongside punk shows and hip-hop acts. All-ages shows are also popular at the Fox, which allows for versatility in venues, as well as crowds.

A music venue which caters to most types of music.

Those first few years at CU might prove frustrating, considering all the hype that the bar scene creates. Fortunately, live music venues, only steps from campus, provide younger undergraduates with the sanctity of song and dance.