University of Denver - Nightlife

A dance club not located in or around LoDo is change enough, let alone a club solely devoted to country music. The Stampede features six bars, an expansive dance floor, and plenty of pool tables. Don’t miss out on the lively two-stepping, line, and swing dancing. For those who are not dance-inclined, get your picture taken in Old West costumes and settings. The place is so sprawling that it never seems overly crowded or unpleasantly busy.

A little short on space but packed with energy, LoDo’s is a prime setting for the singles scene. The dance floor overflows with beefcake boys and scantily clad girls living it up to the beat of top 40 hits. The bar is also a little on the small side, and it can take a while to get the bartender’s attention. But LoDo’s is the place to go for a night of nonstop dancing, and if you so desire, one-night stands.

Bash boasts the biggest dance floor in Denver. Partying at Bash is more of an experience than merely a dance club, complete with video screens, light shows, and a number of DJs. Drinks, however, are a little pricey.

Club 314, located on the outskirts of LoDo, is refreshingly different from the typical dance clubs and sports bars throughout Denver. The club features fashion shows, go-go dancers, giveaways, and contests. DJs play electronica, techno, and metal, and a large lounge allows weary dancers a chance to rest. Parking is $2 all night—most other lots in downtown range between $6 and $20.

Rise is one of Denver’s newest night hotspots for the beautiful to see and be seen. The music at Rise ranges from electronic to reggae to Top 40, depending on which of the three dance floors you visit. The outdoor, 5,000 square -foot patio features live palm trees, and when your feet start to ache, comfy couches to relax on.

Salsa, folk dancing, belly dancing, and swing await you at The Merc. The venue is a fun alternative to the sometimes snobby and vulgar atmospheres of other Denver dance clubs. The Merc features live music, poetry readings, and a large food menu—including vegetarian dishes.

The well-known DJs at the Church, who work three floors of music, play house techno, Goth, rap, and ‘80s tracks. The club is more than just a club, complete with a sushi and wine bar, cigar room, and outdoor patio. The décor of the club, which used to be—you guessed it—a church, might seem a bit sacrilegious to some, but it’s a unique spot to drink and dance the night away.

Campus Lounge has been a DU student staple for 50 years. Although the bar is nothing spectacular, the atmosphere is uniquely 1950s. The Lounge offers a prime place to watch sports, play pool, eat nondescript Mexican food, and drink beer.

If you’re Irish, then you have a cultural obligation to visit Fado. The dark wooden interior and rustic furniture make Fado a small slice of Ireland stuck smack in the middle of Denver. Live music including Celtic folk and Irish rock is played almost every night, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Fado is located close to Coors Field, which makes it a great pre- or post-game spot. Every Monday is open-mic night with Irish singers and musicians.

If you’re one of the fortunate attending DU on your parents’ pretty penny, hit up Blue 67, an upscale Denver hotspot. The bar’s name is derived from its 67 variations on the martini, which include lemon drop, white chocolate, and sour apple. The food menu is just as varied as the drinks. To see some beautiful people making their way through LoDo on a weekend, head to Blue— just be sure to dress the part. Happy hour drinks (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily) are $3, as opposed to full-price $6 to $8.

The Border, however sleazy, cramped, and seedy of a joint it is, has been a DU tradition for years. This is most likely because it’s so close to campus, the bouncers don’t carefully check IDs, and drinks are cheap. Throngs of students flock to the Border for pool, music, dancing, video games, and random hookups. The Border is notorious for letting almost anyone with a fake ID past its doors. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself partying with underage kids who are quite proud of themselves for getting into a “college” club. Regardless of its ghetto feel, you have to visit the Border at least once or twice to be a true DU student.

The Park is an optimal hangout for sports enthusiasts. Don’t miss the 2-for-1 happy hours that cover margaritas, drafts, and Long Island iced teas. Spring and summer are the best times to venture to the Park for the open outdoor deck, which is filled with people, laughter, trivia games, and drinks.

A 16-and-over club that gets especially busy on weekends. The club is kind of seedy, and several wannabe gangsters hang out there.

Cover charge on Friday nights is $10 for 18-and-up, and $5 on Saturdays for ladies 18-and-up after 11 p.m.

Every Tuesday is 18-and-up night at Avalon. Tuesdays feature hip-hop and Top 40 jams to get down to on one of Avalon’s huge stages or dance floors. Additionally, for those over 21, the drinks at Avalon are cheaper than many places downtown.

Saturday night at the Island is open to all ages.

This charming coffee shop in LoDo features delish desserts, coffee drinks, board games, a piano, and computers. It’s also a prime spot for people-watching, which can get pretty interesting in LoDo.

Video games, pool tables, and TVs everywhere make this a great spot for underage fun, but expect to be kicked out when the clock strikes 11 p.m.