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Comparable Schools' Nightlife Grades:
Quick StatsUseful Resources for Nightlife
- denver.nightguide.com
- www.milehighnights.com
Primary Areas with Nightlife
- Boulder
- Cherry Creek
- Lower downtown Denver (a.k.a. LoDo)
- Washington Park
Other Places to Check Out
- Beyond
- Breckenridge Brewery
- Fagan’s
- Heavenly Daze
- Las Margaritas
- Market 41
- Mynt
- Paramount Café
- Purple Martini
- Sing Sing
- Soiled Dove
- Stadium Inn
Cheapest Place to Get a Drink
Campus Lounge
The Border
College Prowler Take
Students at DU like to party, and the city of Denver makes it easy for them to do just that. Although downtown Denver is overflowing with exciting and trendy nightlife, there’s definitely more to Denver than downtown. When the party bug bites, don’t miss some of the other hotspots around town, including clubs and bars in Littleton and the Cherry Creek area. In fact, you don’t even have to get in a car to find somewhere to relax, get crazy, play some pool, or just drink. The Border, Stadium Inn, Stick-E-Star, The Pioneer, and Jordan’s are all within walking distance from campus. House parties are another ever-present option for partying at DU. Most parties get broken up before they really catch flight, but if you’re on your way to another club or bar for the evening, drive through the neighborhoods surrounding campus and see what you can find. Also, don’t miss out on Greek-sponsored bar parties. You don’t have to be Greek to attend, and besides, it’s fun to take over an entire bar for the night and just party away. Being underage at DU is not a problem. Head for the Border, where it’s no secret that the “bouncers” are pretty lax on IDs. A double-feature, drive-in movie theater is located just a few miles from campus, and Denver also has some late-night coffee houses with eclectic interiors and charming atmospheres. Other favorite activities include late-night bowling, arcades, and putt-putt.
Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Aglatt says:  |
The nightlife in downtown Denver...
The nightlife in downtown Denver is kinda boring at times unless you are 21 or have a fake ID. Denver is a city that closes down pretty early if you are under age. I can't wait to be 21 so that I can have more to do later at night on weekends!
Nightlife: July 03, 2008
Report |
Anonymous says:  |
My buddies and I throw house...
My buddies and I throw house parties all the time. Usually people stop by to pre-party before they head downtown or to the Border or wherever else they’re going for the night. It’s a good plan. People I know like to go to LoDo’s, Rise, and this new club called Beyond. There are always beautiful people everywhere at the more upscale clubs, and the bouncers are tougher on fake IDs, so you’re not drinking with teeny-boppers. That’s not always the case at bars around campus. |
Anonymous says:  |
On-campus parties are becoming...
On-campus parties are becoming less common. Administration has tried to do the ‘dry campus’ thing, but people still drink in their dorms or in houses near campus. But everyone tries to be so hush-hush about it, so it’s not very fun. House parties can be cool, if you know how to throw a decent one. I don’t really go out downtown or to the bars that often, and I still find ways to have fun. |
Anonymous says:  |
Greeks sponsor a lot of bar...
Greeks sponsor a lot of bar parties downtown or at other bars around town, and those are usually really fun. They had one at a place called Heavenly Daze, and it was a blast. A lot of people showed up. Other fun places are Market 41 and the Purple Martini. |
Anonymous says:  |
Some of the bars around campus are...
Some of the bars around campus are kind of shady (lots of underage drinking and weirdos). The Border is one of them. But other places like Campus Lounge or Las Margs are fun if you want to stay closer to school and have a good time. |
FactsClub Crawler
Clubs in Denver can be nothing more than lewd meat markets with loud music and expensive drinks, teeming with ogling 20-somethings in sharp clothes. However, Denver also has some electrifying hotspots that feature a variety of music, packed dance floors, an eclectic mix of people, and cheap drinks.
Bar Prowler
Bars in Denver range from relaxing pool halls to dimly lit sports bars to questionable dives to pretentious hotspots. No matter where you go, Denver bars offer relaxing spots to chill, chat with old friends, make new friends, and of course, drink. The following bars are a sample of student favorites.
Organization Parties
Bar parties, sponsored by Greeks, usually draw a sizable crowd of Greeks and non-Greeks alike. Most bar parties are held at well-known bars downtown or near campus. Other student organizations and clubs throw parties occasionally, but they don’t publicize them as much to those outside the club.
Club Listings
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. Stampede Mesquite Grill & Dance Emporium 2430 S Havana St. (303) 337-6909
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. LoDo’s Bar and Grill 1946 Market St. (303) 293-8555
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. Bash Nightclub 1902 Blake St. (303) 298-7994
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. Club 314 314 E 13th Ave. (303) 861-8078
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. Rise Night Club 19th and Blake Streets (303) 383-1909
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 Mercury Café 2199 California St. (303) 294-9281
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. The Church 1160 Lincoln Ave. (303) 832-2383
Bar Listings
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. Campus Lounge 701 S University Blvd. (303) 722-9696
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. Fado Irish Pub 1735 19th St., #150 (303) 297-0066
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. Blue 67 1475 Lawrence St. (303) 260-7505
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 Border 2014 S University Blvd. (303) 722-9880
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.
What to Do if You're Not 21
A 16-and-over club that gets especially busy on weekends. The club is kind of seedy, and several wannabe gangsters hang out there. Decades 1650 N Wadsworth Blvd. (303) 238-5777
Cover charge on Friday nights is $10 for 18-and-up, and $5 on Saturdays for ladies 18-and-up after 11 p.m. Bash Nightclub 1902 Blake St. (303) 298-7994
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. Avalon Nightclub 9535 Park Meadows Dr. Lone Tree (303) 790-0024
Saturday night at the Island is open to all ages. Rock Island 1614 15th St. (303) 572-7625
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. Common Grounds 1601 17th St. (303) 296-9248
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. Dave and Busters 1940 S Colorado Blvd. (303) 759-1515
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