El Chapultepec has been hosting jazz and blues notables since 1951, including the likes of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. The place is small and usually crowded, but it's known throughout Denver as the city's best venue for live blues and jazz. A limited menu of drinks and Mexican food is offered, and you'll want to try the burritos, which are almost as legendary as the performers. Live music every single night, and never a cover charge! Two-drink minimum per set. The club is located in the heart of downtown where parking meters have a 2 hour limit, which means you are better off spending more by parking in a garage or taking a cab.
Recommended for Live Music because: Live music is offered seven nights a week featuring soul, blues and jazz.
Carri's expert tip: Catch Freddy Rodriguez, who has been playing the tenor sax at "the pec" for over 30 years. He covers classic musicians like Thelonious Monk, Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis & other great musicians
Smack in the heart of Downtown Golden, CO, The Buffalo Rose is a local hang out, bar and nightclub, and a venue often featuring open mic and live music – sometimes even national acts. Music varies greatly, ranging from blues to hip-hop to rock n'roll and everything in between. Open 7 days a week and ready to offer you a cold one and a full menu. The historic building might not make your list of upscale nightlife, but if you're in Golden, chances are you'll stop by this historic, dive nightclub for some entertainment. The history of the building dates back to 1859.
Recommended for Live Music because: The Buffalo Rose Saloon has one of the longest histories of any venue in Colorado dating all the way back to 1859.
Carri's expert tip: Head out in warmer months for live music on the patio.
Country music fan? You've got to visit Grizzly Rose. In fact, it's won the Country Music Association's "Best Country Music Club" award. Old-time favorites like Willie Nelson and more recent names like LeAnn Rimes appear on the roster of previous performers. Pool tables, a mechanical bull, and a video game room round out the entertainment options. Country-western duds are the way to go! Call ahead to find out when they offer free dance lessons. Live music six nights a week, and Sundays are family friendly. The space is intimate (though of course can get crowded) but offers one of the most up close music experiences in the city.
Recommended for Live Music because: This is an intimate venue where you can catch some of the biggest country stars.
Carri's expert tip: Head out on a Sunday night for line dancing lessons.
Fadó offers authentic Irish pub atmosphere with food, drink, and entertainment to match. Inside, the place features a quintessential dark-wood bar and plenty of "pub" ambiance, which is especially accommodating after the sun goes down and the place gets packed. Fadó frequently features live music – dancing is always encouraged! – as well as special events to celebrate football and rugby matches. When a big match is on TV, expect to find plenty of competitive spirits and rival teams making this an incredibly festive atmosphere full of cheering. When it comes to the jams- the bagpipes most always make an appearance.
Recommended for Live Music because: This is one of the few classic Irish pubs in town where crowds also go crazy for soccer games.
Carri's expert tip: Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 5-8pm, every day of the week, for $5 snacks, 1/2 off house wine, 1/2 off wells, and $10 bottomless Odell East Street Wheat pints.
Guests at Beta move to a wide spectrum of music played on the main floor and in the Beatport Lounge--house, techno, dubstep, trance, hip-hop, trap and everything in between. Beta is by and for DJs though there are live acts as well, which might include vocalists, instruments, turntablism or controllerism. The owners firmly believe that if you haven't been to Beta you have not experienced music as it's meant to be heard. "With our system processors constantly adjusted, acoustic treatment fully dialed and every aspect down to the wiring and placement fine-tuned, you can expect the best sound in Denver with the best artists." While there's no food served at the club, there are street vendors and food trucks all night long.
Recommended for Live Music because: This is a hip and trendy spot where DJ's and musicians turn music until the bars shut down at 2 a.m.
Carri's expert tip: Several DJ's have gotten their start at Beta Nightclub so give any show a fair chance.
Mead Street Station is widely considered one of Denver's best British pubs. The large food menu includes pub fare as well as more innovative offerings, although it's hard to compete with a pint of Guinness and a serving of requisite fish and chips. The drink menu is sure to please as well, thanks to a diverse supply of beers (on tap and bottled), wines, and single malt scotches.The popular pub also offers live music five nights a week, most usually rock or jazz. This spot knows how to mix it up with everything from open mic nights to Rock 'n Roll Bingo.
Recommended for Live Music because: This spot knows how to mix it up with everything from open mic nights to Rock 'n Roll Bingo.
Carri's expert tip: Come on Wednesday to listen to a bluegrass jam by Soultyme.
Local beatnik legend Neal Cassady and his good friends Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg once called Charlie Brown's a favorite watering hole. During the week, enjoy the casual atmosphere with young residents from the Capitol Hill neighborhood. For a real treat, experience a weekend sing-along with the pianist, Paulie, who has been playing Rat Pack favorites here for years. Come weekends, parking in the Capitol Hill neighborhood can be tough, so consider taking a cab, Lyft or Uber. Head out on a Saturday night and find a crowd around the table singing to some of the most classic songs like Sweet Caroline.
Recommended for Live Music because: This is one of the few old time piano bars that is still on top of it's game in the state.
Carri's expert tip: Head out on a Saturday night and find a crowd around the table singing to some of the most classic songs like Sweet Caroline.
This one-time LoDo venue has migrated east to Lowry, the quickly growing residential and commericial area on the outskirts of the city. A warm color scheme with wood accents makes the spot below the Tavern Lowry an intimate, cozy space in which to hear live music, be it blues, jazz, or even big band. You will also hear from plenty of classic tribute bands who often take the stage. First-rate acoustics and free parking are improvements on the old location. Available for private parties too. The concept is owned by Tavern Hospitality Group which is also the owner of several other nightlife concepts in town.
Recommended for Live Music because: The venue takes the music experience a step further with music workshops offered with some of the cities best musicians.
Carri's expert tip: All shows are 21 and up.
Loud and fun. Those are the definitive words to describe this neighborhood bar and music venue that has drawn crowds since 2003. According to one bartender, "It's a classic dive bar with dark lighting that's perfect for watching fun bands and drinking with your friends in an unpretentious atmosphere." The fun bands tend to be up-and-coming local and national bands and the place is intimate enough that you can often meet the band members and buy all or one of them a drink. Musician-bartenders own Hi-Dive, and thus it appeals to musicians and those in the service industry, especially if they live along South Broadway.
Recommended for Live Music because: Head to the patio for live music combined with open air.
Carri's expert tip: Happy hour starts at 4 p.m. Get there early. Pool and darts are free until 9 p.m.
In the Zone Sports Bar & Grill features live music Friday and Saturday nights year round – and Wednesdays April to September – with local bands playing classic rock, country, and all danceable tunes. Take the fun outside (weather permitting) on the 5,000 square feet patio. Located 5 minutes from downtown Golden and Miller-Coors Brewery, In The Zone Sports Bar & Grill is a haunt of many locals and Coors employees. Sporting a "Cheers" atmosphere with its120-foot bar, 20 beers on tap and a full bar, kick back and enjoy your favorite sports team play on over 90 flat screen HDTVs. The menu is also a favorite, with comfort pub grub, such as sandwiches, burgers, nachoes, pizza, and wings. Mix in a spicy Mexican menu with housemade green chili, and you have a winner.
Recommended for Live Music because: It's not just music but also dancing for many patrons who come here.
Diana's expert tip: Keep tabs on the live music calendar to find out which bands are headed to the stage. http://www.inthezonebar.com/live-music-calendar.html