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« Mark Whistler
Going to the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado?
If you're headed to Denver for the DNC, here's a breakdown of the nightlife... In just two weeks, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) will be hosted in Denver, Colorado, a place slightly off the beaten path for some. However, don’t be fooled, the city is vibrant with nightlife...Your author just toured the city’s bars and here’s the scoop on happening places to go. Denver, More Than Just A Mile HighForemost, while many may think of Denver as a "ski town," the city has come a long, long way from the old stereotype. Really, Denver is a chic, happening town, filled with culture and nightlife, poised to impress even the savviest from Wall Street and Washington. Case in point, from 2004 to 2006, Forbes ranked Denver the #1 city in America for singles. In 2007, Denver dropped to #16; however, the massive dip in ranking was actually due to a change in survey methodology, which excluded Boulder from the tally. While the ranking drop may have hurt Denver in the race for "singles coolness," nothing really changed, especially considering in 2007 Forbes ranked the city as #1 in the nation for affordability. The low cost of living draws massive amounts of zestful youth; part of the reason the city has such a booming nightclub and bar scene, across the board. (FYI, the average age in Denver is 34.) Just for disclosure, it's probably important to note that your author is a Denver native, though after having lived on the East Coast for the past four years, I was incredibly impressed with the way the city's nightlife has grown up since I've been gone. On a recent visit back in the Mile High City, I couldn't help to notice how much neo-ultra-trendy-nightlife has popped up in just a few short years. Lower Downtown (LoDo); the Big Warehouse PartyIf you're attending the DN -- and ask your concierge where to go for thrills -- most likely, the first words to come out of his/her mouth will be "LoDo." Lower Downtown is the old warehouse district portion of Denver, now transformed into a nightlife Mecca. Overall, the downtown area hosts over 300 bars and restaurants (according to DowntownDenver.com), with most concentrated in LoDo, right in the heart of where the DNC will be held. For those looking for exceptionally chic, one of Denver's most famous nightlife proprietors, Francois Safiddine, recently opened -- arguably -- the city's most upscale lounge hotspots, Suite 200, on Larimer Square.
Those who want to be in the heart of everything won't want to miss stopping by this sexy luxe nightclub for a nightcap, at the least. At the end of the day, there's certainly no shortage of talent at Suite Two Hundred, that’s for sure. Mega-celebrities visiting Denver for the DNC will most likely be seen at Suite Two hundred, something your author surmises as a fairly safe bet. Vice President of Marketing for the Lotus Concepts, Paulina Szafranski (Suite Two Hundred's parent company) mentioned, "Since the grand opening in early August, the long-awaited Suite Two Hundred has elevated the nightlife standard in Denver, just in time for the DNC."
Larimer Square is "the heart of Denver's nightlife" hosting The Capital Grille, Samba Room, CRU, Rioja and for those who prefer a late night espresso The Market is hands down, your author's favorite. (I actually wrote the bulk of this article at The Market, and while working, noticed Denver's ex-wide receiver Ed McCaffrey sitting just a short distance away...Celebrity sightings in Denver are seemingly more commonplace these days; perhaps a sign of the city's larger appeal to the tres-chic.) There's plenty of shopping on Larimer Square too, including John Atencio for those with a lustful eye for custom bling and Mariel (fine apparel) for potential First Ladies to be. On my tour of Larimer Square and LoDo, I couldn't help to notice Rioja, a flavorful Mediterranean favorite, where at 10:00 PM on any given Saturday night, the bar area seems oddly full of single women sipping mohitos. Perhaps the phenomenon is due to the presence of Denver's nicest bartender Tony Maciag, but we'll leave that one up for polling. Located right next door to Suite 200 on Larimer Square, Rioja is a must for those seeking a martini in a more relaxed environment. In addition, Larimer Square is just one black away from the Hotel Teatro (voted a Top 100 North American Hotel by Travel + Leisure in 2008) , which is rumored to have been completely bought out by the Kennedy clan and entourage for the convention, though whether it's true or not, is up for grabs. The guys at the desk just smirked when I inquired and apparently the concierge was looking for a larger incentive than the "fiver" I offered to spill the beans.
Just one block north on Market Street, patrons won't want to overlook Spill Nightclub, Monarck/24k, Mint, Nallen's Pub, or The Pour House either, all happening almost any night of the week. Just five blocks east, baseball fans will find a plethora of sports bars right by Coors Field, home of the Colorado, Rockies. The sports bar end of LoDo can be a little more rowdy late at night, but that’s probably just what the doctor ordered for midnight bar-hoppers. Spill nightclub on 14th and Market has an incredible rooftop deck with table/bottle service, cabanas and "misters" to cool off patrons on hot summer nights. Owner Brad Beale says, "unlike all the other here today gone tomorrow places in LoDo...To honor Spill's 5th year...mention this ad and receive 50% off your drink Tab!!" Thanks Brad; a very generous offer indeed.
In the opposite direction on 15th and Lawrence, those looking for total sophistication will find 5 Degrees, an upscale martini lounge and tapas restaurant...Also owned by Lotus Concepts, Paulina Szafranski mentioned that the restaurant is completely booked during the week, including a massive party hosted by the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) on Wednesday the 27th, which will open to the public after 11:30 PM. Szafranski says, "The SAG party's invite list is completely celebrity studded with some of the most famous Silver Screen stars in the world -- Denver will undoubtedly be on the map after this party alone."
Just Outside of DowntownLoDo isn't the only game in town though, as many who attempt to "get off the LoDo grid" will find out. The Broadway Corridor just south of the city is jam-packed full of nightlife flavor, including Andrew's Pub, a local's favorite. If you're looking for a little pool, a big screen for the game, or just a place to down a few suds and meet the natives, Andrew's is it. (Located in-between 10th and 11th Street on Broadway.) On most nights in the back bar you'll find one of Denver's most famous bartenders Butch Buckley, a guy who knows the nightlife scene like the back of his hand If you're wondering who to ask about where to go, Butch is your man. Just east of the Broadway Corridor is Cherry Creek, home to some of Denver's more upscale residents, shopping and restaurants. Specifically, Cherry Creek North is a little like the "Beverly Hills" of Denver where BMW's and Range Rover's are key; even the occasional stray fur coat in the cold of winter. Your author's preferred happy hour hotspot is BAR NorTH, which is just a stone's throw from the JW Marriot, which will likely be hosting many of the DNC's elite.
Finally, for those looking for grunge (political protestors maybe?), Capital Hill is home to misfits and hipsters. Benders on 13th Street is a heavy metal haven, while also occasionally hosting techno-house-rave things as well. I expected my visit to be met with some resistance at this final stop on my late-night tour, but the rough dudes at the bar were equally some of the nicest people I met all night. I probably wouldn't recommend wearing a tie though, just FYI. Regardless, during my visit, international DJ Schmid-E was more than hospital, scratching records every side of Sunday, while the crowd "laid down the haps" on the floor. Earplugs recommended for sure, though those seeking to shake their techno-money-makers will find a great time here. Overall, Denver is youthful town with nightlife for every taste, as many DNC visitors will soon to find out in late August. In the coming weeks, Denver just might change the way the world views the Mile High sleepy "ski town."
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Downtown Denver Partnership Mark Whistler 8/20/08
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