Dive Into These Lowkey Bars Around Town!
You might have noticed a series of sketches of beloved Denver spots taking over the 'gram - they're by local artist Emily Burrowes of Big Ass Maps. What started out as a project to learn her adopted city of Denver turned into love letters to some of her favorite venues, buildings, and small businesses around town. Recently, she set out to document her favorite dive bars around the city, and we thought this would be a great opportunity to partner together to shine a light on these spots!
All of the dive bars below are also available as prints on her online store, along with prints of Denver music venues and other favorite spots.
All photos and copy contributed by Emily Burrowes.
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723 E. 6th Ave. - Capitol Hill
Stop 1 of the Dive Bar Tour: Kicking off the series with this Cap Hill classic, Don's Club Tavern. Whether you want a great deal on drinks or a place to cheer on the Chiefs, Don’s is where it’s at! Also, be sure to check out their vending machine, it's the most eclectic one out there yet.
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2060 Champa St. - Five Points
Stop 2 of the Dive Bar Tour: Hanging downtown today at Carioca Cafe, or more popularly known as Bar Bar from its iconic sign. This historic dive is a true Mile High original, being over a century old and a cash-only bar. Visit the origin of grunge and stop at “Denver’s Best Dive Bar” today! |
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2625 Larimer St. - RiNo
Stop 3 of the Dive Bar Tour: Visiting one of my RiNo favorite bars today, The Matchbox! With its $7 beer and a shot combo, this gem offers one of the best deals in RiNo. |
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2137 Larimer St. - Ballpark
Stop 4 of the Dive Bar Tour: If you end up in LoDo, be sure to stop at Star Bar. Personal drink fave is their “Oh, F@#K That’s Delicious”, which you’ll have to find out what it is when you go. |
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7 S. Broadway - Baker
Stop 5 of the Dive Bar Tour: Want to go to a dive that’s also a concert venue? Check out Hi-Dive on South Broadway! From the up-and-coming to local grunge bands, this bar hosts them all. |
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1950 W. 32nd Ave. - Highlands
Stop 6 of the Dive Bar Tour: Today we are rockin’ in this Lo-Hi punk bar, Occidental! This dive bar atmosphere comes to life with its hanging lights and great drinks. Stop by soon! |
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420 E. Colfax Ave. - Capitol Hill
Stop 7 of the Dive Bar Tour: Visiting the oldest dive bar on Colfax, the Nob Hill Inn! Go by both day and night for “two unique experiences,” you’ll know if you go. |
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2701 Larimer St. - RiNo
Stop 8 of the Dive Bar Tour: In RiNo today at this underground classic, The Meadowlark. Whether you’re there for the cheap drinks, dirty dancing or live music, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
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383 S. Pearl St. - Wash Park West
Stop 9 of the Dive Bar Tour: We are visiting a favorite in my neighborhood: Candlelight Tavern! Whether you’re here for the cheap drinks, amazing wing deal, to shoot pool or be around your fellow Detroit fans, this Wash Park West classic is always a great time! |
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3834 Tennyson St. - Berkeley
Stop 10 of the Dive Bar Tour: Hanging on Tennyson Street to today visit Berkeley Inn. Not only is this a great dive, but they also have live music throughout the week. Be sure to check the schedule to see when the next open mic or live show is coming up! |
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1920 E. Colfax Ave. - Capitol Hill
Stop 11 of the Dive Bar Tour: Today we are visiting this Cap Hill classic, Pete’s Satire Lounge! This Colfax Ave spot stands out with its iconic neon sign and history of hosting legendary artists like Bob Dylan! It also has great Mexican food here, so you can make it a whole night out of food, drinks and fun. |
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1380 S. Broadway - Platt Park
Stop 12 of the Dive Bar Tour: At this South Broadway gem today to “dive” right into the boat of Dive Inn! In addition to its fun beach decor, this dive has great food, ping pong, pool and a dog-friendly patio. Take a break from winter and come to the beach at the Dive Inn. |
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3463 Larimer St. - RiNo
Stop 13 of the Dive Bar Tour: Want a dive with good karaoke? Check out Embassy Tavern in RiNo! After you’re done singing, you can chill for the rest of the night on one of the comfy couches or chairs. |
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1701 E. Evans Ave. - University
Stop 14 of the Dive Bar Tour: Visiting DU’s favorite dive today, Stadium Inn. Experience college again with the best daily deals on beers and Jim Bean shots, along with trivia night! Enjoy a day off and spend it at the Stadium Inn. |
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3416 E. Colfax Ave. - Congress Park
Last & Final Stop of the Dive Tour: Saving my personal fave for the lucky #15 to end the tour, PS Lounge! Located right on Colfax Ave, PS Lounge is best known for its complimentary free shots and free roses to the ladies. It’s also a cash-only bar, so be sure to bring your bill$! |
(All Words & Photos By Emily Burrowes)
