Top Oldies Music Bars In Denver
Once you've hit a certain age, it's not that much fun to visit a packed bar where the music is so loud you can't even hear yourself think. Sure, you could spend way too much money on a few cocktails with some friends while you scream at each other over the pounding rhythms, or you can accept the fact that you're over 30 and you'd like to have a decent conversation with some of your favorite music playing in the background. There are lots of great spots all over town offering fantastic live music, and some that just have an amazing jukebox. Each spot below, however, is perfect for those that like to have a conversation while they enjoy their evening, and all of them feature older tunes for those of us that are a bit more advanced in years.
The Cruise Room
1600 17th St
Denver, CO 80238
(303) 825-1107
www.theoxfordhotel.comThe Cruise Room is a historic spot in Denver. In fact, it's the first post-Prohibition bar in Denver, and it was opened the day after Prohibition was repealed in 1933. Today the bar stands as a window back in time, with classic cocktails and an Art Deco-themed vibe that everyone will love. The free jukebox here is also packed with great classic tunes. As the jukebox spins classic 45s you'll enjoy sipping on an Old Fashioned or any other classic cocktail cooked up by one of the talented mixologists on staff. The Cruise Room is where time stands still, so be sure to visit so you can fall in love with this place too.
1600 17th St
Denver, CO 80238
(303) 825-1107
www.theoxfordhotel.comThe Cruise Room is a historic spot in Denver. In fact, it's the first post-Prohibition bar in Denver, and it was opened the day after Prohibition was repealed in 1933. Today the bar stands as a window back in time, with classic cocktails and an Art Deco-themed vibe that everyone will love. The free jukebox here is also packed with great classic tunes. As the jukebox spins classic 45s you'll enjoy sipping on an Old Fashioned or any other classic cocktail cooked up by one of the talented mixologists on staff. The Cruise Room is where time stands still, so be sure to visit so you can fall in love with this place too.
El Chapultepec
1962 Market St
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 295-9126
www.thepeclodo.comThe LoDo area may seem like a younger person's game, but El Chapultepec is another historic spot that music lovers can go for some amazing tunes. Dating all the way back to 1933, some of the greatest jazz musicians in history have stopped by The 'Pec as it's lovingly called by many of its followers. Now, you can stop in for live jazz music nearly any night of the week. It's a small place, so be prepared to get a little cozy, but tuck in to one of the booths, grab a beer and enjoy the local talent as they take to the postage-stamp-sized stage to amaze you with some amazing tunes.
1962 Market St
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 295-9126
www.thepeclodo.comThe LoDo area may seem like a younger person's game, but El Chapultepec is another historic spot that music lovers can go for some amazing tunes. Dating all the way back to 1933, some of the greatest jazz musicians in history have stopped by The 'Pec as it's lovingly called by many of its followers. Now, you can stop in for live jazz music nearly any night of the week. It's a small place, so be prepared to get a little cozy, but tuck in to one of the booths, grab a beer and enjoy the local talent as they take to the postage-stamp-sized stage to amaze you with some amazing tunes.
Related: Top Bars With Jukeboxes In Denver
PS Lounge
3416 E Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 320-1200The PS Lounge is one of those dive bars that you've driven past a hundred times without ever really giving it a second look. Those who have ventured into the dark doors on Colfax Avenue, however, are rewarded with one of the very best dive bars in the city. In addition to the cheap, stiff drinks, the jukebox here is, simply put, amazing. It's packed with tunes from Tom Jones to Frank Sinatra and you'll love plunking down your quarters for a few spins of that classic jukebox sound. Plus, all women get roses every night of the week and everyone is treated to a free house shot upon arrival (it's an Alabama Slammer) so get some cash (no credit cards accepted here) and check out one of the very best dive bars in Colorado.
3416 E Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 320-1200The PS Lounge is one of those dive bars that you've driven past a hundred times without ever really giving it a second look. Those who have ventured into the dark doors on Colfax Avenue, however, are rewarded with one of the very best dive bars in the city. In addition to the cheap, stiff drinks, the jukebox here is, simply put, amazing. It's packed with tunes from Tom Jones to Frank Sinatra and you'll love plunking down your quarters for a few spins of that classic jukebox sound. Plus, all women get roses every night of the week and everyone is treated to a free house shot upon arrival (it's an Alabama Slammer) so get some cash (no credit cards accepted here) and check out one of the very best dive bars in Colorado.
Whispers
1930 S. Havana St
Aurora, CO 80014
(303) 755-2211
www.whispersaurora.webs.comLocated in a quiet strip mall in Aurora, Whispers is a surprising find. This lovely spot is home to plenty of live music, dancing and some tasty food that's perfect for the over-40 crowd. You'll find live music every Friday and Saturday here, as well as Karaoke on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. There is always something fun going on here, and the crowd is not your typical LoDo bar-hopping crowd. These are just good people in the Aurora area, offering up some fun music, stiff drinks and a comfortable atmosphere, which is really what anyone wants in a bar anyway, right?
1930 S. Havana St
Aurora, CO 80014
(303) 755-2211
www.whispersaurora.webs.comLocated in a quiet strip mall in Aurora, Whispers is a surprising find. This lovely spot is home to plenty of live music, dancing and some tasty food that's perfect for the over-40 crowd. You'll find live music every Friday and Saturday here, as well as Karaoke on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. There is always something fun going on here, and the crowd is not your typical LoDo bar-hopping crowd. These are just good people in the Aurora area, offering up some fun music, stiff drinks and a comfortable atmosphere, which is really what anyone wants in a bar anyway, right?
Related: Top Bars For Wine Tasting In Denver
Dazzle Jazz Restaurant & Lounge
www.dazzlejazz.comJazz is really alive and thriving in Denver, thanks to spots like Dazzle and El Chapultepec. Swing by Dazzle just about any day of the week to catch some of the best live jazz music this side of New Orleans. There's always something going on in the large space, with acts performing from all over the country. If you visit on a Sunday, you can even enjoy an amazing brunch along with your jazz. Plus, the music here isn't so loud that you can't still have a conversation with your date. Be sure to check out the constantly changing schedule at Dazzle, swing by for a great meal or just to catch some classic jazz music. You'll be glad you did.
www.dazzlejazz.comJazz is really alive and thriving in Denver, thanks to spots like Dazzle and El Chapultepec. Swing by Dazzle just about any day of the week to catch some of the best live jazz music this side of New Orleans. There's always something going on in the large space, with acts performing from all over the country. If you visit on a Sunday, you can even enjoy an amazing brunch along with your jazz. Plus, the music here isn't so loud that you can't still have a conversation with your date. Be sure to check out the constantly changing schedule at Dazzle, swing by for a great meal or just to catch some classic jazz music. You'll be glad you did.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
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