Top Colorado Hotel Bars With Live Music

Subterranean Jazz Trio (credit: Ace Gilletts at the Armstrong Hotel)
Hotel bars are becoming hot spots for the after-dinner crowd. The more popular ones have an air of sophistication and culture, but with a casual feel. It seems most of us want to unwind in an inviting atmosphere and not be too concerned with hoity-toity-ness, and what better way to do that than with a cocktail and some enjoyable live music? There's a balance to hospitality and entertainment, and these top Colorado hotel bars with live music got it right.

Ace Gilletts At The Armstrong Hotel
239 S. College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 449-4797
www.acegilletts.com

Ace Gilletts is a favorite in the Fort Collins area because of its good food, amazing cocktails, live music and rich history. This kitchen and bar offers an elegant casual ambiance with live jazz five nights a week, Sunday through Wednesday starting at 8 p.m. The Subterranean Jazz Trio takes patrons on a trip through time with "dynamic 40's swing, the classic 50's rhythm and blues, and the jazz and soul era of the 60's." Executive Chef Troy's menu selections don't disappoint and Ray, the bartender, can make a mad martini. The Ruby Soho is a fan favorite.

Katie Mullen's Irish Restaurant And Pub At Sheraton Denver
1550 Court Place
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 573-0336
www.katiemullens.com

Walking into Katie Mullen's on a Friday night is like walking into a polished Irish pub with an American feel to it. Katie Mullen's is the largest Irish pub in Denver with a patio on the 16th Street Mall. Every Friday night, there's live music featuring an Irish folk band, which goes on around 10 p.m. Hungry? Katie has delicious Irish and American cuisine. Lucky for you, there's a "late night til midnight" menu on Friday and Saturday. The fan favorites include Bangers & Champ, Mullen's Fish and Chips and the Shepherd's Pie paired with a Barrel No 5 beer or a Guinness. Or try the meatloaf.

Related: Top Hotel Bars In Denver

Ship Tavern At Brown Palace Hotel And Spa
321 17th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 297-3111
www.brownpalace.com

Going to the Brown Palace just makes you feel special. Perfect for date night, the ambiance is classy casual and the bar is open until midnight. The Ship Tavern has live piano music Wednesday through Saturday, 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Fan favorites at this restaurant include the salmon salad, the prime rib and trout. They've also got the best lobster sandwich in town. No, really! It's a bit pricey but worth the foodie experience every time. Pair it with a signature drink like the Palisades Peach cocktail or First Mate's Rum Punch.

T-Zero At St. Julien Hotel & Spa 
900 Walnut St.
Boulder, CO 80302
(720) 406-9696
www.stjulien.com

The St. Julien is a beautiful boutique hotel with amazing views of the mountains. During the summer months, join T-Zero for live music and a view from the Terrace at St. Julien. Tuesday through Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to  9:30 p.m enjoy a drink or two while you experience some of the best in local Jazz, Latin, reggae, soul and more. Saturday's afternoon tea time is from 2 p.m to 2:30 p.m. with live piano music.

Related: Top Denver Hotels With A View 

License No. 1 At Hotel Boulderado
2115 13th St.
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 442-4344
www.license1boulderado.com

License No. 1 is located at one of the oldest hotels in Boulder. This speakeasy-style bar is a throwback tribute to the days and times of prohibition. Formerly, Catacombs Bar and Grill, a college dive with pinball machines, it re-opened last year with all new sophisticated decor. Live music is scheduled Thursday thru Sunday starting at 9 p.m.

Lonza Dennis is the founder and creative director of First Class Fashionista, a lifestyle, beauty and fashion blog based in Denver, Colo. Lonza is a freelance writer with an expert understanding of the role social media plays in networking, business development and marketing.