Denver Bars Review - Perfect Bars For a Relaxing Night

After a long day few things are better than going out and kicking back with good friends.  A premium crop of bars in Denver understands this desire and goes above and beyond to provide you with the perfect setting.  The following three bars are at the top of their class in providing a laid back atmosphere.

Fado Irish Pub
1735 19th St.
Denver, CO 80202
303-297-0066
www.fadoirishpub.com

Fado is the perfect place to grab a dark ale, steal away to one of the pub's many dimly lit nooks and talk with friends until the late hours of the night.  Cobblestone floors and intricate woodwork enhance Fado's Old World atmosphere.  Fado's cozy fireplace provides a pleasant escape from those cold Denver nights.

The pub serves traditional Irish fare from the likes of corned beef and cabbage to fish and chips, as well as modern favorites like BBQ chicken wings, which are covered in a special Guinness barbeque sauce.  Fado also boasts a large selection of beer on draught ranging from the Irish pub staple, Guinness, to the self-proclaimed oldest ale in Ireland, Smithwick's. 

I would strongly recommend a pint of Boddington's, which is a beer that has been through the nitrogenation process, making it one of the smoothest beers I have ever tasted.  Fado is without a doubt at the top of the list as the most relaxing bar in Denver.

Lime Cantina
1424 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80202
303-893-5463
www.limecantina.com

Lime combines traditional cantina charm with a modern appeal.  Candle lit tables and booths provide a relaxing atmosphere and contrast nicely with Lime's pearl white furnishings. Situated in the heart of Larimer Square in downtown Denver, Lime is a great place to kick back and begin your night.

Its below ground location provides a secluded feeling that is a perfect escape from the fast pace of the city.  For the summer months there is also a great outdoor patio upstairs. This is the place in downtown Denver to have a margarita (which by the way happens to be the size of your head).  For the adventurous, try to finish Lime's signature 'mighty' margarita or bring a date along and share it.  Lime also has a Mexican-American influenced food menu that is creative and well priced.  

The Mexican Burger is a take on an American classic with an interesting twist and is one of my personal favorites. I think it is the addition of green chile, pico de gallo and lime chile slaw that make this burger irresistible.  The delicious food, lounge atmosphere and best margaritas in Denver make Lime an ideal place to spend an afternoon or evening downtown.

Sancho's Broken Arrow
741 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
303-832-5288
www.quixotes.com

Sancho's Broken Arrow is like that hippie's apartment you used to hang out at in college. Toss in a fully stocked bar, great service and cheap beers and you have a perfect place to spend your night.

 Sancho's mantra, 'A Thinking Place,' provides a perfect prelude to the atmosphere of this establishment. This is, without a doubt, one of the most laid back places in Denver. Walls lined with jam band posters and ocean murals add to the carefree vibe.  There are a number of foosball and pool tables to help you unwind. 

The $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon longnecks will also let you save some change for Tom's late night diner, which is just down the block. Sancho's is right next to the Fillmore Auditorium making it a great post-concert hangout, so be prepared for the weekend midnight rush. Also, check Sancho's website for updates on interesting events like their annual air hockey tournament.  If you enjoy relaxing on a couch while Bob Marley, Bob Dylan or The Grateful Dead flow from an always-cued up jukebox, get over to Sancho's Broken Arrow.