The Tavern Downtown
1949 Market Street
Denver, CO
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This party-hearty spot in Denver's trendy LoDo (lower downtown) neighborhood is the quintessential sports bar. For one, it's situated adjacent to Coors Field and a JaMarcus Russell throw from the Pepsi Center. Its three separate tiers flow as smoothly as the many local microbrews on tap. White umbrellas emblazoned with the Budweiser name line up across the trio of rooftop levels while, on one exterior wall, there's a mood-setting mural depicting a sunset with palm trees silhouetted in the foreground. The front deck features a full-service bar with stools as well as patio tables, perfect for spying on bustling action at the intersection of 20th and Market streets. The other two decks are also crammed with tables, and there's a second full-service bar on the bottom, the best vantage point from which to check out what's happening at Coors Field without leaving the happening bar scene. The cuisine is typical American pub grub like Philly cheese steaks, Chicago dogs and Buffalo hot wings. The Tavern staff handles the thirsty crowd without missing a beat, especially on weekend nights when the well-oiled crew serves up thousands of drinks, all the while encouraging the party spirit. Grateful customers tend to be repeat guests and include plenty of singles on the prowl, whether fresh from a Rockies game or in search of a raucous happy hour. Don't show up too beach-bum casual, because you can count on the women to be dressed as sexy as possible (lots of provocative, low-cut tops). For the best time, get there while the sun is shining, which in Colorado means about 300 days a year.

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Photos: Courtesy of The Tavern Downtown