If you're looking for a spot that doesn't take itself too seriously, Sidecar Lounge Denver is worth a look. It's a casual cocktail bar tucked into downtown Denver's historic Ballpark district, just two blocks from Coors Field, and it's built around the kind of unpretentious, lively atmosphere that works as well for a group of friends as it does for a weekend party. It's consistently listed among the best bars in Denver, which is high praise in a city that doesn't lack for options.
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The drinks are the obvious draw here. Sidecar is best known for its specialty shots, most notably the Buzz Button and the Scorpion, and the menu rounds that out with Purple Starfucker shots, craft mixes, and the crowd-favorite pickle shots. A Buzz Button runs $8, and you can add a Scorpion to any drink or shot for another $4. If you're coming early, the happy hour is the move: $4 "you-call-its" from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, which is a solid way to ease into the evening before the place fills up.
It's not just about the drinks, though. The food is straightforward bar fare — cheese steaks, tots, and $7 tacos — and the room is set up to keep you hanging around. There are dart boards, pinball, video games, and sports screens scattered about, so it's the kind of place where you can settle in for a few rounds rather than just one drink and out. The staff gets a fair amount of love in the reviews, too, with bartenders like Adam noted for turning first-timers into regulars, and the broader team praised for being friendly and professional.
On the practical side, the bar is wheelchair accessible, with entry, seating, and the restroom all meeting that standard. There's free Wi-Fi and paid street parking nearby, and it offers dine-in, delivery, and takeaway if you'd rather bring the experience home. Hours shift depending on the day: Tuesday through Thursday it opens at 5:00 PM and runs until close, while Friday through Sunday it opens earlier, at 3:00 PM. Some listings mention extended hours on Monday, from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM, so it's worth a quick check if you're planning a weeknight visit.
The reviews lean positive overall, with a 7.9 out of 10 average and a 4.4-star rating from over 400 reviews on another platform. Prices, atmosphere, and drinks tend to score the highest, while a few people have mentioned inconsistent service, like delays or order errors, and a need for better table maintenance. That said, the general consensus is that the fun atmosphere and friendly bartenders more than make up for it.
Whether you're in the neighborhood for a game at Coors Field or just looking for a low-key place to gather with a group, Sidecar Lounge fits the bill. It's not trying to be anything other than a good-time bar, and that's exactly why it works. Grab a few friends, pick your poison, and let the night take care of itself.
