Where to go in Denver and feel like you're somewhere else.

Honestly people, it's been a challenge trying to find these places in Denver, and when I do they often go away. So far I've seen this happen to Sketch (1st and Broadway), It's neighbor El Diablo, Beauty Bar (13th street), Black Crown (South Broadway under new not-so-good management), Crash 45, The Sidewinder, Ironton, etc etc... I'm starting to think that whenever I utter the words, "I feel like I'm somewhere else than Denver" in any given establishment, I have actually uttered a curse. There are some places that have not fallen victim of said curse, however, and these include the Brothers, Domo, Mercury Cafe, Turnverine, Larimer Lounge, Navajo Street, the High Dive and on the same block, Mutiny book store, Three Kings, and Karma Asian(my frequent stomping grounds).

I wish I could say that young people in Denver are friendly and open to us older inhabitants. With some rare exceptions, I have not found that to be true. When you enter establishments of interest here, many have been saturated with a millennial dust that makes those over 50 invisible. (I hope I was not so disrespectful of my elders at that age, though I probably was.) That doesn't mean I need to be noticed, but it is nice to be served at the bar like a real person or responded to when starting a conversation. So, I have to pinch myself once in awhile when I discover that the bearded-plaid-yoga-pants-brew-pub set are not the only inhabitants of Denver. And if you look hard enough, you will find these "others". I'm really not a snob. Really. But, I do like to find people of my ilk, or close to it, when I go on a foray into my community. I also like to find places that have so much character that they don't seem to fit here. So, for my first entry into this post, I am recommending Sushi-Rama on North Larimer. If you've been to the UK, you have probably stumbled on a Yo Sushi (there's also one in Florida) and stuffed yourself from their rotating sushi offerings. Now you don't have to go that far. Yes, Sushi-Rama has a rotating sushi bar, and yes, there are Asians making the stuff, and the offerings are fresh and some are even delicious. Full disclosure - some are not. Anything with pumpkin tempura is brilliant. Prices range from 3 to 5 dollars a plate.

My second recommendation is Syntax Physic Opera on South Broadway. Even 50 somethings can dance there on soul night and be okay with themselves.






I am not ashamed to admit that I admire Dana Crawford for the service she has done Denver in saving Union Station, and of course creating Larimer Square. I was in a state of shock when I first found out the train station was being turned into a hotel. But now, I love it. If I really want to feel like I'm elsewhere, I go sit inside the Terminal Bar and dream.


This list would not be complete without a shout out to Black and Red; a throwback book, game and vinyl shop right in my backyard that will make you feel like your in the old neighborhoods of Chicago or L.A. Check it out.

I'll stop here and see what others are suggesting so I can check them out before they disappear.

Domo.