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Top Bars With Jukeboxes In Denver

(credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)(credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
They say the jukebox is the soul of a bar. In today's internet-connected world, Wi-Fi jukeboxes are taking over every tavern, bar and pub in town. These fancy online jukeboxes let you pick just about anything to listen to, however, it's that very abundance of choice that makes these bars lose their personality and character. Visit a bar with a traditional jukebox and you'll get a feel for the people that run it. Music helps identify the theme and feel of a particular hot spot, letting the bar owners decide what sounds will fill their rustic bars. If you're looking for the very best jukeboxes in town, here are the five joints you should check out this weekend.
PS Lounge
3416 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 320-1200
www.facebook.com/PS-Lounge-Denver

The unassuming bar on Colfax Avenue has been a staple of the Denver scene for decades. The PS Lounge is a neighborhood favorite for those in the area, as well as many who drive there from other neighborhoods. What brings everyone to this small, cozy bar on Colfax Avenue? It could be the cheap (and very stiff) drinks or the free house shot that everyone gets when they arrive (Alabama Slammers), or the free rose for every lady that walks in the door. But it's also the incredible old-school jukebox with a very specific selection of music. From Stevie Ray Vaughan and Buddy Guy to Jethro Tull, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and lots of Tom Jones, you'll fall in love with the personality of this Denver institution.

The Streets Of London
1501 W. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 861-9103
www.streetsoflondondenver.com

Head west on Colfax from the PS Lounge for just a few miles and you'll end up in London. The Streets of London Pub, to be specific. You may expect a jukebox filled with British invasion music, but instead, you'll find tons of great classic American rock. From Hendrix to Morrison to Kiss and Led Zeppelin, it's a favorite spot for rock fans of all ages. Enjoy the spacious outdoor patio and check out the vibrant nightlife on Colfax as you sip some ice cold beer, or stay inside to get the best sounds from the amazing jukebox.

Related: Top Bars With Tropical Drinks In Denver

Skylark Lounge
140 S. Broadway
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 722-7844
www.skylarklounge.com

The Skylark Lounge is known as one of the best retro-rockabilly spots in Denver and its jukebox is no exception. While the bar itself is perfectly decorated with vintage images, you'll love the rockabilly choices in the jukebox. Drink to the sounds of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and a lot of older country as well, but you won't find much in this jukebox that is from the past 10 or 20 years. If you like it old-school and you're a fan of rock, country and rockabilly, then be sure to check out the Skylark Lounge.

The Cruise Room
1659 Wazee St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 825-1107
www.theoxfordhotel.com

This historic bar, located in the lobby of the Oxford Hotel, is a must-visit for anyone living in (or visiting) Denver. It's an upscale, Art Deco-style bar that was modeled after the lounge on the Queen Mary. You'll fall in love with the classic cocktails and amazing martinis, but you'll also stay for the incredible jukebox. The Cruise Room actually features a vinyl jukebox, a vintage Seeburg Select-O-Matic from the 1950s. And you'll find the perfect music to accompany that cocktail, from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennet to Louis Armstrong and Aretha Franklin, so you'll want to drop quarter after quarter into this great box. Good thing you don't have to, because this jukebox is also free.

Related: Top Bars With A Patio In Denver

3 Kings Tavern
60 S. Broadway
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 777-7352
www.3kingstavern.com

Anyone who spends much time on South Broadway knows the iconic 3 Kings Tavern. Stop in just about any night for lots of live music featuring some of Denver's hippest bands. However, when the live music isn't playing, you'll also find a vintage jukebox with lots of old-school rock classics. Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC and more all fill the list of awesome CDs stocked up in this box. In addition, you'll find several albums from local Denver bands, since 3 Kings is also one of the best spots for local acts to showcase their skills. Head over to 3 Kings, put on some tunes and hit the spacious dance floor to unwind and relax after a stressful week.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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