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Top Bars With Board Games In Denver

(credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)(credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Sure, drinking with your friends is always fun on its own. It doesn't need a lot to make it any more fun, but sometimes a diversion or two can make an afternoon drinking affair into a day to remember. And when it comes to bar diversions, a healthy stack of board games is one of the best ways for any bar to welcome its patrons and let them know, "Hey, we like you. Stick around for a while and enjoy yourself." So as you are looking for another fun spot to visit, select from one of these great bars with plenty of games to choose from. You can get lost in a game of Jenga, or battle your friends over some Scrabble while you enjoy your favorite cocktails. What could be more fun?

The Fainting Goat Pub
846 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 945-2323
www.thefaintinggoatdenver.net

The Fainting Goat Pub is kind of like the perfect neighborhood bar, and has been named one of the best Irish Pubs in Denver several years in a row by Westword. It has a decent selection at the bar with plenty of beers on draft and other drinks to enjoy. The menu is fairly standard bar food with some favorites like fried pickles, fish and chips and truly fantastic tater tots. There are also lots of board games to play by the front windows, with classics like Monopoly, shuffleboard and darts. During the summer, you'll want to head outside to enjoy the massive patio or dodge the sun and keep cool indoors while challenging your friends to a cut-throat game of Monopoly.

The 1up
1925 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 779-6444
www.the-1up.com

So it's not technically board games but you can't talk about bars with games without mentioning The 1up in Denver. This fun bar is filled to the brim with old retro-style 80s video games, skee ball and tons of pinball. There is also a giant game of Jenga, which technically does qualify as a board game, though there is no board. The prices for games are low, and the place does get pretty crowded but you'll love downing a few beers and playing games that remind you of being a kid again. If you are looking for lots of fun, look no further than The 1up. It's the kind of bar that you'll want to spend all day visiting, since there is just so much to do and enjoy here.

Related: Top Bars With Pool Tables In Denver

Wyman's No. 5
2033 E. 13th Ave.
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 996-0842
www.wymansno5.com

If you love good drinks, fun games and great pizza, Wyman's No. 5 is the bar for you. The pizza here is classic Chicago-style deep dish, in fact, it's the closest to "real' Chicago you are going to find in this area. In addition to the delicious pizza, you'll find lots of televisions playing various games scattered around the bar, and a nice mix of booths, tables and lots of bar space. Stake out your favorite table and then head over to the board games to select something that will keep you and your friends occupied for hours. Play a game of Life or Risk, have a few beers and spend a few hours enjoying a fun time with your best pals.

Whiskey Bar
2203 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80238
(303) 297-0303
www.whiskeybardenver.com

If you like whiskey, then you'll love Whiskey Bar in Denver. Whiskey Bar has a huge selection of whiskey, lots of mircobrews, lots of pool tables, low prices on drinks and a great happy hour. If it is a bit of whiskey knowledge you seek, then make sure to chat up the bartenders who really know their stuff. Of course, while you are there, you can check out the large stack of board games in the corner for something to keep you occupied while you enjoy all of that amazing whiskey or just check out whatever is playing on one of the many televisions scattered around the joint. After all, what could be a better weekend evening than sampling a few top-shelf whiskeys while beating your best friend at another game of Scrabble?

The Bar Car
819 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80206
(720) 524-8099
www.denverbarcar.com

The Bar Car is one of the smaller venues on this list but the charm and hospitality of the staff make it one of the best. Belly up to the bar or select one of the high-top tables scattered around the narrow bar and enjoy plenty of delicious drinks, some Denver Deep Dish Pizza and, of course, a board game or two. There is also an arcade table, mega-touch bar game and 10 different taps all serving Colorado crafted beers. The décor in The Bar Car is also something special, with a bit of a Victorian-era vibe and lots of photos of the Colorado area. The Bar Car can get a bit crowded on weekend nights, but head down any weekday and you'll have no problem grabbing your favorite game and staking out your favorite table to spend a few hours playing some games and bonding with your pals.

Related: Top Bars For Hipsters In Denver

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

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