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Top College Basketball Bars In Denver

Blake Street Tavern
Blake Street Tavern (credit: Alex Ruiz)

There comes a time in college sports when pounds of fried-food and gallons of beer become regular, acceptable meals. It's the time when high-paid, national basketball falls to the wayside and a tiny team nobody has ever heard of can upset a favored powerhouse. Nobody knows who will win. It's heart-wrenching and emotional -- there's no business about it. The time is March, and Denver is the place to be.

The Sports Column
The Sports Column (credit: Alex Ruiz)


Hours: Daily – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.It is impossible to discuss Denver sports bars without immediately mentioning The Sports Column. It's perfect for affordable drinks during afternoon games. From 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., domestic beers are $2.50 and Colorado craft beers, such as Blue Moon and Breckenridge Ale, are $3. Giant HDTVs surround the bar, so no matter where you sit, you'll get a great view of your team. This is important because The Sports Column is likely to be packed during the games.

Blake Street Tavern
Blake Street Tavern (credit: Alex Ruiz)


Hours: Daily – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.Stroll four blocks farther down Blake Street and you will come upon Blake Street Tavern. This bar is capacious, so you aren't likely to be that cramped while trying to watch the game. Whereas some bars feature the bar against a wall, the bar at Blake Street Tavern is a huge rectangle in the center of the main floor. This allows for an easy flow of traffic and eliminates the need to squeeze between people just to order a drink. If you try only one thing at BST, try the Blake Street Burger. It's delicious. Blake Street Tavern's happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and features drink specials ranging from $2 to $4 as well as $5 appetizers.

The Tavern Downtown
The Tavern Downtown (credit: CBS)


Hours: Mon to Fri – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sat and Sun – 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.If the Denver weather turns really warm this spring, head to The Tavern to enjoy its enormous rooftop patio complete with TVs so you wont miss a minute of the action. The two-storied bar is in a great location that always draws a crowds. The Tavern features a fried menu with sports fans in mind, and happy hour is unusually long, beginning at 2 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. there are $3 Bud/$4 martini specials until closing, so you'll have something to look forward to even for the late games.

Jackson's
Jackson's (credit: Alex Ruiz)


Hours: Daily – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.Jackson's combines the layout of The Sports Column with the spaciousness of the Blake Street Tavern. Instead of splitting the bar into sections, all sports fans are on the main floor, but it doesn't feel claustrophobic. Jackson's gets a little rowdy and a little crowded, but it's the perfect place to meet with a group to watch the big game. Drink specials change based on the sport and season, but $8 bottomless beer nights and $15 ($5 for ladies) free drink Fridays can't be beat.


Hours: Mon to Fri – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sat and Sun – 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.Stoney's is the most likely contender for a hidden gem in Denver's sports bars for many reasons, not the least of which is that it gives away the farm during happy hour. All of its "tapatizers" are $4 and all beers, wines, well drinks and margaritas are two for one. Stoney's is small in comparison to the aforementioned bars and well-known among the locals, so if you don't want the roar of a stadium every time someone sinks a three, this is the place. 

RELATED: Best Places to Watch a Game in Northern Colorado | Best Sports Bars in Denver


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