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8665 N. Sheridan Blvd. Arvada, CO 80003
303-426-1976
http://www.theyakandyeti.com Yak and Yeti has been serving up authentic Indian fare -- and a few traditional Nepalese dishes -- since 2002. This location, in Arvada, is our favorite, since owner Dol Bhattarai bought an old farmhouse full of brewing equipment, which allowed him to add a line of Indian-inspired craft beers (including the award-winning Chai Stout) to his bar list at both restaurants. And he not only got a brewery -- he got a ghost, too, which allegedly haunts the place. Regardless of what you believe about the elusive beyond, there's no denying that this restaurant is saturated with the history of the family that once owned it. In these spooky digs, Yak and Yeti serves up a psirited culinary mix during buffet lunch or served dinner. More >>
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14500 W. Colfax Ave. Golden, CO 80401
303-278-9273
http://www.yardhouse.com
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2046 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205
303-308-9999
After running Tarantula Billiards for a decade, owner Ami Benair one-upped the place when he opened ZanZBar, a pool hall, bar and restaurant. It's a classy spot with a dozen pool tables, four of them Brunswick Gold Crown tables, and a first-rate Scotch selection. With its giant replica of the Statue of Liberty's crown that sits above the bar and murals of the Brooklyn Bridge and Grand Central Station, it's hard not to ignore its New York vibe. More >>
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11940 E. Colfax Ave. Aurora, CO 80010
303-364-8981
http://www.zephyrloungecolorado.com Two-for-ones on a Saturday night at midnight? Damn straight. While the morning happy hours have been a tradition at the Zephyr since it opened more than six decades ago, the place has two more happy hours that run daily, from 5 to 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. It's also one of the few places in town where when you order a happy-hour beer, they'll give you the second bottle in a plastic cup filled with ice to keep it chilled. The bar's slogan is, "The train that never leaves Aurora." But with booze specials three times a day and live music with no cover on the weekends, who would want to leave? More >>
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4923 W. 38th Ave. Denver, CO 80212
303-455-9930
http://www.ziggieslivemusic.com Ziggie's has always been known as Denver's oldest blues bar, but new owners took over the place and remodeled it in 2008, have expanded the music selection by also bringing in R&B, funk, rock and jazz acts on Fridays and Saturdays. The other five nights are allotted to open mikes, alternately hosted by Doc Brown's Blues Band or the Blues All Stars. Whether you want to hone your chops with some stellar blues talent or just listen, Ziggie's is the place. More >>
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7801 E. Orchard Road Englewood, CO 80111
303-779-1559
http://www.zinkdtc.com
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2400 W. 32nd Ave. Denver, CO 80211
303-477-0395
http://www.zioromolos.com Zio Romolo's Alley Bar isn't just a cutesy name; the establishment was once a working alleyway (the exposed brick walls might have tipped you off ). Adjacent to Pasquini's, it's a beautifully decorated neighborhood spot, decked out in art deco style, with antiques from the 1930s and '40s -- including a cash register and matchbook dispenser -- setting the scene. Don't mistake Zio Romolo's for a throwback, though; the bar's sound system is superb -- something to keep in mind if you're planning a quiet evening of drinks and conversation with a friend, as you might not be able to hear them over the music. But if you're looking for stiff drinks, friendly and attentive staff, pizza (served up hot from next door) and a rockin' night out on the town, Zio's is a great choice. More >>
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3300 Navajo St. Denver, CO 80211
303-480-0342
The name says it all. Located just off I-25 in a well-hidden spot, this tiny bar offers a perfect view of the city right outside its door. The quiet neighborhood hangout is full of homemade signs forbidding credit cards, drugs and other troublemakers, but Lino Ortiz (the friendly face you'll find behind the bar seven nights a week) just wants you to stay for a drink. No fancy stuff here -- Budweiser is the one and only draft, and basic cocktails are mixed with bottled soda -- but regulars say Ortiz's margaritas and conversation are reasons to stop by. With no food, no games and no modern distractions, Zitro Cityview Tavern's handful of bar stools and tables are for thinking and drinking. More >>
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12 E. 11th Ave. Denver, CO 80203
720-382-1940
The space decimated by the spring 2003 blizzard has finally gotten back on solid ground with Zocalo, a Mexican cantina started by veteran managers of Benny's. The dining areas are open and spacious, with plenty of room to stretch out over a big plate of carnitas and a couple of beers and watch the game on a nearby TV - or watch the people passing by outside through the big garage door that's open on nice days. You can also sit at the comfortable bar or out on the sidewalk patio. Everywhere, the service is fast and friendly - and regulars are rewarded with a loyalty card that nets them a free meal after they've bought six. More >>
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3425 S. Oleander Court Denver, CO 80224
303-758-1077
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1240 Ken Pratt Blvd. Longmont, CO 80501
303-485-1600
http://www.myspace.com/thezonelongmont
