Happy Friday: Here's a good place to find a date

In the Best of Denver 2011, we named Common Grounds the Best Coffeehouse for Finding a Date, thanks to the constant crowd of young professionals who mingle there over cappuccinos. And because we're big proponents of ditching online dating and blind set-ups every now and then in favor of meeting...

By Laura Shunk

June 24, 2011

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In the Best of Denver 2011, we named Common Grounds the Best Coffeehouse for Finding a Date, thanks to the constant crowd of young professionals who mingle there over cappuccinos. And because we're big proponents of ditching online dating and blind set-ups every now and then in favor of meeting people the old-fashioned way -- that is to say, face-to-face -- every Friday, we're bringing you a Denver spot that we think is particularly conducive to finding available members of the dating pool.

This weekend, we think you should head down to El Diablo, where you're sure to find some naughty-sexy trouble to get into.

El Diablo scored our Best New Bar award this year, thanks to its seductive space hung with red lanterns and surrounded by Mexican murals. The den pulls in crowds for every meal, when attractive parties pack the patio and dining room for mole and mezcal. But the best way to get your flirt on is to nab a seat at the bar in the center of the room and nurse margaritas or Negra Modelo until you spot an opening. Good lighting and plenty of tequila should land you a number in no time.

No luck there? Sketch is just around the corner, and you can then canoodle with the skinny-jeaned, Wayfarer-wearing object of your affection in the photo booth at Sputnik just down the street.

More places to find dates:

- Lola

- Adult spelling bees

- Great Divide

- The Atomic Cowboy

- Ale House at Amato's

- First Friday at Infinite Monkey Theorem

- Root Down

- 17th and Vine

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Laura Shunk was Westword's restaurant critic from 2010 to 2012; she's also been food editor at the Village Voice and a dining columnist in Beijing. Her toughest assignment had her drinking ten martinis and eating ten Caesar salads over the course of 48 hours. She still drinks martinis, but remains lukewarm on Caesar salads.

Contact: Laura Shunk

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