Blake Street Tavern turning basement into a game room

Three years ago, Blake Street Tavern moved a block south from the spot it had been for close to seven years, into the massive warehouse space at 2301 Blake Street that had once been home to Polly Esther's (and many clubs before that). The first floor was filled with a...

By Westword Staff

March 22, 2013

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Three years ago, Blake Street Tavern moved a block south from the spot it had been for close to seven years, into the massive warehouse space at 2301 Blake Street that had once been home to Polly Esther's (and many clubs before that). The first floor was filled with a big bar, private dining areas, games and gathering spaces, booths where you could enjoy dishes off an ambitious menu -- and lots of TVs, of course. The new Blake Street Tavern was a hit from the start -- but the space came with a basement bonus, and coming up with the right fit for that has been trickier. See also: - Blake Street Tavern opening interactive game room - Best Sports Bar for Food and Drink 2012 -- Blake Street Tavern - Blake Street Tavern takes a swing at a new location

The venue has tried several themes in the basement, including an homage to Polly Esther's with a lighted dance floor and a country-centric club called Saloon. But taking a cue from other successful clubs, next year the subterranean space will be converted into an interactive game room.

As our Backbeat blog reported yesterday, the floors are now being redone and a draught system installed that will accommodate two dozen beers. Then, according to general manager Shelley Armand, they'll add bocce, corn hole, shuffleboard, Skee-Ball, basketball, leagues and other games -- greatly expanding on the set-up currently on the first floor. Armand says they're shooting for a soft opening of the space on Thursday, April 11 -- the week after the Rockies season opens.

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