Five Vinyl-Listening Spots in Denver to Meet Music Lovers

For music fanatics and art nerds, physical media is still alive and well, especially vinyl. And several of Denver's music-forward restaurants and cafes have embraced the fanfare by curating their offerings around listening to vinyl live.

Here are some spots where you can meet your fellow music lovers any day of the week:

ESP HiFi
1020 Santa Fe Drive
ESP (which stands for "extra sensory perception") is an intimate listening bar with a wine list almost as extensive as its vinyl collection. With remarkable attention to detail, this space provides an immersive listening experience under gentle lighting and scented by calming incense. Each record played is displayed on the bar in front of the dual turntables that allow smooth transitions between each record. With no shaken drinks on the menu to avoid casual noise, ESP is easily one of Denver's most-curated sound spaces to date.

Hudson Hill
619 East 13th Avenue
Serving as Capitol Hill's craft cocktail bar for a decade now, Hudson Hill is a cozy spot that opens early each morning and keeps vinyl spinning late into the night. Located right across the street from Wax Trax Records, you can shop vinyl and head over to grab coffee, a cheese plate or a drink at the bar. If you're nice enough, the staff might even spin one of your new records. Be on the lookout for the occasional vinyl listening series, generally held on Wednesday nights and promoted on Instagram.
Pon Pon
2528 Walnut Street
With the prices and low stakes of a dive bar, Pon Pon is an art gem in RiNo that you shouldn't overlook. Weekly DJ events offer a chance to see some live spinning on the turntables and experience a casual night of curated music. Most vinyl events are free or under $10, and there is an open art gallery in the back of the bar where you can shop local art, or potentially display your work.
Sloan's Lake Brewhouse
1625 Perry Street
Any vinyl lovers looking for a more interactive experience can trek over to Sloan's Lake Brewhouse with their favorite vinyl in hand to participate in bring Your Own Vinyl Night every Thursday. Founded by Odell Brewing, this classic brewhouse with thirty years of history behind it has a taproom and pizza kitchen that will make you feel right at home. In addition to the listening opportunity, folks who bring in vinyl to play receive a first-pint discount for their contribution to the night of music. Find more info about the weekly event on Eventbrite.
Sunday Vinyl
1803 Sixteenth Street
Located in the heart of downtown Denver, Sunday Vinyl is a restaurant and wine bar where you can sit down for a savory meal and listen to curated vinyl any night of the week. Weekly Flight Night events pair an artist or genre with a wine flight to further enhance the listening experience from 4:30 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays. With a soothing atmosphere and carefully sourced ingredients, this dinner spot is a sanctuary in the city.