You don’t have to look far to find dinner and a show in Denver. There’s something to suit every taste, from bluegrass jams at a riverside brewery to smooth jazz in a dimly lit cocktail lounge. Other venues pair blues with Cajun cuisine, folk ballads with Irish fare, and even punk rock with plant-based eats.
While some events are ticketed, many shows are cover-free, which means more funds for flavorful bites and booze. Get into the groove at these local dining spots peppered with live music.
Nocturne
Every evening, the rich sounds of live jazz drift through this swanky bi-level lounge in the River North Art District. While most artists hold residencies for four to eight weeks, no two sets are alike. Performers dive deep into a particular jazz genre, the library of a musical icon, or even their original work.
Like those on stage, the chefs at Nocturne are skilled in their craft. Order à la carte or opt for the dinner and a show package (from $129), which includes three decadent courses like Hamachi Sashimi and Pan-Roasted Duck Breast. Champagne and sommelier-selected wine pairings are well worth the extra splurge. 1330 27th St., Denver, nocturnejazz.com
Roxy on Broadway
Inspired by the Roaring Twenties, this intimate venue in the Baker neighborhood serves up classic cocktails and global fare in a warm, speakeasy-like setting. Share Cheese and Charcuterie ($25), zesty Deviled Eggs ($10), and Crispy Brussels ($19) dipped in balsamic glaze before the evening’s performance begins. A range of genres appears on its music calendar, from jazz to blues to rock n’ roll. Come back regularly, as Roxy on Broadway never charges a cover. 554 S. Broadway, Denver, broadwayroxy.com
BurnDown
Continue your South Broadway crawl at BurnDown, where you’ll find three expansive floors and one of the most scenic rooftops in Denver. On the weekends, local musicians and traveling bands perform rocking guitar riffs and brassy tunes. Occasionally DJs mix things up with vinyl sets on the atrium stage. Complete your experience with elevated pub grub like its Honey Sriracha Chicken Sandwich ($17) and Crispy Coconut Shrimp ($14). Meanwhile, the weekend brunch menu is an immediate hangover cure. 476 S. Broadway, Denver, burndowndenver.com
Lincoln’s Roadhouse
Every Friday and Saturday night around 8 o’clock, this beloved Platt Park dive comes alive with blues and rockabilly tunes from local bands and touring talent. Find your rhythm on the dance floor after dining on Louisiana-style eats. The menu at Lincoln’s Roadhouse features Cajun favorites like Crawfish Étouffée ($18.50), Catfish Po’ Boys ($15.50), and cups of spicy Chicken and Andouille Gumbo ($5.95). End your meal with an order of its rum-soaked Lafayette Bread Pudding ($9.25). 1201 S. Pearl St., Denver, lincolnsroadhouse.com
Number Thirty Eight
Musicians take the stage often at Number Thirty Eight, a spacious indoor-outdoor venue in the River North Art District. Enjoy local bands and national acts alongside other entertainment like cornhole, sand volleyball, and major sports games on the big screen. Several local breweries supply the 40 craft beers on tap, while regionally-inspired handhelds like its Illinois Char Cheddar Burger ($15.38), Texas Fried Chicken Hoagie ($16.38), and New Mexico Taco Chopped Cheese ($16.38) keep visitors fueled for all the fun. 3560 Chestnut Place, Denver, nmbr38.com
Appaloosa Grill
Founded by former Colorado governor John Hickenlooper, this 16th Street mainstay has changed hands and seen several updates over the years. But with a stage and well-equipped sound system, nightly live music has long been a key draw. Head to Appaloosa Grill for funky grooves, soulful jazz, and other genres from talented local acts. Hearty regional fare like the Bison T-Bone ($75), Flat Top Elk Burger ($19), and Smoked Pork Green Chile ($7) add even more reasons to visit. 535 16th St. Mall, Denver, appaloosagrill.com
Dazzle
Jazz musicians appear nightly at Dazzle, one of the best places to dine at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Swing by its piano lounge for happy hour or celebrate a special occasion with tickets to a touring performance. Doors always open one hour before music begins. Arrive early to share charcuterie and a bottle of house wine ($60), followed by flavorful entrees and Lemon Olive Oil Cake ($13) for dessert. Sunday brunch is also a popular affair with big band energy and bottomless mimosas ($25). 1080 14th St., Denver, dazzledenver.com
Clancy’s Irish Pub
Step inside Clancy’s for cold pints, hearty plates, and plenty of craic. This Wheat Ridge staple claims fame as the oldest and longest-running Irish pub in the state. Bric-a-brac covers every cozy nook where often, you’ll find traditional folk bands plucking lively jigs on string instruments. Further transport yourself to the Emerald Isle with a frothy mug of Guinness and classic fare like Fish and Chips ($18), savory Shepherd’s Pie ($18.50), or a comforting bread bowl full of Beer Cheese Soup ($10). 7000 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, clancysirish.pub
Crazy Mountain Brewery
Dough Boy pizza satisfies hungry visitors to Crazy Mountain Brewery. Pair the Take It Easy Mexican lager or Trail Time IPA with a classic Margherita or Spicy Italian pizza made with prosciutto, salami, Calabrian peppers, and hot honey ($24 each). Daily special slices ($6) are also available, as are cinnamon-sugar Donut Sticks ($8.50) for dessert. Open acoustic jam sessions and regular live music add to the upbeat ambiance at this roomy taproom in North Capitol Hill. 1505 N. Ogden St., Denver, crazymountainbrewery.com
Bierstadt Lagerhaus
With ample indoor and outdoor space, Bierstadt Lagerhaus hosts a range of community events, from craft workshops and pro wresting to regular live music. Performances featuring local bands are free to attend and draw a lively crowd to the River North Art District. Jumbo-sized lawn games encourage early arrivals, as does a menu of hearty German-inspired fare and traditional lagers. Pair its signature Slow Pour Pils with a Bavarian pretzel ($10) and crispy Jägerschnitzel topped with creamy mushroom gravy ($18) before the show. 2875 Blake St., Denver, bierstadtlager.com
Culinary Dropout
Head to the Hale neighborhood for performances at Culinary Dropout, a national chain with a love for local musicians. Every Friday and Saturday, this spacious American eatery hosts a variety of artists playing soulful acoustic tunes, classic rock, and catchy melodies. While the patio is tempting, sit inside to better hear sessions while dining on elevated pub fare. In addition to booze, the menu includes Detroit-style pizza, handhelds, and shareables like the BBQ Pork Belly Nachos ($19) and White Truffle Deviled Eggs ($13). 4141 E. 9th Ave., Denver, culinarydropout.com
Champagne Tiger
Champagne Tiger matches high-caliber entertainment with equally impressive cuisine. This inclusive and important restaurant in North Capitol Hill dazzles guests with regular cabaret events like the music-filled Sunday drag brunches and Wednesday pasta dinners set to live piano music. While handmade cavatelli and pistachio pesto fettuccine are unlikely to disappoint, the standard menu tempts diners with Roasted Mustard Chicken ($31), Steak Au Poivre served with fries ($37), and much more. 601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, champagnetiger.com
Salt Water Social
Diners are spoiled for choice in Cherry Creek, though no where in the neighborhood delivers live music like Salt Water Social. This upscale seafood restaurant hosts local talent every Thursday and Friday evening, with performances ranging from subtle to lively acoustics sets. Listen in while sipping sensational craft cocktails and browsing the dinner menu, which includes a Crab Cake starter ($34), a mouthwatering Maine Lobster Roll ($41), Salmon Wellington ($37), and more. 201 Columbine St., Denver, saltwatersocial.com
Lot 46 Music Bar
This local venue near the northwest corner of Sloan’s Lake hosts performers of all genres on most nights of the week. Boogie to funky jazz beats, reggae rhythms, honkytonk hits, and more. Saturday DJ sessions add to the eclectic mix at Lot 46 Music Bar. In between dancing on the outdoor patio, break for a bite from its sister company next door, Edgewater Inn Pizza. This mainstay has been serving salads, starters, and artisan pies, such as the Howdy, a sausage-topped signature ($15), for more than 70 years. 5302 W. 25th Ave., Edgewater, lot46bar.com
Breckenridge Brewery
Ranked among the best breweries in Colorado, this iconic brand checks all the boxes: award-winning beer, delicious eats, and all-ages entertainment. Visit its outpost in Littleton for regular live music ranging from indie pop to classic rock to country and more. Large indoor-outdoor spaces provide plenty of room to move to the beat. In addition to flagship ales, this location serves a full food menu featuring juicy burgers, pulled pork sandwiches ($16), gooey macaroni and cheese ($15), and other brewpub favorites. 2990 Brewery Ln., Littleton, breckbrew.com
Oskar Blues Grill & Brew
Another pioneer of the local craft beer scene, Oskar Blues hosts regular live music at three of its four outposts. See hip hop artists, alternative bands, indie folk performers, and more in the basement of its downtown Denver location, which is dubbed The Black Buzzard. The brewpubs in Lyons and Longmont also host local and touring acts of various genres. See a show while enjoying its signature Dale’s Pale Ale alongside a shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich ($16.50), Catfish Bites ($14), and more boldly seasoned Cajun cuisine. Multiple locations, oskarbluesfooderies.com
Bar 404
This dive bar on Broadway hosts bands of all genres, from metal to pop and every rhythm in between. Bring your blues instrument to a Tuesday jam sesh or catch jazz performances on Wednesday evenings. Ticketed shows headlining local musicians also appear on its busy event calendar. Meanwhile, the menu stars Green Chile Cheese fries ($13), crispy Southwest Eggrolls ($14), double-stacked smashburgers, and other hearty handhelds. Belly up to the bar to chat up the friendly, attentive staff while you dine. 404 N. Broadway, Denver, bar404broadway.com
The Crypt
Fans of metal and punk music will feel right at home at The Crypt. Decorated with iridescent skulls and cult classic movie posters, this horror-themed bar is a delightful oddity in City Park West. Pay cash at the door to hear deathrock and darkwave sounds emanate from the stage. When your angst builds into an appetite, nosh on some Critter Fritters ($10) featuring fried pickles and spicy cauliflower pakora, a plate of Vegan Poutine ($10), a Korean BBQ Fried Tofu sandwich ($13), and more plant-based eats. 1618 E. 17th Ave., Denver, thecryptdenver.com
New Terrain Brewing Company
When the weather is warm, few places in Golden are more popular than the New Terrain patio. This local brewery sits at the base of North Table Mountain, making it one of the best post-hike hangouts. Get some outdoor exercise, then stake out a spot near the stage. Along with weekly concerts, the venue hosts annual multi-day music festivals featuring local and touring bluegrass bands. Between sets, swing inside for cold craft beers and stop by the food trucks offering a rotating selection of tapas, smash burgers, smoked barbecue, and more. 16401 Table Mountain Pkwy., Golden, newterrainbrewing.com
Platte River Bar and Grill
Few restaurants in Littleton offer live music as often as Platte River Bar and Grill. Every Friday through Sunday, regulars gather on its massive outdoor patio for lively sets from local favorites. Mountain views and Mexican-American fare add to the summertime atmosphere. Sip margaritas in the sunshine while savoring a Burrito and Crispy Chili Relleno combo ($19) smothered in pork green chile and cheese. Other menu options include sizzling fajitas, street tacos, and spicy tamales. 5995 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, theplatteriverbarandgrill.com
The Werks
This recent addition to Wheat Ridge hosts live music every Friday evening. Dance to hits from across the decades, from grunge rock to groovy disco. Bowling lanes add to this “eatertainment” venue, which offers a burger-centric menu to keep the crowd satisfied. Bite into the Valmont ($18), its take on a classic cheeseburger, or indulge in something sophisticated like the Boulder ($20) featuring fig jam, goat cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh greens. All options pair well with house-brewed beer from Paramount BeerWerks. 2625 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, thewerkscolorado.com
Mountain Sun Pubs and Breweries
Four locations make up this homegrown chain, which has been brewing craft beer since the early ‘90s. Visit its flagship outpost on Boulder’s South Pearl Street for bluegrass jams and funky beats every Friday night. Similar genres echo from its Vine Street hangout in City Park West. Enjoy the tunes and tasty fare like Colorado Bison Burgers ($18.50) and Jumbo Wings slathered in Stout BBQ sauce (from $16). Flagship ales served as pints and pitchers round out the menu. Multiple locations, mountainsunpub.com
