Bar: Rambling Rose
Address: 10080 W 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Score: 7.9/10
A dive, a hole, watering hole, take your pick. Honestly any of these terms could fit the Rambling Rose. This was one of three bars I visited in the Wheat Ridge area. I will write about all three, but for now we just get to bask in the glory that is the Rambling Rose.
Located right outside of Denver is the Rambling Rose. From the outside, this bar just has the “IT” factor that makes a great dive. One of those bars that I would have been shocked if it sucked once I walked in. The sign they had was old as dirt and the Coors light sign was even older. The Coors Light sign was a signal to drink beer, similar to how Chicago has Old Style signage and St. Paul has Hamms. Just some great vintage beer ware.
On this particular day, walking into the bar it was broad daylight. I went pretty early as I was off, early as in around 11, not any earlier than that. To no surprise, there were only a few patrons in the bar. But remember folks, it is all about quality not quantity. The older gentleman, which I presume is the owner, was talking Cleveland Browns football, same with the other lone patron in the bar. Naturally I could did resist jumping in as they were discussing Browns training camp and who would be the next QB in a long line of unsuccessful QBs. The old guy was all over Sheduer while the other patron believed in 4. I can confidently say I was not expecting to have a Browns football conversation in the middle of Denver, but there I was.
Past chopping it up about Browns football, there was the decor. I would consider the decor minimal at best. What truly shocked me was how light the bar was. From the outside, I would have expected a pitch black cave. While the decor was disappointing the seating did not disappoint. This damn place had seating coming out of its ass. You get a seat, you get a seat, so on and so on. It really made me question if this place fills the seating up during peak hours. Either way it would not surprise. The last notable feature was the carpet that lined the whole bar. Boy, this carpet was old. If this carpet was a person it would be a gritty middle linebacker. Just tons of character to persevere throughout all the years of beer spillage and cigarettes.
All in all, this was a solid spot. If I was in the area I could see myself going again merely from the standpoint of it being on a great little bar crawl path.
Price: $4.75 for a Miller. way too steep.
Decor: Poor in this category.
Service: Great service, truly enjoyed the old man
Atmosphere: Hard to say. But you damn for sure do not have this much seating unless you fill the place up.
High Life Bottle?: Can not confirm.
Bonus Points: Cash only bar