Bar: Candlelight Tavern
Address: 383 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80209
Score: 9.2/10
The Candlelight Tavern is a very inviting bar from the outside. The city of Denver has seen rapid growth since the Candlelight Tavern opened in the 1950’s. The outside of the Candlelight Tavern has the best signage we have seen. There have been some top tier signage bars, but this one takes the cake in terms of signage. The bright neon sign, on a brick wall, with a massive patio just screams “come here and drink a beer”, well at least it did to me, and my god it worked.
Once you enter the Candlelight Tavern, you feel like you are in a typical Chicago dive. Some of you may not be as versed in Chicago dives, which is expected. I for one have been to way too many to count. By this I simply mean it plays all the hits, wood paneling, a brick wall, and of course, an Old Style sign.
I think what I enjoy most about the Candlelight Tavern is the sheer size of the joint. Typically, dive bars are not all too big or they are massive, there does not seem to be an “in between”. This bar has a massive patio, ample seating by the bar, and then a whole section featuring multiple pool tables and dart boards. They truly did a killer job setting this section up, they added a rail on the walls for a spot to put your drink down, with bar stools underneath. A simple feature like this makes all the difference and adds tons of seating.
When I was recommended this bar by a follower he told me they were known for two things, one being the pool community that they draw into the bar, and I can believe it. The pool tables were in great shape, telling me the felt is replaced regularly. This is a sign of a place that gets high pool traffic. While I was not here during night time, I could picture this place being packed with dudes shooting pool, standing on an older carpet that would have some damn crazy stories if it could speak.
The second thing was the wings, I will admit this place does not scream good food, which in my experience is why you should try the food. They really had a no frills menu, a few burgers and wings. I was a dummy and did not try the wings, which I will be thinking about for some time, do not be an idiot like myself and give them a try.
Yes, this place had some character and could not be in a better area. Being so close to Wash park adds endless opportunities for bars and food alike. Give this place a shot instead of the trendy bar down the street.
Price: Expensive unfortunately. This is what killed the score for this bar, keeping it outside of the top 10. $5.50 for a Miller Lite
Decor: Decor was alright, I wanted more signage. The wood paneling and brick wall partially made up for it
Service: The bartender was nice, heavy pour for sure.
Atmosphere: For a Thursday at mid day, the bar was relatively busy. Denver is one of those cities you wonder, do people even work in this city?
High Life Bottle?: Yes they had it.
Bonus Points: None.