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Cheap shows and cheap drinks: The Lion's Lair still holds it down on East Colfax
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The prettiest hole on all of Colfax. (photo courtesy of LL's Myspace)
If you're from Denver, chances are you know about the Lion's Lair. Maybe you've even been inside it's creaky door for a show or two. If you're not a native or new to the city, you might pass this dive off as just, well, another dive, one of dozens along the country's largest mainstreet, Colfax Avenue.
Long before there was the Larimer Lounge, the Hi-Dive, and even Rhinoceropolis, there was the Lion’s Lair. Along with the 15th Street Tavern, the Raven and the Arapahoe Warehouse, the Lair was one of the few places in Denver to see shows for cheap. But because it was a bar and I was still in high school, I couldn’t go see The Reverend Horton Heat play his multi-date tour stops or the Detroit Cobras who often played in the Lair's trashy insides.
Once I turned 21, shows began to migrate to the Hi-Dive and the Larimer, the Raven became The Climax, the Arapahoe Warehouse turned into Monkey Mania, and awesome underground show places like Hipster Youth Halfway House and Lost Lake had popped up, taking some attention away from the little bar.
The Lion’s Lair maintained however, staying virtually the same over the last few decades, hosting live acts weekly for a really low price (usually under five bucks,) and serving cheap drinks. The place is a true hole-in-the-wall, an awkward bar that is cramped in a charming way, and much like it's own ladies room, the place is just big enough for you and your knees.
I started thinking about The Lion’s Lair today when I came across a listing for a Hunter Dragon show at the venue November 6th. Booked by NIPP, the Lair is still alive and well, and I am happy to see some of Denver’s more progressive, non-rock n’ roll-type bands playing this secret gem of a venue. Check out Hunter Dragon with Chicago’s Disposable Thumbs and Vermont’s Tune-Yards this thursday. Also, check out the Lion's Lair's myspace for a full listing of other great shows happening this month, and for more information on their Open Stage Nights, which include $1.50 Old Style and PBRs.
A Denver native, I remember driving by the Lair often, wanting to go inside because the green and blue stripes and cartoon lion looked vaguely appealing. My mom talked about seeing her friend’s bands play there over the years, and once I started a band of my own, my friend's bands did the same. I highly recommend seeing a show at the Lion’s Lair at least once in your concert-going lifetime, as it is an experience in itself. The floors are sticky, the regulars are priceless, the music rules, and the place is authentically Colfax.
2022 E Colfax (Colfax between Race and Vine) Denver
(303) 320-9200
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