A couple of coworkers and myself decided to go to Cheapskates for their happy hour specials. One thing that few have mentioned is how reasonably this place is priced!! 24 oz.. cans of PBR were only $3, and between my husband and I, we ordered 6 drinks and an appetizer and ended up dropping only $20 (plus tip)! Granted, this was during happy hour, but I was really impressed by their prices. I guess maybe my expectations are lowered when places are cheap, but I felt that the service and drinks were actually good! With only one bartender on staff, I never felt neglected or ignored, and their nachos were decent (and huge!). This venue is super tiny, so I imagine it could be uncomfortable and crowded very easily, but my experience here was pretty good. I only took one star off because they were out of some products that we would have liked to see (such as cream for White Russians, orange slices, and Midori). But for me, that was not a dealbreaker and I would definitely go back.
(4)
Cody M.
Great prices, great company, and the owners are complete gentlemen.
(5)
Mike H.
It is what it is... What in the world does that statement mean!? I've used it, I'll admit and now I'm shamed of ever using it to describe an establishment or a plate of food or anything for that matter. How can anyone give a comprehensive review of anything and use "it is what it is" as we look to you to describe what "it" "is". Either way this is my take in Cheap Skates. When I first step foot into Olde Town set to really explore what Olde Town had too offer and to get familiar with what Olde Town was really about, walked pass Cheap Skates intrigued with their vibrant loud atmosphere. My first most impression was that I was not in Olde Town anymore. I felt like I was in the heart of Ocean Beach or somewhere else in the big CA. All the tv's are topnotch they have great bar food and there is always an attractive female behind the bar... yeah, that makes a difference. It's straight up the busiest bar in Olde Town and just because you hate it doesn't mean it doesn't fit here ether. It is... just like every other bar, not for everyone.
(5)
Eric S.
Leathery skinned bartenders that ignore customers and microwaved, overpriced dip. Screaming unattended children. The food is way overpriced for the poor quality. But on the good side, it's a sports bar and the the bartenders look like they're made out of footballs, so it keeps with the sports bar theme.
(1)
Mike H.
As the name implies, cheap local bar often with a younger crowd at night. You won't run into any snobby patrons here. Generally been a friendly crowd. Bare bones inside. They have a large size Jenga game that can get annoying. Not a bad place; it is what it is.
(2)
Dan H.
Really good place to get a reasonably priced beer! Love the skate theme and the staff is great. When I'm in olde town, that's where I'm at.
(4)
Andrew B.
I'll stick the problem upfront. The music becomes deafeningly loud after about 7 o'clock. It's so bad you can hardly talk to the person across the table from you. The food and beer and staff are great though. Go for the tater tots, they're the best around. The happy hour special with half-price apps is a steel as well. Everyone who works there is super friendly and super helpful too.
(4)
Christopher M.
Meh, is the best I can say about this place. I'm not sure if it's the patrons, or the staff, but every time I go there I feel like I am imposing on them for coming in and requesting service. But they have a good Karaoke night.
(2)
Kelly T.
Maybe it's the fact that this is the first decent burger that I've had since moving to Arvada or maybe this was just one hella good burger, I'm not sure. But when I had it, I thanked the gods to finally have a properly cooked burger. I came here at about 3:30, so the place wasn't hoppin or anything. It picked up around 4:30 and seemed to be a standard happy hour crowd. There was one bartender/server on staff and she was awesome. She handled everyone at the bar, on the patio and around the tables without ignoring anyone and making jokes and having fun with everyone. The location is pretty cool: right across from the train tracks, so you can watch the train go by every once in a while. I'd like to come back for a happy hour sometime and sit on the patio. Seems like a great place for people watching.
(4)
Kate K.
We finally stopped in to try Cheapskates last night after having walked by here about a million times. I'm sorry to say, but next time I think I'll keep walking. It was moderately crowded when we got there, and we snagged the only open table. It was insanely loud - for 6:30 pm on Wednesday night, the music was blaring like we were at some sort of dance club. Too loud for a conversation for sure. There was only the bartender and cook working, like others have mentioned, so service was really slow. Before the bartender came around to take our orders, we almost got up and went elsewhere. But we had a Groupon to use, so we decided we'd stay. Based on some other reviews I'd read, I decided I'd try a burger. We both went for the "tailgator burger" with green chili and tater tots on the side. The tots were great - I'll give them that. The chili was OK, not great, but not bad either. But the burger was just not good. It was oddly seasoned - like they were using the same beef for all things on the menu - meatballs, burgers, etc. It tasted a bit like meatloaf, like Shaun S mentioned. But the texture was what really threw me off - it was really mushy. In general, it was difficult to determine exactly how they cooked the burger - it certainly wasn't charbroiled, it had no browning on the outside at all, did they bake it? Steam it? I'm not sure, but however it was cooked, it was just not good. I may give them another try - but only because we frequent old towne and we could definitely use some new dining options down there. But I will definitely NOT be trying another burger.
(2)
Peter B.
Just wanted to reply to the reviewer who said there was a pro lem with the smokers. They moved the ash holder awat from the dro t door so it is no problem now. Great intamate dive bar in old town with plenty of tvs to watch the games.
(5)
Bob H.
Small bar. Friendly and good food. Who could ask for more. Stop by if your in Old Town Arvada.
(5)
Seth B.
Lots of honkeys! I'm ok with that. All the girls have been bottomed out, some of the guys too. I'm ok with that also. Tall boys of PBR, that's what's up! They will get you drunk. Wu Tang!
(4)
Joey G.
Love the little dive bar feel with a modern look. We went in and had like 24 pickle shots. The service was great from bar tender Danny .will go back!
(5)
Jennifer P.
Love this place! I order the BLT every time I go and it's really good. Inconsistent with how it's prepared (seasoning of the toast, amount of bacon and lettuce), but it's always good. Prices are below what I would expect to pay, but that's why we go back. Their green chili is delicious, and their burgers pack a punch. Amber is always friendly and very attentive. The atmosphere is very casual and they have great specials. Nice to have something in Olde Town that isn't super corporate or snooty
(4)
Carolyn M.
This place is perfect for people watching. In the 20 minutes it took me to down my Coors Light, I swear I saw it all. For one, I could not believe how crowded this place was for a suburban bar. Even so, we were able to get beers quickly. We tried to order pitchers since they were advertised on the wall, but apparently those are only for people celebrating their 21st birthday. Weird. The space is small, so I doubt I would be able to drink there all night, but it's a good shot stop if you're working your way through Olde Town Arvada.
(3)
Brian M.
Made a Yelp account just to express how disappointed I am in this establishment. They have a special birthday deal on their website and all over the bar stating that on your birthday one is eligible for 20 pitchers of beer for $25. After planning an event for a friend around this we arrive at the bar to be told this is not the case, and they haven't had the special for months. How long does it take to update a website? The attitude of the bartenders joking about this, as if I should have known better is absurd. This is the last time I ever visit this bar. I will also be contacting the Arvada chamber of commerce regarding the flagrant false advertising.
(1)
Ashley C.
Great atmosphere, small area for outdoor seating, BBQ pulled pork nachos are amazing! Burgers are pretty good too.
(5)
Magnum E.
Not to sure on this place. The bartenders will SKIP over you and serve larger parties before serving single patrons, I have experienced this MORE THAN ONCE. They make you feel off key and the atmosphere is a highly tense filled room with 21 year old kids past 9pm. I much rather walk across the street (literally across the street) and not have to deal with it. The atmosphere before 9pm is fine, not my favorite establishment but it is fine. I have never tried the food but from what I here from friends its "bar type". Prices are fair. Area is clean. Intimate sized patio is good. Karaoke on Tuesday.
(2)
justin k.
I had the same experience as magnum. We were sitting at the bar with empty beers for around 30 minutes before I finally got the bartenders attention. I think if I would have shot a flare in the air they still would have looked past us. Almost walked out without paying after waiting this long to close our tab. Bartenders are horrible and along with the service! Do everyone a favor and stay away so maybe the place can get new management or something. At the very least they need new bartenders!
(1)
Glen H.
I love this place! Friendly bartenders, great deals, and nice location. My only complaint is that jukebox selection doesn't fit the people. It's full of country and top 40 crap.
(5)
Micah B.
Service is questionable at best but the menu is huge and delicious, the crowd is a blast during football, and they have a decent beer selection. I love it!
(3)
Kaitlin L.
I love that I can watch Action Sports at this bar, and there are enough TVs that everyone can be happy watching their favorite respective sports. I can't wait to catch the X games here! The food is good, I had the cajun pasta, which BLEW my mind. A totally original idea that was executed perfectly. My only beef: It was served in a basket with a paper lining. Pretty weak. The bartender was nice, and the owner was very hospitable. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Michael F.
I like this place, it is clean and nice, the menu is bar food, u can get a schlitz and a shot of sailor jerry for 5 bucks, the people that work there are nice and work hard, basically I totally disagree with Eric S and have a hard time taking his review seriously, this is a nice down to earth place.
(5)
Shaun S.
Holy Loud! The music was blasting. The bartender had difficulty making the rounds. I cannot describe the texture of the burger. Was it meatloafy or was it meatbally? How did they cook it? Steam? On the good side, the tater tots were tasty. After my first visit, I do not know what to think. I am going to give it one more try.
(2)
Mo C.
Just a friendly little bar & grill in Old Towne Arvada. We dropped in with a Groupon on a Saturday afternoon. They have several tasty beers on tap. I enjoyed the Sierra Nevada. And, I love that they serve their beers in two sizes, pint & large. Unfortunately, they only do Pitchers for birthday parties. But, they have a deal where you can get 20 pitchers for $25 on your birthday. So, we may have to come back and take advantage of that. I had the anti-vegan burger and it was tasty. Their fries are phenominal! There is a small patio area. But, if the weather is nice, expect it to be packed. Inside wasn't bad, there was a nice, big bank of windows for us to people watch through. It seemed like the only staff when we were there were the bartender and the cook who brought out the food. So, service seemed slow. They could use a cocktail server. Overall, it was just a chill afternoon and I would definitely drop in again when in the area.
(4)
Stan D.
I will not patronize this establishment as long as they refuse to abide by the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act, and the City Code of the City of Arvada. In Colorado, it is illegal to smoke within 15 of the entrance of a building. In Arvada, the same is illegal within 25 feet. This establishment, however, not only refuses to abide by that law, they leave a butt can outside their front door to encourage civil disobedience. What's worse is that the City of Arvada refuses to enforce either the state or the local law in regard to smoking. This is a big bonanza to smokers because you can smoke freely at this establishment, and not worry about being hassled either by the ownership or the city. More power to you. I, however, value my health and my lungs, and choose to take my business where I can ruin my liver without ruining my lungs. As long as this business does not abide by the CCIAA, I will never step foot inside, and, if you are a non-smoker, I suggest you follow my lead. Additionally, in order to keep the kitchen cool on hot days, they open the back door which has a screen in need of repair. Insects can easily pass through the large holes in that screen. If you dine at this establishment, just know that you may be exposing yourself to insect infestation, and eating fly eggs. Drink the drinks, but avoid the food.
(1)
Steven Z.
I would have given this place 5 but the very first time I came in the service was poor. After coming in a few more times the staff has been great and always on top of their game. Overall the foods been great. The bread has been stale which sucks but overall I like the place and will keep coming in.
(4)
Peter M.
First off, I didn't find the bartenders to be leathery at all. In fact, they seemed quite pleasant and were quick to be of service, despite a fairly dense crowd of patrons. Not a big pub, but plenty of TVs for catching whatever game happens to be on at the moment. Beers weren't cheap, but the prices were not exorbitant - I think around $5 bucks for a decent sized beer. Didn't see any screaming children.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Very Loud Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Sarah W.
A couple of coworkers and myself decided to go to Cheapskates for their happy hour specials. One thing that few have mentioned is how reasonably this place is priced!! 24 oz.. cans of PBR were only $3, and between my husband and I, we ordered 6 drinks and an appetizer and ended up dropping only $20 (plus tip)! Granted, this was during happy hour, but I was really impressed by their prices. I guess maybe my expectations are lowered when places are cheap, but I felt that the service and drinks were actually good! With only one bartender on staff, I never felt neglected or ignored, and their nachos were decent (and huge!). This venue is super tiny, so I imagine it could be uncomfortable and crowded very easily, but my experience here was pretty good. I only took one star off because they were out of some products that we would have liked to see (such as cream for White Russians, orange slices, and Midori). But for me, that was not a dealbreaker and I would definitely go back.
(4)Cody M.
Great prices, great company, and the owners are complete gentlemen.
(5)Mike H.
It is what it is... What in the world does that statement mean!? I've used it, I'll admit and now I'm shamed of ever using it to describe an establishment or a plate of food or anything for that matter. How can anyone give a comprehensive review of anything and use "it is what it is" as we look to you to describe what "it" "is". Either way this is my take in Cheap Skates. When I first step foot into Olde Town set to really explore what Olde Town had too offer and to get familiar with what Olde Town was really about, walked pass Cheap Skates intrigued with their vibrant loud atmosphere. My first most impression was that I was not in Olde Town anymore. I felt like I was in the heart of Ocean Beach or somewhere else in the big CA. All the tv's are topnotch they have great bar food and there is always an attractive female behind the bar... yeah, that makes a difference. It's straight up the busiest bar in Olde Town and just because you hate it doesn't mean it doesn't fit here ether. It is... just like every other bar, not for everyone.
(5)Eric S.
Leathery skinned bartenders that ignore customers and microwaved, overpriced dip. Screaming unattended children. The food is way overpriced for the poor quality. But on the good side, it's a sports bar and the the bartenders look like they're made out of footballs, so it keeps with the sports bar theme.
(1)Mike H.
As the name implies, cheap local bar often with a younger crowd at night. You won't run into any snobby patrons here. Generally been a friendly crowd. Bare bones inside. They have a large size Jenga game that can get annoying. Not a bad place; it is what it is.
(2)Dan H.
Really good place to get a reasonably priced beer! Love the skate theme and the staff is great. When I'm in olde town, that's where I'm at.
(4)Andrew B.
I'll stick the problem upfront. The music becomes deafeningly loud after about 7 o'clock. It's so bad you can hardly talk to the person across the table from you. The food and beer and staff are great though. Go for the tater tots, they're the best around. The happy hour special with half-price apps is a steel as well. Everyone who works there is super friendly and super helpful too.
(4)Christopher M.
Meh, is the best I can say about this place. I'm not sure if it's the patrons, or the staff, but every time I go there I feel like I am imposing on them for coming in and requesting service. But they have a good Karaoke night.
(2)Kelly T.
Maybe it's the fact that this is the first decent burger that I've had since moving to Arvada or maybe this was just one hella good burger, I'm not sure. But when I had it, I thanked the gods to finally have a properly cooked burger. I came here at about 3:30, so the place wasn't hoppin or anything. It picked up around 4:30 and seemed to be a standard happy hour crowd. There was one bartender/server on staff and she was awesome. She handled everyone at the bar, on the patio and around the tables without ignoring anyone and making jokes and having fun with everyone. The location is pretty cool: right across from the train tracks, so you can watch the train go by every once in a while. I'd like to come back for a happy hour sometime and sit on the patio. Seems like a great place for people watching.
(4)Kate K.
We finally stopped in to try Cheapskates last night after having walked by here about a million times. I'm sorry to say, but next time I think I'll keep walking. It was moderately crowded when we got there, and we snagged the only open table. It was insanely loud - for 6:30 pm on Wednesday night, the music was blaring like we were at some sort of dance club. Too loud for a conversation for sure. There was only the bartender and cook working, like others have mentioned, so service was really slow. Before the bartender came around to take our orders, we almost got up and went elsewhere. But we had a Groupon to use, so we decided we'd stay. Based on some other reviews I'd read, I decided I'd try a burger. We both went for the "tailgator burger" with green chili and tater tots on the side. The tots were great - I'll give them that. The chili was OK, not great, but not bad either. But the burger was just not good. It was oddly seasoned - like they were using the same beef for all things on the menu - meatballs, burgers, etc. It tasted a bit like meatloaf, like Shaun S mentioned. But the texture was what really threw me off - it was really mushy. In general, it was difficult to determine exactly how they cooked the burger - it certainly wasn't charbroiled, it had no browning on the outside at all, did they bake it? Steam it? I'm not sure, but however it was cooked, it was just not good. I may give them another try - but only because we frequent old towne and we could definitely use some new dining options down there. But I will definitely NOT be trying another burger.
(2)Peter B.
Just wanted to reply to the reviewer who said there was a pro lem with the smokers. They moved the ash holder awat from the dro t door so it is no problem now. Great intamate dive bar in old town with plenty of tvs to watch the games.
(5)Bob H.
Small bar. Friendly and good food. Who could ask for more. Stop by if your in Old Town Arvada.
(5)Seth B.
Lots of honkeys! I'm ok with that. All the girls have been bottomed out, some of the guys too. I'm ok with that also. Tall boys of PBR, that's what's up! They will get you drunk. Wu Tang!
(4)Joey G.
Love the little dive bar feel with a modern look. We went in and had like 24 pickle shots. The service was great from bar tender Danny .will go back!
(5)Jennifer P.
Love this place! I order the BLT every time I go and it's really good. Inconsistent with how it's prepared (seasoning of the toast, amount of bacon and lettuce), but it's always good. Prices are below what I would expect to pay, but that's why we go back. Their green chili is delicious, and their burgers pack a punch. Amber is always friendly and very attentive. The atmosphere is very casual and they have great specials. Nice to have something in Olde Town that isn't super corporate or snooty
(4)Carolyn M.
This place is perfect for people watching. In the 20 minutes it took me to down my Coors Light, I swear I saw it all. For one, I could not believe how crowded this place was for a suburban bar. Even so, we were able to get beers quickly. We tried to order pitchers since they were advertised on the wall, but apparently those are only for people celebrating their 21st birthday. Weird. The space is small, so I doubt I would be able to drink there all night, but it's a good shot stop if you're working your way through Olde Town Arvada.
(3)Brian M.
Made a Yelp account just to express how disappointed I am in this establishment. They have a special birthday deal on their website and all over the bar stating that on your birthday one is eligible for 20 pitchers of beer for $25. After planning an event for a friend around this we arrive at the bar to be told this is not the case, and they haven't had the special for months. How long does it take to update a website? The attitude of the bartenders joking about this, as if I should have known better is absurd. This is the last time I ever visit this bar. I will also be contacting the Arvada chamber of commerce regarding the flagrant false advertising.
(1)Ashley C.
Great atmosphere, small area for outdoor seating, BBQ pulled pork nachos are amazing! Burgers are pretty good too.
(5)Magnum E.
Not to sure on this place. The bartenders will SKIP over you and serve larger parties before serving single patrons, I have experienced this MORE THAN ONCE. They make you feel off key and the atmosphere is a highly tense filled room with 21 year old kids past 9pm. I much rather walk across the street (literally across the street) and not have to deal with it. The atmosphere before 9pm is fine, not my favorite establishment but it is fine. I have never tried the food but from what I here from friends its "bar type". Prices are fair. Area is clean. Intimate sized patio is good. Karaoke on Tuesday.
(2)justin k.
I had the same experience as magnum. We were sitting at the bar with empty beers for around 30 minutes before I finally got the bartenders attention. I think if I would have shot a flare in the air they still would have looked past us. Almost walked out without paying after waiting this long to close our tab. Bartenders are horrible and along with the service! Do everyone a favor and stay away so maybe the place can get new management or something. At the very least they need new bartenders!
(1)Glen H.
I love this place! Friendly bartenders, great deals, and nice location. My only complaint is that jukebox selection doesn't fit the people. It's full of country and top 40 crap.
(5)Micah B.
Service is questionable at best but the menu is huge and delicious, the crowd is a blast during football, and they have a decent beer selection. I love it!
(3)Kaitlin L.
I love that I can watch Action Sports at this bar, and there are enough TVs that everyone can be happy watching their favorite respective sports. I can't wait to catch the X games here! The food is good, I had the cajun pasta, which BLEW my mind. A totally original idea that was executed perfectly. My only beef: It was served in a basket with a paper lining. Pretty weak. The bartender was nice, and the owner was very hospitable. We will definitely be back.
(4)Michael F.
I like this place, it is clean and nice, the menu is bar food, u can get a schlitz and a shot of sailor jerry for 5 bucks, the people that work there are nice and work hard, basically I totally disagree with Eric S and have a hard time taking his review seriously, this is a nice down to earth place.
(5)Shaun S.
Holy Loud! The music was blasting. The bartender had difficulty making the rounds. I cannot describe the texture of the burger. Was it meatloafy or was it meatbally? How did they cook it? Steam? On the good side, the tater tots were tasty. After my first visit, I do not know what to think. I am going to give it one more try.
(2)Mo C.
Just a friendly little bar & grill in Old Towne Arvada. We dropped in with a Groupon on a Saturday afternoon. They have several tasty beers on tap. I enjoyed the Sierra Nevada. And, I love that they serve their beers in two sizes, pint & large. Unfortunately, they only do Pitchers for birthday parties. But, they have a deal where you can get 20 pitchers for $25 on your birthday. So, we may have to come back and take advantage of that. I had the anti-vegan burger and it was tasty. Their fries are phenominal! There is a small patio area. But, if the weather is nice, expect it to be packed. Inside wasn't bad, there was a nice, big bank of windows for us to people watch through. It seemed like the only staff when we were there were the bartender and the cook who brought out the food. So, service seemed slow. They could use a cocktail server. Overall, it was just a chill afternoon and I would definitely drop in again when in the area.
(4)Stan D.
I will not patronize this establishment as long as they refuse to abide by the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act, and the City Code of the City of Arvada. In Colorado, it is illegal to smoke within 15 of the entrance of a building. In Arvada, the same is illegal within 25 feet. This establishment, however, not only refuses to abide by that law, they leave a butt can outside their front door to encourage civil disobedience. What's worse is that the City of Arvada refuses to enforce either the state or the local law in regard to smoking. This is a big bonanza to smokers because you can smoke freely at this establishment, and not worry about being hassled either by the ownership or the city. More power to you. I, however, value my health and my lungs, and choose to take my business where I can ruin my liver without ruining my lungs. As long as this business does not abide by the CCIAA, I will never step foot inside, and, if you are a non-smoker, I suggest you follow my lead. Additionally, in order to keep the kitchen cool on hot days, they open the back door which has a screen in need of repair. Insects can easily pass through the large holes in that screen. If you dine at this establishment, just know that you may be exposing yourself to insect infestation, and eating fly eggs. Drink the drinks, but avoid the food.
(1)Steven Z.
I would have given this place 5 but the very first time I came in the service was poor. After coming in a few more times the staff has been great and always on top of their game. Overall the foods been great. The bread has been stale which sucks but overall I like the place and will keep coming in.
(4)Peter M.
First off, I didn't find the bartenders to be leathery at all. In fact, they seemed quite pleasant and were quick to be of service, despite a fairly dense crowd of patrons. Not a big pub, but plenty of TVs for catching whatever game happens to be on at the moment. Beers weren't cheap, but the prices were not exorbitant - I think around $5 bucks for a decent sized beer. Didn't see any screaming children.
(3)