El Chapultepec
1962 Market St, Denver, CO, 80202
El Chapultepec Menu
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Address :
1962 Market St
Denver, CO, 80202 - Phone (303) 295-9126
- Website https://thepeclodo.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : No
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Very Loud
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : Yes
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Has TV : Yes
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Erica A.
Love, LOVE, LOOOOOVE! We stopped in because I had read so many good things about this place. Yes, it's a complete hole-in-the-wall, but you can't beat the music. We did have to pay a $2 cover charge but that's really not a lot of money, so, not a deterrent to go in, haha. The vodka martini I got was absolutely terrible but I didn't care because I was enjoying the atmosphere so much. Good thing they also have beer. We did try their signature grasshopper shot complete with edible dehydrated grasshopper. This shot is not for the weak. If you're in Denver definitley stop by and enjoy the music!
(5)Robert B.
Minus a star as their cocktails were lacking, so I stuck to beer. But we had a great time on a Wed. night. The band was great. Wide variety of people. We planned on staying a hour, I think we were there about 2.5.
(4)Benigno A.
HOLE IN THE WALL BLUES BAR NEAR THE STADIUM DOWNTOWN.. Thank you LORD!!!! We stopped in here late after a gameday in Denver and got our drank on. This is a perfect Blues hole in the wall. You can literally feel the history and the people that have been drunk there years before you. You can imagine the place full of cigarette smoke as blues and jazz drained out the front door onto the street. Making folks move their feet and walk up and ask that pretty girl to dance. We had the pleasure of listening to a great little Blues Band. Their sexy lead singer had a sultry Janis Joplin voice that could hit the high notes. This is my shit. Give me some good Jazz and Blues and I will sit there all night jamming.
(5)El Bigote S.
Cold beers for your face. Blues and Jazz for your ears. Dive bar dreams come true at the Pec.
(5)Sumer D.
Awesome gem of the city! Was packed out on a Saturday night..great mix of people from your hipsters to your business men it was an awesome vibe all around. Great music!!
(5)Joshua S.
I live about a block from this place and had walked by a couple times. This last weekend we left another bar in the neighborhood looking for something a little more low key. By the looks of the outside of this place I didn't think it'd be either very busy or a decent place. Not sure why I thought that as I like divey bars but this one shattered my stereotype. The crowd was awesome. Not the biggest place in the world but it was a fun/music-type crowd. We were lucky enough to get a booth right inside the door and were able to watch some of the live jazz that started shortly after we sat down. We ordered a couple drinks and just people watched. It was a fun festive crowd. We were a bit in need of a snack and ordered the nachos with chicken. They were cheap and they were EXCELLENT. Maybe some of the best bar nachos I've ever had. The service was great as well. We had a lady server who was very knowledgeable and very friendly. It was nothing but a good time and we will definitely go back. We also heard a lot of famous jazz musicians have played and still do play here.
(5)Tracy E.
Flipping amazing. This dive bar pulls in an eclectic mix of people-- from jazz-loving hipsters, to music geeks, to high-spirited retirees, to tear-in-his-beer cowboys -- this bar has all genres of life meeting and mingling in the same spot. Cheap beer and liquor, sweet rocking live jazz band. I would NOT come here for the food. The place is revoltingly dirty with a dingy kitchen and filthy bathrooms. Remember, people come here to drink, play pool, and listen to good music. It's as dive as a place can get. I wouldn't change a thing and love it for its character, but do not expect cleanliness or pomp.
(4)Christopher B.
What can you say? It's been here for 81 years, amazing jazz, and a great vibe. The drinks are a little expensive but love the bartender and how intimate this place is. It's so unassuming from the outside and although I've heard about it forever, I finally had a chance to hang out here and happy that I did. As I mentioned to a friend, it seems so out of place in LoDo but maybe it's just that everything else is out of place! ;)
(4)Carrie K.
I can't believe I hadn't been here until this summer. You notice that this place has character as soon as you walk in the door. Pretty small bar and they had a live jazz band on a Tuesday night, it was awesome. I may have found my new Cheers... if they get some better beer in there (hint hint)
(5)Jeffrey C.
El Chapultepec is a thoroughly bizarre and kind of awesome dive bar that may or may not serve Mexican food and definitely has a jazz band. The crowd is eclectic, to say the least. There's an old lady that serves terrible burritos outside. The bar area is a long sliver of land and who I could only assume was an owner or relative of an owner manning the counter. Had we ordered anything more complicated than a cerveza, I'm not sure she would have been able to handle the load. The sparse standing area was filled to the brim, despite the inexplicable two dollar cover charge that we gladly paid. Once the jazz band came alive and kicking, I don't know whether the crowd got better or worse, but I greatly enjoyed the people-watching nonetheless. There's a backroom here too, and had we been of sounder mind, it would have been worth inquiring about for food gnoshing purposes. Instead, Yelp found me Marquis Pizza, which I consider a win.
(4)Rick H.
This place puts the "IV" in Dive Bar; as in you better go get one to replenish your immune system. If you have OCD, you better find another watering hole, because this place is crawling with your kind of microbiological undesirables. Complete with wobbly bar stools, floors so sticky they suck the shoes right off your feet (sometimes your socks), booths so incredibly uneven and irregular you'll end up sitting on the shoulders of the person in the next booth and packed tighter than J-Lo's glutes in a pair of spanks. Yeah, just keep moseying down Market Street, maybe look for an open rooftop and remember to avoid the cracks in the sidewalk. That way we can have this place all to ourselves! It's a dive bar. I love the wall-to-wall; shoulder-to-shoulder crowds before and after a Rox game. Full of life, excitement, and always getting a strangers man-hand buried wrist deep into my pockets as I try and navigate close to the bar. Friendly folks, who don't always know when to say "when", can't understand the meaning of invading your personal space, uncomfortably getting caught staring way too long after making eye contact and who routinely, dress like unmade beds. These same folks who aren't afraid to buy a stranger a beer, dance like there's no tomorrow and play keep away with the shoe that was just pulled from your foot.
(4)Farooq K.
I thought LoDo had no culture ... besides bros ... and bros. This place restores my faith in LoDo ...and Denver for that matter. Don't ever ever change. Great music, sassy bartenders, and divey divey goodness.
(5)Amy L.
The Pec is the Go To place for consistent grooves. Be it blues, jazz or down home rock n roll that's playing you're gonna be jammin! The room is friendly and inviting with Lloyd and Angela keeping you smiling. The Pec is on my list of the best of Denver.
(5)Jenah L.
When you walk in, it looks like just your average dive. But once the music starts playing, you can feel it. This place has history and soul which emanates from the walls, literally. As the night was ending, I found it difficult to leave.
(5)Michael H.
Loved the old neon sign out front! Where are you gonna find $1.50 COORS Drafts a block from Coors Field before a game? Right here! Inside, it's Old School as it should be.. great bar top/ stools/ booths/ etc. The bartender was great and I would love to see some Live Jazz here at some point! Get dat did... PS-- Watch for the junkies and drunkards that sometimes hang for a bit during the day, harmless
(4)Molly T.
This place is so full of win. Jazz, drinks, cheap delicious tacos. Right next to Coors Field, we stopped in wet and cold from the stupid rain. We waited for the first set to start and were lucky enough to grab a table. Ate up tacos and drank drank drank while jamming to the excellent live band. It is super loud and small in here, so don't expect to have a deep conversation, but expect to have a great time up close and personal with the band. Love it!
(5)Jocalyn E.
I went here solo on a Saturday night when in Denver, at the recommendation of someone I met at lunch. While there was no jazz or blues playing, the live music was good. Definitely get there early because it gets packed as the night rolls on. The drinks are reasonably priced and the bartenders were fantastic!
(5)Panda M.
This is above and beyond the best Jazz Club I have been to in Denver. I have tried out a few and plan on a couple more on 38th near Wheat Ridge (Ziggies, and Chapultepec Too). The area is all new big bars that seem more like "Bro Bars," this is a nice change with a small foot print that can fill up over the weekend. The bands they get in there are just great Jazz and Blues bands. 100% recommended.
(5)L A.
Don't expect candlelit tables, a gorgeous hostess, or a wide wine variety! What you should expect is An iconic jazz club synonymous with great music, atmosphere, and lots of history. The alcohol is (not cheap) but affordable. The place hasn't been renovated since it was first built . . . there is a leather liner above the bar, circa.1970s (if not 60s). The place is very intimate (SMALL). However, you want up close with the band? this is it. The accoustics are great. The stage is small (5 band members and they are elbow to elbow. Last night show was with the midnight train (or something like that) and they were fabulous. 70s and 80s funk and a mixture of other songs. The whole bar (literrally) was on the dance floor grooving out. I have been to music clubs all over the country and this is one of my favorites for atmosphere and energy. Some clubs have great ambiance. Some great music. Some great fun. This place is a basic chicago style music venue in the heart of denver. No frills. Lots o fun!
(5)Ronald D.
I kind of appreciated this joint. A bit grimy, but that kind of fueled my amazement of knowing that there is a place like this in Denver. I was beside myself. I wouldn't dare eat here. I was already having tough time drinking here. I was told that they serve burritos and a thought never crossed my mind to even try it, but the entertainment was right on.
(3)Tove L.
The best bar we found in Denver. Really good live music every night (jazz, funk, soul), wine/beer/cocktails for 5$, friendly staff and it's almost only locals here.
(5)Peter P.
This place is the definition of dive bar but I have wandered into this a few times to find good service, good drinks, good food. Wish they'd spend a little extra to fix the seating though. The tacos they hook you up with a lot of beef and cheese but it seem like it was missing something. Onion? Taco seasoning? One incredient would set this place a part from a lot of mexican restaurants. Remodel and seasoning on the tacos wuold make this a top 5 fav for me.
(3)DJ V.
After trying to find a decent bar to start Rockies opening day we decided to give this place a whirl. This was are honey hole! It had the old dive feel with good people, conversation and no music blaring till your ears bleed. I am looking forward to coming down at night and checking out the jazz as well. Friendly staff and locals and a bar with character and soul.
(5)Angel M.
Awesome live jazz every night. Best dive bar ever! Preface pre Rockies and after Rockiea
(4)Michael W.
I am fully convinced this is the best place in Denver. The music is really good. The drinks are strong. The crowd is not a bunch of drunks from a Rockies game. We enjoyed drinks, and the service was friendly and quick. The band was fantastic.
(5)Johnny C.
First let me say that I, and my wife, love El Chapultepec. We are from New York City, and we were brought to El Chapultepec recently by a dear friend on our very first visit to Denver, Co. The band playing that night was awesome, called TeraBlu, we loved them!! Cash only wasn't problem, we came prepared. The service was fine. We enjoyed ourselves there so much, that we decided to go again the very next night. The reason I only give one star instead of 5 is because of what happened that Saturday night. We were having a good time, loaded about 5 bucks into the jukebox and had another round of drinks brought to us by the pool table, when suddenly, in the middle of our first song, the owner pulled the plug on the juke box and announced that they were now closed. Looking up at the clock on the wall, it said 1:32am--they close at 2am. Okay, I can understand wanting to clean up and get home, but something felt wrong. I took out my cell phone and found that all the clocks there were set 30 minutes ahead. It was only 1:02am!! The waitress said, it's not us, it's the owner, and the owner was nearby. So, I showed how early it really was, 1:05am. I told her that we love her bar, and were there from NY, just got a fresh round and put 5 bucks in the jukebox. The response I got was she took one single dollar and put it on our table, and said, too bad. Oh, well. We'll probably go back if TeraBlu is playing there next time we're in Denver, but be warned, check their clocks, and don't order a round and feed the jukebox after 1am! They will take your money and run!
(1)George F.
5 stars for Freddy Sr and Freddy Jr's AWESOME jams on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Absolutely outstanding musicianship. The father & son-led band had a couple musicians rotate in and out throughout the night, seamlessly transitioning from blues, to Latin jazz, and back to the standards all night 'til 1am. They delighted my friends and me with their extraordinary sound and talent. For those that know music, it's a thing of beauty and inspiration. I spent half the night coloring in a fantasy in which all I do is play a tenor sax, a baby grand, marvel audiences, and have the time of my life sharing the gift of music. The band's Latin beats can make deaf grandfathers get up and dance. Swear to God, last week, there was a guy there, pushing 70, with hearing aids and a hot puma with him celebrating another year out of the grave... when the boys turned up the salsa, he couldn't help himself. He took that puma of his, and twirled her to the best of his ability... as uncoordinated, rythym-less, and extra-white as they were - it was awesome. It inspired other to join. Kudos to the band. 1 star for the joint itself. Decorated in modern f*ck. Food is sh*t. Service blows. Beer, spirits, and cordial selection chosen by some classless buffoon - *nothing* worth ordering. Lots to be desired in these categories. In short, come full and partially loaded.
(5)Jennifer V.
Don't judge this place by its looks!! There was a little hesitation as I got closer...I was visiting from LA and place was recommended by a local...moving n groovin dive bar for some casual drinking!! Food was good...but the live band brought it to life! They have a different Jazz band on Friday & Saturday, call ahead if your looking to listen to something specific Friendly atmosphere!
(4)Sam A.
What a dive bar. We only popped in once while they had jazz - it made me wish I was on the other side lol I really wanted to try a burrito, but the bartender didn't sound impressed when I asked how they were and the menu was even scarier However - you want a good place to sit and have a couple drinks - this is an old fashioned booze house!
(4)Shannon H.
So, the high star mark from others must only be for the live jazz because the place is a Dive and the food is mediocre @ best. Took a friend from Houston (and you know how good the food is in Houston if you've been there) for lunch and we were the only people there. The only employee was the bartender/cook/stock room boy. He was very nice but the food wasn't great (it's hard to ruin taco's people!) and he would disappear behind the bar, down some stairs or ladder to god only knows where? (the stock room?) Now, I like me some Dives, La Fiesta is great and has The Best Chili Rellanos in town or Brewery Bar (any of them) for Chili Rellanos and Tiny Beers but unless you're going for the jazz @ night, I'd skip this one altogether for lunch.
(1)I U.
Best little dive around. I have been looking for a good place to hear blues and although they sometimes have blues bands - it's not often enough!!!! However, it's still my favorite hole in the wall - complete with holes in the floors, uncomfortable booth seating and snug accommodations. A definite must see in Denver! PLUS it's right across from Coors Field and on the outskirts of downtown/Lodo.
(4)Vince W.
Good place to see a live band. Not too great of a beer selection, but not bad. Pretty small, kinda stuffy and the band just played your standard blues songs. I.E. Mustang Sally. They were good, but I would've like to see some originals or better songs overall. Anyway, I enjoyed it, but probably won't stop back in next time I go to Denver.
(3)Wes T.
A great bar. A piece of living history in Denver. Me gusta mucho. From the red checkered floor tiles to the cash only bar, this place is pretty danged awesome. They've got three items on the menu, the music is always hoppin' and the vibe is old school cool. I love finding places like this. Pro-tip: you might want to get there early or avoid entirely on baseball night. Once the game's over this place gets hit hard by the fans, and it's a small venue, so it gets crowded quickly.
(5)Maddie S.
I never know how I get here... I just always seem to wind up here on a night out with my girlfriends. I LOVE El Chapultepec. Great music, great vibes, fun people and always some great stories.
(4)Meredith B.
Always know what to expect at the Pec! Classic Denver dive bar with cheap drinks and great live music...how can you go wrong?
(4)Shiho F.
Rest In Peace Mr. Jerry Krantz I'm glad I stopped in one night while I was bar hopping on Market Street several years back. You and your Jazz Bar are legendary.
(5)Robert H.
Five stars for being a Denver Classic once was the only light on for five blocks great music (no dancing!)
(5)Matt C.
Love all the reviews about the live jazz. I went on a Monday at 6:30PM. I walked in, there were only 2 people I could see at the bar, a perma-drunk guy with a beard on a stool, and a guy behind the bar. I walked in and pulled up a stool, and was offered a drink menu. I opted for the food menu instead. While reading the menu, I looked to my right to find a 3rd patron... a homeless guy sleeping on the back table. I ordered the smothered beef, the guy behind the counter asked me which number (out of 10) that was, I replied 4, he took my menu, stopped for a quick pulk off his bud light bottle, and was on his way. A few minutes later, he brought me out a tasty burrito with some questionable meat chunks. I ate it, it was good, and I'm feeling fine. This place is a 4+ star joint, so not knocking, but for travelers like myself , I hope you read this to set your off peak expectations.
(2)Peter M.
Live Jazz. Need I say more. Ok, I'll say a little more... Bartenders are great, drinks are very reasonable, and the place is cozy and full of the type of people that make going out for cocktails enjoyable. It's a small venue, so don't plan on coming with a ton of people and finding seating...
(5)Carolyn M.
Stopped into El Chapultepec for a shot last week and was surprised to find an abundance of empty barstools! The only other time I have been to this bar, it was PACKED after a Rockies game and HOT from all the bodies crammed into an super-small space. I was already a few drinks deep when I arrived, so I needed something sweet. My new friend Llyod (behind the bar for many, many years!) whipped up a tasty little vodka/orange/cranberry/vanilla concotion that went down real easy! He tried to convince me to stay for live music, starting at 9, but I took a raincheck (only so much fun can be had on a Wednesday night!) This bar is divey and delighful, full of character (and characters). Truly a great place for locals and tourists alike!
(4)Jake P.
It doesn't get any better than El Chapultepec for a wonderfully divey Jazz bar. And yet, given the huge names who have previously and still currently play there? Really an amazing place to be sure. I walk in and the bartender is swearing about a pool game he just lost... smiles, and asks me what I'm having. Then he says "yell if you need me", and goes back to his pool game. There are two signs there that really give this place the right feel, both I'm pretty sure on cardboard, both definitely with a sharpie: 1) Cash business only (I'm pretty sure there were dollar signs) 2) We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, for any reason, at any time. Mmmmm. I'm welcomed because I have cash, I'm welcomed more because I love jazz. The crowd was good, the house band lively, the drinks strong and cheap. I wouldn't even know what "LoDo" was if it wasn't for this place. Next time I'm in Denver, I'm definitely going back.
(5)Jessica J.
Oh El Chapultepec, where have you been all my life? This has to be one of my favorite dive bars of all time. I hate to call it a "dive" because it is such a landmark. Not to mention it is one of my favorite spots in Denver. But then again, I do love my dives. I love the cheap drinks. But most importantly, I am a huge fan of the live blues music. As a true Southerner, I must admit that the blues hold a special place in my heart. Every time I've ever been to this bar, I've been able to shake my groove thang with my friends...or perfect strangers, if necessary. This place is a staple in my book. And I plan to come back, time after time after time.
(5)Alyssa K.
Cash only! late night juke joint. Kinda cool.
(3)Chanda G.
The nightly live music here is incredible! It's by far one of my favorite hang out places in Denver. The crowd here is always friendly and the bartenders are fast and on their game keeping up with everyone's orders. Hard core hole in the wall, divey bar. No fanciness here. Just good music, good people, and no-nonsense drinks. As everyone has already said, it's cash only, but there's an ATM inside, making this a non issue. I make it a point to stop in here for a little while at least anytime I am out in LoDo.
(5)Sarah G.
If you live in Denver and you like to see free music while drinking a cheap stiff drink, the El Chapultepec is the place for you!! Granted once you have a few drinks here (and watch out it is cash only!!) you might not be able to say the name of this place, but if you are ready for a no frills good time in a divey, old type of diner spot, then order yourself some green chile or a hot dog with your $3 or $4 drink and you will leave here full and at least tipsy for under $20!! And that $20 marker is if you have a semi high tolerance for alcohol too heh And who doesn't like live music??? Well this place always has live bands playing. We were lucky enough to have a 4 piece band playing and singing classic songs that everyone knows the words too, so once those drinks kick in the whole bar is joining in a singalong!! Do not come here dressed up and you might want to watch up for some "plumbers cracks" since that is basically the clientelle here, but for a good cheap time in denver complete with free music, El Caphultepec is the right choice even if it takes a little bit for your drinks and food to come. Heck, the kind of slow service is probably why everything is so cheap!
(3)Leah O.
Perfect. We walked through the rest of Lo Do on a Saturday night and WOW- Denver, didn't know you had it in ya. It's a friggin nightmare down there, bro-tastic and more hair bumps than you can count. BUT! Chapultepec! This place belongs somewhere else- somewhere blue collar and progressive and small-townish. It looks like something out of a Tarantino set. GREAT jazz, cheap prices, fantastic crowd, great fashion, lots of diversity, and diiiiiiiisgusting bathrooms. This is a place you want to bring out-of-town company.
(5)Dan S.
This place gets 5 stars for one reason. They are open and serve booze at 1 p.m. I found myself staying in Denver for a day. Having nothing to do, and not being familiar with the city I headed Downtown. There was a row a bars nearby, problem was nothing opens until 4...except El Chapultepec. For $4, you can get a Coors on tap, along with a hot dog and chips. Also, I think this place holds the record for the most disgusting bathroom, this side of Calcutta.
(5)Raleigh O.
I've been in Denver for two years now and as a Jazz/Blues enthusiast, El Chapultepec has been on my list since I read my first issue of 5280. So, WHY did I wait until last Friday night to give it a try? Sheer stupidity is my confession. Please, please go right now this minute to enjoy the experience of a lifetime. This is an honest to goodness, Chicago-quality music venue. SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!!
(5)Kristin S.
Great dive bar. Sarah G. is right...drinks are cheap and stiff! Actually, they were a little too strong for me (ha ha, laugh it up!). This is a fantastic little dive bar with great live music. I will be back!
(4)Angela A.
I hear this is one of the oldest Jazz clubs in Denver. I wonder if one of my most favorite authors, the infamous Jack Kerouac, ever hung out here doing the doo-wop when he was passing through Denver. Funny it's in the heart of Lodo, seeing how it probably hasn't changed much over it's years unlike almost every other building in that neighborhood. I like this...a lot. The music is great. Drinks are stiff. The patrons are talkative and the regulars want to show off "their" bar. I loved the divey atmosphere and feeling like I discovered something special here.
(4)Demitri R.
Great Bar and Cheap Drinks. I was shocked when i found out how much my beer was. Definitely i agree with an earlier post. 20 bucks and youll be leaving hammered. I had the burrito wasnt bad, wasnt nothing to write home about it gets the job done when your hungry. The bartenders are Rockstars and the Regulars make you feel at home. When im downtown i have a new drinking spot.
(4)Robert M.
Best blues jam in Denver. Especially with David Booker !
(5)Cecil B.
I found this place while wandering around Denver on a recent visit. It's definitely got that hole-in-the-wall vibe, but that's what I was looking for. I parked at the bar and met some friendly locals who gave me the low-down on living in Denver, and I had a few drinks. The band was pretty good, and the crowd was too eclectic to really pin down, which I like. An older couple started dancing, and since they were the first of the night to dance, unsolicited by the band, they got a free CD. Soon after, the place was packed full. My only complaint was that the bartender took about 10 minutes to come over and offer me a drink, and the place wasn't that crowded. Even the locals I'd met at the bar thought the wait was a little ridiculous. Maybe she didn't see me, but was a bit hard to miss. As the evening wore on, both she and the other bartender who arrived when the crowd picked up were attentive to my seemingly insatiable thirst; I stumbled out later that night and somehow made it back to the hotel after accidentally scaring a group of females on their way to or from a nightclub with an overly enthusiastic greeting which might have been accompanied by some light choreography and hip gyrations. All in all, you have to go at least once to soak in the history and get a feel for the place. I could see myself taking out-of-town visitors here in the future.
(4)Coral H.
Get there early! You want to claim your spot near the band. We went on Friday night and there was a fun blues/funk band tearin it up in there. We were compelled to immediately start dancing. There is a pool table on the other side of the bar which is a nice distraction when the band takes a break. Good juke box selections too.
(5)Cherie C.
On my first visit to Denver, my boyfriend (who grew up here) kept mentioning that he wanted to come here. Hearing the name, I expected a Mexican restaurant. I thought we'd go to dinner and eat chicken mole at a dive-y eatery. Imagine my surprise when we walked into a tiny jazz bar. It reminded me of a great club I visited in NYC's Village. It's a small dive with just a few booths and great musicians who are there to PLAY. We heard some great music and ate some super-cheap bar food. I'm told the ground beef burrito with green chile sauce is a Denver staple. It's not my cup of tea, but when the music is this good you could serve me just about anything and I'd be satisfied. It was a weeknight, so there weren't many people. But that didn't stop the music. We had a good time.
(4)Adam P.
Stopped in for lunch with a co-worker. Service was so-so, food was okay but face it the place is a dive. Without liquor and live music it's pretty horrible. I hope to visit again and indulge in the latter!
(3)Karen M.
If you appreciate great jazz, you'll be able to look past the size and condition of this bar and appreciate its legendary history. Some of the world's greatest jazz musicians have played (and still play) at the Pec. Check 'em out!
(5)Michelle P.
Pros: Great music! Cons: Small... sweaty... cramped... "Get me outta here" kind of place. No Thanks....
(1)Donna A.
The best Jazz Dive Bar Ever!
(5)Felipe M.
Met up with a buddy in Denver, and he was raving about going to this place the whole night. But, he said we had to wait until band started. So we had a compulsory few adult beverages, then headed over here. Definitely not disappointed, the location was great in downtown, but even better was the fantastic music. So intimate(read small), but you are literally sitting with the band as they play. To repeat other reviewers, the drinks are inexpensive, strong. The bathrooms are an adventure, and cash only is kind of a drag. But, if you love good music, a great atmosphere and inexpensive beverages, you will note be disappointed.
(5)Angela C.
The perfect dive bar. Cheap but potent drinks, great live music, great people watching. It's cash only, so be prepared! Always a good time at El Chapultec if you are in the mood for a casual night. You can crowd in by the bar to watch the live music, or hide out in the less crowded side room and play pool or just sit and chat.
(4)Mike D.
I want to do this place better, but $4.25 for a bottle beer is pretty crazy in a bar like this regardless if a band is playing or not. Other than that, the jazz band made up for everything as soon as they came on. Unfortunately, we didn't stay long but I need to come back here asap. I want to love this place and I know I will, I just have to hide my FL ID next time I come; then maybe I'll get the local discount!
(3)Jess W.
Two of my favorite things: dive bar and live music. Weekends are funk/soul-eque. Weekdays, which I prefer by far, are more straight jazz. Not to mention it's a lot easier to find a seat and enjoy the music. If you go on the weekends, go early enough to see the first set, and then clear out before the bros drunkenly stumble in from neighboring sports bars. Unless you are a Bro. Then like, have fun, and I will, like totally give up my seat for you so I don't have to put up with your drunken pawing and bad dancing.
(4)Jay H.
I was here last night early enough to get a booth. I've come here before, but I feel ready to write now. As a baseline, I lived in New Orleans for six years and grew up in Memphis. The music was hothouse blues last night, but I've heard excellent jazz here as well. (The jazz is more often the NOLA-style funk-infused jazz rather than that West Coast stuff they play at Dazzle.) The music is sublime. El Chapultepec, a business with no website by choice, survives by being cooler than the mass-manufactured converted-warehouse Polo raves found nearby. I regret that I have to dock it a star. Why? I don't have a problem with it's small size and lack of seating. Just like The Funky Butt or Le Bon Temps in NOLA, it's a matter of getting there early if you really want it. I don't have a problem that it has to comply with Denver's anti-smoking laws, simply because it cannot be avoided. (But try telling me it's authentic when a similar place in NOLA would have about four different types of smoking going on.) It's the drinks. I got a rocks glass full of ice water and a float of whiskey when I asked for Jack and water. The next glass seemed a little darker, a friend noticed. "That's because they put whiskey in it this time." The drinks were consistently weak and watery. I'm of the opinion that a good establishment should make 'em cheap and strong and push volume, volume, volume as the name of the game. And when I asked for a cup of water from the waitress because what conversation we were having forced me to scream and parch my throat, she gave me an "eat shit and die" look fit to beat the band. When she came back she snatched my weak whiskey before I had finished the last few sips and disappeared. If I may borrow a passage to describe her, I'd call her "a spent piece of used jet trash who makes good bloody marys, keeps her mouth shut most of the time, has a little chihuahua named Carlos that has some kind of skin disease and is totally blind." Perhaps I presume too much. The service needs a kick in the pants from management to get 5 stars from me, but the environment and the music itself are top notch. I wish other places in Denver would follow the lead set by El Chapultepec and recreate this feel now and again rather than making more discotheques.
(4)Mike S.
Cheap booze, free music, awesome atmosphere and right in the middle of it all. I used to gloss over this place while patronizing all the other bars in LoDo, but now I'm a fan. There's definitely not much elbow room, but you can grab a seat if you get there early. And if you're nice to the bass player, he'll shift over while playing so you get get into the bathroom.
(4)Annette R.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet, seeing as how I live right across the street! The house band is full of really talented musicians and is really why you should check this place out. They are not playing my style of jazz, but I really love watching them anyway because they are so good and really love what they do. The food is not great but it's cheap and hot and gets to you in a flash. The service is not always with a smile but it is equally fast and they've never gotten a thing wrong and they sure do pour the drinks right. The pec is tiny and crowded and I love it. Get there early enough to get a booth or a good seat at the bar and keep ordering drinks during the set, or get the hell out so I can take your spot.
(4)Kim M.
This is as authentic as it gets in Denver. It defines the perfect dive bar. They haven't changed a thing in 50 years! Great red booths, great music (Hugh Reagan on trumpet is amazing!), great margaritas - what more do you need? Beef burritos smothered with green chile served on Styrofoam plates? You got it. I also love the diverse crowd. In an area overrun with drunk 20-somethings, El Chapultepec appeals to every walk of life and makes for a rich experience. I hope this place withstands the Lodo gentrification unscathed.
(5)Douglas R.
The Pec what a rebel! Its all about the Jazz! Its resisted the sell out urge and has stayed true! Its a dive and with bad drinks, bad decor, and bad food and I love it! Its truly a Iconic Jazz spot in Denver many legends have stopped in here. Back in the day I watched Wyton Marsalis stop in for a set after he did a show here in Denver. This is a true Jazz spot, any given night you can come but get there early or your standing but the music you will hear here makes it worth it! FYI: Cash only, Older crowd so bar flys come get some culture leave the game at home!
(5)Razz C.
If you have not gone. Go. And, go again, and again. It is a sacred Denver beacon. But, not for the food. Although order something while you bask in the groovy, period dive decor, over the pour of your choice, all the while listening to some smokin' jazz and being in the presence of other like minded, groovy creatures. Back to the food. It is, well, ahem, best described as an insult to so called Mexican food and served on disposable plates and flatware. What a hoot! Yeeha! Oh, yeah, get there early to be anointed with a seat, if not u r s.o.l., for it is just a sliver of a joint.
(5)Michael F.
Cash only, live jazz, downtown what a perfect spot in an otherwise overly sexed up area. This place looks just like it would have before Coors Field came in downtown. It's dark, dirty and a perfect place to sit in a booth and listen to some great music.
(5)Kristin K.
I'm a sucker for dive bars and jazz music and this place hits the spot. The music has always been good whether it's on a week day or night. It's much more lively on the weekend with people dancing on the 5 square ft dance floor. If you're over the bar scene that's going on in every other bar on Market St. on weekend nights, and you like jazz music, then you will definitely like it here!
(5)Cameron B.
Now this was a great place to visit while in Denver! In a sea of typical LoDo bars, El Chapultepec stood right out as soon as I walked in. My friend and I were lucky to find a seat right next to the band that was currently playing. The music was great, and so were the drinks. I usually just walked up to the bar to order, and the bartender was attentive and made my Manhattans with care. A true asset to LoDo.
(5)Larry P.
Went there a couple of years back after the St. Paddy's parade with my family who live in Denver, read about it in Esquire. Great time had by all, was able to snag a table. Great music, fun crowd. Glad I had money in my jeans, cash only.
(5)Kevin S.
I opted for the the $3.50 smothered burrito and it was everything you could ask for in a $3.50 burrito, it filled the gaping void in my road weary stomach and didn't kill me instantly. The band was great with a female vocalaist that could really belt it out. They played some nice jazz but also a lot of classic rock covers, which I thought was a little odd. There were all types in here on a very busy Friday night so I had to eat standing up at the bar, but who cares. I love this place, even though they made the health department's top ten list in the Sunday morning paper. $300 fine paid, no biggie. You can't fake that kind of authenticity,and you'd have to be crazy to eat in a place like this anyway.
(5)Andrew W.
The Jazz of Denver! Traditions live on here night after night after night. El Chapultepec is a small, cash only, atmosphere driven Jazz joint [when Jazz is playing.] Seedy, local, popular place to hear live Jazz. To get a table, you need to be there a little early, but not hours in advance. I'd say there are 8 booths, 15 bar stools and a walk way between the two for dance/standing room. It's small, but it really is worth it on a good night. During the day, I've only been there once for lunch, it was empty. They serve cheap mexican food on plastic plates that fill the stomach when drinking. I would recommend El Chapultepec to visitors and locals for the best authentic live Jazz in Denver. Still get dressed up, but other typically are not here.
(4)Greta M.
The jazz blew me away! I hope to spend many more evenings sipping on whisky and enjoying the music in this cozy dive bar.
(5)Daniel T.
I consider myself a casual jazz fan so when I found this place I was pretty excited, thinking I'd found a great place to hide out when I was forced to venture into lodo. Unfortunately, I was quickly disappointed. The music was great, but the vibe was very... elitist which was irritating: I may not no as much about jazz as you do, but I'm still just looking to have a nice time. Also, other reviewers have mentioned it, but they only take cash. I don't care what anyone says, thats a big pain in the ass and a place deserves a lower rating because of it. What's next? A bar that asks me to pay by check?
(2)Mack N.
This place is a hole in the wall and sometimes the bands aren't great but if you can claim a naugahyde booth you are in business. Strong drinks, good jukebox, and mediocre Mexican food complete the trifecta for this daytime alcoholic! The only downside was I almost got in a fistfight last time I was there. Some lout kept bellowing for "Greensleeves" and when I told him to pipe down he took a swing at me. So we took it outside and I said, "Don't get your mesh tanktop in a twist, Kenny Loggins!" and showed him a few things I had been working on at the dojo. The night did get better - after closing time I chatted up a burrito vendor on Market St named Mindy and long story short, an hour later we found ourselves locked together in a Chinese sex swing, gently dangling over a zebra pelt. Tangled limbs.. clenched hands.. agony and pleasure mixing into an erotic goulash of pain and fluid.. two moist, muscular adults.. every flick of the tongue designed to make the other groan.
(5)rebecca b.
The worst thing about the Pec is that its located smack in the middle of the nightlife nightmare known as LoDo. That weighs heavier than the filthy bathrooms, the cash only policy, the disgusting food, and the uncomfortable seating. So I celebrated 10 years of living in Denver by finally hitting this legendary Denver landmark last night. What a great evening.... this is a comfortable dive bar with very friendly regulars. While I was a tad disappointed that we didn't hear jazz - it was more of a blues band evening - the vibe was genuine and the crowd was engaged. I was admittedly one of the few caucasians here for a few hours before the hipsters wandered in from neighboring clubs, but never for a moment felt out of place or threatened. In fact, I'd go so far to say that everyone who approached us (we had a coveted booth with an empty bench for folks to slide in and visit) was polite, respectful and hilarious. We had conversations about the lack of diversity in Denver neighborhoods, the real estate market in Aurora, and which bartender had the heaviest drink pour. All while Diana Castro belted out Aretha, Roberta and Stevie (Wonder)..... This is what Saturday night should be. Yes, the place smelled like a urinal cake when I walked in. Yes, the A/C was broken and so we were all sweltering. Yes, the waitress who eventually replaced the bartender who had been serving us was a bitch (and she overcharged us for sodas at the end of the night while we sobered up - that's some bad karma, sister). Yes, I had to navigate young girls in tube tops and stilettos and tattoed boys in baggy pants, not to mention numerous white hummer limos, while walking back to my car. It was all worth it. I will be back, Pec. Sorry it took so long to find you.
(4)Jesse K.
Tom Waits once got kicked out of this bar.
(4)Judi K.
I hope this is the right place, if this place is a block away from the Coors Field, then it's the place. If this place has the WORST bathroom in the world then this is the place. If this place has a pool room in the back, then this is the place! If this place has Mexican food and JAZZ? Then this is the place!! We're here on a Sunday night, about 10 people in this dive bar, with a 4 piece band. Not bad jazz, really like the vibe, but the bathroom was gross and the toilet had a maxi pad stuck in there. ( I know T.M.I.) But I must say the lovely bartender made an awesome Chocolate Martini!! Everyone else around us were drinking either Bud Light, or some crappy beer. Why?? I thought people from Denver knew good beer. Guess I was wrong.
(4)Damon C.
What a cool place. If you like jazz, I would say this is definitely a good choice to drop into. Seating is a little limited by the band, but if you score a table you can chill and relax all night long while listening to some damn good jazz. Bar service was excellent - friendly, sociable, and quick to serve. p.s. Trough-style urinal in the men's room makes this place feel even _more_ authentic! *grin*
(5)Elizabeth H.
This place is the best bar in Lodo. It's small and only takes cash, but if I have to spend a night hanging out in Lodo, I'd choose here any day.
(4)Andy S.
This place is not for everyone. It smells funny, it's cash only, it doesn't have air conditioning, but there are great people including the really funny bartenders, it's cozy, and the music is always good. If you're looking for the club scene go elsewhere, if you're trying to wear a tie and drink a cocktail and listen to jazz go elsewhere. This place is just classic.
(5)Sonja N.
The music is amazing! Service is fast and the drinks are cheap. If you're looking for a good place with authentic soulful music to hang out for awhile before or after hitting the clubs this is a great spot to check out.
(4)cyk b.
The fact that this was only thing on this corner before the Rockies came to town should tell you this is a must see venue. Any night is great for drinks jazz or blues
(5)Vi N.
Great jazz music, good cocktails, fun laid back crowd. Just keep in mind that it's a cash only bar!
(4)Jerry H.
One of the first places I liked in Denver. Great Jazz and blues at night and cheap, cheap beer during the day. I use to work down the street and would come here after work for some mexican and a cold Coors draw. Jerry still sits at the bar and will tell you stories about Bono, Frank Sinatra and Ella. Without a doubt a world class jazz bar. The place only has 4-5 booths and maybe a dozen seats at the bar. Go and soak it up. I t is right up there with the Brown Jug in S.F. and Jimmy's Corner in N. Y.
(5)Dave H.
Music is excellent, so the place is always crowded on weekends. Restrooms are revolting, and right next to the band, so bring your catheter, or...get a seat next door on the balcony at LoDos.
(5)jay b.
I am so damn glad that places like this exist. Occasionally I feel the need to hit a seedy place and drench myself in live jazz and cheap well drinks. This is the place to do it in Denver.
(5)Krisztina F.
Wow. For months and months I had strolled by this place because it had seemed way too seedy for a single girl just moved to Denver. I am now eating crow. It nightly has music ranging from good to outstanding, And you rub elbows with kids who seem barely old enough to drink, to European tourists, to the Colorado Elite...who all seem to somehow have one thing in common...they're ready to drink up, let their hair down, and listen. It's somehow an instant camaraderie that has taken decades to create. It's one of my all-time favorite places to swill beer and try to groove to the music even as my feet stick to the floor...
(4)Alex L.
Great music ! hole in the wall bar, jam packed normally, feel bad giving it 4 lets call it 4.5 stars becasue the jazz is just great !
(4)johnny d.
people, you're killing me. no mention of the 'pec in the jazz entertainment section? johnny denver will once again give the low-down...the 'pec is the original & only true jazz club in denver. it is smokey, the drinks are stiff, and the band never sucks, 7 nights a week. and yes, this place still manages to be smokey even with the smoking ban - i dunno - see for yourself. it's probably the ghosts. this place has been here for decades, and was once a dicey location before the ballpark was built across the street. i love that it remains, unchanged. and guess what? the smothered burritos are good - mexican food in denver is like coffee in seattle - hard to find bad quality. stop in to the 'pec, get a booth and a buzz, and you'll be removed from the drunken backward ballcap crowd right outside the door - those kids tend to shy away from sounds eminating from the 'pec...and thank god they do. this place is true, old denver.
(4)Jason L.
A really slick dive in the heart of meat market town, this place has the most happening jazz in Denver. Sure it can get a bit cramped and they don't accept credit cards, but once the house band hops on that tiny stage and starts filling the air with late 40's and 50's like cool jazz/bop I can forgive the minor annoyances.
(5)Taryn F.
Although I missed the Friday night jazz, El Chapultepec played a gracious host to my eager need for a green chili burrito (raucously excellent and served on a paper plate) and cheap beer (beer or liquor). On one level, this cash-only venue is clearly a dive bar; on another, El Chapultepec is a treasured local mecca for a range of peeps. Having been here on two other occasions, once for jazz (indescribably awesome) and the other, again, for cheap $1.25 draws, my third visit was no less enjoyed. Strolling in at the equivalent of happy hour, we were granted full juke access while the local drunkards quietly kept to themselves (for a time, anyhow). The owner even dug out the last of their luscious tortilla chips for a much-needed round of chips and salsa. I didn't even have to beg.
(5)Dave B.
I grew up in Denver, but wasn't old enough to get into bars until I came back to visit. On the list of places to try was this legendary jazz spot. I dragged two old friends with me, both suspicious as we'd taken the light rail to Union Station, the free MallRide to Larimer and started walking through a cold night. We were all totally pleased when we arrived, finding a tiny, intimate spot to listen to live music. We sat at the bar, ordered overpriced beers and underpriced simple Mexican food. We didn't stick around for long, but it was long enough to know I wanted to go back next time I had a shot in Denver. One reviewer here complains about the elitism and the fact that they only take cash. I noticed both, for sure, but they weren't major factors for me. I was there with friends and once the bartender got around to giving us our beers, the ambiance took over. Cool place.
(4)Dan L.
A dive bar in the middle of LoDo! A block away from Coors Field. It's tiny, is cash-only and is my favorite place to go for a beer post-Rockies game. Great music, decent food. Exactly what you'd expect.
(4)Eli W.
This place is a seedy dive in the heart of the general douche-baggery that is lodo. Thankfully, this bar is where it is because I would have nowhere in my hood to go otherwise. During the week, the same band plays every night so the setlists are a little tired and the drummer is so bored he falls asleep mid-song. The bartenders are nice and recognize regulars which is helpful when drunken frat daddies stumble into the wrong bar.
(4)casey c.
This is a steamy, crowded bar filled with great music! This is my favorite place to go after a Rockies game to get a drink and hear some great music. I miss it! It gets very crowded, so don't be surprised to see people spilling out of the doors. The experience is worth it!
(5)Curt S.
...a bar where the owner will berate the likes of kerouac, cassady, and ginsberg based on personal interaction. As such, a national treasure!
(5)Monty B.
No one talks music in Denver or cool in Lodo without mentioning El Chapultepec. It has been the home of great jazz and blues for over fifty years. Its history is almost as colorful as its patrons. Who nightly range from sneaker clad college students to zillionaires from the suburbs to Joe and Ann the loft and cat couple to a small collection of alcohol guzzling mutants that have been sitting on the same barstools for at least two decades. Getting a seat in a booth here is like finding a 20 dollar bill at the bottom of your dryer a week before pay day. Expect to stand up! The place has a very well worn funky sixties interior which is well suited to its Mexican grunge exterior image that either beckons you in or has you speeding up to pass it by. It was here that Jack Kerouac use to wash and shave in the mornings, after cruising Denver's jazz venues and sleeping it off in his car in a field behind the place. Don't be surprised to see Jack's ghost in the bathroom hitting you up for a light or some small change. You shouldn't experience a big night out in Denver without catching a set at El Chapultepec. I know it is crowded, tight fitting, and the bar is not Elway's, but when the music is hot, there is no place in Denver you can be any cooler.... For once, stop second guessing and listen to the voice of experience!
(5)Erin S.
Most nights when I have wandered into El Chapultepec, the house band "The Tony Black Summit" are already heating up the dive with jazzy ensembles with a thick crowd quickly fills the available space. Which is not hard to do because this bar is teeny weenie. It will make you think you could open a bar in your closet. There are a few booths that you're considered lucky to score, but their height obstructs your view of the more happenin' stage area. The handfull of bar seats are a better bet if you like to see the people playing the music you're listening to. There is a two drink minimum and they only take cash. It's not the cleanest place in the world, but they can get away with calling the dust bunnies and attention deprived restrooms "vintage" because they are. This bar has been here since 1933 and hosted some of the best jazz musicians out there. Also I would not recommend consuming the food, which also might be considered a bit vintage. Instead, wait until the bar closes and that burrito guy with the wheelbarrow comes by with his goodies...delicious and probably fresher. They still get 5 stars from me because I don't consider it a restaurant. I can do what I want.....
(5)Andrew C.
without wishing to pull rank here, i've been going to "the pec" for over 22 years, which may be longer than some of our junior yelpers have been alive. at least they have all given it the 5 stars it deserves. here are the other reasons this is the best jazz bar in colorado, maybe the western US. sting played here. plas johnson played here. harry connick jr. played here. billy tolles played here. kenny walker grew up here. so did freddy rodriguez junior (who now plays a mean piano here most nights) and loads of others you'd know and some you wouldn't. many are depicted on the walls. and they just played here. they weren't booked or paid, they just wanted to come down and play where the cool jazz scene was. before that loathsome stadium appeared, the pec (and most of lodo) was derelict and scary. which made the pec an outpost of risk and excitement. and incredible jazz. yes, there were the stabbings, the car thefts, the muggings etc., but what a small price to pay for a few hours of welcome inebriation leaning on a piano listening to america's only original art form. this place embodies the creative soul of this country, for heaven's sake. legend has it that jerry, the owner, a russian immigrant, won the pec in a divorce some fifty years ago and hasn't put a dime into it since. what a business plan. no cover, great jazz, reasonable drinks, every night. thank god he didn't sell out to the sports-mad lager louts that inhabit lodo today. this place is truly authentic, inviting and friendly. it is tiny, which is the magical charm i think, and has original neon from eons ago. i noticed new floor tiles and a new beer sign in about 1990, (probably free from the brewery) which took away the philanderer's anonymity in the dimly-lit front bar, but otherwise, i can assure you that the decay is all original and the toilets have probably not been serviced (let alone cleaned) in several generations (so go before you come). there is also the hardest pool table to win on in denver in the back room. players must shoot from every tight corner possible as no shot is unobstructed, and calvin, the pec's chef for many years, is about as good as it gets when $1-a-stick is at stake. but the ultimate reason to lounge in the back and play pool is to hear stories from lloyd. he has been going here for 59 years - almost every night - and this must make the pec the original, and maybe the only, truly local pub in denver. westword should do a story on lloyd as he probably knows more about the place than jerry. lloyd's been here more hours for sure. but a final word of warning. the food is something you only try twice. the first time because you don't know any better, and sadly, a second time, several years later, when you are starving, drunk, and have forgotten how explosively sick you got the first time you ate here. i could tell the story of the night the beans blew up on the stove while calvin and i played pool. he calmly scraped them off the floor and put them back in the pressure cooker. not only are there wonderful jazz ghosts from the 1950s here, there are also beans that old in the burritos.
(5)