A major stop on the The Beat Poetry Driving Tour, this well-worn bar on the ground floor of The Colburn Hotel was a favorite of Allen Ginsberg and Neal Cassady—and it remains dear to Denverites today. From the sing-alongs around the grand piano to Sunday night karaoke to summertime pig roasts on the patio, the goings-on are always convivial—and they’re only enhanced by the comfy leather seats and cheap drinks (which are even cheaper during the two-for-one happy hour). No wonder the crowds are so diverse—be it nattily dressed grandfolks humming to the oldies, families with toddlers, or lawnmower-beer-drinking hipsters, there’s something for everyone here.
Tag Archives: capitol hill
Grab a Drink Where the Locals Go
Grab a Drink Where the Locals Go
Celebrate happy hour like a local on Capitol Hill at the stylish Lounge 201 (201 Massachusetts Ave.), where you can sip a half-price Martini on Tuesdays. Or grab a beer and half-price nachos until 6:30 at Bullfeathers (410 1st St. SE).
Sartorial Stampede at Buffalo Exchange
Call it a trading post for fashionistas: Buffalo Exchange not only sells clothes but buys and trades them, too. The funky Capitol Hill branch of this national resale chain is lined with rack upon rack of vintage, designer, and “gently used” duds as well as display cases cluttered with jewelry, hats, bags, sunglasses and other goodies—many of them priced just as they might have been back in the day (think silk sheaths for $10 and cowboy boots for a fraction of the cost of a new pair). Bring your own bag to tote your purchases in, and the store will donate a nickel to the charity of your choice—so you can do good while looking even better.
3 Stories + 1 Rooftop = Vinyl Madness
When size matters, Club Vinyl delivers. Occupying four stories, the huge, neopsychedelic space rises from a mellow basement bar to a rockin’ rooftop patio lined with sofas and fire pits; in between, of course, are pool tables, VIP areas, and dance floors galore, complete with go-go girls and a line-up of DJs from the world over (including Amsterdam’s Mason and Montreal’s Megasoid), playing everything from reggaeton, hip hop, and Latin house to trance and electronica.
Skewing young (18+) on Saturdays and gay-friendly on Sundays, the crowd is unusually diverse—after all, there’s room for everybody here.
Jazzed by Dazzle
The yin to El Chapultepec’s yang, Dazzle is Denver’s other most esteemed jazz venue—and every bit as amenity-oriented as The Pec is no-frills. While its nightly lineup of both local and national talent—swing, bebop, fusion, et cetera—has won it numerous awards from both local and national media (including Downbeat), the club also gets its audience into the act via fascinating interactive programs like First Monday Art Talks and Jeff Jenkins’ Piano Conversations.
Moreover, it’s made fans, even among non-enthusiasts, with its freewheeling happy hour and the Friday Lunch Club—both featuring live music and a $5 menu—as well as the famed Sunday Urban Brunch, a sprawling all-you-can-eat affair complete with a bottomless bloody mary and mimosa bar.
The U.S. Botanic Garden is Always in Bloom
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Right next to bustling Capitol Hill is haven of breathtaking 
flowers, roses and gardens at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Tracing its beginnings to 1816, The U.S. Botanic Garden the oldest of its kind in North America.
It is divided into three locations: the Conservatory, Bartholdi Park, and the National Garden. The newly renovated Conservatory is one big greenhouse divided into separate rooms and holds over 4,000 living species. Each room simulates a different habitat and contains various types of plants that ordinarily would not survive in Washington D.C., from desert species to Southern plants to medicinal plants.
Bartholdi Park serves as a home landscape demonstration garden and is home to a beautiful fountain that is 30 feet high. There is also the National Garden, which contains the Rose Garden and the First ladies Water Garden, as well as an outdoor amphitheater.
Mile-High Honky Tonk: Charlie’s
Having launched the career of RuPaul’s Drag Race runner-up Nina Flowers, Vivid still glitters with up-and-comers like Felony Misdemeanor Sunday in and Sunday out. But cowboy-themed GLBT bar Charlie’s is much more than just a weekly stage for Denver’s premier drag show. Depending on the night (it’s open all 365), an extra-diverse and welcoming horde descends for free line-dancing lessons, raucous rounds of bingo and trivia, unreal happy hour deals—and even, yes, the occasional wet jockey shorts contest. Meanwhile, if more than the occasional Jello shot is your guilty pleasure, Charlie’s is your watering—er, gelatinizing—hole.
A Brussels-Inspired Brunch at Belga Cafe
Get a true taste of Brussels at Capitol Hill’s authentic Belgian eatery, Belga Cafe. Nestled right along 8th Street, in the Barracks Row neighborhood, Belga brings more than just a European sensibility to the District.
Known for its m
odern, Belgian cuisine and extensive beer list, Belga offers a delectable, Eurofusion-inspired menu with traditonal offerings such as light and fluffy Brussels style waffles, dusted with sugar and topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, or mussels with white beer and delicate frites. With an “everyone is family” attitude, Belga exudes a warm and cozy neighborhood feel with its quaint sidewalk cafe and bustling indoor bistro.
For a truly feel-good meal, visit Belga for brunch. Sounds of laughter and the clinking of mimosas echo from the energetic, local clientele. The delicious aroma of fresh waffle batter exuding from the open kitchen will keep you glued to your seat for hours. For an unexpected savory version of the popular Belgian street food, try the warm goat cheese waffle with roasted tomatoes, red pepper coulis and a fresh herb salad.
Insider Tip: Be sure to start your morning off right with Belga’s to-die-for Bloody Mary with celery foam that puts a gourmet twist on the classic! For an unexpected kick, try the beer cocktail version, made with Belga Pils and Bloody Mary mix.
Everything But the Kitchen Sink at Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market
It’s time to set that alarm, and this time, fortunately, not for another dreaded workday. Plan an early weekend outing to Eastern Market, DC’s oldest standing farmer’s market, located in the heart of Capitol Hill. Be sure to hit the ATM on the way – this quintessential open market is literally brimming with picture-perfect produce, antiques, and anything else you could possible want or need. Eccentric, yet personable vendors will definitely have you leaving with more than you came for!
Cooks and foodies should be sure to wander indoors to South Hall for some real gourmet treats. Local vendors showcase their best offerings: flawless filets, gorgeous lamb chops, and perfectly aged cheeses will definitely put your local grocer to shame. For those who are ready to shop, head outside where artists, designers, and furniture makers from all over the Mid-Atlantic are willing and ready with amazing deals on one-of-a-kind pieces.
Bottom line – this isn’t your average market, and it certainly won’t be an average Sunday after visiting this District hidden gem!
Insider Tip: Be sure to get to the market early (between 9:00-10:00 AM) before it gets picked over. Then head to Market Lunch, Eastern Market’s restaurant counter located in South Hall – the line out the door is testament alone to their famous crab cakes!
Go Ga-Ga for Dawn Price Baby
With locations in Georgetown and Capitol Hill, Dawn Price Baby has what it takes to make sure every little one gets off to a stylish start. Whether you’re prepping for a new family member or just gift shopping, you’ll go ga-ga for the adorable inventory from a variety of well-known children’s wear designers.
Offering everything from perfectly put-together infant outfits, to versatile cribs and carseats, Dawn Price is the one stop shop for all things high-end baby! Opt for a gorgeous, antique cradle for that newest addition, or a fresh copy of Goodnight Moon for a first birthday gift. Sign up for the store’s baby registry and stock up with tons of cute, yet quality newborn essentials!