bar standard denver review

Co Clubs (I believe that’s their name) has a longstanding tradition of bringing quality nightlife to the “SoCo” (south of Colfax) corridor of Denver.  Club Vinyl and the Church have consistently featured not only incredible lights and sound, but also a constant stream of world class DJ’s (Tiesto, MSTRKRFT, Sasha, etc etc etc).

When I heard that “Bar Standard” would be replacing Co Clubs’ “Shelter”, a small, somewhat dingy venue, I was more than a little intrigued.

After reading this description-

Bar Standard sets a new standard of club culture in Denver. Located at 1037 Broadway, in the heart of the SOuth of COlfax Nightlife District, this Art Deco-inspired club is a throw-back to the speakeasy days of the 1920’s & 30’s.

Live musical performances, dancers (think Burlesque), saxophone players, Internationally acclaimed singers and an all-star DJ line-up programmed by our very own DJ Dealer sets the tone in an unbelievably decked-out interior of swank sophistication, yet unpretentious Art Deco era vibe.

I wanted to be there for opening night.

I must say I was impressed.  The place is not without its drawbacks though.

PROS

Gorgeous atmosphere.  Plush booths now line the back area of the dancefloor, the stage is surrounded by an art deco frame, and the front bar is lit by chandeleir

Great sound.  Punchy, state of the art system as would be expected from Co Clubs

Friendly Co Clubs staff.  Since they swap between venues I see a lot of these people, and have to say I’ve never been let down by their service.

VIP/Bottle Service area behind the DJ area will be perfect for watching your favorites spin

Pay cover here, go to The Church or Vinyl with a hand stamp on exit (we did this around 12:15 when bar standard got too crowded for comfort.

Hot Go-Go dancers dressed in burlesque outfits

.
CONS

The back room (aquired as part of the switch to Bar Standard) was a former hair salon.  A fact that is PAINFULLY obvious on first whiff of the place.  It was hard not to gag back there, and I don’t know what they can do to fix it.

Small.  It may have been just been the VIP grand opening, but it was absolutely wall to wall, making it difficult to move, let alone dance.  Considering they are bringing in DJ’s of Steve Aoki and LA Riots calibur in the coming months, this issue could rear its head again for sure.

The DJ set up is tall, and surrounded by a strange white picket fence.  The always adorable Colette was little more than a bobbing shock of blonde hair above the decks.  They need to get something for shorter DJs to stand on.

The main bar has a line in the front AND back.  Unfortunately, the bartenders only payed attention to the front. 

CONCLUSION

Overall, I’m anxious to visit on a more ‘normal’ night.  If you’re looking for a loungey atmosphere with a REAL dancefloor, Bar Standard’s the best bet in town..