Incredible staff, strong drink, good food, and prime people-watching are the things that make a good bar great.  The Cheeky Monk on Colfax has those in spades.

Encore on Colfax is located in the old Lowenstein Complex that now also houses Tattered Cover Bookstore.  The narrow room is long and modern, with classy marble bar and neat paintings of Denver street corners hung up everywhere.  The patio is lovely, with long linen curtains draped over the railing, and makes you feel like you’re no longer sitting on gritty Colfax Ave.

Bar Louie might have the best happy hour around.  Well, at least for food.  From 4 – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, Louie offers 10 of their full size appetizers at half off, including items such as Mexican dip trio, spinach dip, bruschetta and sloppy joe sliders.

Zio's is the bar side of Pasquini's pizzeria.  The decor takes you back to the 1940s, an Art Deco blast from the past.  The exposed brick walls, dark wood and deco glass make this a unique and cozy space.  I have always noticed a friendly neighborhood vibe in this bar, and it's something you can't find anywhere else in the Highlands.