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El Chapultepec
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues Nightlife Bars Dive Bars Jazz & Blues, Dive Bars [Edit]
1962 Market StDenver, CO 80202
Neighborhoods: Northwest, Lodo
(303) 295-9126
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
61 reviews for El Chapultepec
Review Highlights
"Great jazz music, good cocktails, fun laid back crowd."
(in 9 reviews)
"It's cash only, so be prepared."
(in 12 reviews)
"The house band is full of really talented musicians and is..."
(in 4 reviews)
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61 reviews in English
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Review from Jake P.
Portland, OR
11/4/2011
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. -
Review from Cecil B.
Denver, CO
9/1/2011
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. -
Review from cyk b.
Denver, CO
12/15/2011
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
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Review from Peter M.
9/29/2010 3 Check-ins Here
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... -
Review from Felipe M.
Orange, CA
4/5/2011
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. -
Review from Kristin K.
Arvada, CO
9/5/2011
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!
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Review from Larry P.
Baltimore, MD
9/4/2011
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.
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Review from Angela A.
5/2/2011
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.
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Review from Coral H.
7/10/2010
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. -
Review from Michelle P.
Westminster, CO
8/16/2010
Pros:
Great music!
Cons:
Small... sweaty... cramped... "Get me outta here" kind of place.
No Thanks.... -
Review from Mack N.
Denver, CO
7/26/2007
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. -
Review from Sarah G.
8/5/2009
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! -
Review from Rhonda J.
Denver, CO
9/10/2007
I second all of the reviews before me.
If you want to take a step back in time and enjoy a fun/casual night out listening to jazz, this is most definitely the spot to be.
Space is limited, so get there early if you want choice seating -which is all of about 3 booths. -
Review from Douglas R.
Denver, CO
9/12/2008
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! -
Review from Greta M.
Sacramento, CA
7/17/2011
The jazz blew me away! I hope to spend many more evenings sipping on whisky and enjoying the music in this cozy dive bar.
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Review from Dan S.
8/5/2009
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.Listed in: Road Trip to Vegas, Two Nights in Denver
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Review from Annette R.
Denver, CO
3/19/2009
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. -
Review from leah o.
9/21/2010
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. -
Review from Jess W.
Denver, CO
9/7/2010
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. -
Review from Jay H.
Denver, CO
4/19/2009
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. -
Review from razz c.
Centennial, CO
9/12/2008
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. -
Review from cherie c.
5/18/2008
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. -
Review from Daniel T.
Denver, CO
11/27/2007
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? -
Review from Damon C.
Seattle, WA
7/22/2007
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* -
Review from Kim M.
3/9/2009
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. -
Review from Mike S.
Denver, CO
9/1/2009
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. -
Review from Norah L.
Aurora, CO
2/24/2009
I brought my bf here a little over a year ago, and we had the BEST time!! We arrived before the music started, and we even managed to get a booth. Score. Ordered a couple beers, and started watching the peeps.
My boyfriend's from New Orleans, and he couldn't get rid of the goofy smile he had on his face all night. He said on more than one occasion that it reminded him of home.
The band was awsome. Sorry, I can't remember the name, but I've been there on a few occasions, and the jazz is always exceptional. -
Review from Demitri R.
Denver, CO
12/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
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.
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Review from Kristin S.
Castle Rock, CO
12/14/2009
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! -
Review from Marcus M.
Denver, CO
2/19/2011
I am starting to go out to love jazz clubs more often. I tried "The Pec" a few nights ago and had a pretty fun time. The drinks were inexpensive and strong, the jazz was good but they have the absolute worst bathrooms in all of Denver.
My wife told me the woman's was horrid and I wouldn't recommend using the men's room unless you have to.
It's a fun little place right by Coors Field. -
Review from Judi K.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2008
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. -
Review from Mike D.
10/30/2010
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!
Listed in: Denver Adventure
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Review from Michael F.
Columbus, GA
11/10/2010
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.
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Review from Cameron B.
Seattle, WA
3/10/2009
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. -
Review from Andrew W.
Grand Junction, CO
2/27/2009
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. -
Review from Adam P.
Brighton, CO
9/21/2010
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!
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Review from Kevin S.
Grand Junction, CO
10/18/2010
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.
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Review from Angela C.
5/16/2010
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.
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Review from rebecca b.
Denver, CO
6/6/2010
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. -
Review from Juju B.
Denver, CO
10/15/2009
A tiny, charming dive which houses a terrific seasoned jazz trio. I miss riding my bike to the Pec and channeling Kerouac as I'd scribble in my journal. A must-stop for all jazz enthusiasts and artsy folk alike.
