Not a Drop to Drink: Denver’s LGBTQ Bar Scene Amid COVID-19

As things begin to reopen and hopefully return to some level of normalcy, we checked in on the local, LGBTQ bars, hangout spots, restaurants, and dives. While some bars are reopening with strict public health guidelines, others continue to promote their business with livestreams and an online presence. Here’s what we were able to dig up.

Open for Business

#VYBE reopened on June 1 and had scheduled a foam party for Pride Month; however, they have since let OUT FRONT know that they have cancelled all upcoming events.

Hamburger Mary’s Denver are currently open for take-out and contactless delivery, though they plan on reopening for dine-in on June 16. They will be operating at 50 percent capacity with a limit of eight people per party. Their adjusted hours will be from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Li’l Devils recently announced on their social media that they would be accepting reservations though they will only be accepting reservations on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reservations will begin at 3 p.m. in two-hour increments, and they will be taking their last reservation at 9 p.m.

Boyztown reopened their doors on Friday, June 5, sending their Facebook followers this message:

“We want to thank everyone for their continued support during this challenging and unprecedented time. That being said we have guidelines set forth by local authorities that we and our patrons will need to adhere to.”

These included:

A building capacity of 55 patrons

Mandatory face masks for staff and customers

A quick, non-invasive temperature scan before entering

Restrooms changed to single-occupancy

One customer per drink while ordering

The Triangle Denver is also open under similar guidelines and reservation rules, though they are expected to be hosting virtual PrideFest events this month as well.

Club Q in Colorado Springs announced on June 2 that they were officially reopening under these hours: Wednesday to Friday, 4 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. They also let customers know of their new food menu. They will be hosting weekend shows throughout the evenings, though their dance floor is closed until permitted to open by the state.

Wild Corgi Pub was able to remain open for curbside pickup and contactless delivery, though now they are officially open for dine-in as well. Their Facebook page lists several upcoming events including their reoccurring Forbidden Bingo happening on Sundays and Mondays.

Related article: Virtual Drag is a Lesson in Despair 

Online Activities and Support:

At this time, Governor Polis and state officials have not given a green light for bar businesses to reopen unless they have a special expansion planin place, leaving places like Pride and Swagger to wait for further instruction. Their general manager, William, told OUT FRONT that they hope to open this month and plan to run at the legal reduced capacity, which is also yet to be announced. They also hope to be approved for extended patio seating, which would make social distancing easier.

X-Bar have officially reopened, although right now the “new normal” is by appointment only.

“We want to assure you that all of your favorite people and your favorite drinks will be back in the bar,” they posted on Facebook. “We will also have $3 slices of hot pizza for sale from our partners, Slice Works. Please take advantage of this new option from us and our wonderful partners on Colfax.”

TRADE can be found live on Twitch.tv every Thursday for their Skivvy Strip Down; you don’t need a Twitch account to watch, but registration is necessary to take part in group chat and reactions. Many were posting on social media that they reopened the weekend of June 6 and 7, though no official statement has been posted.

Gladys: The Nosy Neighbor also hosted an online version of their event The Gayest Showtunes via Twitch.tv on May 27 as well as June 3, so keep an eye out for that to pop up again over the summer.

Blush & Blu has not yet been able to re-open, and in a recent Facebook post, told customers that they have not had any word on the various grants they’d applied for to help keep the bar open. However, they have since started a GoFundMe titled “It Takes a Village.”

Denver Sweet, Denver’s “Bear Bar” is still temporarily closed but has been hosting DJ led live streams via their Facebook page.

El Potrero Night Club‘s DJ HERREMIX & DJ OMMIX have been going live regularly from the club’s Facebook page while they remain closed.

Related article: Can Queer Spaces Survive the Coronavirus? An Industry, Dismantled 

Charlie’s Nightclub Denver are putting on a virtual drag and live-singing show, brought to you by the entire Charlie’s family across the nation, on Wednesday, June 17. They have their fingers crossed that they will be able to reopen soon once things are safer and can’t wait for it to be a party again!

“Right now, we have our engine in neutral, but we will open again in high gear as soon as we can,” said John King, owner. “We have our fingers crossed that will be soon.”

Tracks Denver are kicking off the Pride Season with the official pre-PrideFest party held Wednesday, June 17 via livestream and viewing in their brand-new Rainbow Alley seating area (the alley between buildings.) Mirroring this year’s PrideFest, the theme will be We Rise Together. If you didn’t snag a reservation, you can still catch the livestream, or check the seating out another night, as they are now open.

“Proceeds from the livestream performance will go to a local nonprofit that gives to Black Lives Matter and The Center on Colfax, and please note that we will still be enforcing best social distancing practices,” general manager Isaac Domingue told us.

Lipstick Nightclub have released statements, like many of the other establishments listed here, around March 15 announcing their closure due to the lockdown. They have yet to announce on social media about their reopening timelines.

While many of these businesses struggle to stay afloat, it’s imperative to remember that though bars and restaurants are not essential in pandemic terms, they are essential to someone. They’re essential to the business owners and staff who rely on this work to pay their bills and feed their families. And they’re essential to the community and customers who rely on these safe and special places of gathering.