Pony Up

"The portrait of an imperial bulldog at the entrance lets first-timers know they can expect the unexpected at this LoDo go-to — and the bar crew proves it, serving up rocking concoctions like the Calcifer’s Heart with tequila, shochu, Fino Sherry, pear, and Korean chili paste as well as shots of George Dickel with roast-beef jus chasers. (The latter come courtesy of the kitchen, which specializes in fabulous French dips, of all things.) Also worth a stop is Pony Up’s West Colfax sibling, Side Pony, which doubles as a coffeehouse." - Ruth Tobias

"Fabulous French dips and killer cocktails are the bread and butter for this always-hopping LoDo hangout; service until 1 a.m. on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends is (not to mix metaphors) the cherry on top. To sweeten the pot even further, the kitchen turns out a mean chocolate-chip cookie." - Camila Navarrette, Eater Staff, Ruth Tobias

"Fabulous French dips and killer cocktails are the bread and butter for this always-hopping LoDo hangout; service until 1 a.m. on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends is (not to mix metaphors) the cherry on top. To sweeten the pot even further, the kitchen turns out a mean chocolate-chip cookie." - Camila Navarrette, Eater Staff, Ruth Tobias

"Even if you don’t know a soul, you’ll feel as though you’re among friends at Pony Up. Ringing with laughter and music, the barroom bustles with people whose only agenda is having a good time for a long time. True to the vibe, the cocktails are just right: creative enough to pique curiosity, approachable enough to deter overthinking. Signatures include the brown butter-washed Old Fashioned, a chaser of beef jus for a shot of George Dickel, and tiki standards like the Missionary’s. About 20 beers and half as many easy-drinking wines by the glass keep things well rounded, while a selection of bottled Champagne encourages splurging at the wickedest of times, going for half-off as of 11 p.m. nightly and all day Sunday. Pony Up combines all the you-do-you nonchalance of a dive bar with all the craft of a downtown destination. Nothing like crushing a bottle of grower Champagne in your hoodie and Converse." - Ruth Tobias

"At this fun-loving downtown bar, French dip sandwiches are served with classic cocktails in a comfortable setting. The Crimson & Clover Club (pictured) is made with gin, raspberry, Fino sherry, and pink peppercorn. There is also shuffleboard and fireside couch seating." - Eater Staff