Gritty indie rock haven
Larimer Lounge
Why locals love it
The Larimer Lounge and the Hi-dive are often contested as Denver's seminal rock venues, but Larimer no doubt excels in the indie sphere. Icons like Sebadoh, Arcade Fire, The Killers, Cut Copy, Portugal. The Man, Schoolboy Q, Bat for Lashes and the Lumineers played here before outgrowing the dive scene.
Why you should visit it
Local acts feature regularly here in addition to national up-and-comers. The space is small and intimate, so if you're lucky, you may get up close and personal with Denver's next superstars. As an added bonus the beer selection is good and reasonably priced, plus tickets are always cheap!
Special tip
New Yorkers used to say Shea Stadium was "a dump, but it's our dump!" Denverites feel similarly about Larimer Lounge; go expecting fun, not luxury.