I love this place! Love the cheese curds. Good times.
(5)
Chris R.
Swanks, Swanks, feckin' Swanks. This seemed to be our finishing point for the five days I was in Denver. Did some dancing, did a lot of drinking, put on the beer goggles, nearly made a mistake, God intervened and some embarrassment was saved. Regardless, Swanky's was a good enough time. This place will never win an award as the best bar ever, but it's a good place for a large group. I think we had nearly 30 people in our group at some point here. I will always have fond, hazy memories of this place, but will go back to next time I'm in town.
(4)
Todd C.
Go Pack, Go!
(3)
jeremy g.
I dropped into Swanky's for a couple beers before work (it was about 3pm) with a couple co-workers a few weeks ago. I have to say the place is so laid back and chill, that you have to love it. I have been told that it is the local Packers bar, so I'll have to test it's loyalty by stopping in with a Chargers jersey on. any-who, the beer is cheap, the food is food and the wallpaper in the bathrooms ROCK!
(4)
Kendra R.
After a Rockies game, walked in here and it was packed. Up to the bar I went to get whatever icy concoction was on special. Waiting for my Purple Hooter at the bar, I take a seat and notice all these men drooling while gazing at the tube. To my surprise, it's porn. Skinamax or not, two women .. a boy.. no clothes.. that's not your standard television show. Missing Wisconsin or your Badger buddies? Swankys used to sponsor the local University of Wisconsin alumni group.
(2)
Hans O.
Went there last Saturday and they were closed, came back around 4pm when they opened. It was empty, just our table. Tried their alcoholic slushies and they were actually cool, strongly made with Everclear 190 proof, they have quite a few flavors running their machines, like Orange, white Russian, lime, lemon, and few others more. Their fried curds were really good. Their decor is quite interesting, they have porn in the bathrooms...
(3)
James B.
Honestly like this place, I looked beyond the fact it's a Wisconsin bar. The food was pretty decent for a bar and reasonably priced. The atmosphere was pretty laid back. We could actually have a conversation seeing as they understand proper volume on the music. Those slurpee style drinks were pretty damn good. We'll be back, much better than other options in the area.
(4)
Brian G.
Swanky's is a solid example of "what you see is what you get". I get it. This is Denver and we all love it. The owner however is a HUGE Packer fan and his bar reflects that. It's his bar and if wants to theme it after Sponge Bob I think it's his right. The bathrooms...yeah. OK it's tacky and I'll give you that. However, after walking in the door and looking around, and then you're still surprised there is some Playboy on the wall...I blame you. I'm not saying that you had to see it coming (get your mind out of there) but you shouldn't be surprised either. I don't do the slushy things unless I;m in New Orleans but they are good and strong. The bartenders have heavy hands for the cocktails and the the cheese curds are amazing. I like that it tends to be quiet and I go sit have a beer and a shot in peace. The same reason I like the Falling Rock. Even if the crowd tends to be a little douchey, the staff most certainly isn't.
(4)
Jeff S.
Dirty place, gross bathrooms. This is a dive bar, cheap beer and poorly lit. On a positive note they have good beer prices and a lot of great sports memorabilia, but overall too dark and dirty to overlook. Sports Column is their neighbor, save the trouble and just go there
(2)
Amy G.
This is hands down, the best bar on Blake St. Sure, it gets full during sporting events (Wisconsin, Packers, Rockies, etc), but I have never had trouble finding a seat. You can't beat the cheapo beer (20oz Schlitz for $3) and the awesome frozen drinks, especially the Lebowski. The food is perfect for a low key bar like this one, and the waitstaff has always been excellent. As long as you're not a meat head, give this place a try. Otherwise, stick to the Sports Column and whatever other crappy bars are around there and leave this place alone!
(5)
Mitch J.
Its alright. Not really a place I would hang out at. The several choices of frozen drinks is kinda cool. Alcohol slurpees!!
(3)
Laurel W.
I was in Denver visiting during Super Bowl weekend, and came here with a friend who is crazy about the Packers. The place was decked out in green and yellow, and filled with people who probably have a photo of Lambeau Field in their bathroom that they masturbate to every morning. As a die-hard Bears fan, this was a horrifying sight to me, and I was just praying that I wouldn't get my ass kicked. As the day went on, and had a few beers, things began to get bearable for me. The waitresses were super attentive and despite the packed atmosphere, were pretty quick with getting orders and food out to us. We had the loaded nachos and the fried cheese curds, and both were super yummy! I loved the salsa that was used on the nachos. I even tried some of the slushies that they offered. I don't remember what mine was called, but it was lime green and tasted like a margarita with a pineapple twist. Very tasty, and also quite strong, even though you can't taste the alcohol. Another good one was the "Big Lebowski", basically a frozen white russian. They have a DJ that plays music and hypes up the crowd during commercial breaks. Under normal circumstances that would be great, but Super Bowl Sunday is the one day people actually WANT to watch commercials so I was a bit irritated that he played music instead. The crowd was also a lot of fun. Though I hate that the Packers won the Super Bowl this year, I have to admit I had a great time partying with the cheeseheads. If I were to ever move to Denver, I probably wouldn't be caught dead here during football season. As I stated earlier, I am a die-hard Bears fan, graduated from Purdue, and love the Cubs. This place is a wet dream for someone from Wisconsin, as it vocally supports the Packers, University of Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Brewers.
(3)
Eric T.
you know, outside of the soft porn, cheap PBR pichers, daiquiri machines, this place holds great parties all the time. i have rolled into here expecting your typical shitty lodo bar, but have been surprised on many occasion just how good the food was, the service was, and how great the music on the jukebox was. this place is awsome. a great place to get out of douchebag meat market bars in lodo!! pro tip: guest dj "jake-boogie" spins some of the hardest to find rare vinyl, anything from down home country to classic rock, during sunday football games. im not a fan of football, but love this place on sundays.
(5)
Jodi A.
Not only does Swanky's have the great location next to Coors Field, on hot summer days you can imbibe in what I can only describe as the ultimate "slurpee"....various flavors of frozen drinks, that are delicious ! For an extra dollar, you can also get an extra shot to add. The food is great. The curdburger (cheese-curds mixed into the ground beef patty) is great ! I have yet to try everything, but I am pretty sure I will not be disappointed at Swanky's !
(5)
Bob D.
Wisconsin bar, cool people! Right across the street from Coors Field. Try the cheese curds and go for a Big Lebowski.
(5)
Ryan M.
This place hates tourists. I came in on a uncrowded Friday night, ordered and paid for a coke, tipped a buck and told the bartender I was going to sit over in a corner and charge my phone. Not ten minutes later the bouncer comes over asks I'm local, I say no, and he says you're gonna have to buy some food or drinks or leave. I was like, I bought a coke. And he was like surrrre you did. What I didn't tell this asshole was that I was charging my phone to call my friends to have them meet me there, but as soon as this mensa graduate in business applied his 'buy something or leave' mentality when we were both in a nearly empty bar, I chose the latter. (In case you're wondering, I was sober when this happened, and dressed in a button shirt and cargo pants, I want bothering our interacting with anyone, so I wasnt getting the homeless or the drink treatment, this was the fucking tourist treatment.) It was interesting that he asked if I was local before hassling me... very telling... They ought to move this bar out to the Alameda, if they're going to harass out of staters that happen to walk into this bar, in the most touristy part of Denver. There are lots of nice friendly bars in Denver, but this ain't one of them.
(1)
Ian C.
Disclaimer: I am a die-hard GB Packer fan. That said, this is the best Packer bar I have ever been to. Most of those other bars were in WI so I don't know if they count. What makes this truly special is the fans and the owner. The owner had the balls and brains to designate his downtown Denver bar as a WI sports bar. As a reward, his bar is often packed to capacity on game days. There are no half-assed fans here. Packer loyalty is through the roof! Get here hours early if you want a decent table to sit at. Don't show up with a Bears, Vikings, or Lions (I guess...) jersey on or you will get booed the f*ck out the door. Wear a Favre jersey and the bouncer won't let you in. Do not bring kids here. Ever. P.S. All of the above Packer comments could be said about WI Badger games as well.
(5)
Alex R.
LOVE that this is a Wisconsin bar, I feel right at home! The staff is always friendly and great. The slushies are amazing! Definitely recommend it, it's always a fun time!
(5)
Lindsay A.
Since I was rooting for the Packers in the playoffs this where I decided to go watch the Bears vs Packers playoff game. The place was absolutely packed with warm, lovable Packers fans. The blended style drinks were so tasty. A girl I was standing next to recommended a White Russian/Orange creamsicle combo which sounded odd but turned out to be AMAZING! The bartenders work their asses off and are so happy to get you a drink. Some places you go in Denver, the bartenders and servers act is if you are inconveniencing them by asking for something. I hate that feeling. I never once felt like this here. When the Packers won the game with the interception the whole place went wild. Strangers were hugging each other and the vibes and friendliness were very Midwest-like. It is by far one of my best Denver experiences yet!
(5)
Julie H.
They should rename this place to Skanky's. Beware of a tall, blond, bullimic, slightly narcissistic chick that hangs out here during Packers games in a Packers jersey. If you think you have run into her, offer her a jager shot or cocaine to keep her on your good side. This place is alright, I guess. They do have the slushie machines that the LoDo Tavern has. I like those. I did enjoy the bacon and eggs breakfast they served to me one Sunday morning when that before-mentioned chick dragged me in here hungover for a Packers game. She swore the fried cheese here was awesome but I have been to WI and do not agree. It says something about oysters on the sign. There is no way I would ever order seafood inside this place.
(2)
Kym B.
I think the peeps at Swanky's have been reading my reviews! That's awesome. GONE are the nasty paper skanks in the 'throoms (at least on the women's side... can't speak for you dudes, nor do I care), replaced by solid black paint. Thumbs up! GONE is that stupid, jacked up waitress. I have my doubts that she lasted past that one shift, 'cause DAY-UM. Now, whenever we hit up Swanky's for Packer games (the only time I do, incidentally, so keep that in mind while weighing this review), our needs are attended to by the lovely and 100% on-point Johnnie, who-- if there were Olympic events in serving skillz-- would be a gold medal contender. GONE are the cold tots and half-cooked grilled cheeses. They must've hired a new chef, because things are ROCKING in the kitchen now. They've even added a new item to the menu which looks like the sort of fare that might tempt Guy Fieri in for a trial bite. It's called a Wisconsin Power Bar, and consists of a bratwurst on a stick, wrapped in bacon, batter-dipped, and deep fried. No, I haven't tried one... I value my arteries, thanks! But the fact that something of that heart-stopping caliber even exists is kind of hilarious. Swanky's has stepped up their game considerably, and it hasn't gone unnoticed. Yay, progress! Yay, change! Keep up the good work.
(4)
Shannon C.
I really like this place. It's one of the few places downtown that, on Friday and Saturday nights, doesn't blare music so loud that your eardrums start bleeding and you lose your voice the moment you walk in. Also, they have delicious and potent frozen drinks (some of which are made with Everclear, so watch yourself) that don't break the bank. Love the shuffleboard and the overall atmosphere of this place-- laid back BAR. Regardless of whether it's a Wisconsin bar or not, it's still a fun place to hang out, enjoy a beverage, and actually conversate with your friends.
(4)
Greg H.
This place is an awesome alternative to Sports Column next door. No cover and free shuffleboard. This is where its at. They also have really awesome slushy drinks for all of your lady friends.
(3)
Brooke G.
Love Swankys! The Slushies are amazing and definitely fairly priced. The bartenders are all super friendly, and the shuffleboard table is an added bonus. The food is good from what I've had and is your typical finger food/sandwich bar food. I seem to always end up here when I go out downtown, due to the mellow/laidback feel. Everyone is usually super casually dressed.
(5)
Jarrod P.
This is my go-to dive bar when up near the ballpark. It's a very relaxed atmosphere and they have shuffleboard and smoothies! The owner Rodney is a cool guy as well! Definitely a fan of this place!
(5)
Holly G.
The only reason to go to this place is: 1.) Cause you are leaving a Rockies game because this place is close to Coors Field 2.) or to order a Big Lebowski (White Russian) daiquiri machine milkshake What is with all the Packers stuff? This is Denver. And porn in the bathrooms? That's nasty.
(1)
Kris S.
It's all about you, Wisconsin sports fans. Like most high concept environments, if you're not into it, you're not into it. I'm not into it but will recommend it to those who love Wisconsin.
(2)
J K.
Whoa, you people are complaining about the food at an obvious sports BAR? Holy cow you have lived a sheltered life! Geez, this place is not billing itself as a fine dining experience, don't you dare try and assume so! Tell you what: pull on your big boy/girl pants and come down here with the knowledge that if you want to get drunk before/after a baseball game, or just hang out with your friends and watch a few sporting events, this is a damn good place to do so. Are you going to get a good selection of booze at pretty decent prices? Yessssss. Are you going to pay your tab and walk 30 seconds into Coors Field? Damn straight. Are you going to have a fine dining, orgasmic eating experience? Please; you're stupid if you think so. Their food ain't that bad, but go to a RESTAURANT for good food, not a bar.
(4)
Lane C.
Needed a place to get drinks before a Rockies game and they were right across the street. Not very big, but plenty of drinks. Kind of like Fat Tuesday's with their selection of mixed slushy drinks, alcoholic of course. Definitely check out the men's bathroom. Based on the number of Wisconsin related sports banners, I'd say they're a good place to see games if you're from Wisconsin.
(3)
Cherie B.
First off, I giggle every time I check in here on Facebook...the full name is Swanky's Vittles and Libations. Why the word "vittles" makes me chuckle? I have NO idea. Moving on... My visits here tend to be with my Wisconsin native friends, and they can't express enough how Swanky's makes them feel like they are right back at home...especially during Packers games (if you have ever watched a Packers game here, you will know what I am talking about). I'm from Kansas, so I can appreciate a good Midwestern, feel-at-home dive bar. I have sampled the sliders here, which were just "meh" but I really need to get my hands on those cheese curds...I hear they're delish. They have several frozen drink machines with fun themed names. Although frozen drinks aren't my thing, I tried the "Big Lebowski"- a slushy version of one of my favorite college cocktails, the white russian. It certainly didn't disappoint. Lastly, I would like to thank the patrons and staff of Swanky's for not punching me in the face for being the ONLY one wearing a Broncos jersey (yes, I cased the place...I was the lone Bronco) on one particular Sunday. And you're welcome for not being a Bears fan.
(3)
Michael S.
My brother and I wanted to find a bar with a sandwich on the menu that wasn't fried, swimming in grease, low grade beef, or worse. This ain't the place. At Swanky's, a brat, polish, or a hot dog is $7.50 or more. Appetizers and burgers are even more expensive, and there is nothing remotely close to decent or healthy on the menu. This is so far from Swanky it's nonsense. We left. Next.
(1)
Chris B.
If you're a Packers fan, you'll have more fun here than you should be allowed. If you're any other type of fan, I'd avoid this place at all costs. It can be pretty tiresome being in a crowd of drunk cheeseheads when you're not even in Wisconsin. On the same note, if I were in the same bar except everybody was a drunk fan of MY team then I'D have a blast and YOU'D be annoyed. It's all relative. The location is great, this much is true. The service, however, is lacking. When I last went, it was exceptioanlly crowded but that does not excuse the snippy attitude of the bartender nor the slow service. All I wanted was a glass of cheap beer (I think it was $2). I didn't want a complicated mix drink but it still took forever. To be courteous to the rest of the crowd, I paid exact cash. This made the bartender stare at me for about 10 whole seconds with the most malicious look you could imagine. "Don't forget to tip your barstaff" she very curtly said and slammed my beer down and walked away. A few things: I had every intention of returning to bar several times that night. The plan was to tip, say, every other time because, being that the beers are so easy to serve and so cheap in cost, it seemed silly to tip each time because it'd be in change. It's a lot easier to tip when you've racked up $4 or $6. Lest you think I'm in the wrong, she came to our table moments later and gave us free shots of some cheap liquor and apologized for being a such a so-and-so. With the crowd that night, I doubt it was because her manager made her do it; they had plenty of customers and ticking off little old me would not have hurt the bottom line. Thus, she knew in her heart that she was being a jerk. A nice gesture but my mind was made up; we left shortly thereafter. To be fair, this was but one incident. But, it was enough for me.
(2)
Victoria B.
My friends and I watched the last two Packers games here, and I really enjoyed the experience. Being surrounded by large amounts of true fans who (for the most part) are well-mannered and enthusiastic makes watching games so much fun. Love all the posters and signs up on the walls. The bartenders and waitresses here are amazing - they work their butts off and do a fabulous job. Good service, when it's that busy and chaotic, is really appreciated - thanks!! Good beers at decent prices (my Wisconsin friends were over the moon at them having Leinie's), and the food is good, if not a bit overpriced in my opinion. But some of it is worth it - their nachos are ridiculously massive and loaded with everything you would ever want on nachos.
(4)
Karen V.
I love this place! Love the cheese curds. Good times.
(5)
Krupa P.
The hubster and I went to Denver to a Rockies game to watch the Brewers. It was a Sunday morning and we were in search of a bar to predrink before the game. And from like a block away the hubster sees a Brewers flag outside a bar so of course we have to go in. It was a perfect location too, almost kiddie corner from Coors Field. We walk in and there is like a sea of blue and yellow and not to mention the Packers decor! They even had a Summerfest flag near the door! The hubster is a native Wisconsinite and I lived there for a few years so being at this bar brought back good memories. Our waitress was very friendly. We got our beers and thought we'd order some nachos to start with and then get something else. We ordered the nachos and she took the menus. I was confused at first, because we were only ordering an appetizer and wanted a menu for ordering our actual meal. So a like 10 minutes later she comes back with this MASSIVE plate of nachos! People around us were like, WHOA! It was hilarious! No wonder she took the menus away! She knew we couldn't finish the whole thing. I would definitely go back to this place if we're in Denver again!
(5)
Mike S.
As a wisconsinite I love the atmosphere, however, the staff is rude and rarely serves you in a timely manner, every time I have used a credit card the server has given themselves an extra generous tip that I was unable to see until checking my credit card statement. On multiple occasions I was "cut off" after ordering my first beer. Great place ad atmosphere but really needs a staff/management overhaul before I will ever go back! Stay away!!!!!
(1)
Art K.
Near the ballpark so it's clear this is simply a high volume bar. They have a shuffle board table that is great quality.
(4)
Carina C.
Total poo poo caca frat boy bar...you can avoid the pretty boy types but the goatee/jersey wearing ones can be located in this bar. And boy do they like their Green Bay Packers. I've been here only because I have some friends from the big W...and friends that like football...I don't really care for football. The big cheese/summer sausage/cracker plate that one of my friends ordered...well, that gained a few points. Have I ever mentioned I am a Bloody Mary fan? Man, they have some awesome bloody Marys here...you know, those ones with the celery, the pickle, the olive and the banana pepper? Total yumminess.
(3)
A P.
Great bar if you're a Wisconsin/Green Bay fan. other than that this place is just ok. They do have really good frozen drinks
(2)
lauren b.
Ok, I might be a bit biased because a) I am from Wisconsin and b) I am a huge Packers fan, but I LOVE this place. Swanky's has become a Sunday routine for me - a place to go with great food, great drinks and a great game to watch. Plus, they have a DJ and play fun songs during the commercials. I *could* dock a star for the nasty bathrooms (there is one stall in the womens that seriously overflows every single time I'm there - sick), but the bartenders, food, and beer specials make up for it. The beers are super cheap, they have yummy frozen drinks if you want to feel like you're in Florida, and basic, Midwestern food. Their tater tots, burgers, cheese and sausage plate, and cheese curds are all super yummy. It's really not the same vibe on Friday and Saturday nights (pretty fun, but not a place I would regularly visit), but they totally make me look forward to Sundays. This place truly feels like home.
(5)
Sarah M.
Ok... I wish I would have payed attention to the porn in the bathrooms rather than the fact that I had been holding it for 2 hours.... :( But we go there right as the kitchen was closing and got our order in... we ordered chicken nachos and cheese curds. Now it was busy... our server got us our drinks and was nice enough... we got our Nachos and man.... we really had to have a debate on whether the chicken is actually tuna.... blech.... but those cheese curds hit the spot.... i wish we ordered more of those. My beer... I really feel like there was a layer of soap scum on my glass... which in turn made the beer taste less than amazing.... :( Decor is interesting. I probably will not order anything to eat there again. I'll be there again to try and get a non Friday night-Lodo appeal... because this place has that potential.
(2)
Fred M.
The worst place we went in a night of Denver bar hopping. The only reason we went is because someone told us they show porn on the TV's after midnight and thought it might be fun. 12:30 and no porn except for the crappy playboy cutouts in the bathrooms with no vaginas. The crowd was annoying, and I hate being carded at the door.
(1)
Laura B.
This is not for the food.............but, always a fun place to watch Packer games on Sunday. The crowd, the service, the beer specials are great and always make for a fun Sunday. Def a Packer bar, so don't expect to see other games there. FUN!
(4)
Hans O.
Went there last Saturday and they were closed, came back around 4pm when they opened. It was empty, just our table. Tried their alcoholic slushies and they were actually cool, strongly made with Everclear 190 proof, they have quite a few flavors running their machines, like Orange, white Russian, lime, lemon, and few others more. Their fried curds were really good. Their decor is quite interesting, they have porn in the bathrooms...
(3)
James B.
Honestly like this place, I looked beyond the fact it's a Wisconsin bar. The food was pretty decent for a bar and reasonably priced. The atmosphere was pretty laid back. We could actually have a conversation seeing as they understand proper volume on the music. Those slurpee style drinks were pretty damn good. We'll be back, much better than other options in the area.
(4)
Brian G.
Swanky's is a solid example of "what you see is what you get". I get it. This is Denver and we all love it. The owner however is a HUGE Packer fan and his bar reflects that. It's his bar and if wants to theme it after Sponge Bob I think it's his right. The bathrooms...yeah. OK it's tacky and I'll give you that. However, after walking in the door and looking around, and then you're still surprised there is some Playboy on the wall...I blame you. I'm not saying that you had to see it coming (get your mind out of there) but you shouldn't be surprised either. I don't do the slushy things unless I;m in New Orleans but they are good and strong. The bartenders have heavy hands for the cocktails and the the cheese curds are amazing. I like that it tends to be quiet and I go sit have a beer and a shot in peace. The same reason I like the Falling Rock. Even if the crowd tends to be a little douchey, the staff most certainly isn't.
(4)
Jeff S.
Dirty place, gross bathrooms. This is a dive bar, cheap beer and poorly lit. On a positive note they have good beer prices and a lot of great sports memorabilia, but overall too dark and dirty to overlook. Sports Column is their neighbor, save the trouble and just go there
(2)
Laura O.
Any fan of Wisconsin sports will love this bar. I went in a few times before the Brewers played at Coors Field and had a blast. The beer was flowing and it was great. Now I've never had the food because I spent a couple of decades eating fried cheese curds and Johnsonville brats back in WI so I know what I'm (not) missing. However, this place actually plays the polka music I grew up on and the atmosphere is electric before any Brewers, Packers, Badger game. I moved to Denver to get away from the midwest, but I have to admit that I love all the flags from my home state, especially the Summerfest flag! Good times.
(3)
George U.
I'm a 49ers fan, and I think they're the best in the NFC, so I almost rated this place a 1 star, but that wouldn't be fair. When I was hanging out in this bar, the cute waitress kept touching me, I got a high five from a cute drunk chick and the wall paper in the men's bathroom was dope, so I almost rated this place 5 stars, but that wouldn't be fair. Truthfully, this was an A-OK bar. Not many choices for food or beer, but a standard bar.
(3)
Suzanne P.
Its a Packers bar. I am a Steelers fan. I was only here for the booze. Served its purpose.
(3)
Stephen S.
So we kind of went to this place by a lack of other choices. Trying to watch the USA game and everywhere was packed and this place had no one; now i know why. The food was just straight up bad and overpriced. A bratwurst for $8?? really?? And it was just a nomal johnsonville. I can buy two five packs of them for that. Dont even get me started on the bathrooms. I would have much rather held it. Just something unsettling about being in a bathroom with a bunch of other guys where there is porn on the walls. Needless to say i wont be visiting here again.
(2)
Josh P.
Aside from a good meeting place for a pre-Rockies draft, I do appreciate that Swanky's is one of the few bars that still offers patrons a shuffleboard table. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
(3)
Chris R.
Swanks, Swanks, feckin' Swanks. This seemed to be our finishing point for the five days I was in Denver. Did some dancing, did a lot of drinking, put on the beer goggles, nearly made a mistake, God intervened and some embarrassment was saved. Regardless, Swanky's was a good enough time. This place will never win an award as the best bar ever, but it's a good place for a large group. I think we had nearly 30 people in our group at some point here. I will always have fond, hazy memories of this place, but will go back to next time I'm in town.
(4)
Todd C.
Go Pack, Go!
(3)
jeremy g.
I dropped into Swanky's for a couple beers before work (it was about 3pm) with a couple co-workers a few weeks ago. I have to say the place is so laid back and chill, that you have to love it. I have been told that it is the local Packers bar, so I'll have to test it's loyalty by stopping in with a Chargers jersey on. any-who, the beer is cheap, the food is food and the wallpaper in the bathrooms ROCK!
(4)
Kendra R.
After a Rockies game, walked in here and it was packed. Up to the bar I went to get whatever icy concoction was on special. Waiting for my Purple Hooter at the bar, I take a seat and notice all these men drooling while gazing at the tube. To my surprise, it's porn. Skinamax or not, two women .. a boy.. no clothes.. that's not your standard television show. Missing Wisconsin or your Badger buddies? Swankys used to sponsor the local University of Wisconsin alumni group.
(2)
Amy G.
This is hands down, the best bar on Blake St. Sure, it gets full during sporting events (Wisconsin, Packers, Rockies, etc), but I have never had trouble finding a seat. You can't beat the cheapo beer (20oz Schlitz for $3) and the awesome frozen drinks, especially the Lebowski. The food is perfect for a low key bar like this one, and the waitstaff has always been excellent. As long as you're not a meat head, give this place a try. Otherwise, stick to the Sports Column and whatever other crappy bars are around there and leave this place alone!
(5)
Mitch J.
Its alright. Not really a place I would hang out at. The several choices of frozen drinks is kinda cool. Alcohol slurpees!!
(3)
Kenny C.
I'm new to Denver and just moved here from Wisconsin. I heard that Swankys is the place to be for Packer and Badger fans and it definitely is! We had so much fun and the sliders were awesome. Cheyenne was our server and she was phenomenal! She was so fun and friendly and helped us with our drink and food recommendations. I would absolutely recommend Swankys to anyone, regardless if they are a Wisconsinite or not.
(5)
Gabriele Z.
No longer MY Packers bar. I had a seat next to me for my friend & they wouldn't let her in to see the game. There were 15-20 people waiting to come inside. Two open chairs at my table, yet people were still waiting to be allowed inside... No reason to sit there while she was outside for the game. We left. I've been coming here for years! Not a good idea Swank... Bad business IMO.
(2)
Jason G.
Go Pack Go!!! One of the very best Green Bay Packers Bars in the Country-- I've only been to a few in the Western US and I have been to Lambeau! I've been to Swanky's for two big Packers games and without hesitation, I recommend this great sports bar for all NFL and Packers fans. The crowd is lively and passionate! Cheering so loud you'd think you were at Lambeau Field. Service is friendly, accommodating, and I've always received great drinks and food. Even during the peak of the crowd drinks and food flows... Plenty of beer, ample spirits, and above average "bar" food. Check out the unreal portion of natchos!! The sliders are unique and very satisfying during a day a drinking and football. The tator-tots are a def plus and the freshly made potato chips made me happy. Really this place is all about the game and during Packers games every screen and the entire bar is focused on Green Bay! People all seem cool and it's easy to make friends. The DJ tunes out all commercials with great music and fun beats. Be prepared to cheer, drink, and have a very memorable time during all Packers games. If you want to sit, I would get there early or be prepared to stand. Swanky's gets packed!!
(4)
Leanna C.
This is solely based on drinking and night life here. I love the drinks here, any mix of the frozen drinks are always delicious and relatively strong. If you want a little extra something in your drink you can buy extra tubes of alcohol to have put in your drink. They always have good music playing and shuffleboard is a must. Don't let its divey nature fool you, this is a great place to hang out for a couple of icee drinks.
(4)
Shawn S.
We stumbled into this place on Packer game day and man it was super fun. If we ever moved to Denver - we'd hang here. The fans were completely into the game, but fun fans vs drunk fans, friendly and not obnoxious. They do serve really good food, and the servers are everywhere and speedy. The burgers, wings, everything tasty. Get there 30 minutes before kickoff to get a seat, an hour to get a good seat.
(4)
Eric T.
you know, outside of the soft porn, cheap PBR pichers, daiquiri machines, this place holds great parties all the time. i have rolled into here expecting your typical shitty lodo bar, but have been surprised on many occasion just how good the food was, the service was, and how great the music on the jukebox was. this place is awsome. a great place to get out of douchebag meat market bars in lodo!! pro tip: guest dj "jake-boogie" spins some of the hardest to find rare vinyl, anything from down home country to classic rock, during sunday football games. im not a fan of football, but love this place on sundays.
(5)
Laurel W.
I was in Denver visiting during Super Bowl weekend, and came here with a friend who is crazy about the Packers. The place was decked out in green and yellow, and filled with people who probably have a photo of Lambeau Field in their bathroom that they masturbate to every morning. As a die-hard Bears fan, this was a horrifying sight to me, and I was just praying that I wouldn't get my ass kicked. As the day went on, and had a few beers, things began to get bearable for me. The waitresses were super attentive and despite the packed atmosphere, were pretty quick with getting orders and food out to us. We had the loaded nachos and the fried cheese curds, and both were super yummy! I loved the salsa that was used on the nachos. I even tried some of the slushies that they offered. I don't remember what mine was called, but it was lime green and tasted like a margarita with a pineapple twist. Very tasty, and also quite strong, even though you can't taste the alcohol. Another good one was the "Big Lebowski", basically a frozen white russian. They have a DJ that plays music and hypes up the crowd during commercial breaks. Under normal circumstances that would be great, but Super Bowl Sunday is the one day people actually WANT to watch commercials so I was a bit irritated that he played music instead. The crowd was also a lot of fun. Though I hate that the Packers won the Super Bowl this year, I have to admit I had a great time partying with the cheeseheads. If I were to ever move to Denver, I probably wouldn't be caught dead here during football season. As I stated earlier, I am a die-hard Bears fan, graduated from Purdue, and love the Cubs. This place is a wet dream for someone from Wisconsin, as it vocally supports the Packers, University of Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Brewers.
(3)
Laura B.
I walked in with my Clay Matthews jersey and thought I died and went to heaven. I was home. I went to watch a Packers game and everyone was really friendly. I'm probably super bias as a Packers fan so let's just move on to the food. As an appetizer, I HAD to order the cheese curds. Packers game and cheese curds, duh. They were so rich and delicious. I could have eaten a bathtub full of them. For my main course, I had The Giblet. If you have never had this burger, now is the time. They take a burger patty and put cheese curds in the meat. Yes, you read that right, IN THE MEAT. As if that's not enough, the top is off with bacon, green chilies, cream cheese, and a fried egg. My personal trainer would have a fit if he found out that I crushed that whole thing but it was completely worth it. On the side, I had mac&cheese. Oozy gooey goodness. I would highly recommend this place to anyone even if you're not a Packers fan. But I wouldn't recommend coming with a Bears jersey on. Just sayin'.
(5)
Roy H.
So many awesome alcoholic slushies here!! My personal fav is the white russian one. Yum! I have been to Swanky's a few times..random weekend nights and also during the Big Ten Bar Crawl. It has always been a really fun time with good crowds. I am not sure if I could handle the Wisconsin sports gameday crowds though haha.. The service is pretty good here..even when its fairly busy I have been able to get drinks (usually slushies!) pretty quickly. Its a bit of a smaller bar compared to many in the area but there is still a bunch of tables. I havent had the food here yet but looking at some of the other reviews I think I will need to come back here and try some!
(4)
Christina N.
Had a great time St patty's day parade. Mercedes our server was awesome. A little too much salt on the fries and tots.
(4)
Rick H.
Dive Bar status. Great service! I have only been here twice, once after a Rockies game and once before. We ordered the "Big Lebowski" frozen drinks with an extra shot. Brain freeze. They serve food, but we didn't try it. Not sure, looking into the kitchen if I ever would. This is a Green Bay Packers bar, so if you are looking to find Packer Action, this is your spot. We'll be back again and sample more wares.
(3)
Christopher B.
I found this place crammed compared to some of the other places in the area. I also know it's a Wisconsin/GB bar so if you're a fan of one of those you'll be giving this place 5 stars. I thought it was okay but there is really nothing about it that makes me go here over any other place.
(3)
Sara B.
I like to come to Swanky's when I am not feeling like getting all dolled up but still want to get my drink on. I would label Swanky's as a dive bar trying to be relevant to the LoDo scene. Like Tavern, they also have slushies. I drink these things here like they are going out of style when I come. Hint: I tried a grape one once...not sure if it a regular thing...don't drink this until you have had AT LEAST two of all of the other flavors that they offer. Swanky's is pretty solid with their food too. It is typical bar food but always satisfies. I like their wings. As others have mentioned, the crowd is not the typical "fist pumping while having overly-gelled hair shoved in your face" group. I dig this. A lot.
(5)
Greg B.
I am certainly biased in this review, as I am a native cheesehead who appreciates a Packers bar smack dab in the middle of a series of bar and grills across the street from Coors Field. A South Florida transplant, I recently visited some friends and family in Denver, and we made our way the Swanky's as we bar-hopped the neighborhood. My fellow Wisconsin friends and I stopped in on a Thursday night, during the NFL Draft, to see who the Packers were going to draft in the first round. We weren't the only ones as there were other patrons who were wearing Packers jerseys. Following Green Bay's pick, one of the patrons at the bar bought a round of shots for all of us Packers fans. I had a Jack Daniels. Ha. I appreciated that. That's the type of place this is. You can also get really inexpensive beer here. We're talking PBR, Miller Lite, etc. I also ordered another Wisconsin favorite - fried cheese curds, which were very delicious. Also, a shout-out to out waitress, Savanna, who did a splendid job attending to our needs. Growing up on Milwaukee's south-side, this is the type of bar I would frequent in my earlier years. I will certainly be back when I come back to visit my friends and family.
(4)
Shawn S.
We stumbled into this place on Packer game day and man it was super fun. If we ever moved to Denver - we'd hang here. The fans were completely into the game, but fun fans vs drunk fans, friendly and not obnoxious. They do serve really good food, and the servers are everywhere and speedy. The burgers, wings, everything tasty. Get there 30 minutes before kickoff to get a seat, an hour to get a good seat.
(4)
Aimee L.
It gets crazy packed during Packer games! However that means nothing to me as I am a Broncos fan thru and thru! But I digress...The service can be a little spoty at times. We popped in here the other night before the Rockies game. We had the BEST service from the bartender Ryan! Super duper fantastic!!!! The frozen drinks pack a whallop! But, damn, do they taste good!
(4)
Russell G.
This is a small, divy looking place in LoDo but it has some charm to it in a college party house kind of way. The guy's bathroom is covered in pictures of naked chicks from playboy mags. They also have a row of slushy machines that you add a shot of grain alcohol to. It tastes great and after 2 or 3, you are drunk. Did I mention they are only $4 a drink? Other drinks are cheap here too but I always go for the slushy because this is the only place I found downtown that has them. I wouldn't hang out here all night but this bar is great for stopping by after a Rockies game or on your way through downtown.
(3)
Sara S.
Went here after getting pretty hammered at the 1Up across the street. I love the orange creamsicle smoothie, but the shot of Everclear in it made me nauseous ALL day the next day. Guess you live and you learn, right? :-) Oh, and they have SHUFFLEBOARD!! Rock On!
(3)
Jeff S.
Conveniently located next to Coors Field, I've been to Swanky's many times in my life for pre-gaming and general libations. It's A Wisconsin bar, and a good friend who hailed from there made us go often. New Orleans style food and slushie style drinks make them stand out from their neighbors. The staff is always friendly and they have a good size bar. I will stop in here almost every time I'm going to or coming from a ballgame. Cheers!
(3)
B. Ann M.
BEST Mac & Cheese in the area. BEST Cheese Curds in the area. Nuff said... (and for me to shut-up here: says A LOT! Well, damn, wait - to the Manager: please keep your business hours consistent & answer your phones within three rings!)
(5)
Aimee L.
It gets crazy packed during Packer games! However that means nothing to me as I am a Broncos fan thru and thru! But I digress...The service can be a little spoty at times. We popped in here the other night before the Rockies game. We had the BEST service from the bartender Ryan! Super duper fantastic!!!! The frozen drinks pack a whallop! But, damn, do they taste good!
(4)
Laura B.
I walked in with my Clay Matthews jersey and thought I died and went to heaven. I was home. I went to watch a Packers game and everyone was really friendly. I'm probably super bias as a Packers fan so let's just move on to the food. As an appetizer, I HAD to order the cheese curds. Packers game and cheese curds, duh. They were so rich and delicious. I could have eaten a bathtub full of them. For my main course, I had The Giblet. If you have never had this burger, now is the time. They take a burger patty and put cheese curds in the meat. Yes, you read that right, IN THE MEAT. As if that's not enough, the top is off with bacon, green chilies, cream cheese, and a fried egg. My personal trainer would have a fit if he found out that I crushed that whole thing but it was completely worth it. On the side, I had mac&cheese. Oozy gooey goodness. I would highly recommend this place to anyone even if you're not a Packers fan. But I wouldn't recommend coming with a Bears jersey on. Just sayin'.
(5)
Roy H.
So many awesome alcoholic slushies here!! My personal fav is the white russian one. Yum! I have been to Swanky's a few times..random weekend nights and also during the Big Ten Bar Crawl. It has always been a really fun time with good crowds. I am not sure if I could handle the Wisconsin sports gameday crowds though haha.. The service is pretty good here..even when its fairly busy I have been able to get drinks (usually slushies!) pretty quickly. Its a bit of a smaller bar compared to many in the area but there is still a bunch of tables. I havent had the food here yet but looking at some of the other reviews I think I will need to come back here and try some!
(4)
Christina N.
Had a great time St patty's day parade. Mercedes our server was awesome. A little too much salt on the fries and tots.
(4)
Christopher B.
I found this place crammed compared to some of the other places in the area. I also know it's a Wisconsin/GB bar so if you're a fan of one of those you'll be giving this place 5 stars. I thought it was okay but there is really nothing about it that makes me go here over any other place.
(3)
Rick H.
Dive Bar status. Great service! I have only been here twice, once after a Rockies game and once before. We ordered the "Big Lebowski" frozen drinks with an extra shot. Brain freeze. They serve food, but we didn't try it. Not sure, looking into the kitchen if I ever would. This is a Green Bay Packers bar, so if you are looking to find Packer Action, this is your spot. We'll be back again and sample more wares.
(3)
Jay G.
So Jay the door guy is rude and heartless, what kind of guy tells a 4 year old girl she can't use the bathroom and then laughs about it. Swanky's management or owners ya need a new guy at your door who is not rude and condescending. Then when I ask if that is anyway to treat your customers he tells me that he you guys don't need my business. I got news for you Jay I am a pedicab owner operator taking the day off to go to the ball game with the kids. I will tell ever rider in downtown and every customer who asked me where a cool place to go and I assure you that it will not be your establishment. NOT KID FRIENDLY AND COMPLETELY RUDE DOOR GUY JAY.
(2)
Sara B.
I like to come to Swanky's when I am not feeling like getting all dolled up but still want to get my drink on. I would label Swanky's as a dive bar trying to be relevant to the LoDo scene. Like Tavern, they also have slushies. I drink these things here like they are going out of style when I come. Hint: I tried a grape one once...not sure if it a regular thing...don't drink this until you have had AT LEAST two of all of the other flavors that they offer. Swanky's is pretty solid with their food too. It is typical bar food but always satisfies. I like their wings. As others have mentioned, the crowd is not the typical "fist pumping while having overly-gelled hair shoved in your face" group. I dig this. A lot.
(5)
Greg B.
I am certainly biased in this review, as I am a native cheesehead who appreciates a Packers bar smack dab in the middle of a series of bar and grills across the street from Coors Field. A South Florida transplant, I recently visited some friends and family in Denver, and we made our way the Swanky's as we bar-hopped the neighborhood. My fellow Wisconsin friends and I stopped in on a Thursday night, during the NFL Draft, to see who the Packers were going to draft in the first round. We weren't the only ones as there were other patrons who were wearing Packers jerseys. Following Green Bay's pick, one of the patrons at the bar bought a round of shots for all of us Packers fans. I had a Jack Daniels. Ha. I appreciated that. That's the type of place this is. You can also get really inexpensive beer here. We're talking PBR, Miller Lite, etc. I also ordered another Wisconsin favorite - fried cheese curds, which were very delicious. Also, a shout-out to out waitress, Savanna, who did a splendid job attending to our needs. Growing up on Milwaukee's south-side, this is the type of bar I would frequent in my earlier years. I will certainly be back when I come back to visit my friends and family.
(4)
Daniela B.
We went with some friends alumni of Mississippi State as they tend to gather there often. Although I have walked in front of this bar thousands of times, I didn't know how big it was inside. The place is known for their frozen drink concoctions but I didn't try them as I tend to prefer bee to sweet drinks. The crowd was surprisingly chilled for a Saturday night especially compared to the neighboring bars
(3)
Luke F.
Get the cheese curds and the potato chips! There's a good selection of beer. A lot of tvs and the atmosphere is great! Great to go to before a Rockies game.
(4)
Amy F.
Stopped in before our last Rockies game of the season-Nothing fancy, decent service before a game, not over-priced like other places in the area, and hands down probably the best plate of Nachos I have ever had! (and I am no nacho connoisseur or anything) but it was a HUGE pile of chips layered with cheese and beef and all the fixings on top! They also serve up Midwest style Bloody Mary's.
(3)
Duane M.
I really miss this place as the old Splinters for the splinter dog and beer special on game days. Stopped in for a beer and some food before an afternoon Rox game. The place was practically empty. The bartender had an accent that I could not place and was really nice and friendly. I ordered a gyro sandwich that was just missing something that I could not place. It was OK for the price. I'm sure this place rocks at night after games and the location is great in respect to Coors Field.
(3)
Shea S.
If you're a Wisconsin sports fan, this is your teleport back to the motherland. Even for a Packers pre-season game, the place was hoping, playing "Go Pack Go" periodically through the night. This place would be great for any sports fan outside of Wisconsin sports. Lots of TVs, fun waitresses, and a decent beer selection. If you've never had deep fried cheese curds, or grew up on them and the urge is get'n to ya, you can get your fix here. Heck, you can just get your deep fried fix here period. Had the "Wisconsin Power Bar": brat wrapped in bacon and beer batter fried on a stick. The heart may object, but the eyes and mouth overrule. Yes, it was as delicious as it sounds. They also have a burger made with bacon within the meat, which will be my next adventure sometime during the Packer season. Fun place with good bar eats and drinks. A slice of WI in downtown Denver.
(4)
Kenny C.
I'm new to Denver and just moved here from Wisconsin. I heard that Swankys is the place to be for Packer and Badger fans and it definitely is! We had so much fun and the sliders were awesome. Cheyenne was our server and she was phenomenal! She was so fun and friendly and helped us with our drink and food recommendations. I would absolutely recommend Swankys to anyone, regardless if they are a Wisconsinite or not.
(5)
Gabriele Z.
No longer MY Packers bar. I had a seat next to me for my friend & they wouldn't let her in to see the game. There were 15-20 people waiting to come inside. Two open chairs at my table, yet people were still waiting to be allowed inside... No reason to sit there while she was outside for the game. We left. I've been coming here for years! Not a good idea Swank... Bad business IMO.
(2)
Jeff S.
Conveniently located next to Coors Field, I've been to Swanky's many times in my life for pre-gaming and general libations. It's A Wisconsin bar, and a good friend who hailed from there made us go often. New Orleans style food and slushie style drinks make them stand out from their neighbors. The staff is always friendly and they have a good size bar. I will stop in here almost every time I'm going to or coming from a ballgame. Cheers!
(3)
B. Ann M.
BEST Mac & Cheese in the area. BEST Cheese Curds in the area. Nuff said... (and for me to shut-up here: says A LOT! Well, damn, wait - to the Manager: please keep your business hours consistent & answer your phones within three rings!)
(5)
Jason G.
Go Pack Go!!! One of the very best Green Bay Packers Bars in the Country-- I've only been to a few in the Western US and I have been to Lambeau! I've been to Swanky's for two big Packers games and without hesitation, I recommend this great sports bar for all NFL and Packers fans. The crowd is lively and passionate! Cheering so loud you'd think you were at Lambeau Field. Service is friendly, accommodating, and I've always received great drinks and food. Even during the peak of the crowd drinks and food flows... Plenty of beer, ample spirits, and above average "bar" food. Check out the unreal portion of natchos!! The sliders are unique and very satisfying during a day a drinking and football. The tator-tots are a def plus and the freshly made potato chips made me happy. Really this place is all about the game and during Packers games every screen and the entire bar is focused on Green Bay! People all seem cool and it's easy to make friends. The DJ tunes out all commercials with great music and fun beats. Be prepared to cheer, drink, and have a very memorable time during all Packers games. If you want to sit, I would get there early or be prepared to stand. Swanky's gets packed!!
(4)
Leanna C.
This is solely based on drinking and night life here. I love the drinks here, any mix of the frozen drinks are always delicious and relatively strong. If you want a little extra something in your drink you can buy extra tubes of alcohol to have put in your drink. They always have good music playing and shuffleboard is a must. Don't let its divey nature fool you, this is a great place to hang out for a couple of icee drinks.
(4)
Amy F.
Stopped in before our last Rockies game of the season-Nothing fancy, decent service before a game, not over-priced like other places in the area, and hands down probably the best plate of Nachos I have ever had! (and I am no nacho connoisseur or anything) but it was a HUGE pile of chips layered with cheese and beef and all the fixings on top! They also serve up Midwest style Bloody Mary's.
(3)
Duane M.
I really miss this place as the old Splinters for the splinter dog and beer special on game days. Stopped in for a beer and some food before an afternoon Rox game. The place was practically empty. The bartender had an accent that I could not place and was really nice and friendly. I ordered a gyro sandwich that was just missing something that I could not place. It was OK for the price. I'm sure this place rocks at night after games and the location is great in respect to Coors Field.
(3)
Shea S.
If you're a Wisconsin sports fan, this is your teleport back to the motherland. Even for a Packers pre-season game, the place was hoping, playing "Go Pack Go" periodically through the night. This place would be great for any sports fan outside of Wisconsin sports. Lots of TVs, fun waitresses, and a decent beer selection. If you've never had deep fried cheese curds, or grew up on them and the urge is get'n to ya, you can get your fix here. Heck, you can just get your deep fried fix here period. Had the "Wisconsin Power Bar": brat wrapped in bacon and beer batter fried on a stick. The heart may object, but the eyes and mouth overrule. Yes, it was as delicious as it sounds. They also have a burger made with bacon within the meat, which will be my next adventure sometime during the Packer season. Fun place with good bar eats and drinks. A slice of WI in downtown Denver.
(4)
Jodi A.
Not only does Swanky's have the great location next to Coors Field, on hot summer days you can imbibe in what I can only describe as the ultimate "slurpee"....various flavors of frozen drinks, that are delicious ! For an extra dollar, you can also get an extra shot to add. The food is great. The curdburger (cheese-curds mixed into the ground beef patty) is great ! I have yet to try everything, but I am pretty sure I will not be disappointed at Swanky's !
(5)
Bob D.
Wisconsin bar, cool people! Right across the street from Coors Field. Try the cheese curds and go for a Big Lebowski.
(5)
Ryan M.
This place hates tourists. I came in on a uncrowded Friday night, ordered and paid for a coke, tipped a buck and told the bartender I was going to sit over in a corner and charge my phone. Not ten minutes later the bouncer comes over asks I'm local, I say no, and he says you're gonna have to buy some food or drinks or leave. I was like, I bought a coke. And he was like surrrre you did. What I didn't tell this asshole was that I was charging my phone to call my friends to have them meet me there, but as soon as this mensa graduate in business applied his 'buy something or leave' mentality when we were both in a nearly empty bar, I chose the latter. (In case you're wondering, I was sober when this happened, and dressed in a button shirt and cargo pants, I want bothering our interacting with anyone, so I wasnt getting the homeless or the drink treatment, this was the fucking tourist treatment.) It was interesting that he asked if I was local before hassling me... very telling... They ought to move this bar out to the Alameda, if they're going to harass out of staters that happen to walk into this bar, in the most touristy part of Denver. There are lots of nice friendly bars in Denver, but this ain't one of them.
(1)
Ian C.
Disclaimer: I am a die-hard GB Packer fan. That said, this is the best Packer bar I have ever been to. Most of those other bars were in WI so I don't know if they count. What makes this truly special is the fans and the owner. The owner had the balls and brains to designate his downtown Denver bar as a WI sports bar. As a reward, his bar is often packed to capacity on game days. There are no half-assed fans here. Packer loyalty is through the roof! Get here hours early if you want a decent table to sit at. Don't show up with a Bears, Vikings, or Lions (I guess...) jersey on or you will get booed the f*ck out the door. Wear a Favre jersey and the bouncer won't let you in. Do not bring kids here. Ever. P.S. All of the above Packer comments could be said about WI Badger games as well.
(5)
Alex R.
LOVE that this is a Wisconsin bar, I feel right at home! The staff is always friendly and great. The slushies are amazing! Definitely recommend it, it's always a fun time!
(5)
Lindsay A.
Since I was rooting for the Packers in the playoffs this where I decided to go watch the Bears vs Packers playoff game. The place was absolutely packed with warm, lovable Packers fans. The blended style drinks were so tasty. A girl I was standing next to recommended a White Russian/Orange creamsicle combo which sounded odd but turned out to be AMAZING! The bartenders work their asses off and are so happy to get you a drink. Some places you go in Denver, the bartenders and servers act is if you are inconveniencing them by asking for something. I hate that feeling. I never once felt like this here. When the Packers won the game with the interception the whole place went wild. Strangers were hugging each other and the vibes and friendliness were very Midwest-like. It is by far one of my best Denver experiences yet!
(5)
Julie H.
They should rename this place to Skanky's. Beware of a tall, blond, bullimic, slightly narcissistic chick that hangs out here during Packers games in a Packers jersey. If you think you have run into her, offer her a jager shot or cocaine to keep her on your good side. This place is alright, I guess. They do have the slushie machines that the LoDo Tavern has. I like those. I did enjoy the bacon and eggs breakfast they served to me one Sunday morning when that before-mentioned chick dragged me in here hungover for a Packers game. She swore the fried cheese here was awesome but I have been to WI and do not agree. It says something about oysters on the sign. There is no way I would ever order seafood inside this place.
(2)
Kym B.
I think the peeps at Swanky's have been reading my reviews! That's awesome. GONE are the nasty paper skanks in the 'throoms (at least on the women's side... can't speak for you dudes, nor do I care), replaced by solid black paint. Thumbs up! GONE is that stupid, jacked up waitress. I have my doubts that she lasted past that one shift, 'cause DAY-UM. Now, whenever we hit up Swanky's for Packer games (the only time I do, incidentally, so keep that in mind while weighing this review), our needs are attended to by the lovely and 100% on-point Johnnie, who-- if there were Olympic events in serving skillz-- would be a gold medal contender. GONE are the cold tots and half-cooked grilled cheeses. They must've hired a new chef, because things are ROCKING in the kitchen now. They've even added a new item to the menu which looks like the sort of fare that might tempt Guy Fieri in for a trial bite. It's called a Wisconsin Power Bar, and consists of a bratwurst on a stick, wrapped in bacon, batter-dipped, and deep fried. No, I haven't tried one... I value my arteries, thanks! But the fact that something of that heart-stopping caliber even exists is kind of hilarious. Swanky's has stepped up their game considerably, and it hasn't gone unnoticed. Yay, progress! Yay, change! Keep up the good work.
(4)
Shannon C.
I really like this place. It's one of the few places downtown that, on Friday and Saturday nights, doesn't blare music so loud that your eardrums start bleeding and you lose your voice the moment you walk in. Also, they have delicious and potent frozen drinks (some of which are made with Everclear, so watch yourself) that don't break the bank. Love the shuffleboard and the overall atmosphere of this place-- laid back BAR. Regardless of whether it's a Wisconsin bar or not, it's still a fun place to hang out, enjoy a beverage, and actually conversate with your friends.
(4)
Russell G.
This is a small, divy looking place in LoDo but it has some charm to it in a college party house kind of way. The guy's bathroom is covered in pictures of naked chicks from playboy mags. They also have a row of slushy machines that you add a shot of grain alcohol to. It tastes great and after 2 or 3, you are drunk. Did I mention they are only $4 a drink? Other drinks are cheap here too but I always go for the slushy because this is the only place I found downtown that has them. I wouldn't hang out here all night but this bar is great for stopping by after a Rockies game or on your way through downtown.
(3)
Sara S.
Went here after getting pretty hammered at the 1Up across the street. I love the orange creamsicle smoothie, but the shot of Everclear in it made me nauseous ALL day the next day. Guess you live and you learn, right? :-) Oh, and they have SHUFFLEBOARD!! Rock On!
(3)
Daniela B.
We went with some friends alumni of Mississippi State as they tend to gather there often. Although I have walked in front of this bar thousands of times, I didn't know how big it was inside. The place is known for their frozen drink concoctions but I didn't try them as I tend to prefer bee to sweet drinks. The crowd was surprisingly chilled for a Saturday night especially compared to the neighboring bars
(3)
Jay G.
So Jay the door guy is rude and heartless, what kind of guy tells a 4 year old girl she can't use the bathroom and then laughs about it. Swanky's management or owners ya need a new guy at your door who is not rude and condescending. Then when I ask if that is anyway to treat your customers he tells me that he you guys don't need my business. I got news for you Jay I am a pedicab owner operator taking the day off to go to the ball game with the kids. I will tell ever rider in downtown and every customer who asked me where a cool place to go and I assure you that it will not be your establishment. NOT KID FRIENDLY AND COMPLETELY RUDE DOOR GUY JAY.
(2)
Luke F.
Get the cheese curds and the potato chips! There's a good selection of beer. A lot of tvs and the atmosphere is great! Great to go to before a Rockies game.
(4)
Greg H.
This place is an awesome alternative to Sports Column next door. No cover and free shuffleboard. This is where its at. They also have really awesome slushy drinks for all of your lady friends.
(3)
Brooke G.
Love Swankys! The Slushies are amazing and definitely fairly priced. The bartenders are all super friendly, and the shuffleboard table is an added bonus. The food is good from what I've had and is your typical finger food/sandwich bar food. I seem to always end up here when I go out downtown, due to the mellow/laidback feel. Everyone is usually super casually dressed.
(5)
Jarrod P.
This is my go-to dive bar when up near the ballpark. It's a very relaxed atmosphere and they have shuffleboard and smoothies! The owner Rodney is a cool guy as well! Definitely a fan of this place!
(5)
Holly G.
The only reason to go to this place is: 1.) Cause you are leaving a Rockies game because this place is close to Coors Field 2.) or to order a Big Lebowski (White Russian) daiquiri machine milkshake What is with all the Packers stuff? This is Denver. And porn in the bathrooms? That's nasty.
(1)
Kris S.
It's all about you, Wisconsin sports fans. Like most high concept environments, if you're not into it, you're not into it. I'm not into it but will recommend it to those who love Wisconsin.
(2)
J K.
Whoa, you people are complaining about the food at an obvious sports BAR? Holy cow you have lived a sheltered life! Geez, this place is not billing itself as a fine dining experience, don't you dare try and assume so! Tell you what: pull on your big boy/girl pants and come down here with the knowledge that if you want to get drunk before/after a baseball game, or just hang out with your friends and watch a few sporting events, this is a damn good place to do so. Are you going to get a good selection of booze at pretty decent prices? Yessssss. Are you going to pay your tab and walk 30 seconds into Coors Field? Damn straight. Are you going to have a fine dining, orgasmic eating experience? Please; you're stupid if you think so. Their food ain't that bad, but go to a RESTAURANT for good food, not a bar.
(4)
Cherie B.
First off, I giggle every time I check in here on Facebook...the full name is Swanky's Vittles and Libations. Why the word "vittles" makes me chuckle? I have NO idea. Moving on... My visits here tend to be with my Wisconsin native friends, and they can't express enough how Swanky's makes them feel like they are right back at home...especially during Packers games (if you have ever watched a Packers game here, you will know what I am talking about). I'm from Kansas, so I can appreciate a good Midwestern, feel-at-home dive bar. I have sampled the sliders here, which were just "meh" but I really need to get my hands on those cheese curds...I hear they're delish. They have several frozen drink machines with fun themed names. Although frozen drinks aren't my thing, I tried the "Big Lebowski"- a slushy version of one of my favorite college cocktails, the white russian. It certainly didn't disappoint. Lastly, I would like to thank the patrons and staff of Swanky's for not punching me in the face for being the ONLY one wearing a Broncos jersey (yes, I cased the place...I was the lone Bronco) on one particular Sunday. And you're welcome for not being a Bears fan.
(3)
Michael S.
My brother and I wanted to find a bar with a sandwich on the menu that wasn't fried, swimming in grease, low grade beef, or worse. This ain't the place. At Swanky's, a brat, polish, or a hot dog is $7.50 or more. Appetizers and burgers are even more expensive, and there is nothing remotely close to decent or healthy on the menu. This is so far from Swanky it's nonsense. We left. Next.
(1)
Chris B.
If you're a Packers fan, you'll have more fun here than you should be allowed. If you're any other type of fan, I'd avoid this place at all costs. It can be pretty tiresome being in a crowd of drunk cheeseheads when you're not even in Wisconsin. On the same note, if I were in the same bar except everybody was a drunk fan of MY team then I'D have a blast and YOU'D be annoyed. It's all relative. The location is great, this much is true. The service, however, is lacking. When I last went, it was exceptioanlly crowded but that does not excuse the snippy attitude of the bartender nor the slow service. All I wanted was a glass of cheap beer (I think it was $2). I didn't want a complicated mix drink but it still took forever. To be courteous to the rest of the crowd, I paid exact cash. This made the bartender stare at me for about 10 whole seconds with the most malicious look you could imagine. "Don't forget to tip your barstaff" she very curtly said and slammed my beer down and walked away. A few things: I had every intention of returning to bar several times that night. The plan was to tip, say, every other time because, being that the beers are so easy to serve and so cheap in cost, it seemed silly to tip each time because it'd be in change. It's a lot easier to tip when you've racked up $4 or $6. Lest you think I'm in the wrong, she came to our table moments later and gave us free shots of some cheap liquor and apologized for being a such a so-and-so. With the crowd that night, I doubt it was because her manager made her do it; they had plenty of customers and ticking off little old me would not have hurt the bottom line. Thus, she knew in her heart that she was being a jerk. A nice gesture but my mind was made up; we left shortly thereafter. To be fair, this was but one incident. But, it was enough for me.
(2)
Victoria B.
My friends and I watched the last two Packers games here, and I really enjoyed the experience. Being surrounded by large amounts of true fans who (for the most part) are well-mannered and enthusiastic makes watching games so much fun. Love all the posters and signs up on the walls. The bartenders and waitresses here are amazing - they work their butts off and do a fabulous job. Good service, when it's that busy and chaotic, is really appreciated - thanks!! Good beers at decent prices (my Wisconsin friends were over the moon at them having Leinie's), and the food is good, if not a bit overpriced in my opinion. But some of it is worth it - their nachos are ridiculously massive and loaded with everything you would ever want on nachos.
(4)
Karen V.
I love this place! Love the cheese curds. Good times.
(5)
Krupa P.
The hubster and I went to Denver to a Rockies game to watch the Brewers. It was a Sunday morning and we were in search of a bar to predrink before the game. And from like a block away the hubster sees a Brewers flag outside a bar so of course we have to go in. It was a perfect location too, almost kiddie corner from Coors Field. We walk in and there is like a sea of blue and yellow and not to mention the Packers decor! They even had a Summerfest flag near the door! The hubster is a native Wisconsinite and I lived there for a few years so being at this bar brought back good memories. Our waitress was very friendly. We got our beers and thought we'd order some nachos to start with and then get something else. We ordered the nachos and she took the menus. I was confused at first, because we were only ordering an appetizer and wanted a menu for ordering our actual meal. So a like 10 minutes later she comes back with this MASSIVE plate of nachos! People around us were like, WHOA! It was hilarious! No wonder she took the menus away! She knew we couldn't finish the whole thing. I would definitely go back to this place if we're in Denver again!
(5)
Mike S.
As a wisconsinite I love the atmosphere, however, the staff is rude and rarely serves you in a timely manner, every time I have used a credit card the server has given themselves an extra generous tip that I was unable to see until checking my credit card statement. On multiple occasions I was "cut off" after ordering my first beer. Great place ad atmosphere but really needs a staff/management overhaul before I will ever go back! Stay away!!!!!
(1)
Art K.
Near the ballpark so it's clear this is simply a high volume bar. They have a shuffle board table that is great quality.
(4)
Laura O.
Any fan of Wisconsin sports will love this bar. I went in a few times before the Brewers played at Coors Field and had a blast. The beer was flowing and it was great. Now I've never had the food because I spent a couple of decades eating fried cheese curds and Johnsonville brats back in WI so I know what I'm (not) missing. However, this place actually plays the polka music I grew up on and the atmosphere is electric before any Brewers, Packers, Badger game. I moved to Denver to get away from the midwest, but I have to admit that I love all the flags from my home state, especially the Summerfest flag! Good times.
(3)
George U.
I'm a 49ers fan, and I think they're the best in the NFC, so I almost rated this place a 1 star, but that wouldn't be fair. When I was hanging out in this bar, the cute waitress kept touching me, I got a high five from a cute drunk chick and the wall paper in the men's bathroom was dope, so I almost rated this place 5 stars, but that wouldn't be fair. Truthfully, this was an A-OK bar. Not many choices for food or beer, but a standard bar.
(3)
Suzanne P.
Its a Packers bar. I am a Steelers fan. I was only here for the booze. Served its purpose.
(3)
Stephen S.
So we kind of went to this place by a lack of other choices. Trying to watch the USA game and everywhere was packed and this place had no one; now i know why. The food was just straight up bad and overpriced. A bratwurst for $8?? really?? And it was just a nomal johnsonville. I can buy two five packs of them for that. Dont even get me started on the bathrooms. I would have much rather held it. Just something unsettling about being in a bathroom with a bunch of other guys where there is porn on the walls. Needless to say i wont be visiting here again.
(2)
Josh P.
Aside from a good meeting place for a pre-Rockies draft, I do appreciate that Swanky's is one of the few bars that still offers patrons a shuffleboard table. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
(3)
Lane C.
Needed a place to get drinks before a Rockies game and they were right across the street. Not very big, but plenty of drinks. Kind of like Fat Tuesday's with their selection of mixed slushy drinks, alcoholic of course. Definitely check out the men's bathroom. Based on the number of Wisconsin related sports banners, I'd say they're a good place to see games if you're from Wisconsin.
(3)
Carina C.
Total poo poo caca frat boy bar...you can avoid the pretty boy types but the goatee/jersey wearing ones can be located in this bar. And boy do they like their Green Bay Packers. I've been here only because I have some friends from the big W...and friends that like football...I don't really care for football. The big cheese/summer sausage/cracker plate that one of my friends ordered...well, that gained a few points. Have I ever mentioned I am a Bloody Mary fan? Man, they have some awesome bloody Marys here...you know, those ones with the celery, the pickle, the olive and the banana pepper? Total yumminess.
(3)
A P.
Great bar if you're a Wisconsin/Green Bay fan. other than that this place is just ok. They do have really good frozen drinks
(2)
lauren b.
Ok, I might be a bit biased because a) I am from Wisconsin and b) I am a huge Packers fan, but I LOVE this place. Swanky's has become a Sunday routine for me - a place to go with great food, great drinks and a great game to watch. Plus, they have a DJ and play fun songs during the commercials. I *could* dock a star for the nasty bathrooms (there is one stall in the womens that seriously overflows every single time I'm there - sick), but the bartenders, food, and beer specials make up for it. The beers are super cheap, they have yummy frozen drinks if you want to feel like you're in Florida, and basic, Midwestern food. Their tater tots, burgers, cheese and sausage plate, and cheese curds are all super yummy. It's really not the same vibe on Friday and Saturday nights (pretty fun, but not a place I would regularly visit), but they totally make me look forward to Sundays. This place truly feels like home.
(5)
Sarah M.
Ok... I wish I would have payed attention to the porn in the bathrooms rather than the fact that I had been holding it for 2 hours.... :( But we go there right as the kitchen was closing and got our order in... we ordered chicken nachos and cheese curds. Now it was busy... our server got us our drinks and was nice enough... we got our Nachos and man.... we really had to have a debate on whether the chicken is actually tuna.... blech.... but those cheese curds hit the spot.... i wish we ordered more of those. My beer... I really feel like there was a layer of soap scum on my glass... which in turn made the beer taste less than amazing.... :( Decor is interesting. I probably will not order anything to eat there again. I'll be there again to try and get a non Friday night-Lodo appeal... because this place has that potential.
(2)
Fred M.
The worst place we went in a night of Denver bar hopping. The only reason we went is because someone told us they show porn on the TV's after midnight and thought it might be fun. 12:30 and no porn except for the crappy playboy cutouts in the bathrooms with no vaginas. The crowd was annoying, and I hate being carded at the door.
(1)
Laura B.
This is not for the food.............but, always a fun place to watch Packer games on Sunday. The crowd, the service, the beer specials are great and always make for a fun Sunday. Def a Packer bar, so don't expect to see other games there. FUN!
(4)
Jeff S.
Conveniently located next to Coors Field, I've been to Swanky's many times in my life for pre-gaming and general libations. It's A Wisconsin bar, and a good friend who hailed from there made us go often. New Orleans style food and slushie style drinks make them stand out from their neighbors. The staff is always friendly and they have a good size bar. I will stop in here almost every time I'm going to or coming from a ballgame. Cheers!
(3)
B. Ann M.
BEST Mac & Cheese in the area. BEST Cheese Curds in the area. Nuff said... (and for me to shut-up here: says A LOT! Well, damn, wait - to the Manager: please keep your business hours consistent & answer your phones within three rings!)
(5)
Aimee L.
It gets crazy packed during Packer games! However that means nothing to me as I am a Broncos fan thru and thru! But I digress...The service can be a little spoty at times. We popped in here the other night before the Rockies game. We had the BEST service from the bartender Ryan! Super duper fantastic!!!! The frozen drinks pack a whallop! But, damn, do they taste good!
(4)
Laura B.
I walked in with my Clay Matthews jersey and thought I died and went to heaven. I was home. I went to watch a Packers game and everyone was really friendly. I'm probably super bias as a Packers fan so let's just move on to the food. As an appetizer, I HAD to order the cheese curds. Packers game and cheese curds, duh. They were so rich and delicious. I could have eaten a bathtub full of them. For my main course, I had The Giblet. If you have never had this burger, now is the time. They take a burger patty and put cheese curds in the meat. Yes, you read that right, IN THE MEAT. As if that's not enough, the top is off with bacon, green chilies, cream cheese, and a fried egg. My personal trainer would have a fit if he found out that I crushed that whole thing but it was completely worth it. On the side, I had mac&cheese. Oozy gooey goodness. I would highly recommend this place to anyone even if you're not a Packers fan. But I wouldn't recommend coming with a Bears jersey on. Just sayin'.
(5)
Roy H.
So many awesome alcoholic slushies here!! My personal fav is the white russian one. Yum! I have been to Swanky's a few times..random weekend nights and also during the Big Ten Bar Crawl. It has always been a really fun time with good crowds. I am not sure if I could handle the Wisconsin sports gameday crowds though haha.. The service is pretty good here..even when its fairly busy I have been able to get drinks (usually slushies!) pretty quickly. Its a bit of a smaller bar compared to many in the area but there is still a bunch of tables. I havent had the food here yet but looking at some of the other reviews I think I will need to come back here and try some!
(4)
Christina N.
Had a great time St patty's day parade. Mercedes our server was awesome. A little too much salt on the fries and tots.
(4)
Christopher B.
I found this place crammed compared to some of the other places in the area. I also know it's a Wisconsin/GB bar so if you're a fan of one of those you'll be giving this place 5 stars. I thought it was okay but there is really nothing about it that makes me go here over any other place.
(3)
Jodi A.
Not only does Swanky's have the great location next to Coors Field, on hot summer days you can imbibe in what I can only describe as the ultimate "slurpee"....various flavors of frozen drinks, that are delicious ! For an extra dollar, you can also get an extra shot to add. The food is great. The curdburger (cheese-curds mixed into the ground beef patty) is great ! I have yet to try everything, but I am pretty sure I will not be disappointed at Swanky's !
(5)
Bob D.
Wisconsin bar, cool people! Right across the street from Coors Field. Try the cheese curds and go for a Big Lebowski.
(5)
Ryan M.
This place hates tourists. I came in on a uncrowded Friday night, ordered and paid for a coke, tipped a buck and told the bartender I was going to sit over in a corner and charge my phone. Not ten minutes later the bouncer comes over asks I'm local, I say no, and he says you're gonna have to buy some food or drinks or leave. I was like, I bought a coke. And he was like surrrre you did. What I didn't tell this asshole was that I was charging my phone to call my friends to have them meet me there, but as soon as this mensa graduate in business applied his 'buy something or leave' mentality when we were both in a nearly empty bar, I chose the latter. (In case you're wondering, I was sober when this happened, and dressed in a button shirt and cargo pants, I want bothering our interacting with anyone, so I wasnt getting the homeless or the drink treatment, this was the fucking tourist treatment.) It was interesting that he asked if I was local before hassling me... very telling... They ought to move this bar out to the Alameda, if they're going to harass out of staters that happen to walk into this bar, in the most touristy part of Denver. There are lots of nice friendly bars in Denver, but this ain't one of them.
(1)
Ian C.
Disclaimer: I am a die-hard GB Packer fan. That said, this is the best Packer bar I have ever been to. Most of those other bars were in WI so I don't know if they count. What makes this truly special is the fans and the owner. The owner had the balls and brains to designate his downtown Denver bar as a WI sports bar. As a reward, his bar is often packed to capacity on game days. There are no half-assed fans here. Packer loyalty is through the roof! Get here hours early if you want a decent table to sit at. Don't show up with a Bears, Vikings, or Lions (I guess...) jersey on or you will get booed the f*ck out the door. Wear a Favre jersey and the bouncer won't let you in. Do not bring kids here. Ever. P.S. All of the above Packer comments could be said about WI Badger games as well.
(5)
Alex R.
LOVE that this is a Wisconsin bar, I feel right at home! The staff is always friendly and great. The slushies are amazing! Definitely recommend it, it's always a fun time!
(5)
Lindsay A.
Since I was rooting for the Packers in the playoffs this where I decided to go watch the Bears vs Packers playoff game. The place was absolutely packed with warm, lovable Packers fans. The blended style drinks were so tasty. A girl I was standing next to recommended a White Russian/Orange creamsicle combo which sounded odd but turned out to be AMAZING! The bartenders work their asses off and are so happy to get you a drink. Some places you go in Denver, the bartenders and servers act is if you are inconveniencing them by asking for something. I hate that feeling. I never once felt like this here. When the Packers won the game with the interception the whole place went wild. Strangers were hugging each other and the vibes and friendliness were very Midwest-like. It is by far one of my best Denver experiences yet!
(5)
Julie H.
They should rename this place to Skanky's. Beware of a tall, blond, bullimic, slightly narcissistic chick that hangs out here during Packers games in a Packers jersey. If you think you have run into her, offer her a jager shot or cocaine to keep her on your good side. This place is alright, I guess. They do have the slushie machines that the LoDo Tavern has. I like those. I did enjoy the bacon and eggs breakfast they served to me one Sunday morning when that before-mentioned chick dragged me in here hungover for a Packers game. She swore the fried cheese here was awesome but I have been to WI and do not agree. It says something about oysters on the sign. There is no way I would ever order seafood inside this place.
(2)
Kym B.
I think the peeps at Swanky's have been reading my reviews! That's awesome. GONE are the nasty paper skanks in the 'throoms (at least on the women's side... can't speak for you dudes, nor do I care), replaced by solid black paint. Thumbs up! GONE is that stupid, jacked up waitress. I have my doubts that she lasted past that one shift, 'cause DAY-UM. Now, whenever we hit up Swanky's for Packer games (the only time I do, incidentally, so keep that in mind while weighing this review), our needs are attended to by the lovely and 100% on-point Johnnie, who-- if there were Olympic events in serving skillz-- would be a gold medal contender. GONE are the cold tots and half-cooked grilled cheeses. They must've hired a new chef, because things are ROCKING in the kitchen now. They've even added a new item to the menu which looks like the sort of fare that might tempt Guy Fieri in for a trial bite. It's called a Wisconsin Power Bar, and consists of a bratwurst on a stick, wrapped in bacon, batter-dipped, and deep fried. No, I haven't tried one... I value my arteries, thanks! But the fact that something of that heart-stopping caliber even exists is kind of hilarious. Swanky's has stepped up their game considerably, and it hasn't gone unnoticed. Yay, progress! Yay, change! Keep up the good work.
(4)
Shea S.
If you're a Wisconsin sports fan, this is your teleport back to the motherland. Even for a Packers pre-season game, the place was hoping, playing "Go Pack Go" periodically through the night. This place would be great for any sports fan outside of Wisconsin sports. Lots of TVs, fun waitresses, and a decent beer selection. If you've never had deep fried cheese curds, or grew up on them and the urge is get'n to ya, you can get your fix here. Heck, you can just get your deep fried fix here period. Had the "Wisconsin Power Bar": brat wrapped in bacon and beer batter fried on a stick. The heart may object, but the eyes and mouth overrule. Yes, it was as delicious as it sounds. They also have a burger made with bacon within the meat, which will be my next adventure sometime during the Packer season. Fun place with good bar eats and drinks. A slice of WI in downtown Denver.
(4)
Greg H.
This place is an awesome alternative to Sports Column next door. No cover and free shuffleboard. This is where its at. They also have really awesome slushy drinks for all of your lady friends.
(3)
Brooke G.
Love Swankys! The Slushies are amazing and definitely fairly priced. The bartenders are all super friendly, and the shuffleboard table is an added bonus. The food is good from what I've had and is your typical finger food/sandwich bar food. I seem to always end up here when I go out downtown, due to the mellow/laidback feel. Everyone is usually super casually dressed.
(5)
Jarrod P.
This is my go-to dive bar when up near the ballpark. It's a very relaxed atmosphere and they have shuffleboard and smoothies! The owner Rodney is a cool guy as well! Definitely a fan of this place!
(5)
Holly G.
The only reason to go to this place is: 1.) Cause you are leaving a Rockies game because this place is close to Coors Field 2.) or to order a Big Lebowski (White Russian) daiquiri machine milkshake What is with all the Packers stuff? This is Denver. And porn in the bathrooms? That's nasty.
(1)
Kris S.
It's all about you, Wisconsin sports fans. Like most high concept environments, if you're not into it, you're not into it. I'm not into it but will recommend it to those who love Wisconsin.
(2)
Chris B.
If you're a Packers fan, you'll have more fun here than you should be allowed. If you're any other type of fan, I'd avoid this place at all costs. It can be pretty tiresome being in a crowd of drunk cheeseheads when you're not even in Wisconsin. On the same note, if I were in the same bar except everybody was a drunk fan of MY team then I'D have a blast and YOU'D be annoyed. It's all relative. The location is great, this much is true. The service, however, is lacking. When I last went, it was exceptioanlly crowded but that does not excuse the snippy attitude of the bartender nor the slow service. All I wanted was a glass of cheap beer (I think it was $2). I didn't want a complicated mix drink but it still took forever. To be courteous to the rest of the crowd, I paid exact cash. This made the bartender stare at me for about 10 whole seconds with the most malicious look you could imagine. "Don't forget to tip your barstaff" she very curtly said and slammed my beer down and walked away. A few things: I had every intention of returning to bar several times that night. The plan was to tip, say, every other time because, being that the beers are so easy to serve and so cheap in cost, it seemed silly to tip each time because it'd be in change. It's a lot easier to tip when you've racked up $4 or $6. Lest you think I'm in the wrong, she came to our table moments later and gave us free shots of some cheap liquor and apologized for being a such a so-and-so. With the crowd that night, I doubt it was because her manager made her do it; they had plenty of customers and ticking off little old me would not have hurt the bottom line. Thus, she knew in her heart that she was being a jerk. A nice gesture but my mind was made up; we left shortly thereafter. To be fair, this was but one incident. But, it was enough for me.
(2)
Victoria B.
My friends and I watched the last two Packers games here, and I really enjoyed the experience. Being surrounded by large amounts of true fans who (for the most part) are well-mannered and enthusiastic makes watching games so much fun. Love all the posters and signs up on the walls. The bartenders and waitresses here are amazing - they work their butts off and do a fabulous job. Good service, when it's that busy and chaotic, is really appreciated - thanks!! Good beers at decent prices (my Wisconsin friends were over the moon at them having Leinie's), and the food is good, if not a bit overpriced in my opinion. But some of it is worth it - their nachos are ridiculously massive and loaded with everything you would ever want on nachos.
(4)
Fred M.
The worst place we went in a night of Denver bar hopping. The only reason we went is because someone told us they show porn on the TV's after midnight and thought it might be fun. 12:30 and no porn except for the crappy playboy cutouts in the bathrooms with no vaginas. The crowd was annoying, and I hate being carded at the door.
(1)
Laura B.
This is not for the food.............but, always a fun place to watch Packer games on Sunday. The crowd, the service, the beer specials are great and always make for a fun Sunday. Def a Packer bar, so don't expect to see other games there. FUN!
(4)
Krupa P.
The hubster and I went to Denver to a Rockies game to watch the Brewers. It was a Sunday morning and we were in search of a bar to predrink before the game. And from like a block away the hubster sees a Brewers flag outside a bar so of course we have to go in. It was a perfect location too, almost kiddie corner from Coors Field. We walk in and there is like a sea of blue and yellow and not to mention the Packers decor! They even had a Summerfest flag near the door! The hubster is a native Wisconsinite and I lived there for a few years so being at this bar brought back good memories. Our waitress was very friendly. We got our beers and thought we'd order some nachos to start with and then get something else. We ordered the nachos and she took the menus. I was confused at first, because we were only ordering an appetizer and wanted a menu for ordering our actual meal. So a like 10 minutes later she comes back with this MASSIVE plate of nachos! People around us were like, WHOA! It was hilarious! No wonder she took the menus away! She knew we couldn't finish the whole thing. I would definitely go back to this place if we're in Denver again!
(5)
Stephen S.
So we kind of went to this place by a lack of other choices. Trying to watch the USA game and everywhere was packed and this place had no one; now i know why. The food was just straight up bad and overpriced. A bratwurst for $8?? really?? And it was just a nomal johnsonville. I can buy two five packs of them for that. Dont even get me started on the bathrooms. I would have much rather held it. Just something unsettling about being in a bathroom with a bunch of other guys where there is porn on the walls. Needless to say i wont be visiting here again.
(2)
Lane C.
Needed a place to get drinks before a Rockies game and they were right across the street. Not very big, but plenty of drinks. Kind of like Fat Tuesday's with their selection of mixed slushy drinks, alcoholic of course. Definitely check out the men's bathroom. Based on the number of Wisconsin related sports banners, I'd say they're a good place to see games if you're from Wisconsin.
(3)
Laurel W.
I was in Denver visiting during Super Bowl weekend, and came here with a friend who is crazy about the Packers. The place was decked out in green and yellow, and filled with people who probably have a photo of Lambeau Field in their bathroom that they masturbate to every morning. As a die-hard Bears fan, this was a horrifying sight to me, and I was just praying that I wouldn't get my ass kicked. As the day went on, and had a few beers, things began to get bearable for me. The waitresses were super attentive and despite the packed atmosphere, were pretty quick with getting orders and food out to us. We had the loaded nachos and the fried cheese curds, and both were super yummy! I loved the salsa that was used on the nachos. I even tried some of the slushies that they offered. I don't remember what mine was called, but it was lime green and tasted like a margarita with a pineapple twist. Very tasty, and also quite strong, even though you can't taste the alcohol. Another good one was the "Big Lebowski", basically a frozen white russian. They have a DJ that plays music and hypes up the crowd during commercial breaks. Under normal circumstances that would be great, but Super Bowl Sunday is the one day people actually WANT to watch commercials so I was a bit irritated that he played music instead. The crowd was also a lot of fun. Though I hate that the Packers won the Super Bowl this year, I have to admit I had a great time partying with the cheeseheads. If I were to ever move to Denver, I probably wouldn't be caught dead here during football season. As I stated earlier, I am a die-hard Bears fan, graduated from Purdue, and love the Cubs. This place is a wet dream for someone from Wisconsin, as it vocally supports the Packers, University of Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Brewers.
(3)
Eric T.
you know, outside of the soft porn, cheap PBR pichers, daiquiri machines, this place holds great parties all the time. i have rolled into here expecting your typical shitty lodo bar, but have been surprised on many occasion just how good the food was, the service was, and how great the music on the jukebox was. this place is awsome. a great place to get out of douchebag meat market bars in lodo!! pro tip: guest dj "jake-boogie" spins some of the hardest to find rare vinyl, anything from down home country to classic rock, during sunday football games. im not a fan of football, but love this place on sundays.
(5)
Brian G.
Swanky's is a solid example of "what you see is what you get". I get it. This is Denver and we all love it. The owner however is a HUGE Packer fan and his bar reflects that. It's his bar and if wants to theme it after Sponge Bob I think it's his right. The bathrooms...yeah. OK it's tacky and I'll give you that. However, after walking in the door and looking around, and then you're still surprised there is some Playboy on the wall...I blame you. I'm not saying that you had to see it coming (get your mind out of there) but you shouldn't be surprised either. I don't do the slushy things unless I;m in New Orleans but they are good and strong. The bartenders have heavy hands for the cocktails and the the cheese curds are amazing. I like that it tends to be quiet and I go sit have a beer and a shot in peace. The same reason I like the Falling Rock. Even if the crowd tends to be a little douchey, the staff most certainly isn't.
(4)
Jeff S.
Dirty place, gross bathrooms. This is a dive bar, cheap beer and poorly lit. On a positive note they have good beer prices and a lot of great sports memorabilia, but overall too dark and dirty to overlook. Sports Column is their neighbor, save the trouble and just go there
(2)
Kenny C.
I'm new to Denver and just moved here from Wisconsin. I heard that Swankys is the place to be for Packer and Badger fans and it definitely is! We had so much fun and the sliders were awesome. Cheyenne was our server and she was phenomenal! She was so fun and friendly and helped us with our drink and food recommendations. I would absolutely recommend Swankys to anyone, regardless if they are a Wisconsinite or not.
(5)
Gabriele Z.
No longer MY Packers bar. I had a seat next to me for my friend & they wouldn't let her in to see the game. There were 15-20 people waiting to come inside. Two open chairs at my table, yet people were still waiting to be allowed inside... No reason to sit there while she was outside for the game. We left. I've been coming here for years! Not a good idea Swank... Bad business IMO.
(2)
Leanna C.
This is solely based on drinking and night life here. I love the drinks here, any mix of the frozen drinks are always delicious and relatively strong. If you want a little extra something in your drink you can buy extra tubes of alcohol to have put in your drink. They always have good music playing and shuffleboard is a must. Don't let its divey nature fool you, this is a great place to hang out for a couple of icee drinks.
(4)
Jason G.
Go Pack Go!!! One of the very best Green Bay Packers Bars in the Country-- I've only been to a few in the Western US and I have been to Lambeau! I've been to Swanky's for two big Packers games and without hesitation, I recommend this great sports bar for all NFL and Packers fans. The crowd is lively and passionate! Cheering so loud you'd think you were at Lambeau Field. Service is friendly, accommodating, and I've always received great drinks and food. Even during the peak of the crowd drinks and food flows... Plenty of beer, ample spirits, and above average "bar" food. Check out the unreal portion of natchos!! The sliders are unique and very satisfying during a day a drinking and football. The tator-tots are a def plus and the freshly made potato chips made me happy. Really this place is all about the game and during Packers games every screen and the entire bar is focused on Green Bay! People all seem cool and it's easy to make friends. The DJ tunes out all commercials with great music and fun beats. Be prepared to cheer, drink, and have a very memorable time during all Packers games. If you want to sit, I would get there early or be prepared to stand. Swanky's gets packed!!
(4)
Greg B.
I am certainly biased in this review, as I am a native cheesehead who appreciates a Packers bar smack dab in the middle of a series of bar and grills across the street from Coors Field. A South Florida transplant, I recently visited some friends and family in Denver, and we made our way the Swanky's as we bar-hopped the neighborhood. My fellow Wisconsin friends and I stopped in on a Thursday night, during the NFL Draft, to see who the Packers were going to draft in the first round. We weren't the only ones as there were other patrons who were wearing Packers jerseys. Following Green Bay's pick, one of the patrons at the bar bought a round of shots for all of us Packers fans. I had a Jack Daniels. Ha. I appreciated that. That's the type of place this is. You can also get really inexpensive beer here. We're talking PBR, Miller Lite, etc. I also ordered another Wisconsin favorite - fried cheese curds, which were very delicious. Also, a shout-out to out waitress, Savanna, who did a splendid job attending to our needs. Growing up on Milwaukee's south-side, this is the type of bar I would frequent in my earlier years. I will certainly be back when I come back to visit my friends and family.
(4)
Shawn S.
We stumbled into this place on Packer game day and man it was super fun. If we ever moved to Denver - we'd hang here. The fans were completely into the game, but fun fans vs drunk fans, friendly and not obnoxious. They do serve really good food, and the servers are everywhere and speedy. The burgers, wings, everything tasty. Get there 30 minutes before kickoff to get a seat, an hour to get a good seat.
(4)
Rick H.
Dive Bar status. Great service! I have only been here twice, once after a Rockies game and once before. We ordered the "Big Lebowski" frozen drinks with an extra shot. Brain freeze. They serve food, but we didn't try it. Not sure, looking into the kitchen if I ever would. This is a Green Bay Packers bar, so if you are looking to find Packer Action, this is your spot. We'll be back again and sample more wares.
(3)
Sara B.
I like to come to Swanky's when I am not feeling like getting all dolled up but still want to get my drink on. I would label Swanky's as a dive bar trying to be relevant to the LoDo scene. Like Tavern, they also have slushies. I drink these things here like they are going out of style when I come. Hint: I tried a grape one once...not sure if it a regular thing...don't drink this until you have had AT LEAST two of all of the other flavors that they offer. Swanky's is pretty solid with their food too. It is typical bar food but always satisfies. I like their wings. As others have mentioned, the crowd is not the typical "fist pumping while having overly-gelled hair shoved in your face" group. I dig this. A lot.
(5)
Jay G.
So Jay the door guy is rude and heartless, what kind of guy tells a 4 year old girl she can't use the bathroom and then laughs about it. Swanky's management or owners ya need a new guy at your door who is not rude and condescending. Then when I ask if that is anyway to treat your customers he tells me that he you guys don't need my business. I got news for you Jay I am a pedicab owner operator taking the day off to go to the ball game with the kids. I will tell ever rider in downtown and every customer who asked me where a cool place to go and I assure you that it will not be your establishment. NOT KID FRIENDLY AND COMPLETELY RUDE DOOR GUY JAY.
(2)
Daniela B.
We went with some friends alumni of Mississippi State as they tend to gather there often. Although I have walked in front of this bar thousands of times, I didn't know how big it was inside. The place is known for their frozen drink concoctions but I didn't try them as I tend to prefer bee to sweet drinks. The crowd was surprisingly chilled for a Saturday night especially compared to the neighboring bars
(3)
Luke F.
Get the cheese curds and the potato chips! There's a good selection of beer. A lot of tvs and the atmosphere is great! Great to go to before a Rockies game.
(4)
Amy F.
Stopped in before our last Rockies game of the season-Nothing fancy, decent service before a game, not over-priced like other places in the area, and hands down probably the best plate of Nachos I have ever had! (and I am no nacho connoisseur or anything) but it was a HUGE pile of chips layered with cheese and beef and all the fixings on top! They also serve up Midwest style Bloody Mary's.
(3)
Duane M.
I really miss this place as the old Splinters for the splinter dog and beer special on game days. Stopped in for a beer and some food before an afternoon Rox game. The place was practically empty. The bartender had an accent that I could not place and was really nice and friendly. I ordered a gyro sandwich that was just missing something that I could not place. It was OK for the price. I'm sure this place rocks at night after games and the location is great in respect to Coors Field.
(3)
Mike S.
As a wisconsinite I love the atmosphere, however, the staff is rude and rarely serves you in a timely manner, every time I have used a credit card the server has given themselves an extra generous tip that I was unable to see until checking my credit card statement. On multiple occasions I was "cut off" after ordering my first beer. Great place ad atmosphere but really needs a staff/management overhaul before I will ever go back! Stay away!!!!!
(1)
Art K.
Near the ballpark so it's clear this is simply a high volume bar. They have a shuffle board table that is great quality.
(4)
lauren b.
Ok, I might be a bit biased because a) I am from Wisconsin and b) I am a huge Packers fan, but I LOVE this place. Swanky's has become a Sunday routine for me - a place to go with great food, great drinks and a great game to watch. Plus, they have a DJ and play fun songs during the commercials. I *could* dock a star for the nasty bathrooms (there is one stall in the womens that seriously overflows every single time I'm there - sick), but the bartenders, food, and beer specials make up for it. The beers are super cheap, they have yummy frozen drinks if you want to feel like you're in Florida, and basic, Midwestern food. Their tater tots, burgers, cheese and sausage plate, and cheese curds are all super yummy. It's really not the same vibe on Friday and Saturday nights (pretty fun, but not a place I would regularly visit), but they totally make me look forward to Sundays. This place truly feels like home.
(5)
Sarah M.
Ok... I wish I would have payed attention to the porn in the bathrooms rather than the fact that I had been holding it for 2 hours.... :( But we go there right as the kitchen was closing and got our order in... we ordered chicken nachos and cheese curds. Now it was busy... our server got us our drinks and was nice enough... we got our Nachos and man.... we really had to have a debate on whether the chicken is actually tuna.... blech.... but those cheese curds hit the spot.... i wish we ordered more of those. My beer... I really feel like there was a layer of soap scum on my glass... which in turn made the beer taste less than amazing.... :( Decor is interesting. I probably will not order anything to eat there again. I'll be there again to try and get a non Friday night-Lodo appeal... because this place has that potential.
(2)
George U.
I'm a 49ers fan, and I think they're the best in the NFC, so I almost rated this place a 1 star, but that wouldn't be fair. When I was hanging out in this bar, the cute waitress kept touching me, I got a high five from a cute drunk chick and the wall paper in the men's bathroom was dope, so I almost rated this place 5 stars, but that wouldn't be fair. Truthfully, this was an A-OK bar. Not many choices for food or beer, but a standard bar.
(3)
Suzanne P.
Its a Packers bar. I am a Steelers fan. I was only here for the booze. Served its purpose.
(3)
Josh P.
Aside from a good meeting place for a pre-Rockies draft, I do appreciate that Swanky's is one of the few bars that still offers patrons a shuffleboard table. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
(3)
A P.
Great bar if you're a Wisconsin/Green Bay fan. other than that this place is just ok. They do have really good frozen drinks
(2)
Laura O.
Any fan of Wisconsin sports will love this bar. I went in a few times before the Brewers played at Coors Field and had a blast. The beer was flowing and it was great. Now I've never had the food because I spent a couple of decades eating fried cheese curds and Johnsonville brats back in WI so I know what I'm (not) missing. However, this place actually plays the polka music I grew up on and the atmosphere is electric before any Brewers, Packers, Badger game. I moved to Denver to get away from the midwest, but I have to admit that I love all the flags from my home state, especially the Summerfest flag! Good times.
(3)
Chris R.
Swanks, Swanks, feckin' Swanks. This seemed to be our finishing point for the five days I was in Denver. Did some dancing, did a lot of drinking, put on the beer goggles, nearly made a mistake, God intervened and some embarrassment was saved. Regardless, Swanky's was a good enough time. This place will never win an award as the best bar ever, but it's a good place for a large group. I think we had nearly 30 people in our group at some point here. I will always have fond, hazy memories of this place, but will go back to next time I'm in town.
(4)
Todd C.
Go Pack, Go!
(3)
jeremy g.
I dropped into Swanky's for a couple beers before work (it was about 3pm) with a couple co-workers a few weeks ago. I have to say the place is so laid back and chill, that you have to love it. I have been told that it is the local Packers bar, so I'll have to test it's loyalty by stopping in with a Chargers jersey on. any-who, the beer is cheap, the food is food and the wallpaper in the bathrooms ROCK!
(4)
Kendra R.
After a Rockies game, walked in here and it was packed. Up to the bar I went to get whatever icy concoction was on special. Waiting for my Purple Hooter at the bar, I take a seat and notice all these men drooling while gazing at the tube. To my surprise, it's porn. Skinamax or not, two women .. a boy.. no clothes.. that's not your standard television show. Missing Wisconsin or your Badger buddies? Swankys used to sponsor the local University of Wisconsin alumni group.
(2)
Amy G.
This is hands down, the best bar on Blake St. Sure, it gets full during sporting events (Wisconsin, Packers, Rockies, etc), but I have never had trouble finding a seat. You can't beat the cheapo beer (20oz Schlitz for $3) and the awesome frozen drinks, especially the Lebowski. The food is perfect for a low key bar like this one, and the waitstaff has always been excellent. As long as you're not a meat head, give this place a try. Otherwise, stick to the Sports Column and whatever other crappy bars are around there and leave this place alone!
(5)
Mitch J.
Its alright. Not really a place I would hang out at. The several choices of frozen drinks is kinda cool. Alcohol slurpees!!
(3)
Russell G.
This is a small, divy looking place in LoDo but it has some charm to it in a college party house kind of way. The guy's bathroom is covered in pictures of naked chicks from playboy mags. They also have a row of slushy machines that you add a shot of grain alcohol to. It tastes great and after 2 or 3, you are drunk. Did I mention they are only $4 a drink? Other drinks are cheap here too but I always go for the slushy because this is the only place I found downtown that has them. I wouldn't hang out here all night but this bar is great for stopping by after a Rockies game or on your way through downtown.
(3)
Sara S.
Went here after getting pretty hammered at the 1Up across the street. I love the orange creamsicle smoothie, but the shot of Everclear in it made me nauseous ALL day the next day. Guess you live and you learn, right? :-) Oh, and they have SHUFFLEBOARD!! Rock On!
(3)
J K.
Whoa, you people are complaining about the food at an obvious sports BAR? Holy cow you have lived a sheltered life! Geez, this place is not billing itself as a fine dining experience, don't you dare try and assume so! Tell you what: pull on your big boy/girl pants and come down here with the knowledge that if you want to get drunk before/after a baseball game, or just hang out with your friends and watch a few sporting events, this is a damn good place to do so. Are you going to get a good selection of booze at pretty decent prices? Yessssss. Are you going to pay your tab and walk 30 seconds into Coors Field? Damn straight. Are you going to have a fine dining, orgasmic eating experience? Please; you're stupid if you think so. Their food ain't that bad, but go to a RESTAURANT for good food, not a bar.
(4)
Cherie B.
First off, I giggle every time I check in here on Facebook...the full name is Swanky's Vittles and Libations. Why the word "vittles" makes me chuckle? I have NO idea. Moving on... My visits here tend to be with my Wisconsin native friends, and they can't express enough how Swanky's makes them feel like they are right back at home...especially during Packers games (if you have ever watched a Packers game here, you will know what I am talking about). I'm from Kansas, so I can appreciate a good Midwestern, feel-at-home dive bar. I have sampled the sliders here, which were just "meh" but I really need to get my hands on those cheese curds...I hear they're delish. They have several frozen drink machines with fun themed names. Although frozen drinks aren't my thing, I tried the "Big Lebowski"- a slushy version of one of my favorite college cocktails, the white russian. It certainly didn't disappoint. Lastly, I would like to thank the patrons and staff of Swanky's for not punching me in the face for being the ONLY one wearing a Broncos jersey (yes, I cased the place...I was the lone Bronco) on one particular Sunday. And you're welcome for not being a Bears fan.
(3)
Michael S.
My brother and I wanted to find a bar with a sandwich on the menu that wasn't fried, swimming in grease, low grade beef, or worse. This ain't the place. At Swanky's, a brat, polish, or a hot dog is $7.50 or more. Appetizers and burgers are even more expensive, and there is nothing remotely close to decent or healthy on the menu. This is so far from Swanky it's nonsense. We left. Next.
(1)
Hans O.
Went there last Saturday and they were closed, came back around 4pm when they opened. It was empty, just our table. Tried their alcoholic slushies and they were actually cool, strongly made with Everclear 190 proof, they have quite a few flavors running their machines, like Orange, white Russian, lime, lemon, and few others more. Their fried curds were really good. Their decor is quite interesting, they have porn in the bathrooms...
(3)
James B.
Honestly like this place, I looked beyond the fact it's a Wisconsin bar. The food was pretty decent for a bar and reasonably priced. The atmosphere was pretty laid back. We could actually have a conversation seeing as they understand proper volume on the music. Those slurpee style drinks were pretty damn good. We'll be back, much better than other options in the area.
(4)
Shannon C.
I really like this place. It's one of the few places downtown that, on Friday and Saturday nights, doesn't blare music so loud that your eardrums start bleeding and you lose your voice the moment you walk in. Also, they have delicious and potent frozen drinks (some of which are made with Everclear, so watch yourself) that don't break the bank. Love the shuffleboard and the overall atmosphere of this place-- laid back BAR. Regardless of whether it's a Wisconsin bar or not, it's still a fun place to hang out, enjoy a beverage, and actually conversate with your friends.
(4)
Carina C.
Total poo poo caca frat boy bar...you can avoid the pretty boy types but the goatee/jersey wearing ones can be located in this bar. And boy do they like their Green Bay Packers. I've been here only because I have some friends from the big W...and friends that like football...I don't really care for football. The big cheese/summer sausage/cracker plate that one of my friends ordered...well, that gained a few points. Have I ever mentioned I am a Bloody Mary fan? Man, they have some awesome bloody Marys here...you know, those ones with the celery, the pickle, the olive and the banana pepper? Total yumminess.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Very Loud Music : DJ Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Karen V.
I love this place! Love the cheese curds. Good times.
(5)Chris R.
Swanks, Swanks, feckin' Swanks. This seemed to be our finishing point for the five days I was in Denver. Did some dancing, did a lot of drinking, put on the beer goggles, nearly made a mistake, God intervened and some embarrassment was saved. Regardless, Swanky's was a good enough time. This place will never win an award as the best bar ever, but it's a good place for a large group. I think we had nearly 30 people in our group at some point here. I will always have fond, hazy memories of this place, but will go back to next time I'm in town.
(4)Todd C.
Go Pack, Go!
(3)jeremy g.
I dropped into Swanky's for a couple beers before work (it was about 3pm) with a couple co-workers a few weeks ago. I have to say the place is so laid back and chill, that you have to love it. I have been told that it is the local Packers bar, so I'll have to test it's loyalty by stopping in with a Chargers jersey on. any-who, the beer is cheap, the food is food and the wallpaper in the bathrooms ROCK!
(4)Kendra R.
After a Rockies game, walked in here and it was packed. Up to the bar I went to get whatever icy concoction was on special. Waiting for my Purple Hooter at the bar, I take a seat and notice all these men drooling while gazing at the tube. To my surprise, it's porn. Skinamax or not, two women .. a boy.. no clothes.. that's not your standard television show. Missing Wisconsin or your Badger buddies? Swankys used to sponsor the local University of Wisconsin alumni group.
(2)Hans O.
Went there last Saturday and they were closed, came back around 4pm when they opened. It was empty, just our table. Tried their alcoholic slushies and they were actually cool, strongly made with Everclear 190 proof, they have quite a few flavors running their machines, like Orange, white Russian, lime, lemon, and few others more. Their fried curds were really good. Their decor is quite interesting, they have porn in the bathrooms...
(3)James B.
Honestly like this place, I looked beyond the fact it's a Wisconsin bar. The food was pretty decent for a bar and reasonably priced. The atmosphere was pretty laid back. We could actually have a conversation seeing as they understand proper volume on the music. Those slurpee style drinks were pretty damn good. We'll be back, much better than other options in the area.
(4)Brian G.
Swanky's is a solid example of "what you see is what you get". I get it. This is Denver and we all love it. The owner however is a HUGE Packer fan and his bar reflects that. It's his bar and if wants to theme it after Sponge Bob I think it's his right. The bathrooms...yeah. OK it's tacky and I'll give you that. However, after walking in the door and looking around, and then you're still surprised there is some Playboy on the wall...I blame you. I'm not saying that you had to see it coming (get your mind out of there) but you shouldn't be surprised either. I don't do the slushy things unless I;m in New Orleans but they are good and strong. The bartenders have heavy hands for the cocktails and the the cheese curds are amazing. I like that it tends to be quiet and I go sit have a beer and a shot in peace. The same reason I like the Falling Rock. Even if the crowd tends to be a little douchey, the staff most certainly isn't.
(4)Jeff S.
Dirty place, gross bathrooms. This is a dive bar, cheap beer and poorly lit. On a positive note they have good beer prices and a lot of great sports memorabilia, but overall too dark and dirty to overlook. Sports Column is their neighbor, save the trouble and just go there
(2)Amy G.
This is hands down, the best bar on Blake St. Sure, it gets full during sporting events (Wisconsin, Packers, Rockies, etc), but I have never had trouble finding a seat. You can't beat the cheapo beer (20oz Schlitz for $3) and the awesome frozen drinks, especially the Lebowski. The food is perfect for a low key bar like this one, and the waitstaff has always been excellent. As long as you're not a meat head, give this place a try. Otherwise, stick to the Sports Column and whatever other crappy bars are around there and leave this place alone!
(5)Mitch J.
Its alright. Not really a place I would hang out at. The several choices of frozen drinks is kinda cool. Alcohol slurpees!!
(3)Laurel W.
I was in Denver visiting during Super Bowl weekend, and came here with a friend who is crazy about the Packers. The place was decked out in green and yellow, and filled with people who probably have a photo of Lambeau Field in their bathroom that they masturbate to every morning. As a die-hard Bears fan, this was a horrifying sight to me, and I was just praying that I wouldn't get my ass kicked. As the day went on, and had a few beers, things began to get bearable for me. The waitresses were super attentive and despite the packed atmosphere, were pretty quick with getting orders and food out to us. We had the loaded nachos and the fried cheese curds, and both were super yummy! I loved the salsa that was used on the nachos. I even tried some of the slushies that they offered. I don't remember what mine was called, but it was lime green and tasted like a margarita with a pineapple twist. Very tasty, and also quite strong, even though you can't taste the alcohol. Another good one was the "Big Lebowski", basically a frozen white russian. They have a DJ that plays music and hypes up the crowd during commercial breaks. Under normal circumstances that would be great, but Super Bowl Sunday is the one day people actually WANT to watch commercials so I was a bit irritated that he played music instead. The crowd was also a lot of fun. Though I hate that the Packers won the Super Bowl this year, I have to admit I had a great time partying with the cheeseheads. If I were to ever move to Denver, I probably wouldn't be caught dead here during football season. As I stated earlier, I am a die-hard Bears fan, graduated from Purdue, and love the Cubs. This place is a wet dream for someone from Wisconsin, as it vocally supports the Packers, University of Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Brewers.
(3)Eric T.
you know, outside of the soft porn, cheap PBR pichers, daiquiri machines, this place holds great parties all the time. i have rolled into here expecting your typical shitty lodo bar, but have been surprised on many occasion just how good the food was, the service was, and how great the music on the jukebox was. this place is awsome. a great place to get out of douchebag meat market bars in lodo!! pro tip: guest dj "jake-boogie" spins some of the hardest to find rare vinyl, anything from down home country to classic rock, during sunday football games. im not a fan of football, but love this place on sundays.
(5)Jodi A.
Not only does Swanky's have the great location next to Coors Field, on hot summer days you can imbibe in what I can only describe as the ultimate "slurpee"....various flavors of frozen drinks, that are delicious ! For an extra dollar, you can also get an extra shot to add. The food is great. The curdburger (cheese-curds mixed into the ground beef patty) is great ! I have yet to try everything, but I am pretty sure I will not be disappointed at Swanky's !
(5)Bob D.
Wisconsin bar, cool people! Right across the street from Coors Field. Try the cheese curds and go for a Big Lebowski.
(5)Ryan M.
This place hates tourists. I came in on a uncrowded Friday night, ordered and paid for a coke, tipped a buck and told the bartender I was going to sit over in a corner and charge my phone. Not ten minutes later the bouncer comes over asks I'm local, I say no, and he says you're gonna have to buy some food or drinks or leave. I was like, I bought a coke. And he was like surrrre you did. What I didn't tell this asshole was that I was charging my phone to call my friends to have them meet me there, but as soon as this mensa graduate in business applied his 'buy something or leave' mentality when we were both in a nearly empty bar, I chose the latter. (In case you're wondering, I was sober when this happened, and dressed in a button shirt and cargo pants, I want bothering our interacting with anyone, so I wasnt getting the homeless or the drink treatment, this was the fucking tourist treatment.) It was interesting that he asked if I was local before hassling me... very telling... They ought to move this bar out to the Alameda, if they're going to harass out of staters that happen to walk into this bar, in the most touristy part of Denver. There are lots of nice friendly bars in Denver, but this ain't one of them.
(1)Ian C.
Disclaimer: I am a die-hard GB Packer fan. That said, this is the best Packer bar I have ever been to. Most of those other bars were in WI so I don't know if they count. What makes this truly special is the fans and the owner. The owner had the balls and brains to designate his downtown Denver bar as a WI sports bar. As a reward, his bar is often packed to capacity on game days. There are no half-assed fans here. Packer loyalty is through the roof! Get here hours early if you want a decent table to sit at. Don't show up with a Bears, Vikings, or Lions (I guess...) jersey on or you will get booed the f*ck out the door. Wear a Favre jersey and the bouncer won't let you in. Do not bring kids here. Ever. P.S. All of the above Packer comments could be said about WI Badger games as well.
(5)Alex R.
LOVE that this is a Wisconsin bar, I feel right at home! The staff is always friendly and great. The slushies are amazing! Definitely recommend it, it's always a fun time!
(5)Lindsay A.
Since I was rooting for the Packers in the playoffs this where I decided to go watch the Bears vs Packers playoff game. The place was absolutely packed with warm, lovable Packers fans. The blended style drinks were so tasty. A girl I was standing next to recommended a White Russian/Orange creamsicle combo which sounded odd but turned out to be AMAZING! The bartenders work their asses off and are so happy to get you a drink. Some places you go in Denver, the bartenders and servers act is if you are inconveniencing them by asking for something. I hate that feeling. I never once felt like this here. When the Packers won the game with the interception the whole place went wild. Strangers were hugging each other and the vibes and friendliness were very Midwest-like. It is by far one of my best Denver experiences yet!
(5)Julie H.
They should rename this place to Skanky's. Beware of a tall, blond, bullimic, slightly narcissistic chick that hangs out here during Packers games in a Packers jersey. If you think you have run into her, offer her a jager shot or cocaine to keep her on your good side. This place is alright, I guess. They do have the slushie machines that the LoDo Tavern has. I like those. I did enjoy the bacon and eggs breakfast they served to me one Sunday morning when that before-mentioned chick dragged me in here hungover for a Packers game. She swore the fried cheese here was awesome but I have been to WI and do not agree. It says something about oysters on the sign. There is no way I would ever order seafood inside this place.
(2)Kym B.
I think the peeps at Swanky's have been reading my reviews! That's awesome. GONE are the nasty paper skanks in the 'throoms (at least on the women's side... can't speak for you dudes, nor do I care), replaced by solid black paint. Thumbs up! GONE is that stupid, jacked up waitress. I have my doubts that she lasted past that one shift, 'cause DAY-UM. Now, whenever we hit up Swanky's for Packer games (the only time I do, incidentally, so keep that in mind while weighing this review), our needs are attended to by the lovely and 100% on-point Johnnie, who-- if there were Olympic events in serving skillz-- would be a gold medal contender. GONE are the cold tots and half-cooked grilled cheeses. They must've hired a new chef, because things are ROCKING in the kitchen now. They've even added a new item to the menu which looks like the sort of fare that might tempt Guy Fieri in for a trial bite. It's called a Wisconsin Power Bar, and consists of a bratwurst on a stick, wrapped in bacon, batter-dipped, and deep fried. No, I haven't tried one... I value my arteries, thanks! But the fact that something of that heart-stopping caliber even exists is kind of hilarious. Swanky's has stepped up their game considerably, and it hasn't gone unnoticed. Yay, progress! Yay, change! Keep up the good work.
(4)Shannon C.
I really like this place. It's one of the few places downtown that, on Friday and Saturday nights, doesn't blare music so loud that your eardrums start bleeding and you lose your voice the moment you walk in. Also, they have delicious and potent frozen drinks (some of which are made with Everclear, so watch yourself) that don't break the bank. Love the shuffleboard and the overall atmosphere of this place-- laid back BAR. Regardless of whether it's a Wisconsin bar or not, it's still a fun place to hang out, enjoy a beverage, and actually conversate with your friends.
(4)Greg H.
This place is an awesome alternative to Sports Column next door. No cover and free shuffleboard. This is where its at. They also have really awesome slushy drinks for all of your lady friends.
(3)Brooke G.
Love Swankys! The Slushies are amazing and definitely fairly priced. The bartenders are all super friendly, and the shuffleboard table is an added bonus. The food is good from what I've had and is your typical finger food/sandwich bar food. I seem to always end up here when I go out downtown, due to the mellow/laidback feel. Everyone is usually super casually dressed.
(5)Jarrod P.
This is my go-to dive bar when up near the ballpark. It's a very relaxed atmosphere and they have shuffleboard and smoothies! The owner Rodney is a cool guy as well! Definitely a fan of this place!
(5)Holly G.
The only reason to go to this place is: 1.) Cause you are leaving a Rockies game because this place is close to Coors Field 2.) or to order a Big Lebowski (White Russian) daiquiri machine milkshake What is with all the Packers stuff? This is Denver. And porn in the bathrooms? That's nasty.
(1)Kris S.
It's all about you, Wisconsin sports fans. Like most high concept environments, if you're not into it, you're not into it. I'm not into it but will recommend it to those who love Wisconsin.
(2)J K.
Whoa, you people are complaining about the food at an obvious sports BAR? Holy cow you have lived a sheltered life! Geez, this place is not billing itself as a fine dining experience, don't you dare try and assume so! Tell you what: pull on your big boy/girl pants and come down here with the knowledge that if you want to get drunk before/after a baseball game, or just hang out with your friends and watch a few sporting events, this is a damn good place to do so. Are you going to get a good selection of booze at pretty decent prices? Yessssss. Are you going to pay your tab and walk 30 seconds into Coors Field? Damn straight. Are you going to have a fine dining, orgasmic eating experience? Please; you're stupid if you think so. Their food ain't that bad, but go to a RESTAURANT for good food, not a bar.
(4)Lane C.
Needed a place to get drinks before a Rockies game and they were right across the street. Not very big, but plenty of drinks. Kind of like Fat Tuesday's with their selection of mixed slushy drinks, alcoholic of course. Definitely check out the men's bathroom. Based on the number of Wisconsin related sports banners, I'd say they're a good place to see games if you're from Wisconsin.
(3)Cherie B.
First off, I giggle every time I check in here on Facebook...the full name is Swanky's Vittles and Libations. Why the word "vittles" makes me chuckle? I have NO idea. Moving on... My visits here tend to be with my Wisconsin native friends, and they can't express enough how Swanky's makes them feel like they are right back at home...especially during Packers games (if you have ever watched a Packers game here, you will know what I am talking about). I'm from Kansas, so I can appreciate a good Midwestern, feel-at-home dive bar. I have sampled the sliders here, which were just "meh" but I really need to get my hands on those cheese curds...I hear they're delish. They have several frozen drink machines with fun themed names. Although frozen drinks aren't my thing, I tried the "Big Lebowski"- a slushy version of one of my favorite college cocktails, the white russian. It certainly didn't disappoint. Lastly, I would like to thank the patrons and staff of Swanky's for not punching me in the face for being the ONLY one wearing a Broncos jersey (yes, I cased the place...I was the lone Bronco) on one particular Sunday. And you're welcome for not being a Bears fan.
(3)Michael S.
My brother and I wanted to find a bar with a sandwich on the menu that wasn't fried, swimming in grease, low grade beef, or worse. This ain't the place. At Swanky's, a brat, polish, or a hot dog is $7.50 or more. Appetizers and burgers are even more expensive, and there is nothing remotely close to decent or healthy on the menu. This is so far from Swanky it's nonsense. We left. Next.
(1)Chris B.
If you're a Packers fan, you'll have more fun here than you should be allowed. If you're any other type of fan, I'd avoid this place at all costs. It can be pretty tiresome being in a crowd of drunk cheeseheads when you're not even in Wisconsin. On the same note, if I were in the same bar except everybody was a drunk fan of MY team then I'D have a blast and YOU'D be annoyed. It's all relative. The location is great, this much is true. The service, however, is lacking. When I last went, it was exceptioanlly crowded but that does not excuse the snippy attitude of the bartender nor the slow service. All I wanted was a glass of cheap beer (I think it was $2). I didn't want a complicated mix drink but it still took forever. To be courteous to the rest of the crowd, I paid exact cash. This made the bartender stare at me for about 10 whole seconds with the most malicious look you could imagine. "Don't forget to tip your barstaff" she very curtly said and slammed my beer down and walked away. A few things: I had every intention of returning to bar several times that night. The plan was to tip, say, every other time because, being that the beers are so easy to serve and so cheap in cost, it seemed silly to tip each time because it'd be in change. It's a lot easier to tip when you've racked up $4 or $6. Lest you think I'm in the wrong, she came to our table moments later and gave us free shots of some cheap liquor and apologized for being a such a so-and-so. With the crowd that night, I doubt it was because her manager made her do it; they had plenty of customers and ticking off little old me would not have hurt the bottom line. Thus, she knew in her heart that she was being a jerk. A nice gesture but my mind was made up; we left shortly thereafter. To be fair, this was but one incident. But, it was enough for me.
(2)Victoria B.
My friends and I watched the last two Packers games here, and I really enjoyed the experience. Being surrounded by large amounts of true fans who (for the most part) are well-mannered and enthusiastic makes watching games so much fun. Love all the posters and signs up on the walls. The bartenders and waitresses here are amazing - they work their butts off and do a fabulous job. Good service, when it's that busy and chaotic, is really appreciated - thanks!! Good beers at decent prices (my Wisconsin friends were over the moon at them having Leinie's), and the food is good, if not a bit overpriced in my opinion. But some of it is worth it - their nachos are ridiculously massive and loaded with everything you would ever want on nachos.
(4)Karen V.
I love this place! Love the cheese curds. Good times.
(5)Krupa P.
The hubster and I went to Denver to a Rockies game to watch the Brewers. It was a Sunday morning and we were in search of a bar to predrink before the game. And from like a block away the hubster sees a Brewers flag outside a bar so of course we have to go in. It was a perfect location too, almost kiddie corner from Coors Field. We walk in and there is like a sea of blue and yellow and not to mention the Packers decor! They even had a Summerfest flag near the door! The hubster is a native Wisconsinite and I lived there for a few years so being at this bar brought back good memories. Our waitress was very friendly. We got our beers and thought we'd order some nachos to start with and then get something else. We ordered the nachos and she took the menus. I was confused at first, because we were only ordering an appetizer and wanted a menu for ordering our actual meal. So a like 10 minutes later she comes back with this MASSIVE plate of nachos! People around us were like, WHOA! It was hilarious! No wonder she took the menus away! She knew we couldn't finish the whole thing. I would definitely go back to this place if we're in Denver again!
(5)Mike S.
As a wisconsinite I love the atmosphere, however, the staff is rude and rarely serves you in a timely manner, every time I have used a credit card the server has given themselves an extra generous tip that I was unable to see until checking my credit card statement. On multiple occasions I was "cut off" after ordering my first beer. Great place ad atmosphere but really needs a staff/management overhaul before I will ever go back! Stay away!!!!!
(1)Art K.
Near the ballpark so it's clear this is simply a high volume bar. They have a shuffle board table that is great quality.
(4)Carina C.
Total poo poo caca frat boy bar...you can avoid the pretty boy types but the goatee/jersey wearing ones can be located in this bar. And boy do they like their Green Bay Packers. I've been here only because I have some friends from the big W...and friends that like football...I don't really care for football. The big cheese/summer sausage/cracker plate that one of my friends ordered...well, that gained a few points. Have I ever mentioned I am a Bloody Mary fan? Man, they have some awesome bloody Marys here...you know, those ones with the celery, the pickle, the olive and the banana pepper? Total yumminess.
(3)A P.
Great bar if you're a Wisconsin/Green Bay fan. other than that this place is just ok. They do have really good frozen drinks
(2)lauren b.
Ok, I might be a bit biased because a) I am from Wisconsin and b) I am a huge Packers fan, but I LOVE this place. Swanky's has become a Sunday routine for me - a place to go with great food, great drinks and a great game to watch. Plus, they have a DJ and play fun songs during the commercials. I *could* dock a star for the nasty bathrooms (there is one stall in the womens that seriously overflows every single time I'm there - sick), but the bartenders, food, and beer specials make up for it. The beers are super cheap, they have yummy frozen drinks if you want to feel like you're in Florida, and basic, Midwestern food. Their tater tots, burgers, cheese and sausage plate, and cheese curds are all super yummy. It's really not the same vibe on Friday and Saturday nights (pretty fun, but not a place I would regularly visit), but they totally make me look forward to Sundays. This place truly feels like home.
(5)Sarah M.
Ok... I wish I would have payed attention to the porn in the bathrooms rather than the fact that I had been holding it for 2 hours.... :( But we go there right as the kitchen was closing and got our order in... we ordered chicken nachos and cheese curds. Now it was busy... our server got us our drinks and was nice enough... we got our Nachos and man.... we really had to have a debate on whether the chicken is actually tuna.... blech.... but those cheese curds hit the spot.... i wish we ordered more of those. My beer... I really feel like there was a layer of soap scum on my glass... which in turn made the beer taste less than amazing.... :( Decor is interesting. I probably will not order anything to eat there again. I'll be there again to try and get a non Friday night-Lodo appeal... because this place has that potential.
(2)Fred M.
The worst place we went in a night of Denver bar hopping. The only reason we went is because someone told us they show porn on the TV's after midnight and thought it might be fun. 12:30 and no porn except for the crappy playboy cutouts in the bathrooms with no vaginas. The crowd was annoying, and I hate being carded at the door.
(1)Laura B.
This is not for the food.............but, always a fun place to watch Packer games on Sunday. The crowd, the service, the beer specials are great and always make for a fun Sunday. Def a Packer bar, so don't expect to see other games there. FUN!
(4)Hans O.
Went there last Saturday and they were closed, came back around 4pm when they opened. It was empty, just our table. Tried their alcoholic slushies and they were actually cool, strongly made with Everclear 190 proof, they have quite a few flavors running their machines, like Orange, white Russian, lime, lemon, and few others more. Their fried curds were really good. Their decor is quite interesting, they have porn in the bathrooms...
(3)James B.
Honestly like this place, I looked beyond the fact it's a Wisconsin bar. The food was pretty decent for a bar and reasonably priced. The atmosphere was pretty laid back. We could actually have a conversation seeing as they understand proper volume on the music. Those slurpee style drinks were pretty damn good. We'll be back, much better than other options in the area.
(4)Brian G.
Swanky's is a solid example of "what you see is what you get". I get it. This is Denver and we all love it. The owner however is a HUGE Packer fan and his bar reflects that. It's his bar and if wants to theme it after Sponge Bob I think it's his right. The bathrooms...yeah. OK it's tacky and I'll give you that. However, after walking in the door and looking around, and then you're still surprised there is some Playboy on the wall...I blame you. I'm not saying that you had to see it coming (get your mind out of there) but you shouldn't be surprised either. I don't do the slushy things unless I;m in New Orleans but they are good and strong. The bartenders have heavy hands for the cocktails and the the cheese curds are amazing. I like that it tends to be quiet and I go sit have a beer and a shot in peace. The same reason I like the Falling Rock. Even if the crowd tends to be a little douchey, the staff most certainly isn't.
(4)Jeff S.
Dirty place, gross bathrooms. This is a dive bar, cheap beer and poorly lit. On a positive note they have good beer prices and a lot of great sports memorabilia, but overall too dark and dirty to overlook. Sports Column is their neighbor, save the trouble and just go there
(2)Laura O.
Any fan of Wisconsin sports will love this bar. I went in a few times before the Brewers played at Coors Field and had a blast. The beer was flowing and it was great. Now I've never had the food because I spent a couple of decades eating fried cheese curds and Johnsonville brats back in WI so I know what I'm (not) missing. However, this place actually plays the polka music I grew up on and the atmosphere is electric before any Brewers, Packers, Badger game. I moved to Denver to get away from the midwest, but I have to admit that I love all the flags from my home state, especially the Summerfest flag! Good times.
(3)George U.
I'm a 49ers fan, and I think they're the best in the NFC, so I almost rated this place a 1 star, but that wouldn't be fair. When I was hanging out in this bar, the cute waitress kept touching me, I got a high five from a cute drunk chick and the wall paper in the men's bathroom was dope, so I almost rated this place 5 stars, but that wouldn't be fair. Truthfully, this was an A-OK bar. Not many choices for food or beer, but a standard bar.
(3)Suzanne P.
Its a Packers bar. I am a Steelers fan. I was only here for the booze. Served its purpose.
(3)Stephen S.
So we kind of went to this place by a lack of other choices. Trying to watch the USA game and everywhere was packed and this place had no one; now i know why. The food was just straight up bad and overpriced. A bratwurst for $8?? really?? And it was just a nomal johnsonville. I can buy two five packs of them for that. Dont even get me started on the bathrooms. I would have much rather held it. Just something unsettling about being in a bathroom with a bunch of other guys where there is porn on the walls. Needless to say i wont be visiting here again.
(2)Josh P.
Aside from a good meeting place for a pre-Rockies draft, I do appreciate that Swanky's is one of the few bars that still offers patrons a shuffleboard table. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
(3)Chris R.
Swanks, Swanks, feckin' Swanks. This seemed to be our finishing point for the five days I was in Denver. Did some dancing, did a lot of drinking, put on the beer goggles, nearly made a mistake, God intervened and some embarrassment was saved. Regardless, Swanky's was a good enough time. This place will never win an award as the best bar ever, but it's a good place for a large group. I think we had nearly 30 people in our group at some point here. I will always have fond, hazy memories of this place, but will go back to next time I'm in town.
(4)Todd C.
Go Pack, Go!
(3)jeremy g.
I dropped into Swanky's for a couple beers before work (it was about 3pm) with a couple co-workers a few weeks ago. I have to say the place is so laid back and chill, that you have to love it. I have been told that it is the local Packers bar, so I'll have to test it's loyalty by stopping in with a Chargers jersey on. any-who, the beer is cheap, the food is food and the wallpaper in the bathrooms ROCK!
(4)Kendra R.
After a Rockies game, walked in here and it was packed. Up to the bar I went to get whatever icy concoction was on special. Waiting for my Purple Hooter at the bar, I take a seat and notice all these men drooling while gazing at the tube. To my surprise, it's porn. Skinamax or not, two women .. a boy.. no clothes.. that's not your standard television show. Missing Wisconsin or your Badger buddies? Swankys used to sponsor the local University of Wisconsin alumni group.
(2)Amy G.
This is hands down, the best bar on Blake St. Sure, it gets full during sporting events (Wisconsin, Packers, Rockies, etc), but I have never had trouble finding a seat. You can't beat the cheapo beer (20oz Schlitz for $3) and the awesome frozen drinks, especially the Lebowski. The food is perfect for a low key bar like this one, and the waitstaff has always been excellent. As long as you're not a meat head, give this place a try. Otherwise, stick to the Sports Column and whatever other crappy bars are around there and leave this place alone!
(5)Mitch J.
Its alright. Not really a place I would hang out at. The several choices of frozen drinks is kinda cool. Alcohol slurpees!!
(3)Kenny C.
I'm new to Denver and just moved here from Wisconsin. I heard that Swankys is the place to be for Packer and Badger fans and it definitely is! We had so much fun and the sliders were awesome. Cheyenne was our server and she was phenomenal! She was so fun and friendly and helped us with our drink and food recommendations. I would absolutely recommend Swankys to anyone, regardless if they are a Wisconsinite or not.
(5)Gabriele Z.
No longer MY Packers bar. I had a seat next to me for my friend & they wouldn't let her in to see the game. There were 15-20 people waiting to come inside. Two open chairs at my table, yet people were still waiting to be allowed inside... No reason to sit there while she was outside for the game. We left. I've been coming here for years! Not a good idea Swank... Bad business IMO.
(2)Jason G.
Go Pack Go!!! One of the very best Green Bay Packers Bars in the Country-- I've only been to a few in the Western US and I have been to Lambeau! I've been to Swanky's for two big Packers games and without hesitation, I recommend this great sports bar for all NFL and Packers fans. The crowd is lively and passionate! Cheering so loud you'd think you were at Lambeau Field. Service is friendly, accommodating, and I've always received great drinks and food. Even during the peak of the crowd drinks and food flows... Plenty of beer, ample spirits, and above average "bar" food. Check out the unreal portion of natchos!! The sliders are unique and very satisfying during a day a drinking and football. The tator-tots are a def plus and the freshly made potato chips made me happy. Really this place is all about the game and during Packers games every screen and the entire bar is focused on Green Bay! People all seem cool and it's easy to make friends. The DJ tunes out all commercials with great music and fun beats. Be prepared to cheer, drink, and have a very memorable time during all Packers games. If you want to sit, I would get there early or be prepared to stand. Swanky's gets packed!!
(4)Leanna C.
This is solely based on drinking and night life here. I love the drinks here, any mix of the frozen drinks are always delicious and relatively strong. If you want a little extra something in your drink you can buy extra tubes of alcohol to have put in your drink. They always have good music playing and shuffleboard is a must. Don't let its divey nature fool you, this is a great place to hang out for a couple of icee drinks.
(4)Shawn S.
We stumbled into this place on Packer game day and man it was super fun. If we ever moved to Denver - we'd hang here. The fans were completely into the game, but fun fans vs drunk fans, friendly and not obnoxious. They do serve really good food, and the servers are everywhere and speedy. The burgers, wings, everything tasty. Get there 30 minutes before kickoff to get a seat, an hour to get a good seat.
(4)Eric T.
you know, outside of the soft porn, cheap PBR pichers, daiquiri machines, this place holds great parties all the time. i have rolled into here expecting your typical shitty lodo bar, but have been surprised on many occasion just how good the food was, the service was, and how great the music on the jukebox was. this place is awsome. a great place to get out of douchebag meat market bars in lodo!! pro tip: guest dj "jake-boogie" spins some of the hardest to find rare vinyl, anything from down home country to classic rock, during sunday football games. im not a fan of football, but love this place on sundays.
(5)Laurel W.
I was in Denver visiting during Super Bowl weekend, and came here with a friend who is crazy about the Packers. The place was decked out in green and yellow, and filled with people who probably have a photo of Lambeau Field in their bathroom that they masturbate to every morning. As a die-hard Bears fan, this was a horrifying sight to me, and I was just praying that I wouldn't get my ass kicked. As the day went on, and had a few beers, things began to get bearable for me. The waitresses were super attentive and despite the packed atmosphere, were pretty quick with getting orders and food out to us. We had the loaded nachos and the fried cheese curds, and both were super yummy! I loved the salsa that was used on the nachos. I even tried some of the slushies that they offered. I don't remember what mine was called, but it was lime green and tasted like a margarita with a pineapple twist. Very tasty, and also quite strong, even though you can't taste the alcohol. Another good one was the "Big Lebowski", basically a frozen white russian. They have a DJ that plays music and hypes up the crowd during commercial breaks. Under normal circumstances that would be great, but Super Bowl Sunday is the one day people actually WANT to watch commercials so I was a bit irritated that he played music instead. The crowd was also a lot of fun. Though I hate that the Packers won the Super Bowl this year, I have to admit I had a great time partying with the cheeseheads. If I were to ever move to Denver, I probably wouldn't be caught dead here during football season. As I stated earlier, I am a die-hard Bears fan, graduated from Purdue, and love the Cubs. This place is a wet dream for someone from Wisconsin, as it vocally supports the Packers, University of Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Brewers.
(3)Laura B.
I walked in with my Clay Matthews jersey and thought I died and went to heaven. I was home. I went to watch a Packers game and everyone was really friendly. I'm probably super bias as a Packers fan so let's just move on to the food. As an appetizer, I HAD to order the cheese curds. Packers game and cheese curds, duh. They were so rich and delicious. I could have eaten a bathtub full of them. For my main course, I had The Giblet. If you have never had this burger, now is the time. They take a burger patty and put cheese curds in the meat. Yes, you read that right, IN THE MEAT. As if that's not enough, the top is off with bacon, green chilies, cream cheese, and a fried egg. My personal trainer would have a fit if he found out that I crushed that whole thing but it was completely worth it. On the side, I had mac&cheese. Oozy gooey goodness. I would highly recommend this place to anyone even if you're not a Packers fan. But I wouldn't recommend coming with a Bears jersey on. Just sayin'.
(5)Roy H.
So many awesome alcoholic slushies here!! My personal fav is the white russian one. Yum! I have been to Swanky's a few times..random weekend nights and also during the Big Ten Bar Crawl. It has always been a really fun time with good crowds. I am not sure if I could handle the Wisconsin sports gameday crowds though haha.. The service is pretty good here..even when its fairly busy I have been able to get drinks (usually slushies!) pretty quickly. Its a bit of a smaller bar compared to many in the area but there is still a bunch of tables. I havent had the food here yet but looking at some of the other reviews I think I will need to come back here and try some!
(4)Christina N.
Had a great time St patty's day parade. Mercedes our server was awesome. A little too much salt on the fries and tots.
(4)Rick H.
Dive Bar status. Great service! I have only been here twice, once after a Rockies game and once before. We ordered the "Big Lebowski" frozen drinks with an extra shot. Brain freeze. They serve food, but we didn't try it. Not sure, looking into the kitchen if I ever would. This is a Green Bay Packers bar, so if you are looking to find Packer Action, this is your spot. We'll be back again and sample more wares.
(3)Christopher B.
I found this place crammed compared to some of the other places in the area. I also know it's a Wisconsin/GB bar so if you're a fan of one of those you'll be giving this place 5 stars. I thought it was okay but there is really nothing about it that makes me go here over any other place.
(3)Sara B.
I like to come to Swanky's when I am not feeling like getting all dolled up but still want to get my drink on. I would label Swanky's as a dive bar trying to be relevant to the LoDo scene. Like Tavern, they also have slushies. I drink these things here like they are going out of style when I come. Hint: I tried a grape one once...not sure if it a regular thing...don't drink this until you have had AT LEAST two of all of the other flavors that they offer. Swanky's is pretty solid with their food too. It is typical bar food but always satisfies. I like their wings. As others have mentioned, the crowd is not the typical "fist pumping while having overly-gelled hair shoved in your face" group. I dig this. A lot.
(5)Greg B.
I am certainly biased in this review, as I am a native cheesehead who appreciates a Packers bar smack dab in the middle of a series of bar and grills across the street from Coors Field. A South Florida transplant, I recently visited some friends and family in Denver, and we made our way the Swanky's as we bar-hopped the neighborhood. My fellow Wisconsin friends and I stopped in on a Thursday night, during the NFL Draft, to see who the Packers were going to draft in the first round. We weren't the only ones as there were other patrons who were wearing Packers jerseys. Following Green Bay's pick, one of the patrons at the bar bought a round of shots for all of us Packers fans. I had a Jack Daniels. Ha. I appreciated that. That's the type of place this is. You can also get really inexpensive beer here. We're talking PBR, Miller Lite, etc. I also ordered another Wisconsin favorite - fried cheese curds, which were very delicious. Also, a shout-out to out waitress, Savanna, who did a splendid job attending to our needs. Growing up on Milwaukee's south-side, this is the type of bar I would frequent in my earlier years. I will certainly be back when I come back to visit my friends and family.
(4)Shawn S.
We stumbled into this place on Packer game day and man it was super fun. If we ever moved to Denver - we'd hang here. The fans were completely into the game, but fun fans vs drunk fans, friendly and not obnoxious. They do serve really good food, and the servers are everywhere and speedy. The burgers, wings, everything tasty. Get there 30 minutes before kickoff to get a seat, an hour to get a good seat.
(4)Aimee L.
It gets crazy packed during Packer games! However that means nothing to me as I am a Broncos fan thru and thru! But I digress...The service can be a little spoty at times. We popped in here the other night before the Rockies game. We had the BEST service from the bartender Ryan! Super duper fantastic!!!! The frozen drinks pack a whallop! But, damn, do they taste good!
(4)Russell G.
This is a small, divy looking place in LoDo but it has some charm to it in a college party house kind of way. The guy's bathroom is covered in pictures of naked chicks from playboy mags. They also have a row of slushy machines that you add a shot of grain alcohol to. It tastes great and after 2 or 3, you are drunk. Did I mention they are only $4 a drink? Other drinks are cheap here too but I always go for the slushy because this is the only place I found downtown that has them. I wouldn't hang out here all night but this bar is great for stopping by after a Rockies game or on your way through downtown.
(3)Sara S.
Went here after getting pretty hammered at the 1Up across the street. I love the orange creamsicle smoothie, but the shot of Everclear in it made me nauseous ALL day the next day. Guess you live and you learn, right? :-) Oh, and they have SHUFFLEBOARD!! Rock On!
(3)Jeff S.
Conveniently located next to Coors Field, I've been to Swanky's many times in my life for pre-gaming and general libations. It's A Wisconsin bar, and a good friend who hailed from there made us go often. New Orleans style food and slushie style drinks make them stand out from their neighbors. The staff is always friendly and they have a good size bar. I will stop in here almost every time I'm going to or coming from a ballgame. Cheers!
(3)B. Ann M.
BEST Mac & Cheese in the area. BEST Cheese Curds in the area. Nuff said... (and for me to shut-up here: says A LOT! Well, damn, wait - to the Manager: please keep your business hours consistent & answer your phones within three rings!)
(5)Aimee L.
It gets crazy packed during Packer games! However that means nothing to me as I am a Broncos fan thru and thru! But I digress...The service can be a little spoty at times. We popped in here the other night before the Rockies game. We had the BEST service from the bartender Ryan! Super duper fantastic!!!! The frozen drinks pack a whallop! But, damn, do they taste good!
(4)Laura B.
I walked in with my Clay Matthews jersey and thought I died and went to heaven. I was home. I went to watch a Packers game and everyone was really friendly. I'm probably super bias as a Packers fan so let's just move on to the food. As an appetizer, I HAD to order the cheese curds. Packers game and cheese curds, duh. They were so rich and delicious. I could have eaten a bathtub full of them. For my main course, I had The Giblet. If you have never had this burger, now is the time. They take a burger patty and put cheese curds in the meat. Yes, you read that right, IN THE MEAT. As if that's not enough, the top is off with bacon, green chilies, cream cheese, and a fried egg. My personal trainer would have a fit if he found out that I crushed that whole thing but it was completely worth it. On the side, I had mac&cheese. Oozy gooey goodness. I would highly recommend this place to anyone even if you're not a Packers fan. But I wouldn't recommend coming with a Bears jersey on. Just sayin'.
(5)Roy H.
So many awesome alcoholic slushies here!! My personal fav is the white russian one. Yum! I have been to Swanky's a few times..random weekend nights and also during the Big Ten Bar Crawl. It has always been a really fun time with good crowds. I am not sure if I could handle the Wisconsin sports gameday crowds though haha.. The service is pretty good here..even when its fairly busy I have been able to get drinks (usually slushies!) pretty quickly. Its a bit of a smaller bar compared to many in the area but there is still a bunch of tables. I havent had the food here yet but looking at some of the other reviews I think I will need to come back here and try some!
(4)Christina N.
Had a great time St patty's day parade. Mercedes our server was awesome. A little too much salt on the fries and tots.
(4)Christopher B.
I found this place crammed compared to some of the other places in the area. I also know it's a Wisconsin/GB bar so if you're a fan of one of those you'll be giving this place 5 stars. I thought it was okay but there is really nothing about it that makes me go here over any other place.
(3)Rick H.
Dive Bar status. Great service! I have only been here twice, once after a Rockies game and once before. We ordered the "Big Lebowski" frozen drinks with an extra shot. Brain freeze. They serve food, but we didn't try it. Not sure, looking into the kitchen if I ever would. This is a Green Bay Packers bar, so if you are looking to find Packer Action, this is your spot. We'll be back again and sample more wares.
(3)Jay G.
So Jay the door guy is rude and heartless, what kind of guy tells a 4 year old girl she can't use the bathroom and then laughs about it. Swanky's management or owners ya need a new guy at your door who is not rude and condescending. Then when I ask if that is anyway to treat your customers he tells me that he you guys don't need my business. I got news for you Jay I am a pedicab owner operator taking the day off to go to the ball game with the kids. I will tell ever rider in downtown and every customer who asked me where a cool place to go and I assure you that it will not be your establishment. NOT KID FRIENDLY AND COMPLETELY RUDE DOOR GUY JAY.
(2)Sara B.
I like to come to Swanky's when I am not feeling like getting all dolled up but still want to get my drink on. I would label Swanky's as a dive bar trying to be relevant to the LoDo scene. Like Tavern, they also have slushies. I drink these things here like they are going out of style when I come. Hint: I tried a grape one once...not sure if it a regular thing...don't drink this until you have had AT LEAST two of all of the other flavors that they offer. Swanky's is pretty solid with their food too. It is typical bar food but always satisfies. I like their wings. As others have mentioned, the crowd is not the typical "fist pumping while having overly-gelled hair shoved in your face" group. I dig this. A lot.
(5)Greg B.
I am certainly biased in this review, as I am a native cheesehead who appreciates a Packers bar smack dab in the middle of a series of bar and grills across the street from Coors Field. A South Florida transplant, I recently visited some friends and family in Denver, and we made our way the Swanky's as we bar-hopped the neighborhood. My fellow Wisconsin friends and I stopped in on a Thursday night, during the NFL Draft, to see who the Packers were going to draft in the first round. We weren't the only ones as there were other patrons who were wearing Packers jerseys. Following Green Bay's pick, one of the patrons at the bar bought a round of shots for all of us Packers fans. I had a Jack Daniels. Ha. I appreciated that. That's the type of place this is. You can also get really inexpensive beer here. We're talking PBR, Miller Lite, etc. I also ordered another Wisconsin favorite - fried cheese curds, which were very delicious. Also, a shout-out to out waitress, Savanna, who did a splendid job attending to our needs. Growing up on Milwaukee's south-side, this is the type of bar I would frequent in my earlier years. I will certainly be back when I come back to visit my friends and family.
(4)Daniela B.
We went with some friends alumni of Mississippi State as they tend to gather there often. Although I have walked in front of this bar thousands of times, I didn't know how big it was inside. The place is known for their frozen drink concoctions but I didn't try them as I tend to prefer bee to sweet drinks. The crowd was surprisingly chilled for a Saturday night especially compared to the neighboring bars
(3)Luke F.
Get the cheese curds and the potato chips! There's a good selection of beer. A lot of tvs and the atmosphere is great! Great to go to before a Rockies game.
(4)Amy F.
Stopped in before our last Rockies game of the season-Nothing fancy, decent service before a game, not over-priced like other places in the area, and hands down probably the best plate of Nachos I have ever had! (and I am no nacho connoisseur or anything) but it was a HUGE pile of chips layered with cheese and beef and all the fixings on top! They also serve up Midwest style Bloody Mary's.
(3)Duane M.
I really miss this place as the old Splinters for the splinter dog and beer special on game days. Stopped in for a beer and some food before an afternoon Rox game. The place was practically empty. The bartender had an accent that I could not place and was really nice and friendly. I ordered a gyro sandwich that was just missing something that I could not place. It was OK for the price. I'm sure this place rocks at night after games and the location is great in respect to Coors Field.
(3)Shea S.
If you're a Wisconsin sports fan, this is your teleport back to the motherland. Even for a Packers pre-season game, the place was hoping, playing "Go Pack Go" periodically through the night. This place would be great for any sports fan outside of Wisconsin sports. Lots of TVs, fun waitresses, and a decent beer selection. If you've never had deep fried cheese curds, or grew up on them and the urge is get'n to ya, you can get your fix here. Heck, you can just get your deep fried fix here period. Had the "Wisconsin Power Bar": brat wrapped in bacon and beer batter fried on a stick. The heart may object, but the eyes and mouth overrule. Yes, it was as delicious as it sounds. They also have a burger made with bacon within the meat, which will be my next adventure sometime during the Packer season. Fun place with good bar eats and drinks. A slice of WI in downtown Denver.
(4)Kenny C.
I'm new to Denver and just moved here from Wisconsin. I heard that Swankys is the place to be for Packer and Badger fans and it definitely is! We had so much fun and the sliders were awesome. Cheyenne was our server and she was phenomenal! She was so fun and friendly and helped us with our drink and food recommendations. I would absolutely recommend Swankys to anyone, regardless if they are a Wisconsinite or not.
(5)Gabriele Z.
No longer MY Packers bar. I had a seat next to me for my friend & they wouldn't let her in to see the game. There were 15-20 people waiting to come inside. Two open chairs at my table, yet people were still waiting to be allowed inside... No reason to sit there while she was outside for the game. We left. I've been coming here for years! Not a good idea Swank... Bad business IMO.
(2)Jeff S.
Conveniently located next to Coors Field, I've been to Swanky's many times in my life for pre-gaming and general libations. It's A Wisconsin bar, and a good friend who hailed from there made us go often. New Orleans style food and slushie style drinks make them stand out from their neighbors. The staff is always friendly and they have a good size bar. I will stop in here almost every time I'm going to or coming from a ballgame. Cheers!
(3)B. Ann M.
BEST Mac & Cheese in the area. BEST Cheese Curds in the area. Nuff said... (and for me to shut-up here: says A LOT! Well, damn, wait - to the Manager: please keep your business hours consistent & answer your phones within three rings!)
(5)Jason G.
Go Pack Go!!! One of the very best Green Bay Packers Bars in the Country-- I've only been to a few in the Western US and I have been to Lambeau! I've been to Swanky's for two big Packers games and without hesitation, I recommend this great sports bar for all NFL and Packers fans. The crowd is lively and passionate! Cheering so loud you'd think you were at Lambeau Field. Service is friendly, accommodating, and I've always received great drinks and food. Even during the peak of the crowd drinks and food flows... Plenty of beer, ample spirits, and above average "bar" food. Check out the unreal portion of natchos!! The sliders are unique and very satisfying during a day a drinking and football. The tator-tots are a def plus and the freshly made potato chips made me happy. Really this place is all about the game and during Packers games every screen and the entire bar is focused on Green Bay! People all seem cool and it's easy to make friends. The DJ tunes out all commercials with great music and fun beats. Be prepared to cheer, drink, and have a very memorable time during all Packers games. If you want to sit, I would get there early or be prepared to stand. Swanky's gets packed!!
(4)Leanna C.
This is solely based on drinking and night life here. I love the drinks here, any mix of the frozen drinks are always delicious and relatively strong. If you want a little extra something in your drink you can buy extra tubes of alcohol to have put in your drink. They always have good music playing and shuffleboard is a must. Don't let its divey nature fool you, this is a great place to hang out for a couple of icee drinks.
(4)Amy F.
Stopped in before our last Rockies game of the season-Nothing fancy, decent service before a game, not over-priced like other places in the area, and hands down probably the best plate of Nachos I have ever had! (and I am no nacho connoisseur or anything) but it was a HUGE pile of chips layered with cheese and beef and all the fixings on top! They also serve up Midwest style Bloody Mary's.
(3)Duane M.
I really miss this place as the old Splinters for the splinter dog and beer special on game days. Stopped in for a beer and some food before an afternoon Rox game. The place was practically empty. The bartender had an accent that I could not place and was really nice and friendly. I ordered a gyro sandwich that was just missing something that I could not place. It was OK for the price. I'm sure this place rocks at night after games and the location is great in respect to Coors Field.
(3)Shea S.
If you're a Wisconsin sports fan, this is your teleport back to the motherland. Even for a Packers pre-season game, the place was hoping, playing "Go Pack Go" periodically through the night. This place would be great for any sports fan outside of Wisconsin sports. Lots of TVs, fun waitresses, and a decent beer selection. If you've never had deep fried cheese curds, or grew up on them and the urge is get'n to ya, you can get your fix here. Heck, you can just get your deep fried fix here period. Had the "Wisconsin Power Bar": brat wrapped in bacon and beer batter fried on a stick. The heart may object, but the eyes and mouth overrule. Yes, it was as delicious as it sounds. They also have a burger made with bacon within the meat, which will be my next adventure sometime during the Packer season. Fun place with good bar eats and drinks. A slice of WI in downtown Denver.
(4)Jodi A.
Not only does Swanky's have the great location next to Coors Field, on hot summer days you can imbibe in what I can only describe as the ultimate "slurpee"....various flavors of frozen drinks, that are delicious ! For an extra dollar, you can also get an extra shot to add. The food is great. The curdburger (cheese-curds mixed into the ground beef patty) is great ! I have yet to try everything, but I am pretty sure I will not be disappointed at Swanky's !
(5)Bob D.
Wisconsin bar, cool people! Right across the street from Coors Field. Try the cheese curds and go for a Big Lebowski.
(5)Ryan M.
This place hates tourists. I came in on a uncrowded Friday night, ordered and paid for a coke, tipped a buck and told the bartender I was going to sit over in a corner and charge my phone. Not ten minutes later the bouncer comes over asks I'm local, I say no, and he says you're gonna have to buy some food or drinks or leave. I was like, I bought a coke. And he was like surrrre you did. What I didn't tell this asshole was that I was charging my phone to call my friends to have them meet me there, but as soon as this mensa graduate in business applied his 'buy something or leave' mentality when we were both in a nearly empty bar, I chose the latter. (In case you're wondering, I was sober when this happened, and dressed in a button shirt and cargo pants, I want bothering our interacting with anyone, so I wasnt getting the homeless or the drink treatment, this was the fucking tourist treatment.) It was interesting that he asked if I was local before hassling me... very telling... They ought to move this bar out to the Alameda, if they're going to harass out of staters that happen to walk into this bar, in the most touristy part of Denver. There are lots of nice friendly bars in Denver, but this ain't one of them.
(1)Ian C.
Disclaimer: I am a die-hard GB Packer fan. That said, this is the best Packer bar I have ever been to. Most of those other bars were in WI so I don't know if they count. What makes this truly special is the fans and the owner. The owner had the balls and brains to designate his downtown Denver bar as a WI sports bar. As a reward, his bar is often packed to capacity on game days. There are no half-assed fans here. Packer loyalty is through the roof! Get here hours early if you want a decent table to sit at. Don't show up with a Bears, Vikings, or Lions (I guess...) jersey on or you will get booed the f*ck out the door. Wear a Favre jersey and the bouncer won't let you in. Do not bring kids here. Ever. P.S. All of the above Packer comments could be said about WI Badger games as well.
(5)Alex R.
LOVE that this is a Wisconsin bar, I feel right at home! The staff is always friendly and great. The slushies are amazing! Definitely recommend it, it's always a fun time!
(5)Lindsay A.
Since I was rooting for the Packers in the playoffs this where I decided to go watch the Bears vs Packers playoff game. The place was absolutely packed with warm, lovable Packers fans. The blended style drinks were so tasty. A girl I was standing next to recommended a White Russian/Orange creamsicle combo which sounded odd but turned out to be AMAZING! The bartenders work their asses off and are so happy to get you a drink. Some places you go in Denver, the bartenders and servers act is if you are inconveniencing them by asking for something. I hate that feeling. I never once felt like this here. When the Packers won the game with the interception the whole place went wild. Strangers were hugging each other and the vibes and friendliness were very Midwest-like. It is by far one of my best Denver experiences yet!
(5)Julie H.
They should rename this place to Skanky's. Beware of a tall, blond, bullimic, slightly narcissistic chick that hangs out here during Packers games in a Packers jersey. If you think you have run into her, offer her a jager shot or cocaine to keep her on your good side. This place is alright, I guess. They do have the slushie machines that the LoDo Tavern has. I like those. I did enjoy the bacon and eggs breakfast they served to me one Sunday morning when that before-mentioned chick dragged me in here hungover for a Packers game. She swore the fried cheese here was awesome but I have been to WI and do not agree. It says something about oysters on the sign. There is no way I would ever order seafood inside this place.
(2)Kym B.
I think the peeps at Swanky's have been reading my reviews! That's awesome. GONE are the nasty paper skanks in the 'throoms (at least on the women's side... can't speak for you dudes, nor do I care), replaced by solid black paint. Thumbs up! GONE is that stupid, jacked up waitress. I have my doubts that she lasted past that one shift, 'cause DAY-UM. Now, whenever we hit up Swanky's for Packer games (the only time I do, incidentally, so keep that in mind while weighing this review), our needs are attended to by the lovely and 100% on-point Johnnie, who-- if there were Olympic events in serving skillz-- would be a gold medal contender. GONE are the cold tots and half-cooked grilled cheeses. They must've hired a new chef, because things are ROCKING in the kitchen now. They've even added a new item to the menu which looks like the sort of fare that might tempt Guy Fieri in for a trial bite. It's called a Wisconsin Power Bar, and consists of a bratwurst on a stick, wrapped in bacon, batter-dipped, and deep fried. No, I haven't tried one... I value my arteries, thanks! But the fact that something of that heart-stopping caliber even exists is kind of hilarious. Swanky's has stepped up their game considerably, and it hasn't gone unnoticed. Yay, progress! Yay, change! Keep up the good work.
(4)Shannon C.
I really like this place. It's one of the few places downtown that, on Friday and Saturday nights, doesn't blare music so loud that your eardrums start bleeding and you lose your voice the moment you walk in. Also, they have delicious and potent frozen drinks (some of which are made with Everclear, so watch yourself) that don't break the bank. Love the shuffleboard and the overall atmosphere of this place-- laid back BAR. Regardless of whether it's a Wisconsin bar or not, it's still a fun place to hang out, enjoy a beverage, and actually conversate with your friends.
(4)Russell G.
This is a small, divy looking place in LoDo but it has some charm to it in a college party house kind of way. The guy's bathroom is covered in pictures of naked chicks from playboy mags. They also have a row of slushy machines that you add a shot of grain alcohol to. It tastes great and after 2 or 3, you are drunk. Did I mention they are only $4 a drink? Other drinks are cheap here too but I always go for the slushy because this is the only place I found downtown that has them. I wouldn't hang out here all night but this bar is great for stopping by after a Rockies game or on your way through downtown.
(3)Sara S.
Went here after getting pretty hammered at the 1Up across the street. I love the orange creamsicle smoothie, but the shot of Everclear in it made me nauseous ALL day the next day. Guess you live and you learn, right? :-) Oh, and they have SHUFFLEBOARD!! Rock On!
(3)Daniela B.
We went with some friends alumni of Mississippi State as they tend to gather there often. Although I have walked in front of this bar thousands of times, I didn't know how big it was inside. The place is known for their frozen drink concoctions but I didn't try them as I tend to prefer bee to sweet drinks. The crowd was surprisingly chilled for a Saturday night especially compared to the neighboring bars
(3)Jay G.
So Jay the door guy is rude and heartless, what kind of guy tells a 4 year old girl she can't use the bathroom and then laughs about it. Swanky's management or owners ya need a new guy at your door who is not rude and condescending. Then when I ask if that is anyway to treat your customers he tells me that he you guys don't need my business. I got news for you Jay I am a pedicab owner operator taking the day off to go to the ball game with the kids. I will tell ever rider in downtown and every customer who asked me where a cool place to go and I assure you that it will not be your establishment. NOT KID FRIENDLY AND COMPLETELY RUDE DOOR GUY JAY.
(2)Luke F.
Get the cheese curds and the potato chips! There's a good selection of beer. A lot of tvs and the atmosphere is great! Great to go to before a Rockies game.
(4)Greg H.
This place is an awesome alternative to Sports Column next door. No cover and free shuffleboard. This is where its at. They also have really awesome slushy drinks for all of your lady friends.
(3)Brooke G.
Love Swankys! The Slushies are amazing and definitely fairly priced. The bartenders are all super friendly, and the shuffleboard table is an added bonus. The food is good from what I've had and is your typical finger food/sandwich bar food. I seem to always end up here when I go out downtown, due to the mellow/laidback feel. Everyone is usually super casually dressed.
(5)Jarrod P.
This is my go-to dive bar when up near the ballpark. It's a very relaxed atmosphere and they have shuffleboard and smoothies! The owner Rodney is a cool guy as well! Definitely a fan of this place!
(5)Holly G.
The only reason to go to this place is: 1.) Cause you are leaving a Rockies game because this place is close to Coors Field 2.) or to order a Big Lebowski (White Russian) daiquiri machine milkshake What is with all the Packers stuff? This is Denver. And porn in the bathrooms? That's nasty.
(1)Kris S.
It's all about you, Wisconsin sports fans. Like most high concept environments, if you're not into it, you're not into it. I'm not into it but will recommend it to those who love Wisconsin.
(2)J K.
Whoa, you people are complaining about the food at an obvious sports BAR? Holy cow you have lived a sheltered life! Geez, this place is not billing itself as a fine dining experience, don't you dare try and assume so! Tell you what: pull on your big boy/girl pants and come down here with the knowledge that if you want to get drunk before/after a baseball game, or just hang out with your friends and watch a few sporting events, this is a damn good place to do so. Are you going to get a good selection of booze at pretty decent prices? Yessssss. Are you going to pay your tab and walk 30 seconds into Coors Field? Damn straight. Are you going to have a fine dining, orgasmic eating experience? Please; you're stupid if you think so. Their food ain't that bad, but go to a RESTAURANT for good food, not a bar.
(4)Cherie B.
First off, I giggle every time I check in here on Facebook...the full name is Swanky's Vittles and Libations. Why the word "vittles" makes me chuckle? I have NO idea. Moving on... My visits here tend to be with my Wisconsin native friends, and they can't express enough how Swanky's makes them feel like they are right back at home...especially during Packers games (if you have ever watched a Packers game here, you will know what I am talking about). I'm from Kansas, so I can appreciate a good Midwestern, feel-at-home dive bar. I have sampled the sliders here, which were just "meh" but I really need to get my hands on those cheese curds...I hear they're delish. They have several frozen drink machines with fun themed names. Although frozen drinks aren't my thing, I tried the "Big Lebowski"- a slushy version of one of my favorite college cocktails, the white russian. It certainly didn't disappoint. Lastly, I would like to thank the patrons and staff of Swanky's for not punching me in the face for being the ONLY one wearing a Broncos jersey (yes, I cased the place...I was the lone Bronco) on one particular Sunday. And you're welcome for not being a Bears fan.
(3)Michael S.
My brother and I wanted to find a bar with a sandwich on the menu that wasn't fried, swimming in grease, low grade beef, or worse. This ain't the place. At Swanky's, a brat, polish, or a hot dog is $7.50 or more. Appetizers and burgers are even more expensive, and there is nothing remotely close to decent or healthy on the menu. This is so far from Swanky it's nonsense. We left. Next.
(1)Chris B.
If you're a Packers fan, you'll have more fun here than you should be allowed. If you're any other type of fan, I'd avoid this place at all costs. It can be pretty tiresome being in a crowd of drunk cheeseheads when you're not even in Wisconsin. On the same note, if I were in the same bar except everybody was a drunk fan of MY team then I'D have a blast and YOU'D be annoyed. It's all relative. The location is great, this much is true. The service, however, is lacking. When I last went, it was exceptioanlly crowded but that does not excuse the snippy attitude of the bartender nor the slow service. All I wanted was a glass of cheap beer (I think it was $2). I didn't want a complicated mix drink but it still took forever. To be courteous to the rest of the crowd, I paid exact cash. This made the bartender stare at me for about 10 whole seconds with the most malicious look you could imagine. "Don't forget to tip your barstaff" she very curtly said and slammed my beer down and walked away. A few things: I had every intention of returning to bar several times that night. The plan was to tip, say, every other time because, being that the beers are so easy to serve and so cheap in cost, it seemed silly to tip each time because it'd be in change. It's a lot easier to tip when you've racked up $4 or $6. Lest you think I'm in the wrong, she came to our table moments later and gave us free shots of some cheap liquor and apologized for being a such a so-and-so. With the crowd that night, I doubt it was because her manager made her do it; they had plenty of customers and ticking off little old me would not have hurt the bottom line. Thus, she knew in her heart that she was being a jerk. A nice gesture but my mind was made up; we left shortly thereafter. To be fair, this was but one incident. But, it was enough for me.
(2)Victoria B.
My friends and I watched the last two Packers games here, and I really enjoyed the experience. Being surrounded by large amounts of true fans who (for the most part) are well-mannered and enthusiastic makes watching games so much fun. Love all the posters and signs up on the walls. The bartenders and waitresses here are amazing - they work their butts off and do a fabulous job. Good service, when it's that busy and chaotic, is really appreciated - thanks!! Good beers at decent prices (my Wisconsin friends were over the moon at them having Leinie's), and the food is good, if not a bit overpriced in my opinion. But some of it is worth it - their nachos are ridiculously massive and loaded with everything you would ever want on nachos.
(4)Karen V.
I love this place! Love the cheese curds. Good times.
(5)Krupa P.
The hubster and I went to Denver to a Rockies game to watch the Brewers. It was a Sunday morning and we were in search of a bar to predrink before the game. And from like a block away the hubster sees a Brewers flag outside a bar so of course we have to go in. It was a perfect location too, almost kiddie corner from Coors Field. We walk in and there is like a sea of blue and yellow and not to mention the Packers decor! They even had a Summerfest flag near the door! The hubster is a native Wisconsinite and I lived there for a few years so being at this bar brought back good memories. Our waitress was very friendly. We got our beers and thought we'd order some nachos to start with and then get something else. We ordered the nachos and she took the menus. I was confused at first, because we were only ordering an appetizer and wanted a menu for ordering our actual meal. So a like 10 minutes later she comes back with this MASSIVE plate of nachos! People around us were like, WHOA! It was hilarious! No wonder she took the menus away! She knew we couldn't finish the whole thing. I would definitely go back to this place if we're in Denver again!
(5)Mike S.
As a wisconsinite I love the atmosphere, however, the staff is rude and rarely serves you in a timely manner, every time I have used a credit card the server has given themselves an extra generous tip that I was unable to see until checking my credit card statement. On multiple occasions I was "cut off" after ordering my first beer. Great place ad atmosphere but really needs a staff/management overhaul before I will ever go back! Stay away!!!!!
(1)Art K.
Near the ballpark so it's clear this is simply a high volume bar. They have a shuffle board table that is great quality.
(4)Laura O.
Any fan of Wisconsin sports will love this bar. I went in a few times before the Brewers played at Coors Field and had a blast. The beer was flowing and it was great. Now I've never had the food because I spent a couple of decades eating fried cheese curds and Johnsonville brats back in WI so I know what I'm (not) missing. However, this place actually plays the polka music I grew up on and the atmosphere is electric before any Brewers, Packers, Badger game. I moved to Denver to get away from the midwest, but I have to admit that I love all the flags from my home state, especially the Summerfest flag! Good times.
(3)George U.
I'm a 49ers fan, and I think they're the best in the NFC, so I almost rated this place a 1 star, but that wouldn't be fair. When I was hanging out in this bar, the cute waitress kept touching me, I got a high five from a cute drunk chick and the wall paper in the men's bathroom was dope, so I almost rated this place 5 stars, but that wouldn't be fair. Truthfully, this was an A-OK bar. Not many choices for food or beer, but a standard bar.
(3)Suzanne P.
Its a Packers bar. I am a Steelers fan. I was only here for the booze. Served its purpose.
(3)Stephen S.
So we kind of went to this place by a lack of other choices. Trying to watch the USA game and everywhere was packed and this place had no one; now i know why. The food was just straight up bad and overpriced. A bratwurst for $8?? really?? And it was just a nomal johnsonville. I can buy two five packs of them for that. Dont even get me started on the bathrooms. I would have much rather held it. Just something unsettling about being in a bathroom with a bunch of other guys where there is porn on the walls. Needless to say i wont be visiting here again.
(2)Josh P.
Aside from a good meeting place for a pre-Rockies draft, I do appreciate that Swanky's is one of the few bars that still offers patrons a shuffleboard table. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
(3)Lane C.
Needed a place to get drinks before a Rockies game and they were right across the street. Not very big, but plenty of drinks. Kind of like Fat Tuesday's with their selection of mixed slushy drinks, alcoholic of course. Definitely check out the men's bathroom. Based on the number of Wisconsin related sports banners, I'd say they're a good place to see games if you're from Wisconsin.
(3)Carina C.
Total poo poo caca frat boy bar...you can avoid the pretty boy types but the goatee/jersey wearing ones can be located in this bar. And boy do they like their Green Bay Packers. I've been here only because I have some friends from the big W...and friends that like football...I don't really care for football. The big cheese/summer sausage/cracker plate that one of my friends ordered...well, that gained a few points. Have I ever mentioned I am a Bloody Mary fan? Man, they have some awesome bloody Marys here...you know, those ones with the celery, the pickle, the olive and the banana pepper? Total yumminess.
(3)A P.
Great bar if you're a Wisconsin/Green Bay fan. other than that this place is just ok. They do have really good frozen drinks
(2)lauren b.
Ok, I might be a bit biased because a) I am from Wisconsin and b) I am a huge Packers fan, but I LOVE this place. Swanky's has become a Sunday routine for me - a place to go with great food, great drinks and a great game to watch. Plus, they have a DJ and play fun songs during the commercials. I *could* dock a star for the nasty bathrooms (there is one stall in the womens that seriously overflows every single time I'm there - sick), but the bartenders, food, and beer specials make up for it. The beers are super cheap, they have yummy frozen drinks if you want to feel like you're in Florida, and basic, Midwestern food. Their tater tots, burgers, cheese and sausage plate, and cheese curds are all super yummy. It's really not the same vibe on Friday and Saturday nights (pretty fun, but not a place I would regularly visit), but they totally make me look forward to Sundays. This place truly feels like home.
(5)Sarah M.
Ok... I wish I would have payed attention to the porn in the bathrooms rather than the fact that I had been holding it for 2 hours.... :( But we go there right as the kitchen was closing and got our order in... we ordered chicken nachos and cheese curds. Now it was busy... our server got us our drinks and was nice enough... we got our Nachos and man.... we really had to have a debate on whether the chicken is actually tuna.... blech.... but those cheese curds hit the spot.... i wish we ordered more of those. My beer... I really feel like there was a layer of soap scum on my glass... which in turn made the beer taste less than amazing.... :( Decor is interesting. I probably will not order anything to eat there again. I'll be there again to try and get a non Friday night-Lodo appeal... because this place has that potential.
(2)Fred M.
The worst place we went in a night of Denver bar hopping. The only reason we went is because someone told us they show porn on the TV's after midnight and thought it might be fun. 12:30 and no porn except for the crappy playboy cutouts in the bathrooms with no vaginas. The crowd was annoying, and I hate being carded at the door.
(1)Laura B.
This is not for the food.............but, always a fun place to watch Packer games on Sunday. The crowd, the service, the beer specials are great and always make for a fun Sunday. Def a Packer bar, so don't expect to see other games there. FUN!
(4)Jeff S.
Conveniently located next to Coors Field, I've been to Swanky's many times in my life for pre-gaming and general libations. It's A Wisconsin bar, and a good friend who hailed from there made us go often. New Orleans style food and slushie style drinks make them stand out from their neighbors. The staff is always friendly and they have a good size bar. I will stop in here almost every time I'm going to or coming from a ballgame. Cheers!
(3)B. Ann M.
BEST Mac & Cheese in the area. BEST Cheese Curds in the area. Nuff said... (and for me to shut-up here: says A LOT! Well, damn, wait - to the Manager: please keep your business hours consistent & answer your phones within three rings!)
(5)Aimee L.
It gets crazy packed during Packer games! However that means nothing to me as I am a Broncos fan thru and thru! But I digress...The service can be a little spoty at times. We popped in here the other night before the Rockies game. We had the BEST service from the bartender Ryan! Super duper fantastic!!!! The frozen drinks pack a whallop! But, damn, do they taste good!
(4)Laura B.
I walked in with my Clay Matthews jersey and thought I died and went to heaven. I was home. I went to watch a Packers game and everyone was really friendly. I'm probably super bias as a Packers fan so let's just move on to the food. As an appetizer, I HAD to order the cheese curds. Packers game and cheese curds, duh. They were so rich and delicious. I could have eaten a bathtub full of them. For my main course, I had The Giblet. If you have never had this burger, now is the time. They take a burger patty and put cheese curds in the meat. Yes, you read that right, IN THE MEAT. As if that's not enough, the top is off with bacon, green chilies, cream cheese, and a fried egg. My personal trainer would have a fit if he found out that I crushed that whole thing but it was completely worth it. On the side, I had mac&cheese. Oozy gooey goodness. I would highly recommend this place to anyone even if you're not a Packers fan. But I wouldn't recommend coming with a Bears jersey on. Just sayin'.
(5)Roy H.
So many awesome alcoholic slushies here!! My personal fav is the white russian one. Yum! I have been to Swanky's a few times..random weekend nights and also during the Big Ten Bar Crawl. It has always been a really fun time with good crowds. I am not sure if I could handle the Wisconsin sports gameday crowds though haha.. The service is pretty good here..even when its fairly busy I have been able to get drinks (usually slushies!) pretty quickly. Its a bit of a smaller bar compared to many in the area but there is still a bunch of tables. I havent had the food here yet but looking at some of the other reviews I think I will need to come back here and try some!
(4)Christina N.
Had a great time St patty's day parade. Mercedes our server was awesome. A little too much salt on the fries and tots.
(4)Christopher B.
I found this place crammed compared to some of the other places in the area. I also know it's a Wisconsin/GB bar so if you're a fan of one of those you'll be giving this place 5 stars. I thought it was okay but there is really nothing about it that makes me go here over any other place.
(3)Jodi A.
Not only does Swanky's have the great location next to Coors Field, on hot summer days you can imbibe in what I can only describe as the ultimate "slurpee"....various flavors of frozen drinks, that are delicious ! For an extra dollar, you can also get an extra shot to add. The food is great. The curdburger (cheese-curds mixed into the ground beef patty) is great ! I have yet to try everything, but I am pretty sure I will not be disappointed at Swanky's !
(5)Bob D.
Wisconsin bar, cool people! Right across the street from Coors Field. Try the cheese curds and go for a Big Lebowski.
(5)Ryan M.
This place hates tourists. I came in on a uncrowded Friday night, ordered and paid for a coke, tipped a buck and told the bartender I was going to sit over in a corner and charge my phone. Not ten minutes later the bouncer comes over asks I'm local, I say no, and he says you're gonna have to buy some food or drinks or leave. I was like, I bought a coke. And he was like surrrre you did. What I didn't tell this asshole was that I was charging my phone to call my friends to have them meet me there, but as soon as this mensa graduate in business applied his 'buy something or leave' mentality when we were both in a nearly empty bar, I chose the latter. (In case you're wondering, I was sober when this happened, and dressed in a button shirt and cargo pants, I want bothering our interacting with anyone, so I wasnt getting the homeless or the drink treatment, this was the fucking tourist treatment.) It was interesting that he asked if I was local before hassling me... very telling... They ought to move this bar out to the Alameda, if they're going to harass out of staters that happen to walk into this bar, in the most touristy part of Denver. There are lots of nice friendly bars in Denver, but this ain't one of them.
(1)Ian C.
Disclaimer: I am a die-hard GB Packer fan. That said, this is the best Packer bar I have ever been to. Most of those other bars were in WI so I don't know if they count. What makes this truly special is the fans and the owner. The owner had the balls and brains to designate his downtown Denver bar as a WI sports bar. As a reward, his bar is often packed to capacity on game days. There are no half-assed fans here. Packer loyalty is through the roof! Get here hours early if you want a decent table to sit at. Don't show up with a Bears, Vikings, or Lions (I guess...) jersey on or you will get booed the f*ck out the door. Wear a Favre jersey and the bouncer won't let you in. Do not bring kids here. Ever. P.S. All of the above Packer comments could be said about WI Badger games as well.
(5)Alex R.
LOVE that this is a Wisconsin bar, I feel right at home! The staff is always friendly and great. The slushies are amazing! Definitely recommend it, it's always a fun time!
(5)Lindsay A.
Since I was rooting for the Packers in the playoffs this where I decided to go watch the Bears vs Packers playoff game. The place was absolutely packed with warm, lovable Packers fans. The blended style drinks were so tasty. A girl I was standing next to recommended a White Russian/Orange creamsicle combo which sounded odd but turned out to be AMAZING! The bartenders work their asses off and are so happy to get you a drink. Some places you go in Denver, the bartenders and servers act is if you are inconveniencing them by asking for something. I hate that feeling. I never once felt like this here. When the Packers won the game with the interception the whole place went wild. Strangers were hugging each other and the vibes and friendliness were very Midwest-like. It is by far one of my best Denver experiences yet!
(5)Julie H.
They should rename this place to Skanky's. Beware of a tall, blond, bullimic, slightly narcissistic chick that hangs out here during Packers games in a Packers jersey. If you think you have run into her, offer her a jager shot or cocaine to keep her on your good side. This place is alright, I guess. They do have the slushie machines that the LoDo Tavern has. I like those. I did enjoy the bacon and eggs breakfast they served to me one Sunday morning when that before-mentioned chick dragged me in here hungover for a Packers game. She swore the fried cheese here was awesome but I have been to WI and do not agree. It says something about oysters on the sign. There is no way I would ever order seafood inside this place.
(2)Kym B.
I think the peeps at Swanky's have been reading my reviews! That's awesome. GONE are the nasty paper skanks in the 'throoms (at least on the women's side... can't speak for you dudes, nor do I care), replaced by solid black paint. Thumbs up! GONE is that stupid, jacked up waitress. I have my doubts that she lasted past that one shift, 'cause DAY-UM. Now, whenever we hit up Swanky's for Packer games (the only time I do, incidentally, so keep that in mind while weighing this review), our needs are attended to by the lovely and 100% on-point Johnnie, who-- if there were Olympic events in serving skillz-- would be a gold medal contender. GONE are the cold tots and half-cooked grilled cheeses. They must've hired a new chef, because things are ROCKING in the kitchen now. They've even added a new item to the menu which looks like the sort of fare that might tempt Guy Fieri in for a trial bite. It's called a Wisconsin Power Bar, and consists of a bratwurst on a stick, wrapped in bacon, batter-dipped, and deep fried. No, I haven't tried one... I value my arteries, thanks! But the fact that something of that heart-stopping caliber even exists is kind of hilarious. Swanky's has stepped up their game considerably, and it hasn't gone unnoticed. Yay, progress! Yay, change! Keep up the good work.
(4)Shea S.
If you're a Wisconsin sports fan, this is your teleport back to the motherland. Even for a Packers pre-season game, the place was hoping, playing "Go Pack Go" periodically through the night. This place would be great for any sports fan outside of Wisconsin sports. Lots of TVs, fun waitresses, and a decent beer selection. If you've never had deep fried cheese curds, or grew up on them and the urge is get'n to ya, you can get your fix here. Heck, you can just get your deep fried fix here period. Had the "Wisconsin Power Bar": brat wrapped in bacon and beer batter fried on a stick. The heart may object, but the eyes and mouth overrule. Yes, it was as delicious as it sounds. They also have a burger made with bacon within the meat, which will be my next adventure sometime during the Packer season. Fun place with good bar eats and drinks. A slice of WI in downtown Denver.
(4)Greg H.
This place is an awesome alternative to Sports Column next door. No cover and free shuffleboard. This is where its at. They also have really awesome slushy drinks for all of your lady friends.
(3)Brooke G.
Love Swankys! The Slushies are amazing and definitely fairly priced. The bartenders are all super friendly, and the shuffleboard table is an added bonus. The food is good from what I've had and is your typical finger food/sandwich bar food. I seem to always end up here when I go out downtown, due to the mellow/laidback feel. Everyone is usually super casually dressed.
(5)Jarrod P.
This is my go-to dive bar when up near the ballpark. It's a very relaxed atmosphere and they have shuffleboard and smoothies! The owner Rodney is a cool guy as well! Definitely a fan of this place!
(5)Holly G.
The only reason to go to this place is: 1.) Cause you are leaving a Rockies game because this place is close to Coors Field 2.) or to order a Big Lebowski (White Russian) daiquiri machine milkshake What is with all the Packers stuff? This is Denver. And porn in the bathrooms? That's nasty.
(1)Kris S.
It's all about you, Wisconsin sports fans. Like most high concept environments, if you're not into it, you're not into it. I'm not into it but will recommend it to those who love Wisconsin.
(2)Chris B.
If you're a Packers fan, you'll have more fun here than you should be allowed. If you're any other type of fan, I'd avoid this place at all costs. It can be pretty tiresome being in a crowd of drunk cheeseheads when you're not even in Wisconsin. On the same note, if I were in the same bar except everybody was a drunk fan of MY team then I'D have a blast and YOU'D be annoyed. It's all relative. The location is great, this much is true. The service, however, is lacking. When I last went, it was exceptioanlly crowded but that does not excuse the snippy attitude of the bartender nor the slow service. All I wanted was a glass of cheap beer (I think it was $2). I didn't want a complicated mix drink but it still took forever. To be courteous to the rest of the crowd, I paid exact cash. This made the bartender stare at me for about 10 whole seconds with the most malicious look you could imagine. "Don't forget to tip your barstaff" she very curtly said and slammed my beer down and walked away. A few things: I had every intention of returning to bar several times that night. The plan was to tip, say, every other time because, being that the beers are so easy to serve and so cheap in cost, it seemed silly to tip each time because it'd be in change. It's a lot easier to tip when you've racked up $4 or $6. Lest you think I'm in the wrong, she came to our table moments later and gave us free shots of some cheap liquor and apologized for being a such a so-and-so. With the crowd that night, I doubt it was because her manager made her do it; they had plenty of customers and ticking off little old me would not have hurt the bottom line. Thus, she knew in her heart that she was being a jerk. A nice gesture but my mind was made up; we left shortly thereafter. To be fair, this was but one incident. But, it was enough for me.
(2)Victoria B.
My friends and I watched the last two Packers games here, and I really enjoyed the experience. Being surrounded by large amounts of true fans who (for the most part) are well-mannered and enthusiastic makes watching games so much fun. Love all the posters and signs up on the walls. The bartenders and waitresses here are amazing - they work their butts off and do a fabulous job. Good service, when it's that busy and chaotic, is really appreciated - thanks!! Good beers at decent prices (my Wisconsin friends were over the moon at them having Leinie's), and the food is good, if not a bit overpriced in my opinion. But some of it is worth it - their nachos are ridiculously massive and loaded with everything you would ever want on nachos.
(4)Fred M.
The worst place we went in a night of Denver bar hopping. The only reason we went is because someone told us they show porn on the TV's after midnight and thought it might be fun. 12:30 and no porn except for the crappy playboy cutouts in the bathrooms with no vaginas. The crowd was annoying, and I hate being carded at the door.
(1)Laura B.
This is not for the food.............but, always a fun place to watch Packer games on Sunday. The crowd, the service, the beer specials are great and always make for a fun Sunday. Def a Packer bar, so don't expect to see other games there. FUN!
(4)Krupa P.
The hubster and I went to Denver to a Rockies game to watch the Brewers. It was a Sunday morning and we were in search of a bar to predrink before the game. And from like a block away the hubster sees a Brewers flag outside a bar so of course we have to go in. It was a perfect location too, almost kiddie corner from Coors Field. We walk in and there is like a sea of blue and yellow and not to mention the Packers decor! They even had a Summerfest flag near the door! The hubster is a native Wisconsinite and I lived there for a few years so being at this bar brought back good memories. Our waitress was very friendly. We got our beers and thought we'd order some nachos to start with and then get something else. We ordered the nachos and she took the menus. I was confused at first, because we were only ordering an appetizer and wanted a menu for ordering our actual meal. So a like 10 minutes later she comes back with this MASSIVE plate of nachos! People around us were like, WHOA! It was hilarious! No wonder she took the menus away! She knew we couldn't finish the whole thing. I would definitely go back to this place if we're in Denver again!
(5)Stephen S.
So we kind of went to this place by a lack of other choices. Trying to watch the USA game and everywhere was packed and this place had no one; now i know why. The food was just straight up bad and overpriced. A bratwurst for $8?? really?? And it was just a nomal johnsonville. I can buy two five packs of them for that. Dont even get me started on the bathrooms. I would have much rather held it. Just something unsettling about being in a bathroom with a bunch of other guys where there is porn on the walls. Needless to say i wont be visiting here again.
(2)Lane C.
Needed a place to get drinks before a Rockies game and they were right across the street. Not very big, but plenty of drinks. Kind of like Fat Tuesday's with their selection of mixed slushy drinks, alcoholic of course. Definitely check out the men's bathroom. Based on the number of Wisconsin related sports banners, I'd say they're a good place to see games if you're from Wisconsin.
(3)Laurel W.
I was in Denver visiting during Super Bowl weekend, and came here with a friend who is crazy about the Packers. The place was decked out in green and yellow, and filled with people who probably have a photo of Lambeau Field in their bathroom that they masturbate to every morning. As a die-hard Bears fan, this was a horrifying sight to me, and I was just praying that I wouldn't get my ass kicked. As the day went on, and had a few beers, things began to get bearable for me. The waitresses were super attentive and despite the packed atmosphere, were pretty quick with getting orders and food out to us. We had the loaded nachos and the fried cheese curds, and both were super yummy! I loved the salsa that was used on the nachos. I even tried some of the slushies that they offered. I don't remember what mine was called, but it was lime green and tasted like a margarita with a pineapple twist. Very tasty, and also quite strong, even though you can't taste the alcohol. Another good one was the "Big Lebowski", basically a frozen white russian. They have a DJ that plays music and hypes up the crowd during commercial breaks. Under normal circumstances that would be great, but Super Bowl Sunday is the one day people actually WANT to watch commercials so I was a bit irritated that he played music instead. The crowd was also a lot of fun. Though I hate that the Packers won the Super Bowl this year, I have to admit I had a great time partying with the cheeseheads. If I were to ever move to Denver, I probably wouldn't be caught dead here during football season. As I stated earlier, I am a die-hard Bears fan, graduated from Purdue, and love the Cubs. This place is a wet dream for someone from Wisconsin, as it vocally supports the Packers, University of Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Brewers.
(3)Eric T.
you know, outside of the soft porn, cheap PBR pichers, daiquiri machines, this place holds great parties all the time. i have rolled into here expecting your typical shitty lodo bar, but have been surprised on many occasion just how good the food was, the service was, and how great the music on the jukebox was. this place is awsome. a great place to get out of douchebag meat market bars in lodo!! pro tip: guest dj "jake-boogie" spins some of the hardest to find rare vinyl, anything from down home country to classic rock, during sunday football games. im not a fan of football, but love this place on sundays.
(5)Brian G.
Swanky's is a solid example of "what you see is what you get". I get it. This is Denver and we all love it. The owner however is a HUGE Packer fan and his bar reflects that. It's his bar and if wants to theme it after Sponge Bob I think it's his right. The bathrooms...yeah. OK it's tacky and I'll give you that. However, after walking in the door and looking around, and then you're still surprised there is some Playboy on the wall...I blame you. I'm not saying that you had to see it coming (get your mind out of there) but you shouldn't be surprised either. I don't do the slushy things unless I;m in New Orleans but they are good and strong. The bartenders have heavy hands for the cocktails and the the cheese curds are amazing. I like that it tends to be quiet and I go sit have a beer and a shot in peace. The same reason I like the Falling Rock. Even if the crowd tends to be a little douchey, the staff most certainly isn't.
(4)Jeff S.
Dirty place, gross bathrooms. This is a dive bar, cheap beer and poorly lit. On a positive note they have good beer prices and a lot of great sports memorabilia, but overall too dark and dirty to overlook. Sports Column is their neighbor, save the trouble and just go there
(2)Kenny C.
I'm new to Denver and just moved here from Wisconsin. I heard that Swankys is the place to be for Packer and Badger fans and it definitely is! We had so much fun and the sliders were awesome. Cheyenne was our server and she was phenomenal! She was so fun and friendly and helped us with our drink and food recommendations. I would absolutely recommend Swankys to anyone, regardless if they are a Wisconsinite or not.
(5)Gabriele Z.
No longer MY Packers bar. I had a seat next to me for my friend & they wouldn't let her in to see the game. There were 15-20 people waiting to come inside. Two open chairs at my table, yet people were still waiting to be allowed inside... No reason to sit there while she was outside for the game. We left. I've been coming here for years! Not a good idea Swank... Bad business IMO.
(2)Leanna C.
This is solely based on drinking and night life here. I love the drinks here, any mix of the frozen drinks are always delicious and relatively strong. If you want a little extra something in your drink you can buy extra tubes of alcohol to have put in your drink. They always have good music playing and shuffleboard is a must. Don't let its divey nature fool you, this is a great place to hang out for a couple of icee drinks.
(4)Jason G.
Go Pack Go!!! One of the very best Green Bay Packers Bars in the Country-- I've only been to a few in the Western US and I have been to Lambeau! I've been to Swanky's for two big Packers games and without hesitation, I recommend this great sports bar for all NFL and Packers fans. The crowd is lively and passionate! Cheering so loud you'd think you were at Lambeau Field. Service is friendly, accommodating, and I've always received great drinks and food. Even during the peak of the crowd drinks and food flows... Plenty of beer, ample spirits, and above average "bar" food. Check out the unreal portion of natchos!! The sliders are unique and very satisfying during a day a drinking and football. The tator-tots are a def plus and the freshly made potato chips made me happy. Really this place is all about the game and during Packers games every screen and the entire bar is focused on Green Bay! People all seem cool and it's easy to make friends. The DJ tunes out all commercials with great music and fun beats. Be prepared to cheer, drink, and have a very memorable time during all Packers games. If you want to sit, I would get there early or be prepared to stand. Swanky's gets packed!!
(4)Greg B.
I am certainly biased in this review, as I am a native cheesehead who appreciates a Packers bar smack dab in the middle of a series of bar and grills across the street from Coors Field. A South Florida transplant, I recently visited some friends and family in Denver, and we made our way the Swanky's as we bar-hopped the neighborhood. My fellow Wisconsin friends and I stopped in on a Thursday night, during the NFL Draft, to see who the Packers were going to draft in the first round. We weren't the only ones as there were other patrons who were wearing Packers jerseys. Following Green Bay's pick, one of the patrons at the bar bought a round of shots for all of us Packers fans. I had a Jack Daniels. Ha. I appreciated that. That's the type of place this is. You can also get really inexpensive beer here. We're talking PBR, Miller Lite, etc. I also ordered another Wisconsin favorite - fried cheese curds, which were very delicious. Also, a shout-out to out waitress, Savanna, who did a splendid job attending to our needs. Growing up on Milwaukee's south-side, this is the type of bar I would frequent in my earlier years. I will certainly be back when I come back to visit my friends and family.
(4)Shawn S.
We stumbled into this place on Packer game day and man it was super fun. If we ever moved to Denver - we'd hang here. The fans were completely into the game, but fun fans vs drunk fans, friendly and not obnoxious. They do serve really good food, and the servers are everywhere and speedy. The burgers, wings, everything tasty. Get there 30 minutes before kickoff to get a seat, an hour to get a good seat.
(4)Rick H.
Dive Bar status. Great service! I have only been here twice, once after a Rockies game and once before. We ordered the "Big Lebowski" frozen drinks with an extra shot. Brain freeze. They serve food, but we didn't try it. Not sure, looking into the kitchen if I ever would. This is a Green Bay Packers bar, so if you are looking to find Packer Action, this is your spot. We'll be back again and sample more wares.
(3)Sara B.
I like to come to Swanky's when I am not feeling like getting all dolled up but still want to get my drink on. I would label Swanky's as a dive bar trying to be relevant to the LoDo scene. Like Tavern, they also have slushies. I drink these things here like they are going out of style when I come. Hint: I tried a grape one once...not sure if it a regular thing...don't drink this until you have had AT LEAST two of all of the other flavors that they offer. Swanky's is pretty solid with their food too. It is typical bar food but always satisfies. I like their wings. As others have mentioned, the crowd is not the typical "fist pumping while having overly-gelled hair shoved in your face" group. I dig this. A lot.
(5)Jay G.
So Jay the door guy is rude and heartless, what kind of guy tells a 4 year old girl she can't use the bathroom and then laughs about it. Swanky's management or owners ya need a new guy at your door who is not rude and condescending. Then when I ask if that is anyway to treat your customers he tells me that he you guys don't need my business. I got news for you Jay I am a pedicab owner operator taking the day off to go to the ball game with the kids. I will tell ever rider in downtown and every customer who asked me where a cool place to go and I assure you that it will not be your establishment. NOT KID FRIENDLY AND COMPLETELY RUDE DOOR GUY JAY.
(2)Daniela B.
We went with some friends alumni of Mississippi State as they tend to gather there often. Although I have walked in front of this bar thousands of times, I didn't know how big it was inside. The place is known for their frozen drink concoctions but I didn't try them as I tend to prefer bee to sweet drinks. The crowd was surprisingly chilled for a Saturday night especially compared to the neighboring bars
(3)Luke F.
Get the cheese curds and the potato chips! There's a good selection of beer. A lot of tvs and the atmosphere is great! Great to go to before a Rockies game.
(4)Amy F.
Stopped in before our last Rockies game of the season-Nothing fancy, decent service before a game, not over-priced like other places in the area, and hands down probably the best plate of Nachos I have ever had! (and I am no nacho connoisseur or anything) but it was a HUGE pile of chips layered with cheese and beef and all the fixings on top! They also serve up Midwest style Bloody Mary's.
(3)Duane M.
I really miss this place as the old Splinters for the splinter dog and beer special on game days. Stopped in for a beer and some food before an afternoon Rox game. The place was practically empty. The bartender had an accent that I could not place and was really nice and friendly. I ordered a gyro sandwich that was just missing something that I could not place. It was OK for the price. I'm sure this place rocks at night after games and the location is great in respect to Coors Field.
(3)Mike S.
As a wisconsinite I love the atmosphere, however, the staff is rude and rarely serves you in a timely manner, every time I have used a credit card the server has given themselves an extra generous tip that I was unable to see until checking my credit card statement. On multiple occasions I was "cut off" after ordering my first beer. Great place ad atmosphere but really needs a staff/management overhaul before I will ever go back! Stay away!!!!!
(1)Art K.
Near the ballpark so it's clear this is simply a high volume bar. They have a shuffle board table that is great quality.
(4)lauren b.
Ok, I might be a bit biased because a) I am from Wisconsin and b) I am a huge Packers fan, but I LOVE this place. Swanky's has become a Sunday routine for me - a place to go with great food, great drinks and a great game to watch. Plus, they have a DJ and play fun songs during the commercials. I *could* dock a star for the nasty bathrooms (there is one stall in the womens that seriously overflows every single time I'm there - sick), but the bartenders, food, and beer specials make up for it. The beers are super cheap, they have yummy frozen drinks if you want to feel like you're in Florida, and basic, Midwestern food. Their tater tots, burgers, cheese and sausage plate, and cheese curds are all super yummy. It's really not the same vibe on Friday and Saturday nights (pretty fun, but not a place I would regularly visit), but they totally make me look forward to Sundays. This place truly feels like home.
(5)Sarah M.
Ok... I wish I would have payed attention to the porn in the bathrooms rather than the fact that I had been holding it for 2 hours.... :( But we go there right as the kitchen was closing and got our order in... we ordered chicken nachos and cheese curds. Now it was busy... our server got us our drinks and was nice enough... we got our Nachos and man.... we really had to have a debate on whether the chicken is actually tuna.... blech.... but those cheese curds hit the spot.... i wish we ordered more of those. My beer... I really feel like there was a layer of soap scum on my glass... which in turn made the beer taste less than amazing.... :( Decor is interesting. I probably will not order anything to eat there again. I'll be there again to try and get a non Friday night-Lodo appeal... because this place has that potential.
(2)George U.
I'm a 49ers fan, and I think they're the best in the NFC, so I almost rated this place a 1 star, but that wouldn't be fair. When I was hanging out in this bar, the cute waitress kept touching me, I got a high five from a cute drunk chick and the wall paper in the men's bathroom was dope, so I almost rated this place 5 stars, but that wouldn't be fair. Truthfully, this was an A-OK bar. Not many choices for food or beer, but a standard bar.
(3)Suzanne P.
Its a Packers bar. I am a Steelers fan. I was only here for the booze. Served its purpose.
(3)Josh P.
Aside from a good meeting place for a pre-Rockies draft, I do appreciate that Swanky's is one of the few bars that still offers patrons a shuffleboard table. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
(3)A P.
Great bar if you're a Wisconsin/Green Bay fan. other than that this place is just ok. They do have really good frozen drinks
(2)Laura O.
Any fan of Wisconsin sports will love this bar. I went in a few times before the Brewers played at Coors Field and had a blast. The beer was flowing and it was great. Now I've never had the food because I spent a couple of decades eating fried cheese curds and Johnsonville brats back in WI so I know what I'm (not) missing. However, this place actually plays the polka music I grew up on and the atmosphere is electric before any Brewers, Packers, Badger game. I moved to Denver to get away from the midwest, but I have to admit that I love all the flags from my home state, especially the Summerfest flag! Good times.
(3)Chris R.
Swanks, Swanks, feckin' Swanks. This seemed to be our finishing point for the five days I was in Denver. Did some dancing, did a lot of drinking, put on the beer goggles, nearly made a mistake, God intervened and some embarrassment was saved. Regardless, Swanky's was a good enough time. This place will never win an award as the best bar ever, but it's a good place for a large group. I think we had nearly 30 people in our group at some point here. I will always have fond, hazy memories of this place, but will go back to next time I'm in town.
(4)Todd C.
Go Pack, Go!
(3)jeremy g.
I dropped into Swanky's for a couple beers before work (it was about 3pm) with a couple co-workers a few weeks ago. I have to say the place is so laid back and chill, that you have to love it. I have been told that it is the local Packers bar, so I'll have to test it's loyalty by stopping in with a Chargers jersey on. any-who, the beer is cheap, the food is food and the wallpaper in the bathrooms ROCK!
(4)Kendra R.
After a Rockies game, walked in here and it was packed. Up to the bar I went to get whatever icy concoction was on special. Waiting for my Purple Hooter at the bar, I take a seat and notice all these men drooling while gazing at the tube. To my surprise, it's porn. Skinamax or not, two women .. a boy.. no clothes.. that's not your standard television show. Missing Wisconsin or your Badger buddies? Swankys used to sponsor the local University of Wisconsin alumni group.
(2)Amy G.
This is hands down, the best bar on Blake St. Sure, it gets full during sporting events (Wisconsin, Packers, Rockies, etc), but I have never had trouble finding a seat. You can't beat the cheapo beer (20oz Schlitz for $3) and the awesome frozen drinks, especially the Lebowski. The food is perfect for a low key bar like this one, and the waitstaff has always been excellent. As long as you're not a meat head, give this place a try. Otherwise, stick to the Sports Column and whatever other crappy bars are around there and leave this place alone!
(5)Mitch J.
Its alright. Not really a place I would hang out at. The several choices of frozen drinks is kinda cool. Alcohol slurpees!!
(3)Russell G.
This is a small, divy looking place in LoDo but it has some charm to it in a college party house kind of way. The guy's bathroom is covered in pictures of naked chicks from playboy mags. They also have a row of slushy machines that you add a shot of grain alcohol to. It tastes great and after 2 or 3, you are drunk. Did I mention they are only $4 a drink? Other drinks are cheap here too but I always go for the slushy because this is the only place I found downtown that has them. I wouldn't hang out here all night but this bar is great for stopping by after a Rockies game or on your way through downtown.
(3)Sara S.
Went here after getting pretty hammered at the 1Up across the street. I love the orange creamsicle smoothie, but the shot of Everclear in it made me nauseous ALL day the next day. Guess you live and you learn, right? :-) Oh, and they have SHUFFLEBOARD!! Rock On!
(3)J K.
Whoa, you people are complaining about the food at an obvious sports BAR? Holy cow you have lived a sheltered life! Geez, this place is not billing itself as a fine dining experience, don't you dare try and assume so! Tell you what: pull on your big boy/girl pants and come down here with the knowledge that if you want to get drunk before/after a baseball game, or just hang out with your friends and watch a few sporting events, this is a damn good place to do so. Are you going to get a good selection of booze at pretty decent prices? Yessssss. Are you going to pay your tab and walk 30 seconds into Coors Field? Damn straight. Are you going to have a fine dining, orgasmic eating experience? Please; you're stupid if you think so. Their food ain't that bad, but go to a RESTAURANT for good food, not a bar.
(4)Cherie B.
First off, I giggle every time I check in here on Facebook...the full name is Swanky's Vittles and Libations. Why the word "vittles" makes me chuckle? I have NO idea. Moving on... My visits here tend to be with my Wisconsin native friends, and they can't express enough how Swanky's makes them feel like they are right back at home...especially during Packers games (if you have ever watched a Packers game here, you will know what I am talking about). I'm from Kansas, so I can appreciate a good Midwestern, feel-at-home dive bar. I have sampled the sliders here, which were just "meh" but I really need to get my hands on those cheese curds...I hear they're delish. They have several frozen drink machines with fun themed names. Although frozen drinks aren't my thing, I tried the "Big Lebowski"- a slushy version of one of my favorite college cocktails, the white russian. It certainly didn't disappoint. Lastly, I would like to thank the patrons and staff of Swanky's for not punching me in the face for being the ONLY one wearing a Broncos jersey (yes, I cased the place...I was the lone Bronco) on one particular Sunday. And you're welcome for not being a Bears fan.
(3)Michael S.
My brother and I wanted to find a bar with a sandwich on the menu that wasn't fried, swimming in grease, low grade beef, or worse. This ain't the place. At Swanky's, a brat, polish, or a hot dog is $7.50 or more. Appetizers and burgers are even more expensive, and there is nothing remotely close to decent or healthy on the menu. This is so far from Swanky it's nonsense. We left. Next.
(1)Hans O.
Went there last Saturday and they were closed, came back around 4pm when they opened. It was empty, just our table. Tried their alcoholic slushies and they were actually cool, strongly made with Everclear 190 proof, they have quite a few flavors running their machines, like Orange, white Russian, lime, lemon, and few others more. Their fried curds were really good. Their decor is quite interesting, they have porn in the bathrooms...
(3)James B.
Honestly like this place, I looked beyond the fact it's a Wisconsin bar. The food was pretty decent for a bar and reasonably priced. The atmosphere was pretty laid back. We could actually have a conversation seeing as they understand proper volume on the music. Those slurpee style drinks were pretty damn good. We'll be back, much better than other options in the area.
(4)Shannon C.
I really like this place. It's one of the few places downtown that, on Friday and Saturday nights, doesn't blare music so loud that your eardrums start bleeding and you lose your voice the moment you walk in. Also, they have delicious and potent frozen drinks (some of which are made with Everclear, so watch yourself) that don't break the bank. Love the shuffleboard and the overall atmosphere of this place-- laid back BAR. Regardless of whether it's a Wisconsin bar or not, it's still a fun place to hang out, enjoy a beverage, and actually conversate with your friends.
(4)Carina C.
Total poo poo caca frat boy bar...you can avoid the pretty boy types but the goatee/jersey wearing ones can be located in this bar. And boy do they like their Green Bay Packers. I've been here only because I have some friends from the big W...and friends that like football...I don't really care for football. The big cheese/summer sausage/cracker plate that one of my friends ordered...well, that gained a few points. Have I ever mentioned I am a Bloody Mary fan? Man, they have some awesome bloody Marys here...you know, those ones with the celery, the pickle, the olive and the banana pepper? Total yumminess.
(3)