The Refinery refines the bar experience

The bar located on Blake Street resembles a saloon with a lively atmosphere.
Photo: Taelar Pollmann · The Sentry

Energetic atmosphere with mixed drinks creates a friendly hangout spot

Walking into The Refinery Bar and Lounge located in LoDo on Blake Street is like walking into a saloon in an old western movie from the 50s. Open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends, the bar is part of LoDo’s thriving night life and sees its busiest times after dark.

Despite the lack of light up-signage, which makes the entrance difficult to locate, the bar is an especially popular place for sports fans to go after Avalanche, Nuggets, and Rockies games due to the good food, TV access, typically featuring post sporting event commentators, and gaming consoles.

For those 21 and older walking into the lounge, they are welcomed by a single large and dimly lit room mainly comprised of a warm, light-colored wood.

Despite the low lighting, the atmosphere of the bar is electric and full of energy. The facility usually plays upbeat music at ample volume and the laughter of other bargoers enjoying themselves only adds to the excitement. The bar stretches from the front of the room to the back and features various fruits and vegetables floating in jars and kegs like brains in a science fiction movie.

These concoctions are typically mixed with a variety of hard liquors, chosen by the customer, to create what The Refinery calls “infusions.” There are 28 different flavors, such as apricot, pineapple, jalapeno, chocolate, and one of the most popular favorites, pickles. These shots are especially good for those who feel squeamish about the burn of alcohol or have just recently turned of legal drinking age because the flavored juices effectively mask all traces of the alcohol’s presence and are priced at just three dollars a shot.

The Refinery also serves around 40 different canned bottled beers and seltzers including imported beers Modelo Especial and Heineken for the eccentric, Coors for the supporters of local businesses, and, of course, White Claws. The Refinery also offers 11 draft options including Angry Orchard hard ciders and Station 26. Well drink options are five dollars, Call options are six dollars, and premium choices are seven dollars, all of which are reduced to a mere three dollars during daily happy hour specials from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and all day on Sunday.

Since happy hour is right around dinner time, The Refinery also offers a variety of food options as well, including appetizers, soups, and salads, such as Bavarian pretzels served with queso dip and wedge salads served with one of three choices of dressing all made in house. The combination of drinks and food should entice people to visit T=he Refinery and to have some responsible fun with friends!