Boulder doesn’t exactly boast a large dance scene. When you’re looking to get down, you probably head downtown and hit up Denver’s countless clubs or dance bars. But before you take the trip into the city, check out these places where you can get your groove on closer to home.
The Walrus
One of Boulder’s oldest bars, The Walrus Saloon is the epitome of the college bar scene. Share a popular fish bowl with your friends — these giant mixed drinks are guaranteed to get you loose and out on the dance floor. The dancing doesn’t get started until later into the night, but once it does, it’s a great time. Usually, the music blaring from the speakers are Top 40 hits, which are fun to jiggy to and sing along with. Once in a while, the bar will host a guest DJ, who engage the crowd and get people moving. On the down side, sweaty, belligerent dancers and pop music can get old if you visit the Walrus too many weekends in a row.
Tahona
Tahona is a refreshing addition to Boulder’s dance scene. It’s a small bar with an equally small dance floor, but the lack of space makes it feel more intimate. A slightly older and more sophisticated audience come here, and the dancing tends to be more tame than what you would find at The Walrus. As it is a Latin-inspired bar, they play music from that region mixed in with popular hits. Besides the expensive drinks, it is a fun place to spend a night if you need an escape from the club music and dubstep that seem to filling other Boulder bars.
The Absinthe House provides music and lights for students. (CU Independent/John Regalado)
Absinthe House
If you want a huge dance floor, loud music and some unforgettable entertainment, spend your weekend at Absinthe House. This bar is a larger version of the Walrus, which is located just across the street. There is usually a live DJ and, while they mostly play house music, there is the occasional themed music night. Last weekend, the DJ mixed an 80s and 90s rewind, which included a nostalgic mix of Smash Mouth, Sir Mix-a-Lot and Cher. However, the drunken college students who fill this bar can be a little overwhelming. If you are easily offended or don’t like large crowds, this place is not for you. But even if you don’t like to dance, Absinthe House is the second-best place to people-watch.
‘Round Midnight
The best place to people-watch is ‘Round Midnight. This is by far Boulder’s liveliest dance bar. You will find all kinds of people here, and the dance floor is always packed. Like most of the Boulder bars, they play club music and Top 40 hits. Due to the variety of people that frequent this bar, ‘Round Midnight can sometimes give off a strange or creepy vibe. It can also feel a bit dirty. It helps to take in one or two (or three) of their cheap, strong drinks to get you feeling good and out on the dance floor.
Contact CU Independent staff writer Natalie Proulx at natalie.proulx@colorado.edu.
