Old bar, new people
Though the smoky atmosphere, John the bartender will recognize you and know what you drink, he will have it poured by the time you sit down. If he knows you, your favorite drink will be ready by the time you say 'hello.'
If you drive too fast you may miss the old neon sign that flickers "Don's Mixed Drinks;" the bar between Clarkson and Washington on 6th avenue in Denver that celebrates its 60 year anniversary on June 20, 2006.
The first impression is of a smoky, rustic dive bar, the pint-sized shuffle board, the pinball machine and pictures on the wall of patrons past remind everyone just how long Don's has been pouring booze.
Sentimental pictures on the wall show character, the old photography portrays the intimate history of the bar whose longevity relies on those people to return.
The smell of vintage tuck-and-roll vinyl mixes with the booze, as you order another cocktail and spy the old operational telephone booth in the back that hints of the nostalgic essence of the bar over the new music on the juke box.
Johnny rolls his eyes as two patrons make barnyard noises in the background.
"We won't kick you out for making animal noises at the bar," he said with a smile, odd behavior is accepted, even expected at Don's.
Besides the neon sign out front and word of mouth, there is little advertising, yet the bar fills every night with regular and newcomer alike.
Guest bartenders are welcome to invite their friends some Tuesday nights, this keeps the crowd fresh and the service exciting.
A microcosm of the entire night at Don's is the Bus Bomb (shown before and after). This is a concoction similar to a car bomb, but bigger, and made in a pitcher! Half a pitcher of Guinness, three shots of Jamison and three shots of Bailey's Irish Liquor go down the hatch as quickly as possible, making this a one-per-visit kind of drink.
Before Bus Bomb:
After Bus Bomb:
Don's Mixed Drinks will continue to thrive for years to come with the thirsty patrons of the neighborhood coming back for more. It is worth the cab ride out of downtown to make sure you don't miss Don's. It dosn't stick out obnoxiously in the street like some bars, so don't blink, you might drive right past!
If you drive too fast you may miss the old neon sign that flickers "Don's Mixed Drinks;" the bar between Clarkson and Washington on 6th avenue in Denver that celebrates its 60 year anniversary on June 20, 2006.
The first impression is of a smoky, rustic dive bar, the pint-sized shuffle board, the pinball machine and pictures on the wall of patrons past remind everyone just how long Don's has been pouring booze.
Sentimental pictures on the wall show character, the old photography portrays the intimate history of the bar whose longevity relies on those people to return.
The smell of vintage tuck-and-roll vinyl mixes with the booze, as you order another cocktail and spy the old operational telephone booth in the back that hints of the nostalgic essence of the bar over the new music on the juke box.
Johnny rolls his eyes as two patrons make barnyard noises in the background.
"We won't kick you out for making animal noises at the bar," he said with a smile, odd behavior is accepted, even expected at Don's.
Besides the neon sign out front and word of mouth, there is little advertising, yet the bar fills every night with regular and newcomer alike.
Guest bartenders are welcome to invite their friends some Tuesday nights, this keeps the crowd fresh and the service exciting.
A microcosm of the entire night at Don's is the Bus Bomb (shown before and after). This is a concoction similar to a car bomb, but bigger, and made in a pitcher! Half a pitcher of Guinness, three shots of Jamison and three shots of Bailey's Irish Liquor go down the hatch as quickly as possible, making this a one-per-visit kind of drink.
Before Bus Bomb:
After Bus Bomb:
Don's Mixed Drinks will continue to thrive for years to come with the thirsty patrons of the neighborhood coming back for more. It is worth the cab ride out of downtown to make sure you don't miss Don's. It dosn't stick out obnoxiously in the street like some bars, so don't blink, you might drive right past!
posted by Nelsmart at
4:09 PM
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