Ale House at Amato’s
2501 16th St.1
Happy hour: 3 – 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday / 3 – 6 p.m. Friday

For those just trying to grab a beer and avoid the hipster Denverites, this American brew house is the place to be. It’s affordable, there’s plenty of shade for when it’s hot, fire pits for when its cold and complimentary valet parking until 10 p.m. That’s about as classy as it gets for college students.

Ignite!
2124 Larimer St.
Happy hour: 3 – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday / 3 – 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

For a classier evening, check out Ignite! Amongst some great options on Larimer Street, this place thrives with its cozy modern style and professional crowd. Like Linger, getting food here can be pricey, so just plan on drinks unless the budget is big.

Linger
2030 W 30th Ave.
Happy hour: 4 – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday – Friday

Simple and American, Linger is a go-to spot for any occasion. The modern style highlighted with rustic wood and big windows is very hip and draws a big crowd. Get here early to find some space, and avoid the food unless the plan is to get spendy.

Museum of Contemporary Art Café.
1485 Delgany St.
No happy hour

On top of the MAC is a wonderfully discreet café that is a blast to check out. It does cost $5 to enter the museum, but that’s a student discount price worth the experience. This is a very quiet and relaxing place to grab just a drink or two with views of Union Station. Don’t forget to walk through the actual museum, too. The café closes early since it’s part of the museum (7 – 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and 5 p.m. on weekends), so go nice and early.

Fainting Goat
846 S. Broadway
Happy hour: 3 – 7 p.m. Monday – Friday

For a more traditional Irish pub, head down to the Fainting Goat. The staff is super friendly, and they make any customer feel like a regular in the midst of many snarky Denver bars. Play some tunes on the old school jukebox, get in on a game of shuffleboard and relax amongst the three floors of fun.

Irish Rover Pub
54 S. Broadway
Happy hour: 3 – 7 p.m. Monday – Friday

Just three miles from campus is a rooftop bar for DU’s Irish crowd. The style is a perfect mix of old-fashioned pub with modern urban, and it’s a great place to catch the game, no matter what game it might be. Rip a couple car bombs or Irish drafts, and enjoy the view down Broadway.