October 2010

Pueblo's nightlife is picking up - better bars, more music. We thought it was about time we asked what you thought. The following awards are the results of the questionnaire available in print and online throughout August 2010 asking P.U.L.P. readers which bars and bands they think are the best in Pueblo. If you want to know what other people think about where to go out, look no further. You might be surprised - or even decide to try someplace new.

Stay tuned to future issues where we'll get the lowdown on other aspects of Pueblo's social life. We hear you've got some opinions on restaurants in this town...

BARS

Best Bar for a Date: The Cock and Bull Tavern
So you've finally got a date with that person you've had your eye on? Where are you going to go? Pueblo says go to the Cock and Bull Tavern. With plenty of nooks where you can cozy up and flattering low lighting, the Cock and Bull is a comfortable place to break the ice or while away an evening with the object of your affection.

The Cock and Bull Tavern, 325 S. Union Ave., 719-404-1800, cockandbulltavern.com

Best Hookup: Showtime
"Date" doesn't quite sum up what you're looking for? Head to Showtime, where people say the hookup scene rocks. Lots of singles - many of them there for the same reason you are - and plenty of space to play. Honorable mention to The 101 Club, perfect if you want the Riverwalk romance option to close the deal.

Showtime, 1007 W. 6th St., 719-545-7469

Best Gay-friendly bar: Pirates Cove
Kudos to the Pirates Cove for being ranked best among gay-friendly bars in Pueblo. Even though it is the only openly-gay bar in town, it wasn't the only one mentioned, which goes to show both that the Cove won against some competition, and maybe Pueblo isn't stuck in the 1950s after all.

Pirates Cove, 105 Central Plz., 719-543-2683

Best Outdoor Seating: Phil's Radiator and Beer Garden
Still not known for its outdoor seating, Pueblo is starting to see more options in this category. With honorable mentions to the Cock & Bull and Galileo's, the highest honor goes to Phil's Radiator, with its huge beer garden looking out onto picturesque Union Avenue.

Phil's Radiator and Beer Garden, 109 E. C St., 719-584-2671

Best Cocktail
When looking for the perfect well-made cocktail, whether classic or modern, Pueblo looks no further than the Downtown Bar. An inventive cocktail menu featuring fresh ingredients is the highlight, with each drink made to order - no pitchers of cosmos or margaritas hiding in the cooler.

The Downtown Bar, 103 Central Plz., 719-544-1499, thedowntownbar.com

Best Liquor Selection: The Cock and Bull Tavern
When nothing less than a single malt Scotch, small batch bourbon or top-shelf vodka martini will do, word is you need to head to the Cock and Bull Tavern, which Pueblo awards the best bar liquor selection.

The Cock and Bull Tavern, 325 S. Union Ave., 719-404-1800, cockandbulltavern.com

Best Beer Selection: Shamrock Brewing Company
Pueblo's own and only brewpub, the Shamrock Brewing Company wins for best beer selection, hands down. From standard styles like Blond Ale, Wit, Pale Ale and Porter, to cask-conditioned ales, barrel-aged beers and a double IPA, the Shamrock is keeping Pueblo's place on Colorado's craft-beer radar.

Shamrock Brewing Company, 108 W. 3rd St., 719-542-9947, shamrockbrewing.com

Best Happy Hour: Smitty's Greenlight Tavern
You'd have to have your head in the sand to not have heard of Panic Hour at Smitty's Greenlight Tavern. The dollar drinks for an hour every night have to rank as the best bar deal in the city - and that's saying something in Pueblo, land of some of the cheapest drink prices in the country.

Smitty's Greenlight Tavern, 3rd St. and Santa Fe Dr., 719-543-2747

Best Place to take Out of Towners: The Cock and Bull Tavern
Soaring pressed-tin ceilings, charming English pub atmosphere and a good selection of libations must be why people chose the Cock and Bull Tavern as the best place to take out-of-town visitors. It's good to have a place to prove to former Puebloans that there's more to the scene here than strip mall bars and chains.

The Cock and Bull Tavern, 325 S. Union Ave., 719-404-1800, cockandbulltavern.com

Best Neighborhood Bar: Eilers' Place
A favorite of Bojons and those who just wish they were, Eilers' has been Bessemer's neighborhood jewel for decades. The Art Deco interior, welcoming employees and regulars, and abundance of Slivovitz (it's not as bad as you've heard!) combine to make it well worth the short trip to Mesa Avenue. Honorable mention to the Tumbleweed, which anchors the evolving Pueblo West bar scene.

Eilers Place, 326 E. Mesa Ave., 719-583-0540

Best Place to get food with a drink: Shamrock Brewing Company
The Shamrock matches its great beer selection with equally impressive food. Chef Gordon Cossar's inventive seasonal menu takes the Shamrock a step above standard pub fare. For a special treat, make a reservation for one of the Shamrock's paired beer dinners, which showcase the best of both worlds.

Shamrock Brewing Company, 108 W. 3rd St., 719-542-9947, shamrockbrewing.com

Best Service: The Cock & Bull and The Downtown Bar
In bigger cities, service often climbs to a higher standard, being the deciding factor between a plethora of otherwise equally-good bars and restaurants. Until recently, Pueblo's been a bit behind on the service scale. Happily, some places are stepping up. According to you, it's the Downtown Bar and the Cock & Bull in a dead heat. Let's hope this is the beginning of a renaissance in service in Pueblo.

The Downtown Bar, 103 Central Plz., 719-544-1499, thedowntownbar.com

The Cock and Bull Tavern, 325 S. Union Ave., 719-404-1800, cockandbulltavern.com

Best Bartender: Marc Meyer
While there are plenty of hardworking people slinging drinks in Pueblo, not all have mastered the fading art of the barkeep. Thankfully, Marc Meyer is keeping it alive and well at the Downtown Bar. Sure, he makes a mean Bloody Mary, but it's Marc's conversational skills, wide-ranging knowledge, and welcoming demeanor that will keep you coming back.

Marc Meyer of The Downtown Bar, 103 Central Plz., 719-544-1499, thedowntownbar.com

Best Place to Drink & Dance: The 101 Club
Sometimes you just need to get out and shake your booty! While the Favorite Tavern made a showing, as did a few music venues, The 101 Club takes the Drinking and Dancing cake. A dedicated dance floor and a variety of musical genres make this the go-to spot when you want to dance the night away.

The 101 Club, 101 N. Union Ave., 719-542-2432

Best Live Music: The Senate
When The Senate opened its doors a couple of years ago, it also provided Lucky 13 with a consistent venue for the Rockabilly and Roots touring acts that it brings to Pueblo. Lucky 13's offerings are occasionally augmented with music from other genres, making the Senate Pueblo's choice for the best offerings in live music.

Senate Bar, 219 S. Grand Ave., 719-545-8501

Best Bar Overall: The Downtown Bar
It takes a lot to be voted best bar in Pueblo. There's a ton of competition! When you considered location, service, atmosphere, selection and live music together, the Downtown Bar came up first. Close second and honorable mention goes to the Cock & Bull, also well-loved, as proved by its strong showing in several categories.  Happily for Pueblo bar-goers, there are now several great bars to choose from.

The Downtown Bar, 103 Central Plz., 719-544-1499, thedowntownbar.com