The beauty of bars like Bender’s Tavern is that one minute you’re leaning against the bar screaming over the jukebox to your buddy and the next you’re in the other room watching a band like Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, witnessing one of the charismatic frontman’s more enlightened freakouts.
Slim Cessna is in the crowd. He’s singing. He’s leading a sermon. He’s on his knees. Munly looms ominously nearby. And then Slim topples onto the grimy bar floor just inches from your feet, flopping about and nearly speaking in tongues, holding a mic to his lips and his hat over his heart.
It’s moments like this that make you feel alive.
Bender’s sits in the curious spot on 13th Avenue that has been the home to countless spotty dance clubs over the years. But Bender’s has lasted.
Bender’s isn’t only a rock club. It’s a neighborhood bar with a friendly staff and lively patio. It’s a central meeting place and a comfortable joint.
When you’re in the mood for a show, there’s the Railbenders Halloween Party on Oct. 27, when bands on the bill will be in costume. (Railbenders upright-bass player Tyson Murray owns the bar.) When you just want a beer, conversation and a game of pool, there’s the adjoined bar, which seems like it’s almost always open. And when you’re down for even more quality music, the club offers a couple of killer DJ nights including Night of the Living Shred (Thursdays) and K-Tel Super Hits of the ’70s (Mondays).
It’s always a good time. I recently had lunch there with Jen and Matt. We got sandwiches from the deli across the street and brought them over for a foray into the world of Coors and Bacardi. I met one of the bartenders that afternoon, Larry. A few nights later I was on my scooter flying down 13th Avenue when Larry, standing outside the bar, shouted out to me. He either remembered me or was randomly saying hi, but either way it was a cool exchange. And it made the ride that much better.
Bender’s Tavern
314 E. 13th Ave., 303-861-7070
Funky: Interesting people are attracted to this bar like a magnet.
Skunky: The sound in the rock club is among the most inconsistent in town.
