Nightlife denizens are always looking for a “diamond in the rough,” a little bright spot in an unexpected place.
Sometimes it’s more fun, though, to look for a little rough among the diamonds.
Take the corner of 7th Avenue and Grant Street, for example. On the east side of Grant is Benny’s, a classic family Mexican food restaurant. On the west side are three of the most well-respected fine dining establishments in Denver.
Chef Frank Bonnano owns all of them; that corner is the seat of his power. The three eateries — Mizuna, Bones and Luca D’Italia — take up a chunk of the block’s real estate.
And there, plopped right in the middle of all this wealth and taste, is the Lancer Lounge (233 E. 7th Ave.).
It doesn’t fit in well.
One of the Lancer’s best traits is that it doesn’t apologize for what it is: A hard-drinking, regular-folk watering hole. Even surrounded by high-class cuisine, the Lancer just keeps doing what it does.
The well-heeled patrons of the neighboring restaurants scuttle past with barely a glance, hurrying to and from the valet stand. The Lancer’scustomers, enjoying smokes and petting dogs on the patio, pay no mind themselves. It’s just the dinner rush passing through.
Inside, the Lancer looks like it’s remained untouched since the last century. This is good.
An old Winston cigarette machine stands by the front door, likely one of the last of its kind. On the east side of the bar is a pool room; to the west is a seating area with tattered booths.
The walls are decorated with old liquor signs, the mirrored kind with the drink’s logo printed on the face. Ballantine’s, Old Style, Gentleman Jack — plenty of the classics are represented. Somewhat oddly, a bookshelf sits against one wall. But why not? The lonely drinker could use the company of a book now and again.
The Lancer isn’t the place for a $12 martini and downtempo electronica. This is the place to buy a cheap pitcher of beer and settle into a booth for a chat, or maybe make some new pals at the bar. Put some songs on the jukebox or settle in to watch the game, and it’s likely someone will start a conversation.
There’s a crew of regulars at the Lancer — neighborhood types who don’t fit the Capitol Hill mold. New visitors might get a look or two, but belly up and all is well. One tip, however: Keep an eye on the mixed drinks. The Lancer makes them strong, so try not to drink them too fast — unless it’s been that kind of day.
And if it’s been that kind of day, the Lancer is as good as gold.
Party promoter Kevin Larson and his crew mix work with play at “Colorado’s Largest Office Party,” tonight at the Hyatt DTC (7800 E. Tufts Ave.).
The giant post-work party includes all sorts of activities for the modern businessperson: Desk-chair races, waste-paper basketball and dating-via-text, plus plenty of booze to keep things light.
Entertainment-wise, there’s lots to keep Friday-night revelers occupied: A fashion show, Wilhelmina model search, a “So Denver Can Dance” competition and more. Best of all, the party helps benefit the Special Olympics.
The shenanigans run from 5 to 11 tonight, followed by additional late-night from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are $29 for general admission, $49 for VIP. Buy advance tickets at .
Fun times at Beta (1909 Blake St.): On Saturday. former Cypress Hill spinner and record producer DJ Muggs pays a visit, with House Heads Anonymous playing in the Beatport Lounge. On Thursday, Dada Life brings its aggressive, arty beats to the decks.
Tickets for both shows are $10 at .
