A home away from home for me. I just started yelping, so figured I'd thrown in my two cents on my favorite dive bar in the Denver area. Cheap drinks, good jukebox, and a haven for punks and rock'n'rollers. I started playing music there about 8 years ago when I was in college and have played there off and on every since. My only beef with the music deal is the giant sneeze guard they put around the drummer. I don't think the crowd notices much, but I can't stand the damn thing when I play there. Either way, I always take up the chance to play there. Be sure to give Marty a shout out when you belly up to the bar. He and his staff will take good care of you. read more

As Carolyn stated, it's a little bit of Colfax or Broadway in Arvada. Somehow, I ended up with 2 for 1 drinks while drinking late at night. Who has a late, late night happy hour on a weeknight? Apparently, the 12 Volt. The place is dark. Like Lion's Lair dark. It's filled with a good mix of blue collar folks, guys from grindcore and metal bands that grew up and moved to the burbs and the occasional outsider. Yet, it retains a low-key, bring-all-comers attitude. If you want a break from the suburbs, the 12 Volt is the perfect escape. read more

I've only been in once, and it was early on a Thursday afternoon, while waiting for my guitar to be repaired at the Olde Town Pickin' Parlor directly across the street. The bartender was a very friendly, cute and chatty brunette (sorry I forgot your name, but I did fix your iPod) who had only two other male customers/fans sitting at her bar. Otherwise the place was empty. The Pabst was cold and only slightly on the flat side, but I enjoyed her company and judging from the regulars, it attracts a decent crowd of regulars. The jukebox played some good soul and Motown tunes, which I liked. (Far better than the usual junk that comes out of jukes these days (I'm looking at you, Hooty and Steve Miller). I look forward to going back when the place is hopping some night soon, but until then, it's a nice place to have an afternoon shot and a beer. read more

This was my first "Dive Bar" as my friends called it. I suppose its exactly that its not fancy by any means and you have some questionable people sitting at the bar. I cam with a group of friends and we always had drinks at our table. Pricing seemed to be pretty reasonable. Their location was pretty good. Very accessible you just have to find the parking out on the street. Easy walk and lots to see on your way. I would probably come back to this location. read more

Cheap beer. Cool little bar with pool, darts and video games. But the bartendress was aweful! She was talking to her boyfriend in the corner the entire time and when she did bring you a beer she just rolled her eyes and walked off. And this is me tipping $3 on $2.25 beers! If it was busy, that would be one thing, but it was cleared out. Nice looking bar but you should be more careful- you managed to alienate the manager of one the only record stores in town.... which has the exact clientele you would like to attract. read more

Definitely a dive bar. If that's your thing, go here. If I'm in the area, I'd probably stop by again. Anyways, it was friendly enough and got the service that we deserved. From what I noticed they didn't have any food, but they did offer free popcorn that they pop for those that want some. It's been a while since my first (and last) visit so I am unsure if there's anything different since then. read more

This place is great! Right downtown and usually pretty crowded; great, fun bartenders.. young & hot?! Yes they are! Great Juke.. get dat did!! read more

Usually when I find my way up to Arvada, I can be found at the DNote. But recently, I ventured across the street to check out the 12 Volt and boy, what a difference the other side of Old Wads makes! The 12 Volt immediately reminded me of local bars in Wisconsin: long bar with plenty of stools, a pool table, dimly lit lighting, and a bit grimy and rough around the edges. Initially I was put off, but as I sat and chatted with a friend and soon other locals, I relaxed and strangely enough, found myself at home. There wasn't much on tap, but the beer was flowing, cheap and delicious. And our bartender was a total sweetheart! While I wouldn't go out of my way to hit up the 12 Volt, unless a cool band was playing here, I wouldn't mind popping in again if the mood strikes. It certainly is an interesting place! read more

A group of 6 of us went here on Saturday evening for a couple beers. I really liked the atmosphere, not too crowded with great music playing on the jukebox, a pool table, and lots of seating. Other bar patrons were very friendly, unfortunately the same couldn't be said for our bartender (not sure her name, the one with a tattoo on her face). I initially thought it was geared towards us for some reason, but then witnessed her bad attitude and coldness with other patrons. On another day with a nicer bartender I'd give this bar 5 stars. read more

This is not a dive bar this is a shiaz hole and not worth a visit. They market it as a dive bar which can be hipster trendy for some to part take, but this place is just over priced for no reason. If your going to market as a dive bar at least adjust prices accordingly. Place smells bad instantly upon entry. Bartender served me one drink and then didn't ask if I would like another drink in my 30-40 min stay. It was Tuesday, and there where 12-15 people in attendance. She was really busy filling out some paper work from time to time by the register so I completely understand why I couldn't get served by the one lone tender of the eve. I would avoid if you go to old town Arrr vada. School house is best bar for drinks, service, and in addition food is bomber if you catch them while they are open. read more

I love this place. It's in a great area, has good drink prices and all the bartenders are chill. Pretty solid happy hour from 3p-6p and 11p-1a Mon-Fri. Buy one get one on draft beer and wells. read more

Typical dive bar. Great location. Great happy hour. I happen to like this little dive bar! Jukebox, old school video games......

I love this bar! Yes it's a dive, but it's a great dive! They have live music on the weekends sometimes and cold PBR on tap. The bartenders are pretty cool to talk to and they remember what I order. For some added entertainment, read the restroom walls, or check out some of the posters and wall hangings. If you're kind of prissy and looking for somewhere yuppy, this is not the place for you, move along.. read more

I find it SO hard to believe that no one has sang the 12 Volt's praises yet. Let me enjoy being the first. It used to be Cheers. My boyfriend got kicked out when it was Cheers, for knocking over all the kegs in the hallway in the back. He ran out the back door, bouncers chasing him with shaking fists, and we never returned until it was the 12 Volt. Now? They've got a value menu. It entertainingly includes their cheapest of cheap whiskey and canned beers - think Olympia or something along those lines. They also offer all flavors of MD20/20, which they'll gladly mix together to create some tie-dye concoction. Not that I recommend that, but it's neat that they give props to the old school. The happy hour crowd entertains me a lot - a bunch of grumpy and grisly locals, filling out crossword puzzles and buying each other shots. I even jumped in and bought a round. Happy hour is Two-For-One, so it's a great chance to go and get a head start on your friends for the night. And if you're hungry? The pizza place across the way delivers. Straight to your bar stool. The jukebox is pretty good, too. This bar basically just has a no BS policy - and won't hesitate to let you know about it. I hear they have live music, but I never make it that late. Sorry. read more

Great place to get away from the honkeys at Cheapskates! The girls behind the bar enjoy my blackness, and always have my Mango MD 20/20 ready. Obama! read more

Cheap, cold PBR, an awesome jukebox, and a cool bartender. What more can you ask for? I've been looking for a good dive bar, and the 12 Volt hits the target perfectly for the alternative(ish) crowd. People were friendly, and lots of obvious regulars. Fun to hang out for a couple of hours and shoot the shit. :) read more

So Great! They will get you drunk, all the girls want to get bottomed out! Sometimes the bartenders want to get bottomed out too! PBR and MD 20/20 for life. read more

New favorite Arvada bar! This place reminds me of my favorite Colfax bars - dark, dirty and cheap! I had a great time playing pool, chatting up the locals, and selecting songs from the old school juke box. There are good times to be had here! read more

I love this bar. This is a great place to see some local bands plus all the access to PBR you could ever want! It's usually filled with regulars, but whether you are a regular or not, you still get the same friendly and quick service as anyone else. Drinks are suuuper cheap and strong..what else could you want?? They have a fantastic jukebox AND a popcorn maker...that's right... a popcorn maker. (woo!) Fridays and Saturdays offer different kinds of ear-ringing bands, so don't go there if you want to be able to talk to people around you. read more

Plain and simple, this is a dark dive bar. One that you stop in at for a couple of PBRs and then meander on. They have a good juke box and a pool table as well. read more

Fun little dive bar in Old Town. Had beers and shots and great conversation with the bartender. Dark and seedy just like it should be - only missing smoke! Need ot go back when they have music playing. read more

This place is great if you wanna get hammered to enjoy your time. Hopefully this place changes before the light rail is active.

The bartender Kayla is extremely inappropriate and probably the saddest, grumpiest bartender ive ever experienced. The first time I had her I gave her the benefit of the doubt that maybe she was having a bad day, but I think she's just miserable in general. read more

If the girls working there are not old and disgusting, they are young and disgusting. Place smells like garbage. It doesn't look like it takes much to get a job there. Place made me and my buddies sick. Nothing nice to look at, all around and its a trash pile. I'm surprised the board of health hasn't closed it down yet. Only have ever it 5 stars in order for people to see my post and be aware of what they are walking in to. Mike H is clearly delusional or dating staff. read more

Yeah it's dark, yes the bathrooms are tagged up, the drinks are ridiculously cheap and you might even think its a bit loud on a Friday night. Thats what makes the 12v a dive. However it is the surprisingly courteous bouncers (if you are not acting like a...), the smoking hot bartenders that give exceptional service (if you stop acting like a...), and the fact that the place is exceptionally clean despite first glances, that gives the 12v the title "Best Dive Bar in the Burbs" and it is the most popular bar in Olde Town. If you are not from around here this is where all the locals frequent. read more

Nice hangout. Dive, I say no more. Lol. Great coin operated jukebox! People there are always having a great time.

Moved to the area about a month ago. I've been a few times and I can't say any experience has been enjoyable. The bartenders make me feel subhuman when I walk up to the bar, pulling them away from conversation with regulars. What would make someone new want to return when the environment feels so hostile? read more

I love this bar. It's a grungy paradise for the "dark sheep" of every family. The staff will treat you great, the bands they have are awesome. And the bartenders are tough and beautiful. read more

Our cool bar in town. All of the staff is super accomodating and always shows us a good time.

i have been a patron of this bar for several years. Have always left 20% or more in tips. I have gotten the worst service lately. The bartenders that have been there for a fair amount of time give the worst service that i have ever seen in a bar. If your not one of the "in" crowd you'll wait for a drink while they talk to their friends and wash the dishes before you get a drink. Marty it's time to hire new staff especially on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. You have lost my business. Sorry to have to spend my hard earn money somewhere else. read more

Definitely a dive but basically chill, weekends can get a little crazy not too bad though come on it's Arvada. I like to go during the week and throw darts read more

This is the worst dive bar I have ever been too. The bar tenders are rude, the regulars are rude and the the management won't do anything about it. I have had multiple bad experiences here and they seem to get worse and worse. This bar should be shut down and sold to someone who would own and manage it better. It sits in a great location but 12 Volt is the worst bar I have ever been to! Terrible service, rude people, and it's basically a shit hole. Old town would be better off without it!!!!! read more

I used to like this place better. It seems like the people that were there before were fun to listen to and drink with. Now it seems like it's either empty or the other patrons are yelling at each other or yelling racial slurs at the ceiling. Lots of yelling. On the good side, the place is looking better and the jukebox gets better all the time, now if I could only hear it. I'll stop by the 12 Volt again sometime, I just hope no one is acting douchey next time. read more

This is what a dive bar should be. From NYC, to Chicago, this place ranks with the most solid. Thanks for not changing and being the Px for life. read more

I am not a dive bar girl but this place won me over. Not only for the killer happy hour and late night specials but also for the great service and the laid-back atmosphere. read more

Super dive bar .. guess that's why it was voted best dive bar in Arvada. I prefer this bar over cheapskates across the street because you can actually move around and breath. Okay service from the bartenders nothing special. read more

This isn't a 'wine bar' and this isn't a 'night club', it's a bar. To those reviews that stated this was a dive bar, I disagree, this is a neighborhood bar as it should be. I have been in extremely worse bars...with ridiculously worse bathrooms. The only thing I can add, is as a musician who has played there, a small raised stage and a control board with a sound guy would be a nice addition. read more

I've only been here twice, but both times I've had the female bartenders completely ignore me and have terrible attitudes. Perhaps because I'm female? You don't know hunny, I might tip you as well as the male patrons, if not better. I donno. I'll be back, but If I get treated like that again I won't be back for a fourth time. read more