Rating based on highest quality burger at a bar in town for reasonable price and best onion ring basket! Not sure lots of folks come here for the food - but so good for the money! read more

My favourite dive bar in the solar system. Plus it's just down the road from my sister's house so I can crawl home after a Tuesday night blitzkrieg pretty easily, unless it's winter in which case it's a real cold crawl so I usually find someone's car to sleep in until morning. They got shuffleboard here. And darts, and pool, and some old video games, but really, shuffleboard is where it's at. The drinks are insane clown posse cheap, and there's tons of specials, oh, oh, and it's $6 all-you-can-eat hot wings on Tuesdays. Challenge. Accepted. read more

Candlelight Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Came here for a quick happy hour drink with a coworker after work, and was not disappointed. This is the neatest, most comfortable dive bar I have been to in a while. And I use "dive" in the most endearing way. The bartenders and servers were SO attentive, and made sure to check on us several times throughout the night. Very happy, very genuinely friendly people. Made us so glad we stopped in! I have a collection of bottle caps that I keep at home that I told one of the bartenders about, and he ended up secretly saving a few for me! He brought them to the table with our bill, that was so sweet! Looks like I have a new hometown favorite! read more

The dive bar perfected! Located right off the corner of Dakota and Pearl sits this little unassuming bar called the Candlelight Tavern. With a weird mix of everyone knows your name meets biker bar, the Candle Light Tavern is a cool place to have a drink a throw some darts or play pool. PRO TIP: If you're looking for a cheap meal, Candle Light offers some crazy cheap and delicious burgers ranging between $4-6 bucks. The jalapeno cream cheese burger is a must!!! read more

Candlelight Tavern - Nice and cozy! - Dive Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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This place is busted. When you walk into this dive bar, you'll know that you'll be suffering through not only rap / hip-hop, but over a crappy sound system. The only thing that has character about this place is the outside. Would have stayed, but the funny music is a dealbreaker (bad club music belongs in bad clubs). read more

It's a diver for sure. But this joint has beer olympics... That's right Beer Olympics... I'm training right now for next year. Cheers read more

Small, often packed, can be a little akward to get around in when people are playing shuffle board and pool, and it's anyone's guess what racket will be playing on the jukebox, but this is just a fun little bar and I like it. They have super cheap beer. We are usually there on Mondays and they have cheap PBRs. And, I got a pitcher of some local craft brew and it was under $10, NICE! The wings here are good, although they have a very limited menu. The bartenders are smiley and friendly and for the most part, the clientele are friendly as well. I dig this place, but make no mistake, it's a small divey bar. If you dig small and divey, this is the place for you. If not, look elsewhere. This place isn't pretending to be something it isn't, it's just a fun neighborhood bar. read more

Went for a quick drink with my daughter...no eye contact and took forever to get 2 drinks...very rude! Should have left no tip. Tipped 20%. Got cc statement they added an extra 40%...not sure if that's a proper way to run a business read more

A dive bar with dartboards, pool tables and a shuffleboard. And really cheap drinks. And a good variety of music too. If you value cleanliness, don't bother going here. If you just want to have a good time and not spend a lot of money, it's worth stopping by. read more

My favorite place in Denver. The staff is amazing and down to earth. They make you feel like part of the Candlelight Family. Burgers are a must have. I can honestly say I am here 4/7 days a week getting a burger and fries. Ohhh the wings are amazing as well. Perfect bar to grab a bite to eat on a Sunday or meet some fun people on a Friday and Saturday night. Keep up the good work! You guys kickass! read more

Very nice lil tavern. Menu is very simple but the burgers are excellent. Perfect for a hang over burger and cheap drink. Would recommend for sure. read more

Candlelight Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Wonderful place with good drinks and a community vibe. Sweet people all around! Will be back.

My first experience at the candlelight tavern was very disappointing. The bar tender, Scott was very rude. The tap beer was warm. Denver has so many dive bars skip this one. read more

One of the best dive bars in Denver! Great drink specials and their food is good! Who doesn't love a cheeseburger w a bag of chips? Also their buffalo wings have a great flavor to them. Def recommend checking this place out if you're in the neighborhood! read more

Great hidden gem with the best burgers around. The wings are great too. Parking can be a pain in the butt but trust me, it's totally worth it. If meat isn't your thing, they always Have a great veggie burger, must try. read more

I can't express how much I enjoy this dive bar every time I have went. Whether it is the people I am with, the crazy weird delish burger, or reasonable prices.... this place will always have a spot in my heart and memories. read more

Cheap and good eats! Came with some friends who are local here. We all got burgers/veggie burgers. They also have foosball, darts and giant jenga, which is fun. read more

My visit here was great, and totally unexpected. Stopped in after a nearby search for a burger after a concert; the reviews for this place looked promising. We walked in and found a spot at the bar. The bartenders were fantastic- super friendly and enjoyable. We made it just in time, as they were just about to close the kitchen. The menu is on the wall, concession stand style, and the prices are dirt-cheap. We each ordered a burger, and got some fries and onion rings. The burgers were seriously perfect. You can't beat this deal. This is my kind of dive bar. I'll be back. read more

Candle Light is like an old friend. On my second occasion here I met up with a couple of Yelpers for HH. HH is coincidentally my favorite hour. It's a total locals bar, and unfortunately I'm not a local, I wish so badly that I could be anywhere near a local bar, the most local I get is going to the keg-o-rator in the garage for a beer. However, Candle Light makes you feel local even if you're not. $2 PBR's and some bad ass wings for $4, that just can't be beat. The service is friendly and with a smile. The only downside is the ladies restroom only has one stall. And the door to enter the front part of the restroom is just behind the sink. I'm always afraid that I'm going to get smacked in the back of the head with the door while I'm washing my hands. (That's where that 5th star went BTW) I'll be back for sure, it's a great place to have a couple of beers and wings if you're in the mood! read more

Everyone mainly comes here on the weekends for their amazing bartenders Scott and Chris. The burgers and wings and fries are delicious and they've got tvs for the sports fanatics! There are plenty of games to entertain you and your group of friends including shuffle board, foose ball, darts, pool, and even a few video game machines. It's a wonderful dive bar that used to have a bad rep but has outgrown their wild stage, I believe. This place holds some of my fondest memories(or lack thereof haha) read more

Imagine a can of sardines packed tight with men and woman. Sardines without much direction to go anywhere. This is the Candle Light...in an nutshell..err...a sardine can. This is the epitome of not only a neighborhood bar, but one that attracts all walks of life, as well. Only patronizing late at night, I can't comment on their 'fine food' that they advertise so boldly in their bright, neon sign, but I have had plenty of beers there. I haven't been when it is not overflowing with fun, late-night goers; however I don't think I would have this place any other way. There's not aesthetically too much to be impressed with, so the exciting array of people and prominent display of games, like darts, shuffleboard, and billiards make up for anything missing that one looks for in a bar. It's an all-around bar with good beer prices. Memories will be made here, but not fancy drinks. read more

This bar reminds me a place behind my house back in Chicago. It was called The Blue Chip Lounge and I am relatively certain my dad was banned from that establishment but that's another story... Anyhoo, The Candle Light has that same neighborhood/dive bar essence with local men hung over the bar, some more coherent than others. The bartender is on top of things and obviously can handle a lot of drunken stupidity. This is most helpful in a place like this. I have been twice. Once after a book swap with my brand new friend Heidi. It was Derby Day and really crowded but we got excellent service despite the masses. It was a lot of fun and lively and I was able to belly up with some PBRs and get to know a most excellent lady. The second time was just before Turkey Day and I met up with the lovely Rebecca and my not as new, but still most excellent friend Heidi again! We were the only ones there and we got excellent service once more. I like not having to ask for stuff... I didn't have to ask for another beer. The magical bartender had some sorta "last sip radar" and would show up just as I needed her. How wonderful! One drawback is the bathroom. It's icky and if your bladder is on the same schedule as anyone else's ...well someone will be waiting and may even break into the potty dance. This is far more embarrassing at a bar then say, maybe a preschool? Oh well. One last thought, we happened to be there during the hours they weren't serving food, which means one thing and one thing only. I will clearly have to go back when the are. It's that simple... now where did I put Heidi's phone # ?!?!? read more

It used to be cool. I swear, really. The review below says it all-- beefcakes and tools. Fratboy nation. And really, too crowded. What could've been (and once was) a great little dive has been overtaken by General Abercrombie and Lieutenant Fitch. Run away. Run far, far away. I give it two stars for cheap drinks, a couple pool tables, and darts. read more

We are talking about two different places here: the Candle Light during the week and the Candle Light on the weekend. During the week its a true dive bar, quiet, dirty, cheap, and with games. This place is laid back with relaxed bar tenders. Play pool, darts fooseball or shuffleboard while you drink a strong drink. Real Dive bar- which is not a comment I take lightly. Then there is the Scandal Light. On the weekend it is crowded, loud. You'll find yourself making new friends with the group of drinkers next to you, I mean there isn't enough room to have personal space so you better make friends. The crowd won't blink twice if someone where to start dancing, fall down, come in wearing a hideous costume or generally make a fool of ones self- they don't care and will just find it part of the entertainment. Yes- a drunk will try to be your friend, yes- you will be embarrassed when you ask someone to move just so you can take a pool shot (which you'll miss). Yes- you will understand why its called the Scandal Light. read more

This bar is not unlike the gum on the bottom of one's shoes: dirty, forgettable, and--inexplicably--fun to poke around in. At least at first. I joined two friends for a late-afternoon lunch at the Candle Light just as 2009 was coming to a close. They lived within walking distance, providing all parties a prime opportunity to eat, drink and be hazy to our hearts content. My first impression of the place was shady, but not deterrent: the neon beer bulbs provided a quasi-romantic lighting situation at our table for three. As I pulled up to join my friends, our friendly, 10 gallon-adorned waitress greeted me, and I got caught up on my share of the beer drinking. More than a little dingy, to be sure, but kinda cozy, too. Since the kitchen doesn't open until 5, my friends and I passed the time catching up and opening the onslaught of brews that our server kept providing...things are looking up at this point. When the eating hour finally arrives, the three of us are famished and we eagerly place our burger orders. I'd read that the burgers here were both cheap (affirmative) and savory (more on that in a sec), so I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into some bonafide bar food. Unfortunately, the establishment had other plans. Our waitress took our dinner order promptly at 5pm, but we had to wait almost an hour and a half to receive our very modest order of three burgers, fries and a side of onion rings. Why the hold-up? "Sorry about the wait, you guys, but we got slammed with to-go orders tonight". Waitaminute. So your restaurant gets by fulfilling takeout orders before serving the folks that have been waiting patiently (and drinking heavily) in their corner of the cave for over an hour? I'd love to meet the architect of this business model (and slap him upside the head). My friends and I were actually getting our coats and about to cancel our order when the kitchen staffer finally delivered our food, so we figured we'd play it like Fonzie and at least give the grub a try. To my disappointment, the burgers were lukewarm and limp (a notch above high school cafeteria offerings, I'd say), but since we'd been waiting so long, I scarfed it down, anyway. To wit, no sign of our french fries, either--a bag of Lay's original would have to suffice. Color me dissatisfied at this point. To soften the sting of a 90 minute wait for a botched dinner order, our waitress offered us a round on the house, but at this point the damage was done: the review was already spellchecking itself by the time we got the check. I can see a place like the Candle Light surviving and (to my amazement) thriving due to its authentic dive bar charm and neighborhood lore, but I can't say I'll be rushing back to their hidey hole anytime soon. How you get so big eating food of this kind, Denver? One final surprise of the night: the abundance of wildlife that saddled up to the bar. Attractive, well-to-do ladies (fellas, too) wandering in by the eyeful, paying lean prices for even leaner bar grub...I still don't believe it. And that, Cande Light Tavern, is why you fail. read more

Went in early, around 7pm, and it was a nice, easy crowd, great bartenders (hi Scotty!) and the drinks were absolutely solid. After a night of skipping around town I returned to Candle Light Tavern --- probably 1am. Holy demographic shift! It was packed to the BRIM with people, all seemingly college aged or thereabouts. Loud. Bustling. There was a food truck outside getting a lot of business. The drinks were still fast coming out, even so busy, but I didn't stay long. Crowds like that make me want to cut. 2 pool tables, a good local crowd. I'll be back most definitely --- just not on a Friday night at 1am. read more

One *could* attempt to review The Candlelight without using the word dive. Everyone wants to be in on a secret dive. Calling yourself a dive is just like referring to yourself in the first person. Unless you're "The Dude", it's just not cool. Sociologists observe that bars go through a predictable evolution: havens for drunks, then "dives", then haunts for really hip cool gay guys, then fashionably hip on a slippery road to expensive, and finally "lawyer", which is when it hits rock bottom again. That's full circle - and yes, not *too* long ago, the Candlelight used to have bums falling asleep in the chairs (which none of the newbie hipster dive-bar-claimin' wannabes even know about). Almost by definition, a dive should have at least one stinkin'-drunk a-hole with a nose that looks like the surface of Mercury and whose liver looks like burnt toast. The Candlelight is a great neighborhood bar with a sometimes-eclectic cast of characters, and full of people who travel from many other places in the city to claim they've been to another cool dive bar. Ultimately, it's a good neighborhood bar where tons of different groups come and feel comfortable. It's fun! On to the good/bad lists... Good: The bartenders are REAL pros, they've got shuffleboard, foosball and pool (albeit in too cramped quarters), and you're not going to go broke. Usually a decent beer on tap (e.g. Odell's 90 Shilling), but it's safe to say they're not going to put Old Chicago outta business. It can get pretty lively in here, especially on weekends and during fun things like Pub Crawls. Bad: The usual dart-playing and foosball dickheads, the food basically two lame items, average chewy cheeseburgers (which one reviewer accurately characterized as "school cafeteria"), and passably recognizable fries. That's the menu. Period. Food Note: The Candlelight doesn't claim anything like haute cuisine - the calories are to soak up the alcohol like they taught you in drivers ed. Their "kitchen" must be a George Foreman Grill, a bucket of hot beef tallow and an old Styrofoam ice chest. Hazmat: The bathrooms are basically Superfund sites, but I'm a guy, and I don't really care. I just use my elbows a lot just to make sure I don't get chlamydia. And as I said before, for a joint this small, there should be at least one more sink to pee in. Leans more towards a 4, definitely more than a 3. Go. Just don't use the word "dive". Please. Ladies, bring your own Purell. read more

Bartenders = D-bags. But, given the ridiculous amount of D-bags they have to deal with that actually frequent the bar, it's understandable. It's pretty much d-bag apocalypse in this bar on weekend nights. And they certainly don't have dive-bar prices. I've heard the food is pretty good. I've never been able to stay in the place long enough to get hungry though. read more

Great dive bar!!! I love the bartender-- Scooter ! Always can find a game to play or have a seat. CHEAP food and quite fab for the price! Its a dive bar people... Check it out. The DU kids won't eat you... read more

The food was good for bar food but the waitress disappeared and we had to go to the bar to ask for our check. The bartender was incredibly rude when we approached the bar and asked. Not going to go back. read more

This place is okie dokey artichokie, nothing more nothing less. It has a shuffle board (that is always being used and I have never had good enough timing to play on), dart boards, pool tables, sports, and a juke box. Plenty of parking, and decent service. They have lots of regulars and crazy crap on the wall to distract and entertain you, but it is missing that special something. I can't put my finger on it. If I lived super close, I would probably spend too much time here and in that parallel reality I would know exactly what is missing. But for now, it is quite adequate for your not too divey dive bar needs. read more

I have been very impressed with this place. Friendly, cheap, and best of all Burgers for 3 bucks! Cream cheese Jap burgers. New favorite burger. Sit at the bar and the service is excellent. It might need some updating, but I would rather have cheap drinks and down to earth peeps. Thanks Candlelight. read more

I had my birthday party here (without ever being in previously) and it was SO much fun! Great bartenders, cheap drinks and really fun atmosphere. Plus, their food is pretty killer (especially for a dive bar!). My boyfriend and I go back to watch Lions games there now and will continue to do so! read more

I'm surprised by reviews below that say it's full of beefcakes and tools. While most bars are going to have their share of that kind of crowd, The Fight (it's called that because most nights there's gonna be a fight there) is your typical dive bar. It's awesome for lunch because it's ridiculously cheap. It doesn't get much more expensive at dinner, and there are plenty of games to play. Usually darts and foos with some golden tee sprinkled in are my speed. Can get crowded, but the tenders are quick and usually friendly. As one of the other reviews said, stumble in at the end of the night, or get tanked early and stumble home from here. that's the way to go! read more

I just found my happy place! I was desperate last Sunday...I mean it....desperate! I needed to watch my Detroit Lions (to eventually lose a horrible game to the Cards...another story) and since I just moved to Denver, I had no idea where to go. My friend told me that if I wanted to be with my people (Detroit people) then I had to go to the Candlelight. Standing room only...full of Detroit Lions Jerseys, t-shirts, jackets, and hats. The people there were awesome. And the owner was right in the middle of it all. Awesome dude. I was also starving and had the best greasy cheeseburger ever. TV's everywhere. Shuffleboard, darts...you name it. I was in heaven. Dive bar heaven. read more

My #1 dive in Denver. Never start out a night here. Just stumble in after checking out the Lodo scene and get your drink on. The atmosphere is mellow and the girls are not afraid to let their hair down. This place gets crazy and there is a good mix of people ranging from DU college punks to codgy old veterans. Nothing would shock me here. Good, clean alcohol induced fun. Plenty of pool tables and darts to go around. read more

This truly is as good as it gets. I love that this is categorized as a "dive bar." The very fact that you can call this place a dive bar is what makes it so very wonderful. Full disclosure, my landlord is the bartender, so I am partial. However, it should be noted that this bar is great for the following activities: (1) eating the best god-damn burger in town; (2) playing a game of shuffleboard or darts; (3) meeting friends to take over the juke box and play endless songs from the 90s; (4) watching the Lakers beat...well, just about anybody; (5) getting wasted and meeting random strangers; (6) singing along to the jukebox with said strangers; and (7) any other thing you can imagine doing at a bar. Seriously, this place is a blast. It is endlessly surprising how busy it can get on a Friday or Saturday night, so be prepared. read more

The clientele and atmosphere varies greatly. I would give it 3 stars on Friday and Saturdays after 9:00 because of the crowds. Even with the crowds, it can be a great late night stop for the taxi before stumbling home. In the area it's probably my favorite bar, and the bartenders (Scottie and Phil) are top-notch. It is usually a great place to kick back and enjoy a beer, shoot some pool, watch a game, and enjoy some eclectic people and conversations... and on the other hand, on Fri/Sat nights it turns more 'dress to impress' and a bit trendy. The crowd on those nights is usually young to middle-age professionals and students ... there tends to be a few more guys than girls, but still a decent mix. It really depends on the time you go ... can be a great dive bar or a little bit over-crowded trendy bar. Your mood must coincide! read more

This is not a safe place, please avoid. My friend and I (both young women) were harassed and practically assaulted by 2 different patrons within an hour of walking in for the first time. First, while having a drink at the bar and random man reached across the bar to make physical contact with me and then made lewd gestures and facial expressions towards my friend and I after I asked him to leave us alone. After a few minutes of ignoring him, he again reach across the bar to make physical contact, this time with my drink glass. A few minutes later a different person approached the bar near where my friend and I were sitting. To order a drink, he physically pushed himself between my friend and I after we asked him to find another open spot at the bar. He refused to move and leave us alone and instead physically forced his body between my friend and I. He refused to move and we walked out. This was my first visit to this bar and it will certainly be my last. I live in this neighborhood and thought I could enjoy a nightcap at this highly rated place, but I am outraged by the harassment I experienced from 2 different people within an hour of being in there. Please don't give this place your business if they continue to allow this dangerous behavior from their patrons. read more

Look - it's a dive. 100%. If you want good food and good beer, you should go elsewhere. (Actually, you should go next door to Finley's. They have both great food and great beer.) However, if what you're looking for is a relaxed atmosphere, Coors Light, and the chance to play some shuffleboard, giant jenga, or darts with a bunch of regulars (all men), Candle Light will be your jam. Also, bonus, it's a Lions bar. We need a place to watch without being heckled by fans of more successful franchises, and this is it in Denver. read more