Cool bar. Great space in the side for live events. The people were nice, and drinks reasonable. I loved the men's room. Just what you'd expect in a perfect little grimy dive bar. read more

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This is a funky little dive bar on South Broadway that hosts local and traveling bands. We saw Summer Dean here recently and bought tickets ahead of time online. It's mostly standing room for shows, save for one or two small high top tables near the bar. Drinks are good and they have a decent cocktail list. I ordered a drink that had Jones Family gin. We came on a cold night, and it was chilly inside, so I'd suggest to dress warmly in the winter. Cash and card are accepted at the bar, and there is an ATM machine if needed. The restrooms are what you'd expect for a dive bar, so keep that in mind! Overall a cool place to see local shows and smaller travel acts. read more

Really disappointed in the hospitality and patrons. The person who greeted us charged my partner and I full price cover, we got in for a song and a half. We asked why the full charge, got shooed away, f bomb, everything, even after apologizing for asking in the first place. Sincerely bad company here. Would not recommend in the slightest. read more

Love this little venue! It is a great intimate place to see a band. The service and door staff is friendly! Drinks were good.

Any negative reviews are because expectations were too high. I HATE that, and THAT is why I write reviews. Looking for a white table cloth and people with botox? Not here. Looking for fun pool, live music, cool staff, and a good time? Go here. I am a pool player, and like when I find straight sticks. I felt like they just bought sticks. Alex was awesome behind the bar (don't tell him that he looks like Mr. Bell, Widespread Panic fans (he does but doesn't dig the band)), and he ID'd all of us. Efficient, fun, and didn't ruin our Golden Girl bday fun. REALLY enjoyed this place. Can't wait to go back and experience the live music that apparently happens every night. Definitely recommend and see you there. read more

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Best little dive to see live music- been waiting to see Sweeping Promises and with such an intimate space, got to meet the band members who were incredibly sweet- awesome venue, sick band and great sound! read more

Hi-Dive - a man and a woman playing guitar on stage - Two musicians are playing guitars on stage at Hi-Dive in Denver, Colorado, with a drum set and sound equipment visible. The scene is illuminated by red stage lighting. - Dive Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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BEWARE - Good vibe and bar, but they will indiscriminately deny vertical ID's, even if you are over 21. Moved here from another state for college and haven't gotten an updated driver's license? Go somewhere else, because they will prevent entry just for that.. EVEN IF YOU ARE OVER 21!!! read more

It is a dive bar, so that type of atmosphere is typical here, although I've only been to 2, this one having a music venue, which is small. The live music is very loud, but I am older, so I think it's a great hangout for the younger crowd, hipsters perhaps. If you're in the area, worth the experience. Drinks are reasonably priced. read more

In the words of the late, great James Baldwin, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but NOTHING can be changed until it is faced." It was a quiet snowy Tuesday night in 2023 when I found myself strolling down Broadway, listening to "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" by musical genius's Bachman-Turner Overdrive on a yellow Sony discman, and I wanted to CHANGE, so I found myself FACING the warm and welcoming Hi-Dive...I opened the door, and a wave of euphoria filled my body as I stepped into what surely was to be a life-changing experience. I was here to get absolutely shwasted, and ignore my outstanding credit card bills, my child-support payments, and the concerning mole growing larger on my lower back...I came to the right place. The warm glow of the bar lights were like a hug from several senior citizens at bingo-night, and the ACTUAL hug from the bartender was just what I needed, as they whispered "you're home sweet prince" into my ear, and then gave me a soft peck on the cheek. (I offered my Burt's Bees chapstick (TM), as their lips were VERY VERY chapped - but I don't judge). Anyway, I ordered 3 chocolate martinis, and was pleasantly served a High Life and a shot of Jameson (you win THIS time, barkeep)...I pounded both and ordered another. The great documentary "Big Trouble in Little China" was on the TV, which made me feel right at home, as I absolutely crushed another round of drinks...Immediately I realized that their slogan "When you're here, you're family" was NOT a joke! Because I exchanged my hotmail address with every single other bar patron...We talked of family, of politics, of lost loves...we considered opening a pottery business together, and I puked in the urinal (ahhhh, to finally be home)...After about 16 rounds, and a heated argument with the photographer (he only took 4 pictures of my WORST angles), I decided it was time to leave. But as I stepped to the door in my grey velcro New Balances, lightly stained with vomit, I realized...I HAD changed. For the better...and maybe, just maybe, I WILL start that pottery business after all. I winked at the bartender, they winked back...I did finger-guns, they did finger-guns...I changed the CD in my discman to play "Two Princes" by Spin Doctors...and I strolled back out into the snow..It was now Wednesday, I had to be at court in just a few hours..and friends...it has made all the difference... Oh yeah, they have a stage too. read more

Hi Dive is an awesome dive bar that I stumbled upon thanks to my favorite band coming through town. I was a little surprised by the size of the venue, but it is what it is. Drink prices are decent and they have a good selection of beers, mixed drinks and seltzers. The sound quality was great for all three bands, and there was enough air flow to not make the space hot and sweaty! As of 2/2022 - had to show photo ID and vax card. No biggie! The only downfall were the bathrooms.. small and falling apart and really not much privacy. I also did not like that "tickets at will call" were not actual hard tickets. I was unable to bring my plus one and because I didn't have a hard ticket to see if someone outside the venue was looking to get into the sold out show, I had to eat the costs. Hopefully someone got in on my extra ticket.. read more

Hi-Dive - A live music performance at Hi-Dive in Denver features a guitarist singing into a microphone, with drums and a DJ setup visible in the background. - Dive Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

My friend celebrated his birthday here. We just had drinks and food. The band was so cool and creating a good vibe. Nice music! Making me vibe in. The staff were friendly too. Good space inside and gets crowded in night time. We had great time there. read more

A great local dive and music venue. Nothing more, nothing less. It's not trying to be anything more than it actually is. And that's why this place rocks. $10. Cash. At the door. You've been warned. The little abode on S. Broadway books local bands galore. It's a great opportunity to watch live music on the cheap, while discovering a band you probably wouldn't have heard of before. We came here this past Friday to see a local band we really like, Star Garbage (formally known as Babe Grenade). They played a great set, then the bands Honey Blazer and Space In Time performed. Overall, good sound and an eager audience made for a really fun night. $10 for three local bands? Count me in. Cheap drinks and a lively atmosphere make the experience all the more enjoyable. Wouldn't be surprised if large acts played here back in the day before catching their big break. read more

Hi-Dive - Hi-Dive - Dive Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Stopped in last night to see Los mocochetes and Shemarr Allen. The Hi-Dive is the quintessential dive bar with live music. Everything is appropriately dark and dingy. The drinks are cheap, the music is loud and the vibe is old school. The bartenders are attentive and keep it flowing. The crowd changes depending on who's playing but it's usually a bit of an eclectic mix which is just how I like it. read more

Hi-Dive - graffiti on a wall in a dark room - A torn paper with handwritten text and a heart shape, illuminated by purple light, includes names and dates. - Dive Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Love, love, LOVE catching shows at Hi-Dive! It's a small hipster venue off Ellsworth and Broadway that caters to up and coming musicians. When I first moved to Colorado I lucked out and a band from near my hometown in Northern California (The Velvet Teen) played there! I really enjoy smaller more intimate music venues because you really have the opportunity to connect with the musicians. Not to mention you get to take advantage of some cheaper ticket costs! Plus, for those adult show-goers, they do feature a bar serving both liquor and beer. For those evenings where you're not attending a show they have a small pool table too. It's also located near Sputnik and some other restaurants for your post show munchies. Only disadvantage to this part of town is the parking situation. It's all street parking and often times can be a bit sketchy. I've typically parked on Ellsworth and walked a couple blocks to Hi-Dive. I'd be back to Hi-Dive in a heart-beat depending on the show. Who am I kidding, I'd tag along with a friend even if I didn't know the band! read more

Hi-Dive - Dive Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

As somebody who knows bars very well, not impressed. Very hipster high prestige vibes which makes the experience very annoying.

Laid back punk venue/bar. I've been here a couple times for shows and liked it. The bathrooms are very dim and dingy, but that's not what we go to bars for, right? Haha. I would recommend this place as a fun dive to hang out in. Plus they have a photo booth! read more

This is a fun little music venue with a decent, not overpriced bar. Shows here are usually very reasonable, in terms of a cover charge. I've seen my friend play here whenever he's in Denver. He loves this venue, and he's played all over the U.S. and Europe. They have a cute little photo booth, which is super fun when it's 1 am and you're drunk and you need a break from the dude standing next to you in front of the stage who keeps stepping on your foot. You know who I'm talking about. I've never had an issue with the bartenders or security here. Service isn't overly friendly, but it wouldn't be a "dive" if it was. read more

Hi-Dive - Dive Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

What a neat venue! I went for the first time with a few friends to see some local jam bands perform. Friendly crowd, mellow ambiance, and excellent drink prices (very affordable and STRONG!). Cover was $12, cash. They do have an ATM. Overall awesome experience! read more

Watch out. They will rip you off They advertise deals then charge you $2 for mixers. ewww

Ok look, the name says it all... It's a ******* dive. That was never in question. The star rating is relative to that knowledge up front, but it's skewed to the high end based on the staff and the vibes. The staff are amazing! They totally support local music and the community. They treat every customer like they're a local they've known forever. Granted, the place is one star based on atmosphere. Having said that, it's ******* five stars on vibes and feelings. Go in, talk to JJ, have a drink, and enjoy the band. Bring some hand sanitizer if you feel the need... Nobody will blame you. Everybody is welcome. The Hi-Dive is exactly what it claims to be, a dive bar treating you well. read more

Love this bar! Easily within walking distance to other attractions. Great selection of beer on tap. Funky, hipster vibe. Great venue for live music and other fun events: was there for the 45's against 45 and had a blast! read more

Hi-Dive - Dive Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Hi folks. My review is pretty much summarized by this: if youre in Paris, you see the Eiffel Tower. If youre on south broadway, you see the Hi Dive. Its not the best spot in town, but it has friendly service, good music, and is totally S Denver, before all the other guys got in the game. You can't call yourself a S Broadway Go-er till you've been here. check it. And tip your band/bartender. Out. read more

Hi-Dive - Doves and Wolves. Legit. - Dive Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Staff is terribly rude. Alex at the door expected everyone to have their COVID rules memorized. We tried to order a drink off the menu and bar tender cussed at us saying "what the f*^# is that?" We got up and left. In this time, any restaurants or Bars should be grateful to have customers. I'm happy to support local businesses but not when people are not welcoming, moody and cuss at you. This could be a decent spot if the staff was nice. Maybe I'll try it again in a few years. read more

Someone said the bartender's name was David? Anyways, f*ckin 10/10. Oh and the music is great too.

UPDATE: I wish my review from 2013 was a fluke, but after another terrible experience last night at Hi-Dive, I'm pretty certain that they must attract a certain douchey type of concert goer. The opening acts were drowned out by all the chatty Cathy's who felt that this was the perfect time to catch up. When the headlining act came on the crowd was slightly more tame, but still not respectful. The girls behind me blabbed the whole time, were staggering into me, and obviously light-weights. #1stworldproblems #practicedrinkingatyourfrathouse 2/3/2013: I wish there was a way to rate the venue AND the crowd. I have been to Hi Dive a couple of times, and the bands have been excellent. Last night I went to the CD release show for "You, Me & Apollo". I love divey spots to catch live music, and the Hi Dive is really only divey because it's small and located on Broadway. Once again the music was excellent. The crowd however was the rudest audience I've ever witnessed. I swear it was a high school reunion and not a concert. People were talking so loudly that it was hard to hear the first two bands. Then when YM&A came on I could tell that the sound engineer turned up the volume to try and drown out the rude people. The music was great but the "audience" ruined the experience. read more

Great bar awesome times but the only downfall was the bald bartender with a semi creepy porn stache kept playing nickleback on repeat even after being asked to stop and no matter what drink I order he just kept making AMFs read more

The Hi-Dive is awesome. Living in Boulder, whenever I hear about anything happening at this bar, I make the trip. The inside is generally packed, but still reasonably spacious, and there's always rad music playing. I've seen some really cool bands that I've never heard of here, and that just reflects the owners' and curators' tastes. Something magical happens when a bar owner genuinely cares about the musical content at their venue. Furthermore, the beard masters behind the bar are actually hard at work, and are able to keep the wait for a beverage down. For selection, you'll find just about anything on the spectrum. It's extremely refreshing, coming from the land of $2 BOGO Pabst Tall Boys (Tampa, FL), to go to this bar - it's a welcome change from Boulder's standard beer price of greater than $5. What's more, this bar is located on South Broadway, directly adjacent to Sputnik, and very close to all sorts of other cool spots. It's cheap, cool, and loud. What else do you need? read more

Jesus, this place... music is way too loud, there is nowhere to sit, the door guy has tattoos, they don't like scavenger hunts, they don't celebrate 21st birthdays, the bathrooms smell like bathrooms, it's not bright enough, they check for IDs, they judge you when you're judging them, the bartenders don't compliment your outfit, their beer tastes like PBR, the whiskey is definitely well, and they don't do karaoke... Love this place. read more

Let me tell you a little secret. I totally saw Vampire Weekend at the Hi-Dive about 8 months ago. Just me, the band and about 12 other people. You know, before they got huge. And that, my friends, is the reason I love the Hi-Dive so very much. They book incredible bands that play this extremely small venue and tickets are rarely more than $10. Also on the plus side for the Hi-Dive is that the bartenders are always friendly to me, they have cheap beer and one decent drink special every night (like wild turkey or fancy flavored vodka drinks for $3) and they are right next door to Sputnik. This means once the show is over and you're 3 sheets to the wind you can saunter over and enjoy one of the best Cuban sandwiches Denver has to offer. Actually you don't even have to saunter over. Order it at the Hi-Dive and they'll bring it over for you to eat while watching the show. Rock. read more

Here's a snippet of most of my conversations the day after attending a show at the Hi-Dive: "What'd you do last night?" "OH MAN!!! I SAW THIS AWESOME BAND AT THE HI-DIVE!!! IT WAS A BLAST!!!" The funny thing is that I have spent almost a zillion nights at the Hi-Dive, and haven't ever come away feeling like "meh. That was fine." Even if the band isn't my all-time favorite ever, the atmosphere and people watching are spectacular. So, check out the calendar, hop on your bike and ride on over. You'll surely have a great time. read more

Dear majority of Hi Dive showgoers: Guess what! Sputnik, conveniently located on the other side of Hi Dive, has the same owners, ambience, and drinks/prices but you don't have to pay $12 to talk over some annoying guy playing his guitar. Sound awesome? Please, for the love of god, go there. Thanks. I really enjoy seeing shows at the Hi Dive....it's so small, the drink prices are right and I've seen some really great bands/musicians there including Say Hi, Builders and Butchers, Damien Jurado, Maria Taylor, etc. Ticket prices are seldom over $12 and you can go next door to Sputnik for a bite between sets. That said, I went on Friday night for Sea Wolf and had a hard time enjoying it. It was packed and hard to suffer through the openers. Finally Sea Wolf finally came on but the place didn't get quieter - everyone carried on their conversations as though they were in a normal bar. Guess what...it's not a normal bar...it's a music venue. Some people actually paid $12 to see the musician, not be seen. There are about a dozen actual bars within the block, why choose this one? So, yes, I'm very happy with this venue and I'm lucky to have it close to home. The patrons get ONE STAR though. read more

After my first visit to this place I wanted to toss a Molotov cocktail through the door. I'll give them this - truth in advertising. I've been in and enjoyed my time at many dive bars, not so at the Hi-Dive. What I hated about this place - Terrible sound system. For Cripes sake, buy some decent Bass pins, audible sound goes below 1000 Hz. Obnoxious bouncers - thought I was on the East Coast first time I went here. Tiny stage, lousy sight lines from the bar area. Joey Ramone never performed in this dump, he would have been hunch backed afterwards. Drinks way over priced for a place with Dive in the name. I'll give the Hi-Dive this - they offer a venue for local bands that would otherwise be stuck in Mom's basement. read more

The bouncer is rude and immature. He did not display respect for the customers. They allow people to smoke within 25 feet of the door which results in the smoke getting inside. read more

The Hi-Dive is one of the first places that I went to in Denver that made me think, "There IS some element of cool in Denver." It really reminded me of a couple places I'd seen bands play in Brooklyn, and maybe places like T.T. the Bear's in Boston (gah! I miss those places.) My husband's band (Denver's own The Magic Mice) has played there a handful of times now, and I'm always happy when they do because it is a super relaxed place and it is so easy to grab a tasty bite at Sputnik's next door. Booze is pretty reasonable, and it isn't completely impossible to have a conversation while the band is playing if you are in the back by the pool table. The headliner doesn't go on until around midnight which is less than desirable, but what can you do? Oh yeah, the other weird thing is when they do an all ages show (or 16+) they put this huge chain link gate up between the bar and the stage. If you want to SEE the band you have to stand right up next to the gate like a caged beast if you have alcohol in your hand. The last time I went to one of these shows there were about 2 people in the non-drinking section (which is right in front of the stage) and the rest of the people were fenced off to the side. Odd. read more

I rang in 2010 here. It was awesome sauce! We nabbed some great spots right in front of the stage (because I'm awesome like that) and spent the night dancing away to some awesome live bands. The line-up was a bit strange- it went from really uplifting to a slow mellow band. I wish they would've reversed it as I wanted the music to get increasingly upbeat. They had silly little champagne toasts available in little plastic cups for $2, which I found awesome and hilarious at the same time. I found myself drinking PBR all night long (I don't know who I am anymore) and it was cheap (I know it should be but some times places jack up prices on NYE). A great venue- I'd for sure see a show here again! read more

Dive Bar for sure but with live music in-tow, you can't go wrong. I'm no fashionista but if you don't have tattoos or facial piercing, you'll probably stand out more then others as being plain. Either way, you'll be accepted. The sound system here is pretty decent for a dive bar. The drinks were served up quick and cold and without the attitude (unlike Lion's Lair). I like that place and I'd go out of my way to go back. Enuff said. read more

Sound: This is one of the best sounding spaces in Denver. Really, with very little competition. The flip side of the outstanding acoustics is that the drunk girl standing 5 feet from you sounds way louder than she would at most other venues. Bands: As of 2013, some local Denver music vets have taken over the place and I love what they are doing here. The idea seems to be: every band deserves to play and be enjoyed in the HiDive, regardless of genre or hipster factor. This means that local metal and punk bands are treated with the same respect as local indie groups - something that rarely happens in the local music press or in festival bookings. Drinks: I never drink at the HiDive. I don't know why. Maybe because the bar seems so packed. I do appreciate the jug of water and cups. Insider advice: If a show is packed, don't fight across the bar crowd and the fans to find a spot. Instead, walk straight back like you are going to the bathrooms. Just before the bathrooms, turn down the short hallway on your left and you'll come out by the sound booth. It's generally very easy to make your way to the front or to a decent location from there. read more

Insanity! Loud music! Seal noises in the bathroom! Dogs and cats living together! I grade dive bars on a curve based on what they purport to be and this place is an ass-kicking dive bar. Sweeping selection of beers and also some half-assed decent liquor. Bartender who is a lot of fun and pours wicked fast. Clientele is an aberrant mass of local crazies and never ever ever dull. Bathrooms are a bit frightening, probably intentionally. Will for sure be back. read more

Hi-Dive - They actually sell this shirt, which I bought in half a second. EPIC. - Dive Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

This is my place. I'm from Seattle, and some of my favorite venues up there feel exactly like this place--intimate, friendly, comfortably packed, and featuring both smaller local acts as well as better known, well established musicians. It's truly laid back, and the crowd tends to be a real mish-mash of hipsters, nerds, and music savvy 50-somethings, which I can absolutely feel comfortable in. While it's usually packed and sometimes difficult to navigate to the bar, the bartenders are always attentive, get to you as soon as they can, and pour up strong, cheap drinks. I like the layout of the place, too. People who enjoy the ambiance of a bar more can stick to the bar side of things, but the stage is still right there and maintains a good view. The more venu-ie area is darker, more packed, and houses the people who want a more concert experience. Most of the musicians are available and around to hang out, share a drink, talk a little--there aren't many places for them to hide out here, so if your favorite person plays a date here, it's the perfect place to stalk. Just a little. read more

There isn't much that I like more than seeing a show at an intimate sized venue, and the Hi Dive fits that size model just right. Although they aren't going to bring any huge headlining acts, I credit them for steadily bringing in some underrated and obscure artists/bands that I have waited years to see. Although shows tend to start ridiculously late at this venue, I'm not going to complain when the cover is generally an Alexander Hamilton (that's a $10 bill). This place is a complete dive with demolished ceilings, dim lighting, and careless décor, but who cares when generally you can stand feet from the band you came to see and when they have to walk right past you to get on stage. Acoustics could be better, as I prefer the Larimer Lounge a bit more in terms of sound quality, but in terms of the positioning of the bar (which is very important), I would prefer the layout of the Hi Dive. Instead of being behind the audience, as it is at the Larimer Lounge, the bar is located off to the side which makes beverage runs much less of a feat and much more feasible especially when in the front couple of rows. Overall, I am grateful that a venue such as the Hi Dive exists allowing me the ability to see some incredible artists that need such venues to get their music heard. read more