Nice place but shifty bartender i liked this space overall, nice casual place, a break from the generally shitty area of downtown which these days is populated by either annoying panhandlers or corporate geeks attending conferences. I'm giving this place just 2 stars though because the bartender ripped me off. I somehow got charge $9 for a double of a drink that was on special for $2. Ok, ok, call me passive/aggressive for not disputing at the time but I'd had enough conflict that day to dispute it. I'd still go back, it was a nice mix of people. read more

I can easily say I've never been more displeased with a pool bar, and as tough as it is to screw up a POOL BAR, Tarantula Bar has managed to do so with considerable ease. 1) The evening here started with pool, and a Crown & Coke. It was was, undoubtedly, the weakest mixed drink of my lifetime. I couldn't taste a hint of the top-shelf liquor I had just given them NINE BUCKS for. 2) The men's room became a necessary stop here and it is an abomination. 3) The coup de grâce - A woman in a football jersey took her shirt off (only a bra under there) right in the middle of the bar. TWICE! Any other bar on the planet would have 86'd her in a hurry, but here the bartender just asked her (twice) that she please not do it again. Gross. There are enough decent pool bars around Broadway (Felt) and downtown (Zanzibar) to even give this joint a second thought. read more

When I lived in Denver this was my place.. at least twice a week I would come here.. and almost all of my visits were mid week around 2pm.. very rarely would I come here at night.. and if I did it was because of girls I was with.. I am an amateur player and can hang with almost anybody that I would meet here.. I liked that.. Good competition.. and never any drama over a loss. The music - At 2pm.. It was usually me and the bartender paying for the songs.. and we had similar taste.. so I was always happy.. When I came at night there were always weird choices.. people that didnt know how to use a jukebox.. Its just not fair to the establishment to pick 24 (play next songs) by Steely Dan.. Mix it up you old bastards!.. Occasionally there would be a DJ in here.. mostly house/tech.. it was fine.. NOW TO MY FAVORITE PART: The windows...... People watching is superb here.. you have the urban streets busy with walkers and talkers.. and with the liquor store below you always have an interesting sidewalk crowd.. Everything about this place is great.. I really cant tell you how many drunk pictures have been taking of me next to the "tiny door" (youll know it when you are in there).... Im 6'6 the door is probably 4foot even.. ahh good times. read more

I think the boyfriend and I are going to make playing pool at Tarantula a weekly thing. Not only am I not horrible at pool like I thought, I'm actually better than him. I've been here once before and we stopped in for about an hour before the Yelp event at Cilantro Fusion. While not quite in LoDo, it's almost there....but it has more of a Colfaxy feel with the drink prices and clientele. And definitely much more fun. The space is pretty large and laid back and not very busy. They have a few daily specials (on Friday I was enjoying $3 Stellas) and pool is free while you drink. The music they were playing was modern rock favorites from the late nineties/early otts.....took me straight back to high school. A great way to kill an hour or two cheaply. Also close to the Cherry Creek trail so we can ride our bikes easily. We'll be back! read more

The name's fitting. It really does feel like you're going head first into the hairy legs of the treacherous spider, hoping the urticating hairs of bums and other shady street prowlers don't knife you. The grungy setup is a surprising twist from the rest of downtown. I had a strange conversation with a half-Israeli, half-African American Rastafarian at the bar. Something about the cannabis convention being in town. Drinks are mad cheap. The pool tables are decent. Very laid back. The DJ was horrendous. I've never heard Janet Jackson, Will Smith, White Town, Nirvana and the now-defunct Canadian boyband SoulDecision mixed altogether. The women's bathroom is way off. I'm not sure who's idea it was to install bathroom tiles that are colored and textured like an aging human bladder. The doors swing freely like a Western saloon and I almost crushed my little fingers trying to keep them together. I'll be back though. Contrary to popular belief, tarantula bites aren't known to be deadly. Just a little rough if hairs get to ya. read more

Haven't been here in over a year. Nobody distanced, nobody wearing any masks, female bartender was rude, and the atmosphere was terrible. There are better pool halls and hang out spots to go to. We would have spent a few more hours here and money, will never be back. read more

...Read Terry L's review. He's pretty much covered what I had to say (and drops me by name? Thanks for the props, brutha..:) This is what happens when a decent pool hall mates with a dive bar...and stays on the cleaner side of dive. It's a good place to go post-serious-drinks to unwind with a good variety of music, multiple TVs for sports fans (this is not a sports bar tho, we just happened to catch the Rockies playin and goin 14 innings before dropping it, *doh*)... I had no idea the pitcher of Bud LIght was $10 -- seems steep for colored water, heh heh heh. Maybe a pitcher of Fat Tire or Blue Moon, but...:/ Knowing this now, I'd drop them to 3 stars, were it not for the magical fact that when my new Android dropped all power, yay -- the friendly bartenderesses had a phone charger in back. That fit my brand new phone. My top of the line phone. 'Scuse me?! O_o Color me impressed. And tack on another star. There are pool tables galore up here, many tall stools and a few comfy recliners and sofas to take advantage of. The opened doors, when closed, form an ornate wrought iron tarantula...pretty nifty. :) Stairs are navigable climbing even under 3 strong mixed drinks -- your balance may vary. Men's pissoir is back a ways in the bar for those who get easily lost, but accessible and moderately clean. People behind the bar have great attitudes, too. Nice. read more

Came with my two brothers to have a few beers after watching the Broncos lose to the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. Shooting pool wasn't part of our plan but what the heck, if we build up our liquid courage enough we might 'cue up' for a game or two. Plus, this joint was only a block away from the hotel so Tarantulas it is. Walking in through the 1st of 2 doors I notice some guy sitting with his back to us eating pizza at a table just off the 2nd doorway. After entering the second door, the guy startles me as he reaches over and tugs me by the arm. He then sternly asks to see our ID's. I pull out my wallet, show my ID and then proceed to ask, "Are underage kids sneaking in a problem?" His apathetic response, "We ID everyone." After half-heartedly checking our ID's he returns to his pizza. As a road warrior, I have found myself at many-a-bars in many-a-cities and can say this is not common. But then again this is Denver, and I'm unfamiliar with the rules, so I take it at face value. Yet, I would make the following suggestions: 1) Post clear signage stating "Be prepared to show your ID." 2) Don't allow the doorman to eat while on the job 3) Caution the doorman, there are people out there who might punch him in the jaw if he were to tug them by the arm The whole exchange had me thinking if the doorman behaves this way I wonder how the rest of the staff acts. Well, they did not disappoint. From what I saw there were only 1 bartender and 1 busboy working, so service was excruciating slow. After one beer we decided to leave, it just wasn't worth it. My advice to out-of-towners is to skip this joint there are many nice bars within walking distance from your hotel. read more

Pool hall in the heart of downtown. Typical bar to service the pool tables. Wide open spread, tons of pool tables and on the weekends, they are always full. I'm not really a true pool player, but this place was fun. I would guess most pool halls attract the same type people, since I'm not a pool haller, I just enjoyed it for what it was. I'd go back. read more

Tarantula Billiards hit the spot, my roadtrip crew and I had been going at it on the road so hard. We needed a good night out to drink up, Bs and just watch the rest of NBA Finals and then of course play some here. -I am not even a big pool player but glad to find the place, my group and I stayed a few blocks away at the Sheraton hotel. There were plenty of nice drinks to try. Beers were mostly $4 or $5 almost all types, there were a few drink specials of the day. One that caught my attention was LONG ISLAND ICE TEA for only $6. I was thinking man, these go for $13 or 15 back in manhattan, this is too hard to resist. The drink was fantastic, bartender hooked it up, made it nice and strong. I only had to have one other drink that night, was in a really tranquil mood. THE other drink I had was beer, no clue probably PBR, who can remember. One of my other friends in the same time I drank the one LONG ISLAND ICE TEA must have had 5 other drinks, I was trying to explain the drink was just really good, I was savoring every last sip of it, plus I was so happy it was so cheap. You know so cheap and it tasted so good. Great crowd here too, haha- The rest of the people around were cool. I played some pool and won the games I played how about that, I still think I sucked at playing billiards though. Thank you, Denver. The main bartender here was the same woman you see in the main pic here from yelp the night I was there (Tuesday for Game 6 of NBA FINALS). read more

Well I'll be! I have passed by this sketchy pool hall for years and years with amazing stereotypes and images in my head of local drunks and drug deals going on inside. What I found inside was a pleasant surprise and a "shame on me". This is a great local hangout with numerous pool tables, cool staff and really reasonable drinks - considering it is right in the center of downtown. I wish it was next door...well maybe not right next door. Quite a change from the Tom-Douchery of LoDo. I would def recommend for a top notch hole in the wall. read more

Walking up the stairs to Tarantula can be a bit scary for the first timer; I ain't gonna lie. Besides the treacherous steps you might think you're heading in a world of hurt in a den of iniquity. And you'd be right. But once you're there you can get decently priced drinks, good bar service, music and pool. The big winning bonus is all the skeevy characters throughout the establishment. On the last visit a random strange came up to my friends and I (we were at are own table) and asked if any of us would want to smoke some weed with him. He then decided we were decent folk and that he should hang with us even though we all declined. Warning: Those steep stairs are scary on the way up but damn they are hard to navigate back down if you decide to get really wasted at the Tarantula. read more

Alia, our fav bartender, is a sweetheart, but she can definitely hold her own against the boisterous drunkards, when she needs to. This is not the smoky, dirty, pool-shark filled pool hall from the movies. I was actually pleasantly surprised when I first stepped foot in there. The drinks are really strong (or is it they feel stronger because of the high altitude?) and I plan to try the food later tonight, when I go for a birthday party. There are lots of different selections on the jukebox, and an AIR HOCKEY TABLE!! The women's restroom is pretty clean (and has doors on the stalls) and there is a huge aquarium with big ugly fish. You know what they ARE missing, though - there are NO tarantulas anywhere in the place - not on paintings, or on the glassware, or above the bar or on the pool tables. Other than that - it's a pretty clean and nice dive. read more

I find myself at Tarantula quite often. It's a great spot, while "dive bar" is probably apt, I hesitate to use it because it carries a negative connotation. The price of both drinks and billiards are reasonable, the bartenders are simply awesome, and the crowd is always chill. I like it here and am happy to spend my money here. Three cheers for the ladies behind the bar who know their customers and make everyone feel good! Cheers! read more

Brian and Luca were amazing and so friendly, best experience I've ever had in Denver.

It works. For what it is, a downtown pool place the deal is good. You drink, you play for free. Great place to pop in and get a reprieve from the downtown drink prices, and get some "exercise" while you're at it. What I love about pool halls is that they are what I refer to as "Star Wars bars" like the cantina in the movie, all species go here. Oh did I mention Leelas and Shag are downstairs? Dave read more

I have been frequenting this place on and off over the last 6 or 7 years, so I figured about time to right a review. The drinks are still cheap, nice selection, and the new location is pretty nice with a patio for smoking and drinking outside. Besides friends that used to DJ here "back in the day", the food was what kept me coming back, specifically the sandwiches. The recipes are mostly the same, but they have slacked off on some quality and it's just not what it used to be. Bottom line, good location, great place for pool, drinks, meeting up with some friends, day drinking, etc. I will still keep going back. read more

I expect my dives to be a little cheaper, but if you factor in the pool which is usually always free, then it's a pretty reasonable place to hang out. Nice tables, nice sticks, & air hockey. I've never tried the food, but it always looks very good, and I've been told by mostly reputable sources that it is. Aside from the little fight/near shooting I saw last week outside, I've never seen any crap going on here really. Pretty mellow. read more

Absolutely love to hangout and have fun with friends at Tarantula! The bartenders are always super friendly and even on busy nights, drinks dont take too long. Pitchers are only 10$ during happy hour and 12$ out of happyhour, plus pool is free as long as your buying! If you snackish, I would recommend the bar food too. Its not the best, definately typical bar food, but not horrible. It gets the job done! I would not describe the bar as "dive", but rather a downtown billiards bar. read more

Dive bar with shuffle board. Decent table and friendly bar tenders. Few congested spots with so many pool tables. Have been there twice early in the week and it wasn't over crowded. Limited chairs available. read more

Alright, combine the factors of: 1-Cheap drinks 2-Cheap and decent pool 3-Volume level thats a couple clicks below "I'm pissed off and deaf now" 4-Really adorable front door man who looks like he fell out of "Leave it to Beaver" You've got a pretty tasty concoction there. However, Tarantula does have one HUGE flaw... NO DOORS ON THE BATHROOM STALLS!! Alright, so I know that some people can just go wherever, whenever, at gunpoint, in the line at safeway, whatever. But personally...I need a little privacy to seal the deal! All in all a good place to shoot pool, but if your a little pee shy and plan on getting wasted here, be sure to come in with a close by backup plan(I recommend the alley, its nicer) read more

Been here twice in the last month and it has been a good experience! Good drink specials, efficient (and hot!) bartenders. Good selection of tap and bottled bears. They do have some wine and of course, mixed drinks. One of my friends got a bloody mary and it looked delicious! Plenty of free pool tables (full sized at like 8' long!) and they even have Air Hockey! You get about 10 minues of hockey for only $.75! Which is great as I don't play billiards. I haven't eaten here, but they do have a decent menu and my friends appear to have enjoyed the food. read more

Finally dropped by Tarantulas after their move. I was NOT a fan of their previous location, but I definitely dig their new space. It's big and wide open, lots of exposed brick with high ceilings, and of course, plenty of pool tables. The group I was with...well let's just say it was easily the most embarrassing pool game I've ever been a part of, and I didn't help matters at all. The girl working the door definitely had her share of laughs. Servers were fine, I only had water so I can't make any judgment on drinks, but my playing partners were all satisfied. It's definitely a much better space than the old location. It seems like a super fun hangout with lots of interesting folk. I'm excited to go back and continue to be incredibly terrible at pool! read more

Dive bar billiards at its finest! Get a drink and play as long as you can make that drink last even if your its coca-cola. Occasional live music and quality canned music the rest of the time keeps your toes tapping. Only gripe is the bathrooms, I don't think I need to elaborate on this issue. Prices here are very cheap with a super long happy hour pretty much making this the neighborhoods frugal going out spot. A truly mixed crowd also helps to keep things interesting. read more

Tarantula Billiards - Tarantula Billiards Bar - Pool Halls Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I came here for late night pool and beer while enjoying my time in Denver. Overall it was pretty okay. It was late enough that there were very few people and we had our choice of table. Lots of beers to choose from and the billiard table we used was in good condition. The sticky floors and copious amounts of empty bottles and glasses all over the place definitely left a lot to be desired. I wouldn't eat here, but it's alright when it comes to pool and beer. read more

Can little Nicole text me please I love her haha this place was fantastic thank you for the good time

Cool place to hang out if you're staying at the hotels downtown and just want to catch a game or play some pool with friends. Typical bar menu and bar foods. Not a place to go for great service, just a regular bartender. Clean, smoking outside and cool when sides open. I'd go around 7pm or later read more

Wow....this place has really got it down....I was treated good and everybody is so nice. My name is Victor torres...I will definitely recommend this bar to watch sports events and play pool read more

As in the past reviews for this place I too myself have walked past this place and said OH I would go in but I forgot my safety whistle, Then this past weekend I was with a friend who said she had been in there before and it was okay, so I went with her. Then I too was plenty surprised it was not creepy at all. It was not very busy when we went so there was plenty of tables available. You can play for free they just want to you buy some drinks (which are prices fairly), So we played for about an hour and had a couple of bud lights ($3.50 each.) I would defiantly go back. I don't know how busy it gets on a Fri or Sat so I might stick with going on a Sunday. OHHH - One downside was the women's bathroom, One stall was missing half a door, graffiti, a little dirty and extremely small. read more

I love the energy there. It's one lady bartender she's the best really a sweetheart ! The vibe there is the best

Okay, so this review may be slightly slanted as I have lived above tarantulas for the past year and it has grown into my regular spot. It is dark, a little dirty, mismatched bar stools, and I don't think the paper towel dispenser in the bathroom has ever seen paper towels. That being said, it has lots of full size pool tables and the demographic is all sorts of different locals from around the area of all sorts of different ages. The art painted on the walls is awesome and all the different currency taped to the bar is interesting as well. Overall I think the decor is spot on. The real reason I enjoy this bar though is the servers. Maggie, Margerie, and Nicole all do well and are pretty doggone quick and efficient. Given this should be expected where the majority of your clientele drink $2 PBR and $3.50 coors or Budweiser. TIP: come for the pool and avoid the food. read more

Great sports bar/billiards to check out. Especially during the week. Legit happy hour options and free pool during the week

I was staying at the Aloft Hotel across the street and ran out of restaurant options (12/25 evening). Saw the Tarantulas in the corner and gave them a call. Lucky me. Great cowboy hamburguer and Bronco Sandwich. The avocado is spicy though, for the ones that do not like it, my wife is one of them. The fries are also outstanding. Again, they seasoned black peppers. So make sure you tell them not to if that's your taste. Overall very happy. Recomended for sure. read more

Ok,here's the deal.. if you go there to drink and relax then I'll give it a star.. typical right ? Nothing special just a typical bar. Then you add the word billiards.. you have to give it another star. But for a pool player who likes to have a good drink. High quality billiard equipment and a good juke box with killer sound system. It sucks . I'm not being mean but here's why.. the tables aren't maintained at all. The billiard balls aren't clean or never been polished. Trust me it makes a difference. But the thing that bugged me the most, was the lights over the tables. I kept bumping my head on them. Plus the lighting is very old school. The bartender needed help and she was very impatient and not approachable. I'm just saying I wouldn't go there again, but someone who's not into billiards would probably give it a higher rating. read more

So fun just showed up here for the first time and it feels like I'm a local good drinks very good prices lots of pool tables foosball really anything you want to do is here Super Fun Spot definitely recommend it read more

I really miss the location of the former Tarantula's that was on the second floor with more pool tables. But s'pose you can't have ev.e.r.y.thing... Kinda wish there was more lighting in the new location instead of the sun shining through the window. *shrugs* Its an ok venue, but really miss the former location. read more

This place was on our route downtown and it was a cool little find. The workers were really cool and down to earth. This is obviously a pool hall and it has hella tables! Just buy and drink and ask for some balls. We also meet some really cool people while we were in there. The place was really busy and almost every table was take. So if you really want to play a few games you might want to get there early. Especially if it is a weekend night. I went to the bar and grabbed a jack and coke and it was only $5 which was completely surprising to me. I thought it would be like $8 bucks. This was definitely and cool spot to come across and definitely one I would come back to. read more

Cheap pool is what it is. The tables haven't been attended to in quite sometime. They have blatant stains, play fast because they haven't had a new felt in awhile, overall it's a sad state of affairs. I came in for a visit to see an old homestead and was met with disappointment. The tables aren't maintained and have clearly been neglected for lengthly periods of time. Felt bad for my bartender, Ashley, lovely lady, just stuck in the mediocrity that is tarantulas sub par attempt up worth a patron's time. Love the staff, wish they had more to work with. read more

Unfortunately, I had a horrible experience at this establishment. The staff that I encountered at this place has a miserable and rude disposition. The liquor was watered down so make sure and stick to bottled beer. Everything in this place is sticky like a cleaning was done with a rag soaked in Coca-Cola. I ordered food... I was starved okay despite all this I ordered food it took over a half hour and it was the wrong order. Playing pool with friends was great though. I wish I could take this one back but lesson learned I'll find a different pool hall next time. read more

This place is AWESOME and I will continue coming back, but they have some of the worst damn bartenders I have EVER encountered. Ignoring patrons while they take their time making shots or chatting with friends. Desperately needs new bar staff. read more