Where to Cheer on the Avs During the Stanley Cup Finals

The last time the Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup title in 2001, Denver’s population was just over two million, Wellington Webb was mayor, and the average home cost just over $250,000. Twenty-one years later, with 860,000 more people calling Denver home, Mayor Michael Hancock serving his third term, and houses selling for about $650,000, a lot has changed—but not the city’s love for the Avs.

So when the Avs face off against the Lightning for game one on June 15 (you can find the full game schedule here), you can safely bet that any bar and restaurant with a TV will be hosting a Stanley Cup watch party. But those wanting to be close to the action should head to Denver’s LoDo neighborhood. Here, we’ve rounded up six great spots to gather, drink, and cheer on the Avs.

1. Wally’s Wisconsin Tavern

Cheese curds and hockey go hand-in-hand, and Wally’s Wisconsin Tavern has both covered. For the finals, the bar will have a patio beer trough and drink specials every day until the Avs (hopefully) seize the trophy, including $5 Breckenridge Brewery beers, $5 house-made pretzels, and $5 shots of 1800 Tequila and Tin Cup Whiskey. 1417 Market St.

2. Rhein Haus

Next door is Wally’s sister restaurant, Rhein Haus. This lively German-inspired pub is offering all the same can’t-beat specials you’ll find at the Wisconsin offshoot. And with more than 30 TVs and a large projector screen between the two spaces, it’s the perfect place for Denverites to cheer on the Avs while chowing down on a bratwurst. 1415 Market St.

3. Blake Street Tavern

A favorite gathering spot for sports-lovers, Blake Street Tavern is a behemoth. The 18,000-square-foot building has three bars, 68 screens, and seats 1,000, and the adjacent beer garden (featuring a 6-by-10-foot screen) can hold an additional 750 fans. The Stanley Cup drink specials include $15 pitchers of Coors Light, $18 pitchers New Belgium Mountain Time, and $25 Truly Hard Seltzer buckets. And for the game one watch party, the tavern is hosting 104.3 The Fan’s D-Mac and Tyler Polumbus show the Drive. 2301 Blake St., #200.

4. Jackson’s Lodo

At Jackson’s Lodo, the Avs call the shots—literally. The sports bar is offering shot specials throughout every game: When the Avs score in the first period, shots are $3. For a second-period score, it’s $2. Shots are $1 when the Avs score in the third period, and if there’s an overtime score the shots are free. Just be sure to pace yourself; Jackson’s offers a long list of beers and signature cocktails to sip on, too. 1520 20th St.

5. Pour House on Market

All three levels of Pour House are open for the Stanley Cup finals. The sports pub is offering its usual two for $6 happy hour deal, which includes Coors Light, Bud Light, wells, wines, and bubbles. While Pour House typically takes reservations, spots for the games are first come, first serve—so get there early to snag a spot in front of one of the three massive projectors. 1410 Market St.

6. Society Sports and Spirits

There are no bad seats at Society Sports and Spirits, especially when the “fan cave” is open (and for the finals, the downstairs space will not only be open, but it’ll be staffed with a bartender, too). Get there early for the $6 IPA special, and don’t neglect the apps, wings, and burgers on the menu. 1434 Blake St.