Editor Pick
The Little Bear
- December 30, 2005
- Rated 5 of 5 by
mplunkert from Centennial, Colorado
Okay, I admit it. I had never heard of The Little Bear when I first moved to Colorado. But when people learned that I was living in Evergreen, one of the first questions they asked was, “Have you been to The Little Bear?” I felt compelled to check it out and highly recommend the experience to most—as long as you are open-minded. It well deserves its reputation as one of the rowdiest mountain bars, but in a fun—rather than an intimidating—way.
Located right smack in the middle of downtown Evergreen, The Little Bear is reminiscent of one of the Old West saloons, from the wooden sidewalk in front of it to its very rustic interior. The building that was once a church and then a drugstore is a setting of stark contrasts. Businessmen in suits and women sporting huge diamonds mosey up to the bar alongside heavily tattooed and pierced patrons in torn denims. And, of course, there’s everything in between, too. One of the major Denver newspapers, The Denver Post, used the phrase “popular pandemonium” to describe the scene. I can do no better. Of international fame, it provides a venue for well-known groups, such as “The Young Dubliners” and “Firefly,” as well as local bands. (My personal favorite in this latter category is “Willie T and the Rural Route Three.”) The dance floor is very small, especially relative to the number of people the two-story building holds, but that doesn’t seem to be a deterrent to anyone. Everyone just dances closer to his partner.
You can order munchies to absorb some of the alcohol you consume. The selection, while not large, is sufficient and ranges from chips and salsa at $3.50 to fried mushrooms or hot wings for $7.
The Little Bear features live entertainment six days a week. It is closed on Mondays. There may be a small cover charge at the door depending on the band and/or the night. You can obtain information on the bands that will be playing on the bar’s website: www.littlebearsaloon.com. The phone number is 303-674-9991.
From journal Day Trips from Denver: Evergreen, CO