In your 20s, game day means cheap beer and sticky floors. In your 30s, you want craft brews and wings that don’t disappoint. Some friends bring toddlers, others check scores between meetings. You still crave the electric buzz of a big play, but shouting over blaring pop music? Hard pass. Focus on killer game-day grub and space to cheer—or not. These Arvada spots deliver both. Let’s kick off.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$$ | (303) 421-1032 | WEBSITE
You want a little bit of sports action this weekend, but you’re also not stepping foot anywhere near a crowded stadium with overpriced tickets. That’s where Applebee’s comes into play. This classic American grill is one of Arvada’s most reliable spots and also a place where you can still see the real people of the neighborhood (the ones with kids and grocery lists) in their element.
You’re going to eat a lot of Bourbon chicken with grilled shrimp and garlic mashed potatoes, drink more soda refills than you planned, and chat with a friendly server about the game on the screens and feel great about it. Grab the Really Big Meal Deal for $9.99.
Buffalo Wild Wings
$ | (303) 467-2999 | WEBSITE
You’re old enough to know what a disappointing sports bar feels like, so the last thing you want is to settle for soggy wings and slow service. Go to Buffalo Wild Wings for a reliable night out instead. This spacious sports bar in Arvada is ideal for any sized group, no matter if you’re looking to keep things intimate or invite everyone from your fantasy league. Expect tremendous wings, known for their crispy texture and delicious flavor.
And, if you’re with at least a few friends, get the fries and a round of drinks. The experience includes attentive service, especially from staff like Mersadies in the bar area who ensures drinks are always fresh and timely. It goes well with the restaurant’s selection of Pepsi products.
Howie’s Ralston Lounge
$ | (720) 531-3114 | WEBSITE
Howie’s Ralston Lounge is a solid pick for most casual nights out simply because everybody can find something to enjoy. But it works even better for a Saturday night because that comedy lineup never fails to turn into a complete party by the end of the show. And here, the party consists of you and your friends going to town on a bucket of beer that comes with frosted mugs and only costs about $20 for the group.
If you aren’t catching live comedy in a friendly neighborhood bar with your friends by now, it’s time you started.
Cheapskates Action Sports Bar
$ | (303) 423-7770 | WEBSITE
One of the first things you learn as a sports fan is finding a bar that works for everyone on game day isn’t as easy as it sounds. That said, suggest meeting up at Cheapskates for football Sunday, and you’ll still get the crew to rally.
Located across from the RTD station in Olde Towne Arvada, Cheapskates is equal parts sports bar and community hub, meaning if you have friends who want to post up at a table with their dog all afternoon and watch the game, and others who are still in the business of high-fiving strangers at the bar, everyone will be happy.
The Bloody Marys are legendary (we love the spicy, well-seasoned weekend brunch version), the atmosphere is always lively, and if you get hungry, there’s a menu of solid bar snacks and the best chicken wings in town.
Bout Time Pub & Grub
$ | (303) 650-2729 | WEBSITE
Bout Time Pub & Grub is a cozy bar & grill in Arvada that toes the line between a neighborhood hang and a full-on sports destination. A visit here will certainly be relaxed (with friendly staff making you feel welcome all night) and you might not find the noise of other bars, but who cares? The food is consistently good and the laid-back atmosphere makes it feel like you’re watching the game inside a comfortable living room.
If you’d prefer some entertainment, Bout Time has Bingo on Tuesday evenings with adult toys as prizes.
The Grandview Tavern and Grill
$ | (303) 422-0781 | WEBSITE
The Grandview Tavern and Grill is a tavern that proves game day doesn’t have to be a hassle. The casual sports bar in Arvada has a cool, old-school interior, a great, local beer selection, and a classic pub menu. You know a night is a success here when, at some point, every inch of your table is filled with chicken sandwiches, salads, and baskets of crispy fish and chips. You might even ask your friends how they’re liking the game and not get a response. Don’t stress.
They’re all too busy cheering and groaning, dipping and dunking, and ordering pint after pint of beer.
Sideways Sports Lounge
$ | (303) 424-7748 | WEBSITE
Sports bars with dozens of TVs can feel overwhelming for a casual dinner, but then you remember it’s game day and all you want is wings and a cold beer with some buddies. Make Sideways Sports Lounge the spot.
This walk-in-only neighborhood bar in Arvada gets packed quickly during big games, but if you’re fine waiting 20-30 minutes for a table for six, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best bar food around—all in a comfortable space that feels like a cross between a family-friendly grill and the kind of sports lounge you might’ve hit with your teammates after a rec league game.
Only now you get to watch every matchup on their screens and eat as many buffalo chicken sandwiches (or any other special they’re running that night) as you want.
The TRN Grandview
$ | (303) 720-6469 | WEBSITE
One downside to your 30s is that friends start to move further away from you (i.e. they have kids, mortgages, and…OK, we’re bored just typing this). If you’re looking for a spot that’s easy to get to from various parts of Arvada, go to The TRN Grandview. Not only is this casual hangout located right in Olde Town, but the vibe—which pulls influence from sports bars, social hubs, and entertainment venues, to name a few—is consistently good.
Think golf simulators with a variety of courses to choose from, putting practice that’s well-received, and an open bar that’ll get the party momentum going early. Bonus: Keenan the bartender is right behind the counter for post-simulator camaraderie.
Secret Level
$ | (303) 632-8681 | WEBSITE
At some point in your 20s, you wandered into a dimly lit arcade, played a few rounds of Street Fighter, and deemed it your favorite hangout spot. You weren’t wrong. But now it’s time to bring the whole crew to experience what makes this Arvada venue truly special: their incredible collection of vintage games. The kid-friendly atmosphere runs all week long inside the welcoming space.
For about $20 per person, you’ll get plenty of gaming tokens plus a satisfying meal of waffle fries and chicken nuggets. The food isn’t going to win any culinary awards, but that’s fine because, frankly, there’s pinball machines.
Jack’s Bar and Grill
$ | (303) 456-7624 | WEBSITE
“Just grab a burger.” You’re in Arvada, and apparently, the only place you’re supposed to eat is some generic chain. Skip all that and head to Jack’s. This local favorite has been around for years, serving satisfying food at fair prices in a friendly environment (get ready for a great vibe). The staff is attentive, everyone dining here is in a good mood, and the kitchen makes some of our favorite breakfast chimichangas in town.