The Denver Wrangler

I stopped by for a drink after dinner recently during my trip to Denver. I loved how big this place is! I’m used to small bars in the Bay Area, so seeing how big the space is was a big plus.
I ordered a vodka cranberry, my go to drink when I don’t know a bar; in my mind if they can’t get a vodka cranberry right, the rest of the drinks are not worth trying. It was in a big glass (bigger than bay area bar glasses) and it was only $ 2.50! I have never paid so little for a drink! I felt like buying drinks for everyone! except I didn’t because I had to get up early for a meeting.
Music was all over the place, but I remember hearing country a couple of times. I walked around the bar for a bit and I saw there are pool tables in the back, and there is a small room with arcade games.
Overall it seems like a nice place to meet friends for drinks!

My partner and I spent New Year’s in Denver on vacation from Southern California. After reading reviews, we decided that we would ring in the New Year at the Denver Wrangler. We went to The Wrangler in the afternoon to make sure we knew where it was located and to check the place out. The afternoon bartender was very polite and made us feel welcome.
We returned just after 9 pm and found that the bar was already getting crowded. We checked our coats, ordered drinks, and made our way to the back bar (lounge). Although we were from out of town we were a little surprised by the lack of friendliness from the «locals». We ended up sitting at the bar. The bartender, although VERY busy, was friendly took good care of us. It got very crowded after 10 pm when the D.J. started playing and the dancing started. Again, the club’s «Bear Dancers» were very friendly to the locals but paid no attention to us.
As we rang in the New Year at midnight the bar was so crowded that it was difficult to make our way back to the bar or the bathroom. We retrieved our jackets and left, for the most part satisfied with our experience (realizing that New Year’s was probably their busiest night, so the crowds were to be expected). Overall I would give the Denver Wrangler 4 stars.
When we returned to the hotel, my partner discovered that our spare car key and hotel key card were missing from a zipped pocket of his jacket. We figured that as busy as the place was, we would never find our key and chalked it up to a loss. The next morning we left Denver, making our way to Durango. My partner noticed that he was actually given the wrong jacket from the coat check, thus the reason our items were missing. I called the Wrangler and told the bartender who answered the phone our situation, hoping that my partner’s jacket was still at the bar. Thankfully his jacket was still there and our keys were still in the zipped pocket. I offered my credit card number to have the jacket shipped home. I was pleasantly surprised when I was told that the jacket would be send to my house at the bar’s expense. The jacket arrived with our belongings still in the zipped pocket and we mailed the jacket we were given by mistake back to Denver.
For this reason I am giving the Denver Wrangler 5 stars and would like to thank both the bartender and manager for sending out jacket back home. When we return to Denver this summer preparing for our move to the area we will definitely visit the Wrangler again.

Straights not welcome. Many gay friends, so I visit this establishment. Totally profiled and asked to leave solely because I’m straight. Go to Charlie’s or Xbar!

Ok. It’s a busy night and the bar tenders are working hard and as fast as they can. I accept that. But I don’t accept bartenders with bad attitude and selectively ignoring customers! Time to go to another bar!

I have fun here when I come in with all my «boyfriends.» Beer bust on Sundays are fun and you drink too much, but there is not too much weirdness. Everyone is super nice, and they let ladies in! You will probably be one of very few ladies but still fun. Pride weekend they close off the parking lot and have a big party. Good people good beer. This is the more masculine gay bar in town, so if you are looking for some bearded flannel this is the place!

The Wrangler is a great bar, and a fun place to relax without having to endure Top 40 and go-​go boys. The Beer Bust is a Sunday must ($ 10, 4 hours, unlimited beer), and attracts a variety of queer men, something you don’t find at a lot of gay bars. On weeknights, the Wrangler is a fun place to kick back, play some pool with friends and relax. Having recently moved to Denver from out of state, this place is truly awesome, and I wish more cities had something like it.

It’s…just not the type of place I enjoy nor does it have the clientele I prefer to be with. I tend to favor a friendly crowd and I always prefer not being groped without my permission. Mostly, it’s the lack of friendly faces.
This is based my experiences and yours will likely vary.
So: They have liquid refreshments. One star.
They’re conveniently located if you’re nearby. One star (by default, natch).

Still my favorite spot to chill with friends on a Sunday afternoon. Great staff and awesome drinks since to don’t drink beer. They have a great beer bust and the bar gives relentlessly towards charity, a huge plus for me as I’m active in the LGBT community. Thanks Denver Wrangler for being an icon to our community.

I’ve been going to the Wrangler for years and the staff has always treated me extremely well. Beer Bust on Sunday’s is my staple go to activity — not only is it a great atmosphere but it’s a charity event for various groups in the community.
Although I have been asked to leave on a few occasions as I was hitting that fine line between being ok and being overly intoxicated, the staff was polite and even walked me out to make sure I got in a cab and got home safe. Far too many bars will just kick you out, but Wrangler takes pride in being a safe and responsible place to congregate. And as long as the Wrangler is open, I will be going there.

I love everything about this place. Great bartenders, awesome management, killer security, amazing bar-​backs and support crew. I can’t imagine going to Denver and not spending a good amount of my time here! Affordable and a ton of fun! Keep up the good work!

I’ve been going to this business since 2010. I did received a charity event from this business because of a 2^nd degree assault and kidnapping that happened to me. I did avidly sponsor this business by wearing their employee shirt many times. I worked Beerbust for the Colorado Rush Rugby Team. Phil the manager liked that I wore the Denver Wrangler shirt outside this bar. I physically have issues walking maybe that’s why I got asked to leave. Maybe it was the security guard that got told by a grumpy customer that he didn’t like my answer to his invitation to a bbq. I posted on Facebook asking why this happen. The managers reply is below.
«Phil Newland: If you were showing signs of visible intoxication, you will be asked to leave. We have strict policies, and we enforce them. You’re not banned for life or no longer permitted to enter the bar. Last night my head of security felt you were done for the night at the Wrangler. So, you were done for the night at the wrangler.
As far as being unjustified, I’m afraid you are mistaken. We make the call, and there’s no conversation about it.
Additionally, tagging me in social media will not get a positive response out of me.»
Security guard gave me no justification nor did he know about my physical impairment. I have 3^rd degree burn scars on the entire bottom of both my feet. Phil know about this.
I hold a Top secret clearance. Worked for USMC, DHS, DOI, Sun Microsystems, IBM, HP, and Comcast. My Ethics and Morals have to be on point. I have no DUI or a criminal record. Regulars at Wrangler have never seen me drunk. I’ve also worked as a Security guard merchant guard licensed at Club Vinyl, Church, Funky Budda, City Hall, and Bar Standard.
This businesses customer service has been lost. Prices continue to go up. Prejudice against women is still present and against anyone that isn’t a bear type man for that manner. This is not just my opinion I have had close friends ask me why I still go here. Beerbust was $ 8 a cup now it’s $ 10-​$ 12. Pitcher of light beer is above most businesses in the local area. Cocktails $ 6 and up.
The Staff has lost several veterans 10 plus years of service because of lost of customers and revenue. David, Steve BF, Tom B., and Security guards. Food service use to be catered with a large selection. Now it’s just burgers and hot dogs.
You can do better then this. Charles, X-​bar, Eagle all have a bust of sorts. Breweries and Wineries have better Happy Hours.

I went to the Sunday beer bust. The manager and bartender was the rudest people in the community. I was in full drag and was escorted out of the bar for asking for customer service. They stated that they have been in law suit before with Transgender. And lost. So I needed to leave.. Hopefully they will close thier doors soon. Discimination is not a way of life. It is a way of hate. shame on you I’m ashamed that your part of the gay denver community. I will reach out to the liquor licence board.

I’ve never been to a place where the staff treats you like you are NOT a paying customer. I’ve had several staff members literally go out of their way to be RUDE!

My honest opinion is this…
There are a lot of fun LGBT bars in Denver but this place isn’t one of them.
This is my honest review there is no hatred anger or malice with this review.
This place was nothing special to write home to Mom about or would I consider it fun…
Just that simple…

Beer bust was a ton of fun. Everyone was extremely friendly, the bartenders were quick and efficient afterwards, and there is quite a lot of things to do there ranging from the dance floor, dart boards, pool tables, bar video games, and conversing with some great people.

Great place to grab a drink during the week without it being a crazy loud place or an overly dull deserted one.
Weekends are always a blast, good DJs always on point with the tracks and fun friendly staff. And they have real men dancing during Sweet!
Beer bust is always a blast, a staple of the weekends in Denver. Big patio in the summer is always packed with men, and women, from all the subsets and cliques.

I don’t get all of the hate for this place. They have come a long way since the «femme» hating days, and for that, I am grateful. As a straight woman, I always feel welcome in this place. No hatred here.
Wrangler is a bear bar, yes. What’s a bear you say? Look at the pictures on the walls, and the pictures outside of this place. That’s a bear. That is enough to drag your ass over to Uptown for a drink. I am personally a fan of the one picture hanging on the left wall right when you walk in. It depicts one burly man hugging another from behind, with angel wings behind them. I am not sure why I find this picture so great, but I really want it. Where can I buy this?
Drinks are always cheap and the bartenders don’t mess around. You give them sass? Hold onto your pants because they will sass you back 10x, all with a smile.
The legendary beer bust happens on Sunday afternoons from 4 – 8 PM. All you can drink beer for $ 10, and the money helps local gay charities and clubs. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went to my first one, but it is a who’s who of the gay scene. Everyone I know and their Mama, Daddy, brother, and everyone in between is here. I even served beer during one bust, and those bitches are thirsty. Lots of people come to socialize and don’t drink beer because it’s a time to show off those guns on the large patio. This is the place to be on Sunday afternoons.
So get over the so-​called hatred. I am always welcome here, as you will be too. Not a bear? So what, who cares? Come anyways. And stay away from my favorite game. A game I have named «The Naked Man Game.» Don’t know what I mean? Don’t worry, you soon will.

Attended June 19, 20, 21 and 22, 2015. This place is full of mean people! (Google won’t let me type in what I really would like to call them.) If you are not a local, or visiting alone, you can expect to remain alone because NO ONE will talk to you. The locals only chat among themselves and shun any attempt by you to try to make conversation. I mistakenly bumped into another patron, a local, and I said sorry. He looked me straight into my eyes and said, «Yeah, right!»
Unless you are a 9 or 10 on the beauty scale, expect to be shunned and ignored. Even if you are a 7 or 8 on the beauty scale, you WILL BE IGNORED by the locals. The only people who will talk to you are the other visitors from other states. You can spot them easily as they are also standing against the wall, alone as no locals talk to anyone except the people they are with.
The only positive thing I can say about Denver Wrangler is the older bartender was very pleasant and the other one Mark I think was just OK. He tolerated my questions. Oh yeah, the smaller but yet still larger than most folks door man was a TOTAL MEANY (again, Google will not allow me to call him what I really want to call him.) I asked him some questions about the Sunday «Beer Bust» and he acted like I had just asked him to work for free in a gold mine. He rudely pushed me off onto one of the bartenders to answer my questions. He could have just as easily have said I don’t know, please ask that bartender. But no, Denver is full of mean gays and if you travel there, bring your own chatting companion or you WILL BE lonely and felt left out for not being a local.

I have patronized this establishment for years but lately something seems amiss. Things have changed over last year. The bartenders are preocupied with maintaining the status quo and only engaging the regulars. The attitude has changed, as have the prices — all for the worse. The clientele tend to be cliquish and self-​absorbed. My first impressions have been shattered by the arrogance I have witnessed consume the bar. What a shame.

The doormen are rude, the security is a bully, and the manager is a total prick. If you think you are safe inside this bar, think again — I was assaulted by a stumbling drunk patron and the bar manager (Phil) turned a blind eye, lied to the police and kicked me out. The police dept even commented about the numerous complaints they receive about this establishment. The bar wants your money and could care less about its customers.
The staff needs a huge lesson in treating people (& paying customers) with respect, which they do not. I would never set foot in this place, EVER. They are a disgrace to the community.