Lion's Lair

The Lion's Lair is a small but essential Denver rock room on East Colfax with a size that belies its outsized reputation. The 110-person 21-plus space books almost every night of the week, running through punk, alt-country, singer-songwriter, indie, folk, Americana, and straight-up rock; Wednesdays are open stage. However loud the bill, the low ceiling and narrow layout make every show feel close and personal, which is the whole appeal. For guests, it is one of the more character-heavy live music stops on Colfax; for artists, it is a legitimate Denver rock stage with a well-established audience that shows up for the music.