Going out for a drink before a show is one of life’s simple pleasures. Lucky for you, Longmont offers lots of options (even more if you’re able to scoot a few miles up to Lyons). Whether it’s IPAs and bluegrass bands or margaritas and wrestling matches, everyone can find a watering hole and an event that suits their tastes.
Diner Bar
160 Main St., Lyons
Diner Bar is 1960s meets neo-traditional meets mountain hideout meets late-night dive, all tucked into the coolest building on Main Street in Lyons. This summer, Diner Bar featured a plethora of concerts on the patio, and this fall will surely play host to lots more, as well as fun events, like the Wednesday Night Tease burlesque show, or weekly karaoke. Pair your experience with one of Diner Bar’s off-kilter takes on old classics. The Kimchee Fries are a savory treat, and since you’re already in uncharted territory, give the Cotton Candy Martini a whirl. More of a bloody mary fan? They’ve got five varieties of ’em.
ON STAGE: Wednesday Night Tease (21+ event). 10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30
300 Suns Brewing
335 1st Ave., Unit C, Longmont
The folks behind 300 Suns Brewing are so into Colorado sunshine they named their business after it. This summer, the taphouse on 1st Avenue shone bright with live music, like Colorado bluegrass group Weld County Ramblers, or singer-songwriter Gii Astorga. This fall, 300 Suns has a number of performers swinging by the space; round out your listening experience with the newly tapped Three Archers Belgian-style Tripel, a mildly sweet, citrus-forward sip that you wouldn’t believe is nearly 10% ABV. Pair it with the best spicy chicken sandwich in Colorado — seriously, the Nashville hot fried chicken sandwich took first in the Denver Post’s annual food challenge bracket — and you’ve got a winner.
ON THE BILL:
Sam Pace. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9
Valerie Bhat. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Left Hand Brewing
1245 Boston Ave., Longmont
It seems there’s nothing Left Hand Brewing Company won’t host in its beer garden, and for that, we thank them. There’s never a dull moment: RC car competitions, mandala classes, drag trivia, summer markets, bounce houses, and, in the coming months, the brewery will celebrate 30 years of keeping Longmont refreshed with a month of OG releases, like the hop-heavy Jackman’s Pale Ale on Sept. 5, or the fan favorite Polestar Pilsner on Sept. 19, a true pilsner that, according to Left Hand, will make you “see the light.” Sept. 21 is Left Hand’s official anniversary, and the staff will roll out a bourbon barrel aged-stout for the occasion.
ON TAP:
Oktoberfest 2023. Fri.-Sat., Sept. 29-30
Bootstrap Brewing Company
142 Pratt St., Longmont
Bootstrap Brewing Company keeps its schedule full. On any given day, odds are the brewery is hosting a musician, a game night or a local food truck. Every first Thursday, Denny Driscoll invites strangers to make music with him on stage, and on Fridays, there’s surely an act stopping by for a jam. The main event, however, is the beer, and our favorite right now is the Medal AF Mosaic IPA. For grub, there’s a constant rotation of mouth-watering options, but Pork Hub, which is there every Friday this fall, features a reuben sandwich piled high with a half-pound of thinly shaved housemade black angus pastrami.
ON THE BILL:
Warm Before the Storm. 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31
Denny Driscoll Plays with Strangers. 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7
Statute of Limitations. 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22
Summit Tacos
237 Collyer St., Longmont
If you’re not paying close attention, you might miss Summit Tacos’ cozy location, tucked into a row of homes just off Main Street. But do not be fooled — inside the gate is a world of local excitement, and an unlimited stash of a supplement they call “Vitamin T”: tacos and tequila. The house margarita checks every box: It’s sweet and salty, with a bit of a kick, all while staying refreshing. But the star of the show is Summit’s selection of authentic street tacos, like the can’t-miss Cochinita: Yucatan-style pulled pork with achiote, topped with pickled red onions that really tie the taco together. Every other Wednesday there’s a Queer & Nerdy Game Night. Music with Wolf is a recurring one-man band offering Celtic tunes, and Aug. 26 has a treat in store: Rocky Mountain Pro is setting up a ring for high-flying wrestling.
ON THE BILL:
Rocky Mountain Pro. 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
National Taco Day. 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4
The Speakeasy
301 Main St., Longmont
There’s always something going on inside Main Street’s Prohibition-themed party. On Mondays, The Blues Cats fill the room with soulful jams, and on Tuesdays up-and-comers can showcase their wares during open mic. Wednesdays and Thursdays are all about karaoke, Friday is an all-out dance party, and Saturday rounds things off with a slate of live performers, like Mothatung, who’ll be returning to The Speakeasy on Aug. 26 for a night of funk rock and hip-hop. The Speakeasy’s drink menu is classic. The Planters Punch, a simple trio of Kraken rum, housemade simple syrup and fresh squeezed lime, is sweet with a little bite. And every speakeasy needs an old-fashioned, so try this Main Street staple’s take with chocolate bitters.
ON THE BILL:
Mothatung. 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Oskar Blues Taproom & Brewery
1640 S. Sunset St., Longmont
Oskar Blues’ original taproom on Sunset Street is the place to be. On Tuesdays there’s trivia, on Thursdays there’s live music, on Fridays you can enjoy music on vinyl, and six-pack Sundays are sure to help you beat the scaries before the work week begins — every six-pack is $6. The on-tap selections are diverse, with a few must-haves: the Mas Lima is an American light beer that’s about as refreshing as it gets, and if you’re looking to expand your beer palette, take a step into “Juice’s Lab” and sip on the Won’t You Pale Ale, a New England hazy brewed with Mandarina hops, giving the pour a full, citrusy taste full of orange flavor.
ON THE BILL:
Vinyl Fridays. 4 p.m.
Six Pack Sunday. All day.
Abbott & Wallace Distilling
350 Terry St., Suite 120, Longmont
Every last Wednesday of the month at Abbott & Wallace’s gorgeous open air space, the crew plugs in the controllers and breaks out various consoles for game night. Wallace’s Malt Whiskey is as good as it gets, so pair your Mario Kart skills with a Mile Highball, combining whiskey with amaro arancia, house bitters and soda water for a relaxing sip. Looking for a spread? The wild game sausage platter is tough to beat, featuring a weekly selection of sausages and a whiskey pairing for five extra bucks. Just make sure you wipe your fingers before hopping into the Smash Bros tournament.
ON THE BILL:
Game Night. 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30
Mojazz. 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1
Danny Shafer. 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9
Tom Pevear. 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
