The 9 Best Places to Watch the Colorado Avs

We can’t all be season ticket holders—or follow the boys around the continent. When your circumstances call for catching the puck drop on TV, hit up any of the Colorado Avalanche watch bars on this list for guaranteed viewing, audio, and specials.

STiX CraftHouse

Here’s a business model we can get behind: STiX remains open for two hours after any Avalanche game. That sort of hockey-first mentality permeates across this Arvada bar and grill from its hours to the space itself. There are 20 TVs around the bar, including a 108-inch projection screen for a larger-than-life view of Gabe Landy’s winning grin. In between periods, you can battle out your own 20 minutes of glory on a bubble-hockey table or serve your time in a real penalty box. As for food and drink, STiX pours more than 20 local Colorado brews and dishes classics like wings and poutine. But whatever you’re holding, make sure you have a firm grip because staffers sound a real airhorn with every Aaaaaavalanche goal. 5777 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. R100, Arvada

Tom’s Watch Bar

There is no bad seat for viewing the game at Tom’s, where there are televisions two stories high. Just a skip around the corner from Coors Field, this Valhalla of a sports bar is wallpapered with flat-screens (seriously, the place has more than a hundred), including a 12-screen conglomerate over the bar so you won’t miss a pass or puck drop when you’re getting a refill. Munch on crowd-pleasers like Tom’s Famous Prime Rib Dip, and if suds aren’t your speed, there’s an array of cocktails like the Cactus Ass Kick, a Cuervo creation with hibiscus, prickly pear, and lemonade. Nice touch: Like any good Colorado Avalanche watch bar, Tom’s has a viewing schedule online. 1601 19th Street, Unit 101, LoDo

SoBo 151

If the glowing burgundy A in the window doesn’t tip you off, perhaps entrees like the Red and Blue Liner (a burger with hot sauce and bleu cheese), the Zamboni (a grilled cheese with ham, bacon, sauteed onions, and tomato), the Penalty Box (a chicken sammie with shrooms), or the Game 7 Overtime (a platter of schnitzels and wursts) will. Put on your stretchy pants and head to Czech-owned SoBo 151 before the puck drops for traditional fare and bar classics, plus a Pilsner Urquell or two. 151 South Broadway, Baker

Society Sports & Spirits

Unless you’re at a dedicated Colorado Avalanche watch bar, it can be tough to find a spot with audio. But at Society, you don’t need to compete for sound. Different “sound zones” across the LoDo space allow for the promise of Marc Moser’s enthusiastic play-by-play calling no matter the other events displaying on the three projectors (including two 70-inch screens) and 28 flat-screens. Try Society’s famous chicken-fried bacon with a Tincup whiskey glaze, and wash it down with a 20-ounce draft. 1434 Blake Street, LoDo

Sportsbook Bar

With game-time drink specials for every match and a menu filled with burgs and sammies, the Book is about as classic as Erik Johnson putting guys into the boards. Find outposts in Greenwood Village and Wash Park, but our fave is in Highlands Ranch, where south siders can enjoy an LED video wall and 39 TVs shellacked around the bar (plus game audio). Cross your fingers for a Wednesday contest: All-you-can-eat wings and fries for $16.99. 52 W. Springer Drive, Highlands Ranch

DNVR Bar

“A place for the diehards,” they claim, and they mean it: The East Colfax DNVR Bar goes hard for the Mile High City’s athletic endeavors, so much so that they record podcasts right on site, including one on the Avs. Pick at a plate of Avalanche Nachos (add steak—it’s what Landeskog would do) while you debate the Film Room footie and watch one of the 23 TVs. DNVR members get access to even bigger watch parties and tailgates, taller beers (22 ounces instead of the standard 16), and 15 percent off their bill—so if you’re in the market for a new home base, consider becoming a regular. 2239 E. Colfax Ave., City Park West

Blake Street Tavern

Hockey is a game about statistics. Like five, the number of points Mikko’s already logged this young season. Or three, the number of times the Avs have won the Stanley Cup. Or 65, the number of 4K-ultra, high-def TVs you’ll find around Blake Street Tavern, so you can watch Nate MacKinnon dominate every single wall on your trip from the high-tops to the beer garden and back ($20 pitchers of Breckenridge beer are nice). Blake Street plays most local sports and a handful of out-of-market games, so you may have to meander through the different rooms for best viewing, but with so many midweek contests, audio is generally blaring. 2301 Blake St., RiNo

Misfits Sports Bar

With happy hour until 7, a list of domestic drafts that runs deeper than the Avs’ bench, and a menu filled with tan-colored food south of $10, this dive should satisfy you for all three hours of Avalanche gameday. In between periods, slide off the red-leather bar stools and head over to the pool tables or the dartboard to fire off a few shots of your own. (Don’t worry, there are still TVs surrounding the gaming areas, so you never miss a replay.) Nine 75-inch screens and another nine TVs scattered throughout the restaurant mean that there’s no bad seating, and if the Colorado weather’s cooperative, they’ll even play audio on the patio. 11475 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood

303 Sports Grill

Admittedly, most of the spots on this list aren’t the best for kiddos. But if you have a budding Cale Makar on your hands, 303 could be the watering hole for you. The ambiance is light and bright, and the kid’s menu has basic versions of all the standbys: burger, hot dog, wings, and more. Enjoy 33 high-def flat-screens, plus local brews across the taps. 303 plays every Avs game with audio, too, so no need to faceoff with rowdy football fans. 8025 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton