Grizzly Rock

I was pleasantly surprised by this place over the weekend.  We bought tickets to see the Samples, and after reading the reviews here, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.  There is definitely ample parking, and the inside space is very large.  

The show on Saturday wasn't super crowded, so as a result, this turned out to be a great place to see a show.  There was plenty of seating - we grabbed some bar stools and a table and moved them over near the railing right above the stage so we were looking down on the bands.  There are also booths over by the window that face a large TV where the stage is broadcast during the shows.  This would be a nice touch on a night when the place was packed.  The other surprise was that the drinks weren't really over-priced.  They certainly weren't cheap, but I've been gouged by drink prices at many-a-venue, so $4 for a vodka soda was nice.

I'll definitely consider going back in the future.

Went to the Grizzly Rock on Friday November 30th to see Vertical Horizon.

Lets say what is bad about this venue first, it is located at 6th and Sheridan, which is not a hot, hip part of town. It is in a building that was most recently a Latino Night Club. Let me say this in defense of the Grizzly Rock, the hot, hip parts of town, be it the Skyland area of Colfax or South Broadway, all have shitty parking and are all venues that are much smaller. This place has a big, well lit lot, with taxis waiting outside, and it was easy to get to because I can figure out how to find a frontage road.

Just as an aside, as a guy who lives within walking distance of City Park, the Blue Bird and all that Colfax Jazz, I normally bitch if I have to drive farther than five miles anyway. This is a destination venue, there doesn't seem to be any neighborhood regulars. That aside, most every person at any of the Sobo bars has driven there also, so most of the people who grip about driving to a venue are driving to their hipster bar anyway. It is a rare soul who will troubador their way over to the bar, if for no other reason then that we just don't live within walking distance to most places.

Lets get to the meat of this review. The place has a really cool layout. You can see shows from either the main level (which is about as intimate as you can get) or you can watch from the upstairs balcony. There is about the biggest disco ball in Denver hanging over the stage. The venue has ample bar space so that you basically never have to wait for a drink. A smoking patio on the main level. Bathrooms on both the main floor and second level. Pool tables, a weird retro fireplace area and dance floors on both floors round out the venue.

As an aside, the bar staff was really nice, which seems to be a rarity at some venues now  a days. I always appreciate getting my diet soda comped when I'm the designated driver. Thanks for a great night Grizzly Rock.

I was going to give this place four stars based on the location, but what the hell, they really did it well, and since I can't give 4.5 stars, 5 stars they get.

Great venue to watch a show.

This is a great two-story venue where you can see the stage from both levels. Downstairs there are some tables and chairs (get there early to claim a table, they fill up fast). Upstairs, you can snag a barstool and sit up against the railing to watch the band. Upstairs there are pool tables and bar service as well.

Unfortunately, their service is a bit spotty. I sat by myself at a table for nearly an hour, and the server took drink orders from every table around me, but never came to my table. It wasn't until a friend joined me that the server finally came over. Bizarre.

And, they do not open the doors at the time listed on their website or your tickets. This is important to note, because you will want to get there as soon as the doors open to get a table, but depending on the weather, waiting in line outside can be an unpleasant experience. Remember the incredible heat this summer? No fun.

But, there is plenty of parking and this place is conveniently located at 6th & Sheridan, so it's easy to find.