Kind of a rubber stamp Larimer LoDo bar... but at least they have been there for quite some time and it is a consistent experience. Â Started a good Saturday out with friends around 9:00, and there was plenty of room and the crowd was was well controlled.
As to be expected, the "make-up" of the crowd shifted by 11:00... you could physically see it happen, like a reverse Dorian Grey. Soon it was shoulder to shoulder mish mash of ball caps and bud light.
We moved on, Â but in the 3 hours there it was fun.
My wife and I stopped in here for the first time a couple of Saturdays just to grab a drink and check it out. We arrived right about 1:00 pm and sat at the bar and visited with Maggie while we enjoyed our drink and watched my Dodgers spank the Rockies on the tube. As we sat at the bar it kept getting fuller and fuller and everone that came in seemed to know each other which was very cool. Now it's 6:00 pm and we are still thier now watching my Kings spank the Devils on the tube and now we are watching and talking and joking with about 10 other couples just having blast.We ended up spending nearly 10 hours in this pub and loved every minute of it.It will definately be a spot we hit everytime we visit Denver now.
Review Source:Easily the best spot on Market St!
My favorite thing about this place is that it's a family owned and operated bar in the middle of what is arguably one of the busiest areas of downtown Denver. On any given night you walk in and are guarenteed to see at least one Nallen on the scene. John Nallen is a friendly, familiar face and he always greets people with a smile and a hearty 'Hello!' Everyone behind the bar (with or without the Nallen name) is friendly, knowledgable, and pours a mean drink.
If you haven't been here, you should make a point of it. I've never had a bad night at Nallen's and I always leave with a strong buzz and at least one new friend.
I've been here a few times cause I'm...you know, Irish, and I like Irish stuff.
This is a pretty good spot to hang in LoDo without feeling like you're hanging in LoDo. (if you catch my drift) Â They have a good beer selection, decent prices on drinkie drinks or shots, (for LoDo) and good service. Â They also have a little patio outside for those quiet nights when you just want to stare into your dates eyes. (er something)
Stopped in for an Irish Coffee on St. Paddy's Day that was tons better than the one I had earlier that morning at McCormicks. Â We were with friends who introduced the GF and me to the owners (The Nallens). Â They were very nice people and we enjoyed the conversation. Â I have been in here several times while doing the Market St. drinking tour and have always found it to be authentic traditional Irish pub. Â Very comfortable and lots of folks to check out. Â Guinness on tap is always fresh tasting and poured like it should be. Â The corned beef sandwich was a great deal for $6.
Review Source:When I went to Nallen's last night, I had a very...unique experience that really proved that what makes this place is the staff.
I came in with a friend because were in Lodo and wanted to check out a new place, and actually decided on here through Yelp.
The place was crowded but had enough room to move around, and it's a well designed space. My friend and I were able to snag a table and ordered 2 Guinness from a server who was on top of her game and got them to us really quickly, despite the crowd. We really liked the atmosphere-good virtual juke box, plus golden tee and a bowling game, but still that old world pub vibe.
Now here's the interesting part. One drunken guy seemed to be annoying another drunken guy who was the table next to us. Things got heated so I started to step back, and the bouncers moved in. There was some exchange of words and then BAM-mace. Yes, mace. The dude at the table next to us straight up sprayed a thick mist of mace.
Here's where I realized how awesome the staff is. About 2 seconds later, mr. mace was in a headlock and being escorted out from the bar. We were all hacking, staff included, but the idiot was taken care of right away.
So that's what really sets Nallen's apart, I think-a great staff that's looking out for their patrons. I'll be back for sure.
Nallen's Irish Pub is more of a bar than a pub -- it doesn't serve food. In the words of someone with a cowboy hat and an unironic mustache, "this is a just-drinkin' bar." Nallen's is also an establishment and tradition among my girlfriend's friends. You'll find random pictures on the walls of this narrow bar, including one of a departed friend of that group. It's a small place and has a cozy, welcoming feel that make it seem like an oasis in this neighborhood of pretentiousness.
They have a variety of beers, including some local favorites on tap, though once an IPA I ordered had a distinct aftertaste indicative of beer lines that aren't regularly cleaned. Tsk tsk. But when I've ordered Guinness, it's been consistently good. Service is good and I've been here for some decent live music.
Having said all that, Nallen's isn't a destination bar to me. It's just a good place to grab a pint and relax. And really, that's what a bar should be...
I just love Nallen's. Â It is hands-down my favorite pub. Â I very much like the family and the regulars. Â Everyone there is absolutely darling to The Boy, Â fronting him dollars so he can play the video game while we drink and gossip and laugh and give and get a rash of shit. Â I've watched their kids grow up there, and now they are watching mine grow. Â It is a tiny little piece of rational real-estate, Â that it's ok to be a grown-up in front of your child once in a while. Â xoxoxo to the whole place. Â
 Oh,  and Maggie's Guinness pour is absolute perfection.  She should get a medal.  If you ask her where the shamrock (in the foam) is,  she'll tell you,  in her beautiful brogue,  "It's at the bottom!"
Been coming here since it opened in the mid-90's, or moved to this location, or however the story goes. Â This is an absolute staple in the Denver bar scene, moslty for it's rich history from the late 90's, it was one of THE places to go for interesting people, not the proud crowd.
I've had some of the best times here, but those were all 'back in the day.' Â It's nearly a cardinal rule isn't it, that bars were at their best when they first opened. Â You can still meet interesting people here, the staff is what you want - Maggie still serves up the best pint of Guinness in Denver! Â I've tried the Guinness at every Irish bar in the metro area (Celtic, Irish Rover, Scruffy Murphy's, etc., etc.) and this is the best one! Â Love the car bombs too, even though they're the same everywhere, it's better here 'cause of the greater authenticity you can feel here, or used to - I'll explain.
I would give the old Nallen's five stars but now it's four for two reasons. Â
First, they used to have those low-profile, worn, thick wooden tables that made the vibe so cozy, I had some great arm-wrestling matches on those and you could really slam a drink down to punctuate your fun after you're done! They're long gone now.
Second, they've resorted to bargaining much of that Irish authenticity for more patrons by adding a video screen plus a D.J. and it brings in some of that proud crowd that I mentioned earlier. Â Doesn't every other single trendy place in the whole nation have a stupid D.J. already? Â At least they haven't completely sold-out to techno rave no-talent B.S., it's just a guy playing tracks from every genre. Â Yet every time I'm there during the dancing it's as if the staff are wearing a universal expression saying 'this is kind of peculiar and funny, even though we're making more money!'
On the weekends, go there early to experience what the place is meant for - good converstaion and libation with good folk, leave when the music and goofy dancing starts, it doesn't belong here. Â Go on a weeknight for sure!
In my humble opinion a true Irish pub in a sea of wannabe's. This is a place you can walk into and feel right at home - a family affair run by the Nallen's who are warm and welcoming - always greeting you with a smile.
The barstaff is friendly and can pour a mean pint.  On my last visit a week ago they  turned me onto a Bailey's alternative - Coole Swan cream liquor. Try it if you enjoy creamy drinks.
What I like most about Nallen's is it is a great place to have a laugh - there is always a character in there that could have stepped out of novel - there is a story to be shared- especially on a lazy afternoon. Look around the walls and there is a rich history of actual mementos.
A relaxed, laid back atmoshpere with a good juke box, Nallen's remains my favorite pub in Colorado.
Nallen's is a neat little Irish pub in LoDo. I like the small size and the decidedly independent attitude. I went here for St. Patrick's Day with two of my sisters (I know, it's totally amateur night, but we decided to take the risk) and we had a fantastic time -- no cover, no wait to get in, nice bar staff, great crowd, and we even scored a table. All three of us loved it and can't wait to go back on a normal night. I like an Irish pub with a bit of history and less of a crowd, and Nallen's fits the bill. Looking forward to stopping here before or after my next Rockies game.
Review Source:Went here for my 21st Birthday! Couldn't have been happier with this place. It was a Saturday evening and not crazy busy. Seriously where in Downtown Denver can you go to a bar and sit at a table and actually hear your friends without shouting? We looked across the street and were happy to not be standing in the huge crowd outside at Maloneys. It was fun. My husband and friend tried a few different Jaegerbombs. They loved them and there were a lot to choose from. The drinks were good all night, and they gave me a free one for my birthday, bonus! The music was great! Loud, but not unbearable.
I don't frequent bars a lot, but if we do go out again Nallen's is where I will go. Highly recommened for a relaxing, casual night out.
I've heard of this place a few times in passing, but I've never been here before. The place is pretty small, but it's very reasonable walking distance for a post game celebration from Pepsi Center.
The staff was nice, the drinks were good, and I'll definitely head back here because of convenience another day.
I'm 100 percent Irish... I love Irish pubs and all the charm and character that comes with them. This place is great for being in the downtown area. This place and the Pour House located next door are two must stops when downtown doing the rounds. I have been to this place during the day, at night, and on St. Paddy's day and I have yet to be disappointed. Being from Michigan and living in Chicago good Irish pubs are everywhere. In Denver there are a few and when you find them you are happy you did. So put on some fuzzy green shirt  or a little green bowler hat and saddle up to the bar and order a shot of whiskey and a Guinness. Chat with some of the crusty regulars and enjoy all the flare and charm that is Nallen's.
Cheers...
Typical commercialized irish pub. Â Too large to be cozy, and not the greatest beer selection. Â But the service was quick, the music loud and the drinks were cold. Â This is more of a place to stop in when you are bar hopping, rather than come here and stay for a while. Â I don't really have a desire to go back, but again, when you're bar hopping, you need some places to land for a second... and this place is smack in the middle of a bunch. Â Good as any for a quick drink I suppose.
Review Source:HOORAY for Strongbow on tap! I love a place that has kegs of hard cider.
We came here last Friday night after a fabulous dinner at Tamayo. I was SO EXCITED to walk in and find that they had a DJ and were playing super fun music at this tiny Irish pub! This is my kind of place!!
The bartenders were super duper friendly. They always kept our glasses full and graciously didn't charge our pregnant friend for her diet coke. I thought that was very considerate!
KILLKENNY Â is served at Nallen's! Â Go try a pint of this amazing beer that has finally made its way to the States. Â What more needs to be said?
Okay, maybe a wee bit more. Â Nallen's is another chill Irish bar with a laid back, all ages crowd. Â Lots of potentially over-the-top Irish fare on the walls, but that adds to the charm.
Nallen's is a great little Irish bar in LoDo. Â I dig it.
Always fun and Mmm, they have Strongbow and perfectly concocted Irish Car Bombs.
The jukebox has a great selection and I am always pleased to play my fave tracks from the Lady Gaga album and everyone there just turns into crazy, nutso, fun dancers.
The bathrooms unfortunately are breeding grounds for overly inebriated people with only two toilets...I'll get over it though because I am a fantastic (and demanding) bathroom moderator.
For St. Patrick's Day I got so drunk I spent the next day sweating in bed, puking up everything my best friend gave me to eat, and laying face down on my green leather couch having what I thought might be an actual conversation with Jesus.
Needless to say in the haze of Dropkick Murphy's songs and strong pours of Guinness and Jameson and gingers I couldn't remember much, but I remembered Nallen's. And for being a bar located in the "Wow, Do You Take Steroids or Are You Just Happy To See Me?" LoDo district it's got to be among one of my favorite bars in Denver. It's real genuine, the bartenders are nice and great at what they do (I love and appreciate all surprise Irish Car Bombs Mook!), the interior is warm and inviting, the clientele sure aren't the worst of what you see in d-bag central, and the drinks are fantastic and taste like bunnies if bunnies tasted like happiness.
In short, you did everything but hold my hair Nallen's. Go raibh maith agaibh. I know it's an authentic joint when I can pick up some phrases from your devoted Irish patrons.
Nallen's is an authentic down and dirty pub with true Irish owners. It's no frills and that's the way it should be. I have to say it's the best Guinness  in Denver.  Both the pour and temperature are perfect.
The staff consistently provides great service and I really enjoy the eclectic crowd. The pub is not overun with televisions but they do bust out the big-screen for sporting events. Overall it's a place to have a few pints and actually talk to your neighbor (which is rare these days).
Nallen's is our favorite bar downtown. Â The owners and bartenders that have been there for years are fantastic... always welcoming. Â Granted, I probably like Nallen's more because of so many treasured memories there.
If you go during happy hour, the drink prices are awesome! Â And you can't miss out on a Guinness or Smithwicks here either. Â If you stay past happy hour, then ask for the Old Chicago menu and give them a ring to place a take out order. Â Nallen's has no problem with you bringing some food over to soak up that liquor.
Don't pass up a shot either.... the shots at Nallen's are very generous.
There are no frills with Nallen's.... it's just a great bar... and one that I'll always return to.
RIP Dann.
You know why I love Nallen's? Â Because just being inside makes me think that I like Whiskey. Â I always start with a shot of Jameson and a Guinness. Â And then after I do my shot and chase it with the beer, I think to myself, "I don't really like Whiskey. Â Nor do I particularly enjoy Guinness." Â And the only way to get over my bad decisions is to get up and do an Irish Jig. Â No, I'm kidding about that last part. Â
I like that this place has endless memorabilia to stare at when you're too drunk to follow your friends' conversations. Â And their jukebox? Â Generic. Â But because I heard the Ting Tings while in there one afternoon (not played on the jukebox, it was actually just playing on the radio) I give them major bonus points. Â And I love the little Irish lady behind the bar. Â Okay, she's not really little. Â And she might not even be much of a lady. Â But she is Irish, and for that they get authenticity points. Â
Maybe next time I'm there I'll remember that I actually prefer Harp and Jager to Guinness and Jameson. Â Probably not.
This is the best bar in Denver (trust me as I have sampled many).
They have the BEST Guinness I have had anywhere in the United States (again, trust me as I have sampled many).
Not a great sports bar, not even a great juke box, but at $4.75 a pint you should be able to make plenty of your own fun!
There was nothing too remarkable about this place and a co-worker and I happened to slide in for a black velvet after work. Â
We were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time and it seemed Nallen's was a place where some people were meeting up before the MLS All-Stars vs. Celtic FC game. Â Not only that, but those people also happend to have some extra tickets to the game. Â My random decision to stop in appeared to pay off.
The three stars is not because I don't like the place, only because I haven't spent enough time there to get a better idea of what might make it special.
Stella. Stella! Stella Artois, that is, one of the many fine beers on tap at Nallen's. This is the best Irish pub that doesn't seem like an Irish pub--meaning they rely on authenticity, not Guinness marketing gimmicks, to define themselves as an Irish pub.
Best part is that on Tuesday nights Nallen's hosts the best trivia night in town, the Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz. And when you're not answering trivia questions, they've got plenty of sports on the TV, which washes down nice with that Stella.