I used to frequent Jordan’s Bistro and Pub, a TK-year-old Irish pub near the University of Denver, as an undergraduate. The discounted eats were a lifesaver after late-night cram sessions, and the older, grad-student crowd made it feel more like a real bar than a college party. Since moving downtown, though, visits to my old stomping ground have been rare.

So I decided to check out the pub in the off-season (when the students are home for the summer) to see if it still holds the same appeal. And it does.

Jordan’s maintains an Old-World feel, with dark wood high-tops, booths covered in a deep green fabric, a long bar, brick walls, and extensive memorabilia—from a Carlsberg soccer jersey to a Jameson barrel—hanging on the walls.

It also has all the signs of a proper pub: taps offering everything from Bud Light to Shock Top to Full Sail, numerous TVs tuned to SportsCenter or the latest World Cup game, and a waitstaff that’s quick on its feet, always ready to give you a refill or tell you the day’s specials.

I ordered a Shock Top Belgian White—an orange-colored brew that has the perfect lightness for an 80-degree evening—and surveyed the scene. It felt just as homey as before. Older students sat at the bar, taking shots. Two older couples met for a bite to eat. Young professionals gathered for a drink after a stressful day at work.

Indeed, familiarity is the sign of a great neighborhood bar, a place you can return to again and again, never worried that they won’t have your favorite brew or the snack you’re craving.

Bonus: Check out Jordan’s website for entertaining, weekly events, such as Tuesday trivia night, live music, and more.

Happy hour runs daily, from 3 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight.

Drink specials include $3 20-ounce domestic drafts, well spirits, and house wines.

Also enjoy discounted food (like mini quesadillas, wings, and pizza) during the early happy hour every day, and from 10 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday.

2363 E. Evans Ave., 303-733-3936

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.