Take a deeper dive into a 'hood filled with absinthe, GQ haircuts, and time-traveling cowboys

Denver LoDo area

Remember that song by Lil John and The Eastside Boyz, "Get Low"? Well, it was about LoDo. Don't argue. And while we could never create a piece of art like that, it seemed only appropriate to focus the first of our series of neighborhood deep-dives on Denver's most drinky of 'hoods

A Music Venue At Its Peak:Summit Music Hall1902 Blake St; 303.487.0111Booking every single act imaginable that can draw crowds of up to 1000 people, Summit's got everything from DJs to hardcore (not on the same night though, that'd sound like sh*t). And unlike the expensive beer and crap food at plenty of venues, they serve delicious Marquis Pizza, pour seasonal local brews on tap and in cans, and offer decent sightlines from practically anywhere, though the staircases that lead up to the balcony have the best views.We've got more on Summit, here

Have The Happiest Of Hours On Larimer Sq:Osteria Marco1453 Larimer St; 303.534.5855Osteria is one of the many Bonanno-owned restos heartily embraced by Denverites, likely because of its affordable, approachable, delicious Italian eats, and great patio on Larimer. And yet the happy hour goes as unappreciated as turducken at a vegan potluck, despite rocking $4 meatball sliders and a selection of craft drafts like Odell's IPA.Go here for the rest

A Magazine-Worthy Cut:GQ Barber Lounge1605 17th St; 303.991.1010Catering to the grooming habits of Mile High's dudes since '96, GQ offers the usual cut and color with services you can't find at most neighborhood shops: massages, waxing, and straight razor shaves. Ask for Adina when getting a shave -- she's been gracefully slicing hair off of faces longer than anybody in the shop. Stick around for a custom massage, which uses techniques from Swedish, deep-tissue, and sports to make sure you get exactly the kind of massage your body craves. Make sure to say, “Ay, there's the rub”, repeatedly.Click here to design a gift certificate at GQ

Worldwide Sugar Highs:Rocket Fizz1512 Larimer St; 303.893.4355A sugar high's the 2nd most popular legal high in the state, so hit Rocket Fizz's imports table, filled with sweets like German Kinder Bars, Canadian Coffee Crisps, Fudge Sticks/ Buttons from the UK's Cadbury, and even bizarre flavors of Pocky you'd be hard pressed to find elsewhere: almond crush, ivory, and strawberry cream.Is that a Rocket in your pocket or are you just happy there's more info here?

Dress Like A Time-Traveling Cowboy:Rockmount Ranch Wear1626 Wazee St; 303.629.7777The originators of the Western snap shirts surprisingly aren't stuck in the past, churning the same shirts with the same old boring designs. Instead, they're constantly introducing new looks, offering retro-style prints that have art deco and '50s influences, and hawking boots, bandanas, and even silk ties. Sit with the owner Steve and prod him for stories about celebs who've hung out with him and shopped in this very store. The list is practically endless, and there've been a few Beatles, Clapton, and even famous people who aren't British music legends.Class it up: check out Rockmount's collection of dress shirts, here

A LoDo Classic Pours A Cocktail That Won't Make You Hallucinate:Wazee Supper Club1600 15th St; 303.623.9518With decidedly old-school vibes and a rep as a place to enjoy a pint and a pizza, it's a little surprising that Wazee Supper Club has an absinthe bar within its walls. They're pouring four types of Green Fairy from Switzerland/ US/ France in the traditional manner (tulip glass, silver spoon, sugar cube, a knife if you wanna cut your ear off like Van Gogh), and two 'tails, including the Kubler Absinthe, orange liqueur, OJ, lemon drink, The Dixie.Info up the Wazee, after this link

Drink For Free, YOUR NAME HERE:The Front Porch1215 15th St; 303.825.3516The underground 15th St bar with a bustling scene and street-facing windows that open up wide when it gets nice out somehow hasn't gone out of business, even when, for six nights a week, they give free drinks all night to anyone with a certain name. Hit up their Facebook for the calendar, and you'll notice guys with normal names like John and Matt can take advantage. There's gotta be some catch, right? Nope, this place is just that awesome.But there is more info here, kid

Photos by Summit Music Hall, Osteria Marco, GQ Barber Lounge, Steve Crecelius and VISIT DENVER, Makala Maclagan, The Front Porch, Wazee Supper Club

Denver Summit Music Hall
Pizza at Osteria Marco in Denver
GQ Barber Lounge in Denver
Rocket Fizz in Denver
Rockmount Ranch Wear
Wazee Supper Club Denver
The Front Porch restaurant in Denver