Bar 404 — Restaurant in Denver

Bar 404 in Denver is the kind of place you stumble into when you’ve given up on the night making sense and are just leaning into the absurdity. Tucked away in a part of the city that’s easy to miss unless you're looking for trouble—or escape—it’s got the vibe of a digital glitch in the matrix, like you crossed some invisible line between reality and the underworld.

The outside doesn’t scream for attention. No, 404 doesn’t need to. Its facade is a low-key whisper to the weary and the lost, a beacon for those who understand that the best nights aren’t planned. Inside, it’s dim—deliberately so, like they’re trying to hide something or protect you from seeing too much. The neon lights flicker, casting long shadows across the mismatched furniture that looks like it’s seen a thousand regrets and a million bad decisions.

The bar itself is a narrow slice of chaos. The bartenders operate with the manic energy of people who’ve seen it all and stopped caring somewhere along the way. They pour drinks fast and heavy, as if they know you’ll be needing them in quick succession. The clientele is a rotating cast of Denver’s drifters, hipsters, and the kind of late-night wanderers who find themselves there purely by accident—yet never leave early.

There’s a jukebox in the corner, blaring out a bizarre mix of punk rock, forgotten classics, and songs you’d swear were banned from radio for a reason. But somehow, the soundtrack fits the joint like a glove. Conversations blur into a cacophony of slurred words and cackling laughter as the drinks keep coming. Shots, craft beers, cocktails—they're all there, but this isn't a place to savor flavors. No, here you drink to feel alive, or at least forget you’re not.

The air’s thick, not with smoke, but with a palpable sense of impending disaster. Every hour could be the last before the lights flicker out for good. People play pool like they’re hustling for their next meal, and the dartboard—scarred from too many close calls—hangs in the back like a warning to keep your distance.

The bathroom? Let’s just say it’s best approached with low expectations. It’s a war zone of broken locks and questionable stains, a shrine to nights that didn’t go as planned but were survived nonetheless.

Bar 404 isn’t trying to be anything it’s not. It’s a glitch, a rogue anomaly in the landscape of Denver’s polished nightlife. It’s for those who crave something raw and unfiltered, a place where time slips away, and the night unravels in ways you’ll only half-remember. So, if you find yourself there, don’t fight it. Surrender to the chaos, lean into the glitch, and see where the night takes you. Just don’t expect to find any answers—or a way...

I was the victim of a violent, antisemitic attack at this bar. A man called me a “dirty Jew” and said I didn’t belong there. I threw water at him in defense of my dignity—he responded by punching me. I called the police. The bar staff did nothing to intervene during the assault and ultimately kicked me out rather than supporting the victim of a hate crime. This establishment tolerated blatant antisemitism and allowed violence against a patron to go unanswered. No one deserves to feel unsafe or unprotected in a public space. Shame on this place for failing to act with basic decency.

Response to the owner’s reply: I want to clarify that my original review reflects my firsthand experience and sincere belief that I was the target of a hate-motivated incident. I was subjected to an antisemitic slur and responded by throwing water. The other individual then struck me physically, and I called the police to report the incident.

My intent in sharing this is not to defame anyone, but to raise concern about how the situation was handled from my perspective. I’m genuinely disturbed by the owner’s response, which in my view misrepresents what occurred and frames me as the “instigator” of an encounter I experienced as an unprovoked, hate-driven attack.

I stand by my account: I responded nonviolently to a slur and was physically assaulted. Being removed alongside the aggressor felt like a failure to support someone who was targeted, not a neutral or just resolution.

I believe it’s important for public spaces to prioritize the safety and dignity of all patrons, particularly in the face of hate or discrimination. Sharing this experience is about transparency, not hostility, and I trust that others can decide for themselves whether they’d feel protected in this environment.

If the bar’s position reflects the values expressed in their response, then it’s clear we operate from different principles. I’ll always stand with those who speak out against hate—and believe victims deserve...

Review for Bar 404 in Denver

Last night, my band Your Own Medicine played a show at Bar 404, and we had an absolutely fantastic time! First off, huge shoutout to the sound guy—he was incredible! You could tell he really loves his job and takes it seriously. As a musician who's been gigging for the last 20 years, I've come across a lot of sound guys, and many are just quiet and seem irritated. This guy stood out because he was genuinely into the music and really made sure everything sounded great. That's a rare and much-appreciated find!

The venue itself is super cool. We loved the green room downstairs (we even signed the wall—always a fun touch!). Smaller venues like Bar 404 create such an intimate setting, which is perfect for connecting with the crowd. Our fans were packed all the way up to the stage, cheering, dancing, and rocking out with us. It was one of those nights where everyone was in it together, and you could feel the energy bouncing off the walls.

The bartenders were on point, really attentive, and the food was surprisingly good—definitely more than just your typical bar snacks. The sound was great, even for a smaller space, which can sometimes be a challenge. Our set ran from 9-10pm, and it was awesome to have my whole family there, including the little ones, since under 21s are allowed before 10pm.

We’ll definitely be back to Bar 404, and I highly recommend checking it out. And hey, don’t forget to support local music—follow our band, buy some merch, and keep these amazing venues and the local scene thriving....