Billiards, live music and beer are on tap at Denver’s newest bar, now open at a familiar address.
Velvet Banjo, which made its public debut at 741 E. Colfax Ave. over the weekend, hopes to be a hot spot for lovers of “newgrass” music by spinning tunes from a CD-powered jukebox and hosting bands on a small stage. The opening weekend lineup featured local acts Alyssa Medina and Ben Rafferty, among others.
Given its proximity to other venues on Colfax, the owners of Velvet Banjo hope it will become a stop on fans’ trips to or from concerts. General manager Patrick McNally billed it as a beer-and-shots type of haunt with six taps serving predominantly Colorado craft brews.
The concept was originally inspired by McNally’s experience playing league pool. He and his seven partners wanted to create a space where the music they loved was a hallmark of the soundtrack. Co-owner Josh Kravette describes newgrass as bluegrass music with modern influences from jazz, funk, jam, electronic music and other genres – think the likes of Billy Strings and Kitchen Dwellers.
The bar gives new life to a space that previously centered on a musical ethos: the two-decade-old Sancho’s Broken Arrow, owned by Jay Bianchi. That bar was forced to close in 2022 as part of a public nuisance settlement with the City of Denver. McNally and his partners confirmed that Bianchi isn’t part of the ownership group, and they hope Velvet Banjo will be a welcoming space for the community.
“We burnt sage all over in the basement as well as in the bar, so we hopefully got the bad spirits out,” McNally said. “Really what it means to me is an opportunity to change that narrative for this place.”
That opportunity has been a long time coming. Velvet Banjo was originally slated to open in the early months of 2024, but was delayed by the permitting process, McNally said. It also underwent a name change along the way.
When the Denver Post first spoke to the owners last December, they planned to call the spot Yonder Bar. They changed the moniker to Velvet Banjo after the build-out to match the texture of the walls inside, McNally said. (He insists it had nothing to do with potential confusion with other establishments using “yonder” in the name, despite an Instagram post that suggests that was the impetus.)
Velvet Banjo offered happy hour all weekend long during its grand opening on Saturday and Sunday. Going forward, happy hour run 3 to 6 p.m.
Take a virtual tour of Velvet Banjo below:
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Originally Published:
A new, vibrant addition to Denver’s vibrant nightlife culture has just opened its doors on Colfax. Velvet Banjo, a sleek new bar and lounge, has taken up residence in the former Sancho’s Broken Arrow, marking a new era for the notable address.
For many years, Sancho’s Broken Arrow was a beloved name in Denver’s bar scene, luring in locals and tourists alike with its easy-going ambiance and eclectic range of music. Now in its place, Velvet Banjo promises to carry on the locale’s love for music and a bohemian spirit, albeit, with a unique twist of its own.
Located on a buzzing street of Colfax, Velvet Banjo distinguishes itself with its opulent interior, strong drinks menu, and an unforgettable bar experience. The bar has been designed in a striking, vintage fashion, echoing the grandeur of retro velvet lounges. Lush, velvet upholstery, ornate wallpaper, antique-style furniture, and a stage for local bands brings in a sense of grandeur, glamour, and old-world charm that is matched by very few spots in the city.
This new hotspot maintains a strong emphasis on music, just like its predecessor, Sancho’s Broken Arrow. By offering a stage for local bands and a truly unique space for patrons to enjoy live music, Velvet Banjo is encouraging the city’s vibrant local music scene. Dialogue surrounding different genres, the various Denver music scenes, and music history are likely to spark at the bar, over potent cocktails and outstanding service.
Their menu is beckoning and diverse. It ranges from local beers, craft cocktails, to an extensive list of fine spirits. While Sancho’s was renowned for its generous happy hours, Velvet Banjo is definitely following its lead, with a generous assortment of competitively priced drinks that cater to all tastes.
The food offerings have a decidedly Southern comfort flair. You’re sure to find favorites like hearty burgers, crisp fried chicken, succulent ribs, and wholesome gumbo, all competing to tantalize your tastebuds. Plus, they haven’t forgotten about the plant lovers among us; their menu boasts several stunning vegetarian and vegan options!
The Velvet Banjo has hit the ground running, set to appeal to a wide audience seeking a cozy, comforting environment. The owners emphasize that this is a place where everyone should feel at home, whether you’re coming in for after-work drinks, a laid-back Saturday night, or planning on catching a gig from the latest local band.
The arrival of Velvet Banjo on the lively Colfax Avenue scene signals a new chapter in Denver’s nightlife. The combination of enticing drinks, quality eats, and a laid-back-yet-stylish setting means that Velvet Banjo is prepared to share its love for all things sophisticated, Southern, and nostalgic, fitting perfectly into Denver’s thriving social scene. Whether you’re a native, new to the area, or just passing through for a visit, Velvet Banjo is definitely an essential stop in Denver’s nightlife.
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Velvet Banjo bar now open on Colfax, in former Sancho’s Broken Arrow
