Denver wrangler gay bar

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A Pride beer bust is scheduled for June 17.

Although Wrangler is a mainstay in the local LGBTQ scene, it has also had problems in the past. Plans haven’t been finalized, but the hope is to have a large outdoor patio space, a dance floor, satellite bars for watching sports or having a low-key conversation, and a retro arcade, Dawkins said.

The Wrangler’s long-running Sunday Beer Bust, which supports area charities, will continue in the new location, he said.

Dawkins had told the Denver Post that the ruling cited several facts that were false.

Dawkins could not immediately be reached for comment.

Longtime gay bar Denver Wrangler has announced that it will be closing its doors at the end of June after more than two decades in the city.

The Wrangler moved to its Whittier location in 2016, leaving its home in the Uptown neighborhood.

They officially announced the closing on their website Sunday evening. Dawkins had told the Denver Post that the ruling cited several facts that were false.

Dawkins could not immediately be reached for comment.

Tracks Denver nightclub is only a few blocks away.

The bar will close on June 25, according to an announcement on the bar’s website.

Its closing was first reported by Out Front.

At the time of the move, owner Chris Dawkins said the former location had gentrified from small and queer-friendly businesses to Starbucks and chain restaurants. A Pride beer bust is scheduled for June 17.

Although Wrangler is a mainstay in the local LGBTQ scene, it has also had problems in the past.

The Wrangler is planning a full remodel for the Downing Street property, he said. In 2014, Colorado regulators ruled that the bar had discriminated against a man by denying him entry while dressed in drag and noted a history of discriminating against women and effeminate men.

For the past 21 years, The Wrangler has offered a home to Denver’s LGBTQ community, especially the hairy ones.

denver wrangler gay bar

A farewell beer bust, Wrangler’s long-running event that supports local charities, will be held on June 24.

The following week they will host their final Sunday Beer Bust on the June 24. “Now there’s a Starbucks and a chain restaurant on every corner. The Denver Wrangler, located at 3090 N Downing St., will be shutting its doors permanently on June 25.


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The Denver Wrangler, a longtime Denver gay bar, is leaving its Uptown home of nearly 20 years and relocating to larger pastures in Whittier.

Wrangler owner Chris Dawkins said in an interview that the move to 3090 Downing St.

was spurred by the evolution of Uptown, which once had several small, unique and queer-friendly businesses. They’re the only ones that can afford to be there.”

Denver online magazine Out Front first reported the Wrangler’s planned move.

The Wrangler intends to depart its 1700 Logan St. location by the end of July and reopen — with zero downtime — at 13,000-square-foot new locale, once occupied by Tosh’s Hacienda, he said.

“We’re hoping that other bars see the value in that.”

Alicia Wallace: 303-954-1939, awallace@denverpost.com or @aliciawallace

Longtime gay bar Denver Wrangler has announced that it will be closing its doors at the end of June after more than two decades in the city.

The Wrangler moved to its Whittier location in 2016, leaving its home in the Uptown neighborhood.

A farewell beer bust, Wrangler’s long-running event that supports local charities, will be held on June 24. Its closing was first reported by Out Front.

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At the time of the move, owner Chris Dawkins said the former location had gentrified from small and queer-friendly businesses to Starbucks and chain restaurants.

“What we’re trying to do is form a new gay neighborhood,” he said, noting that the Tracks Denver nightclub is just few blocks to the north. The new spot will be roomier than the Wrangler’s current digs by about 5,000 square feet. Sorry! He said the bar was trying to form a new gay neighborhood at its new location on Downing Street and East 31st Avenue.

Dawkins noted the closure of businesses such as JR’s and the looming changes to the Tavern Building, which is targeted for demolition to make way for a apartment complex development.

“We’re witnessing the gentrification of 17th Avenue and property values have gone 20 to 30 times what they’re actually worth over there,” he said.