Dancing Pines Distillery - Loveland

Dancing Pines Distillery

1527 Taurus Court. #110

Loveland, CO 80537

970- 635-3426

www.dancingpinesdistillery.com

Tasting Room Hours
Saturday 1pm - 8pm

Dominated by breweries, Northern Colorado was in need or something different. Dancing Pines distillery in Loveland proves spirits are on the rise.

Atmosphere:  Dancing Pines is among several warehouse buildings in an industrial park. The building doesn't  look like much but once inside it’s a bit cozier. The tasting room is small and rustic with several small tables and a bar off in the corner. When we arrived the place was packed with people waiting for the final tour of the evening. We grabbed a few drink specials and waited for the tour to begin.

 Tour : The tours begins in the opposite building from the tasting room. The tour guide, who is also one of the owners, gives us the story of how it all began and where the name came from (we will let you hear it from them). After the run-down of the distillery’s history, we are led into a back room over to the stills.  The large distillation room has several holding tanks for the “mash” to ferment.  Also two large stills, the first and most noticeable is a large hand hammered copper pot still made in Spain by a family who has been making stills for generations.  The other still is a more modern design that allows for a process called “reflux” that helps purify the alcohol.

The next room is full of barrels where the aging process occurs.  The guide informed us that the aging process for some of their liquors can take up to two years, depending on the flavor profile they are trying to reach.

The last stop is the bottling room which is lined with the big steel holding tanks. It seemed a little old school, but the bottling is all done by hand with a small bottling machine.  The bottles are then sealed by hand, labeled by hand and put aside for packaging.

The tour ends back at the tasting room where we ordered a few tasting trays which did not disappoint.

Spirits:  We tried both the LIQUEUR Tray  and the RUM Tray,  which included the following spirits:

LIQUEUR Tray

• CHAI LIQUEUR- Winner of a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and their most popular liquor. It has the perfect balance of flavors from whole leaf black tea and five spices.
• BRULEE LIQUEUR -Made from caramelized cane sugars and sweet like the cooked candied topping of Creme Brûleé dessert. This one is the winner of a Silver Medal at the New York Wine & Spirits Competition.
• CHERRY TART LIQUEUR -Made from tart pie cherries, sipping it is like a bite of cherry pie.
• ESPRESSO LIQUEUR -Made with real espresso beans roasted by Cafe Richesse in Fort Collins Colorado. This one is for true coffee connoisseurs!

      RUM Tray

• SPICED RUM – This rum is sweet with  hints of  nutmeg, vanilla bean and cinnamon  stick.
•  BOURBON – With a 44% alcohol content this classic made from corn, rye and malted   barley is a tasty classic.
•  CASK RUM – This rum is age to a perfect light molasses taste.
•  RUM – Slowly fermented with sugar cane molasses, this is a classic rum.

The Buzz:  Distillery tours Saturdays at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm, live music on select Saturdays, merchandise for sale, tasting room.

Pourhouse Bar and Grill - Loveland

Pourhouse Bar and Grill

124 E 4th Street

Loveland, CO 80537

(970) 669-1699

www.pourhousebarandgrill.com

Mon & Tues           11a - 9:30p

Wed & Thurs      11a - 11p

Fri & Sat              11a - 12a

Sunday            11a - 9:30p

When in Loveland we make it a point to stop at the Pourhouse for a few beers and to enjoy some live music. We really like this place but were weary when we heard it recently changed hands. We have reviewed this place in the past but felt it was time for an update and we are happy to report that very little has changed. 

Atmosphere:  The revolving door as you enter gives you the feel that you’re not in an average Loveland bar.  The pleasant low lighting and modern woodwork gives this large space a very cozy and intimate feel.  There is a good amount of seating with several large horseshoe booths, a handful of high and low tables and a large bar area to sit at. The walls are adorned with musical instruments and art work of various music legends. There is also a flamboyantly painted vintage piano at the front of the place. The crowd was made up of younger couples and large groups of guys around the bar as well as several groups in booths and tables. The guys out numbered girls in this bar 5 to 1, but maybe that’s Loveland? And not necessarily a bad thing - ladies? 

Service:  We sat at the bar, as we usually do and received great service. The bartender was friendly and greeted us the moment we sat down. There were several servers running back and forth from the bar to their assigned tables with drinks in hand the entire time we were there.

Drinks:  They feature a well-rounded selection of specialty micro brews on tap and with $2.50 well drinks and pints during happy hour you can definitely afford to try something new.  There is also a large selection of bottled beers available.  With a full bar and a well thought out drink menu it shouldn’t be hard to find the right libation for any pallet.

Food:  The menu appears to have a few new items but includes things you'd expect to find at a bar and grill: burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and appetizers, but everything else is slightly more cosmopolitan. The more impressive items on the menu include bruschetta wild salmon, Pourhouse rib eye and St Louis style ribs. Gone are the stuffed pork chops and lobster tail entrees but new additions sound like tasty replacements.

Amenities: HD TV’s around the bar and a few in the table area, dance floor area, stage area.

Parking:  Parking is available in downtown Loveland.

The Buzz:  Live Jazz music on Tuesday nights, ladies night on Wednesdays with live DJ, Unplugged music on Thursday nights, live music on Friday nights, Happy hour Monday - Friday 11am - 6pm & Sundays ALL DAY.

Monroe’s Lounge - Loveland

Monroe’s Lounge
5542 E. US Highway 34,
Loveland, Colorado 80537
(970)667-7810
http://www.monroeslounge.net
Sun – Thu:  4:00 pm -10:00 pm
Fri – Sat:     4:00 pm – 2:00 am

We like to dabble in sophistication, but when someone suggested we head over to Monroe’s Lounge, in the Best Western Hotel we shuddered! Best Western has a bar? Or better yet- a lounge? But being professionals (and thirsty), we went for it one Saturday night and the place was packed! We quickly realized our notions were way off base and settled in for a great time.

Atmosphere: The lighting in Monroe’s is dim and inviting, with candles lit on every table, on shelves, as well as above the bar. When walking in we were impressed with the large half circle bar that creates a focal point. The lounge is small but cozy and still provides plenty of seating throughout. The walls are painted in warm colors and donned with local art work. There are small wood tables throughout, as well as on the upper level, which also provides booth seating. There is a small stage area across from the bar and on this night a good band was playing at comfortable conversation level. The crowd was mixed with out-of-towners who were staying at the hotel, a handful of locals and a few hardcore drinkers from a wedding party, but all age groups included.

Service:  Service was great considering the place was packed and there were two servers and a bartender. The servers assisted each other in getting orders in and out while the bartender kept the pace mixing and serving drinks.  The staff definitely went out of their way to make sure everyone was well taken care of.

Drinks: The bar is fully stocked and has a well-rounded selection of micros and domestics. The wine list was a nice compliment to the drink menu, which featured some classic drinks, as well as some originals. If you do go for their happy hour, they offer two for one drinks on beer, wine and cocktails.

Food: Monroe’s menu is impressive and reasonably priced. They have a decent selection of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads and specialty entrees like sirloin steak, New York steak and chicken cordon bleu. We enjoyed the chipotle chicken sandwich and the black and bleu burger during our visit and both were served on tasty brioche buns.

Amenities:  HD TV’s, touch tunes juke box, mega touch video games, free Wi-Fi, popcorn machine.


Parking:  There is plenty of parking around the Hotel in the parking lot.

The Buzz: Poker night on Monday and Wednesdays, happy hour daily from 5pm-7pm, trivia on Thursday nights, live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Generations Wine & Martini Bar - Loveland

Generations Wine & Martini Bar
127 W 4th St
Loveland, CO 80537
970-619-8294
www.generationswineandmartinibar.com
Tue – Thu    11:00 am-10:00 pm
Fri – Sat      11:00 am-11:00 pm
Sun             11:00 am-10:00 pm

Blink and you might miss this place when driving down 4^th street in Loveland. Since it was still day light outside, we caught a glance of this little spot on the far west side of the developing downtown area and went in. Once inside we learned this place opened this past January and is mostly a local’s hang out – for now. They have done a lot with the building considering it was once a pizza place.

Atmosphere:  The outside isn’t much to look at and other than the sign out front; you may not think its any type of bar, let alone a wine & martini joint. The inside is painted in grays and deep purples with black carpet on the floor. The walls are lined with old pictures of unknown people to whom we believe represent the name “Generations”.  The bar itself is long and takes up the west side of the narrow building and is lined with white retro style bar stools, that are a bit wobbly but comfy once perched upon. There are tables with couch style bench seating on the opposite wall and a patio opening in the next week. Before night falls, this place is a little on the bright side for a bar but it still has an intimate feel. Classic movies played on a few tv’s and classic music from the 40′s and 50′s could be heard.

Service:  Service was great at the bar. In fact, there were twice as many workers as there were customers.

Drinks:  Generations has a well-stocked bar leaning heavily on flavored vodkas however, for a martini bar we were a little disappointed with their lack of quality gin. They have a couple of micros on tap as well as a selection of domestic, imported and micro bottles to choose from.  The wine list is well thought out, but the martini selection seems to be fluffed with well-known shots turned into a larger martini versions. The lack of originality was made up for with execution of the “Cherry Cheesecake” martini, which managed to be as decadent as cheesecake, yet still light and refreshing. The “Joes” (a classic dirty gin martini) was shaken to perfection and blue cheese stuffed olives were a welcome garnish. Oh and if you are there when the train passes by they offer $2 shots called “train shots” from a dispenser sitting behind the bar.

Food:  The menu isn’t the largest we have seen but is well rounded with a selection of Tapas, flat-bread pizzas, sandwiches and wraps. We enjoyed the roasted red pepper hummus that was served with crackers, pita bread and fresh vegetables.  Everything is very reasonably priced with nothing over $13 and most appetizers are half price during happy hour.

Amenities:  Flat Screen TV’s showing classic movies, gluten free menu, patio.

Parking:  You will have to find parking on or around 4^th street.

The Buzz:  Happy Hour from 3 to 5 pm daily, weekly specials on food and drinks, service industry night every Sunday from 7 to 10 pm.

Scotty O’Brian’s Pub - Loveland

Scotty O’Brian’s Pub

237 E. 4th St. 
Loveland, CO 80537 
(970) 667-9388

Monday 1 pm to close

Tuesday – Sunday 11pm to close

 Wedged unassumingly on 4^th street, in downtown Loveland is this little dive. We spotted it while in route to other locations and had to give it a try.  First impressions say a lot and for Scotty O’Brian’s, there really isn't much to say. 

Atmosphere:  On the outside this place appears to be the typical inviting dive with glowing beer signs. Once inside you will be taken back a decade with old tube TV’s and a stereo playing music from a poorly tuned radio. This dark and narrow bar is a no frills watering hole or maybe better put, watering hole - in -the - wall. There is a bar along one wall and high top tables along the other, leaving just enough space to walk through. The walls are adorned with beer signs and liquor paraphernalia, but nothing other than a shamrock in the front windows implies this is an Irish pub. There is a mirror back to the bar so we enjoyed our own reflections while having a few beers. This is the kind of place for drowning sorrows or intimate one on one time without the worry of being disturbed.

Service:  The service was good, having two people (presumably the owners) behind the bar and a handful of people to serve.

Drinks:  There are 4 beers on tap and nothing fancy. The bar is fully stocked and able to grant you your drinking wishes.  But don’t come looking for anything fancy here.  This is strictly a no nonsense type of drinking establishment.

Food:  No menu or food here unless you consider popcorn a meal. They do have frozen pizza they will heat up for you if you get really desperate.

Amenities:  Video bowling game, Mega touch, popcorn maker, 1 flat screen TV, old school TV’s music from a radio.

Parking:  Parking is available in downtown Loveland.

The Buzz:  Happy Hour Monday through Friday 4 to 6 pm.

Sports Station – Loveland

Sports Station
409 N Railroad Avenue
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 461-8825
http://www.sportsstationco.com
Monday-Friday     11am – Midnight
Saturday-Sunday   10am-Midnight

The Sports Station was not our initial destination but we couldn't resist exploring this transformed train station (hence the name). After a little research, we discovered this historic train station was originally built in 1902 and turned into Sports Station in 2006. Much of the original benches were kept and are currently used for seating. The building itself retains the charm of a previous era while providing sports lovers a place to stay on top of their game.

Atmosphere: We entered the bar through the side door and initially assumed we had stumbled upon another dive bar. The bar itself is a little dim and crammed with a low- key kind of crowd, but  felt cozy at the same time. Flat screens can be seen while sitting at the bar or the outer high top tables along the bar walls. There is also a front door inviting customers in for some casual dining. Between the bar and dining room area is an open game room with video games, shuffle board and other games to keep your children occupied while you enjoy a cold beer or warm meal. The dining area is done simple while the majority of sports memorabilia modestly occupies the bar walls.

Service: This place has a full service restaurant side with servers and separate bar side, with its own entrance.  The bar was fairly busy but the bartenders made it a point to make time to talk to all their guests.

Drinks: Sports Station has a fully stocked bar with nothing much out of the ordinary. The regular domestic light beers are on tap, as well as a few local micros you don’t see anywhere else.  With micros being priced at $3 and a couple of rotating handles, it makes this a great spot to stop in and try something new.

Food:  There are lots of food perks going on here – like; build your own burger, a nightly Prime rib special, 6.95 lunch specials and on Mondays .99 cent tacos!  The menu itself covers it all the American food classics as well as some healthy options like salads and wraps. We couldn’t find anything on the menu over $10. There is a kids menu as well as a small  dessert section.

Amenities: Game room, Touch tunes jukebox, trivia, large patio in front, pool tables, shuffle board, 10 HD TV’s, projection TV, shuffle board, ATM, Toy grab machine, foosball, pinball machine.

Parking:  Parking is available in downtown Loveland.

The Buzz:  Breakfast served on weekends, happy hour 3PM to 6 PM Monday through Friday, Atomic hot wing challenge, Late night happy hour Monday-Friday 9 PM to 11 PM, free food delivery downtown, Uniformed teams receive  $10 domestic pitchers, catering, private parties, patio rental.

Chillers Bar & Grill - Loveland

Chillers Bar & Grill
128 E. 4th Street
Loveland CO 80537-5502
970 – 613-1948
http://www.chillersloveland.com/
Mon – Sat: 4:00 pm-1:30 am
Sun:       11:00 am – 12:00 pm

We like to head south to Loveland for a drink and live music every now and again. When drinking in Loveland, the scene is on 4^th Street. And when on 4^th Street, we can’t help but notice the multi- colored- lights- strands, wrapped around the poles on Chillers front patio. Some might think they are a tad bit tacky, but they seem to draw the natives in like moths to a flame. This place got crowded and crazy on this particular Saturday night, and we were glad to be there to take it all in.

Atmosphere: The Technicolor ”Chillers” sign above the patio out front and glass cube walls, can be deceiving or maybe conflicting once inside. We were relieved to find dark colored walls and an inviting indoor atmosphere, making it a perfect dive bar – in our opinion. The east side of the bar is lined with small tables and stools while the bar itself provided ample seating. There was a back room with darts and pool tables as well as a small stage area up front. Light wood-paneling and brick walls were decorated with quirky pictures, depicting famous rock stars (Bob Marley, Rolling Stones, Jimmy Hendrix & The Beatles). In sync with the music-appreciation theme  are the old ticket stubs displayed  in the well-kept bathrooms. Our only complaint would be the gushes of smoke that blew in from the patio out front, through out the night. As for the crowd- it’s difficult to describe. The back half of the bar was full of 50 year old (and up) hippy types, who more likely than not were fans of the Grateful Dead and Phish, while the other half was much younger, drunk and sloppy. After 10 pm, we recommend staying towards the back of the bar with the old hippies.

 Service:  We sat at one of the cocktail tables and before we could make it to the bartender to order he was at our table.  The service was good and as the place got busier the cook even jumped behind the bar to help out.

Drinks:  Chillers doesn’t quite have a fully stocked bar but it’s awfully close – they are only lacking a few premium liquor choices.  They have the usual domestics on tap with a couple of micros.  And we have to comment on the fact that they have Busch ( and PBR) in a can, as well as their own line of coozies for sale.

Food:  Although we didn’t eat, there is a menu here from 4 to 10pm. It is a basic menu consisting of greasy bar favorites like nachos, wings, fries and burgers, but also provides a few healthier options in the wrap section. They have a monthly special listed on their board behind the bar.

Amenities:  Jukebox, patio in front, pool table, free Wi-Fi, TV’s, darts, fireplace, projection TV, ATM.

Parking:  Parking is available on 4^th street.

The Buzz:  Wednesday night is ladies night with domestic beers and wells for $1.00, Friday and Saturday nights have live music, daily happy hour from 4 to 7 pm with $2 domestic drafts and wells.

Henry's Pub - Loveland

Henry’s Pub
234 East 4th Street
Downtown Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 613-1896
http://www.henrys-pub.com
Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Downtown Loveland is booming with new stores, breweries and restaurants, but for us it has become our new destination for drinking. Henry’s pub advertises, on their website, that they have the largest selection of alcohol in the area and that’s all we needed to see to give them a chance.

Atmosphere:  Located in historical down-town Loveland, Henry’s pub is a small but inviting brick building. Inside, the dark, cherry-stained wood walls and warm colors gives it a very comfortable, yet masculine appearance. There is a variety of dark wooden tables throughout as well as booths along the outer walls.  There is a large bar area in the back of the building, with plenty of seating and a few flat screen TV’s. The walls are decorated with the works of local artists and softly illuminated by track lighting, while the rest of the place is dim.

Service:  Upon walking in we were greeted by two hostesses who quickly sat us at a table. Our server was prompt and polite with a good knowledge of the beers on tap. We eventually made our way to the bar, where service was friendly and prompt as well.

Drinks:   Henry’s touts having one of the best selections of top shelf liquors around- and they are correct. While they may have not had all of our favorites, we certainly couldn’t deny that they have a great selection. Now if 18 year old scotch isn’t your thing, then maybe one of the several local craft beers (that they keep on a constant rotation) will wet your whistle.

Food:  The menu consisted of good old American food with many seafood selections. We ordered the Sourdough Burger ($11.99) and the French Dip ($8.99) and both were fresh and tasty. The rest of the menu is what you would expect – Appetizers, Salads, Desserts, Burgers, Soups, Sandwiches and entrees like Steak & Shrimp and Buffalo Meatloaf. Upon first glace, prices seemed immoderate, but after finishing our meals, they were worth it.

Amenities:  HD TV’s, free Wi-Fi, catering, local art on display, kids menu, heat lamp.

Parking:  Street parking is available in downtown Loveland.

The Buzz:  Sunday night fish fry 4 to 9pm, Monday through Friday lunch specials from 11 to 4 pm, happy hour Monday through Friday from 5 pm to 7pm.