As Denver’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community continues to thrive, a new and exciting addition has appeared: Buddies, the city’s newest gay bar. Nestled in the heart of Denver (504 E Colfax Ave), Buddies opened its doors on Labor Day weekend, debuting a fresh and inclusive space for all to enjoy. I had the privilege of being the first to interview co-owner Jack Herrick, who shared his vision and passion for Buddies, shedding light on what sets this establishment apart from the myriad of bars across the city.
What truly sets Buddies apart is its unique status as an employee-owned bar, reflecting a shared dedication among the team to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Here, the motto is simple: all are welcome and the customer’s needs are paramount. Buddies embraces the entire LGBTQ+ community and its allies, providing a safe and vibrant haven for all to come together, celebrate, drink, and forge new connections. Jack went on to say:
“We aren’t going to try to focus on one aspect of the community, we want everyone to feel welcome and be respected. We are going to focus on great service and a great atmosphere. The support of the local neighborhood and the queer community so far has been amazing.”
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Jack is well known in the queer community from his time spent bartending at the Wrangler for 19 years. More recently he was also a bartender at the Denver Eagle. When asked how much will Buddies be like the Wrangler, he replied:
“It’ll be similar to the Wrangler but without the policies of exclusion that the Wrangler had. We want everyone to feel welcome and safe. Like the Wrangler, we’ll have great customer service and a fun atmosphere.”
I went into Buddies during the grand opening weekend. I was delighted by how fast the line moved even though there were easily 100-plus people in there. I waited just a few minutes for my drink. They had a simple but filling menu of bar food, 10 taps, and a shaded patio.
At the end of our interview, I asked Jack if he had any parting words for the readers. He replied, “I want to give a shout-out to the Denver Eagle and Li’l Devils. Those places mean a lot to me. I also want to pass along my condolences for Stromme and Kenny, who passed away.”
I’m excited for Denver to have a new low-key bar to hang out. I found the atmosphere to be friendly and the drinks to be strong! Stay tuned for updates!
Author: Jeff Wilson
Jeff is one of the owners of GayDenver and one of its writers. He is a Denver transplant who loves the city and the proximity of the mountains. He is happily married to his husband and loves hiking with his furbaby Thayella.