BOTTOMS UP!

Right off the bat, there were many things that I didn't notice about The Bank Bar and Grill. No khakis. No button-down shirts. No pungent aroma of cheap cologne. No LoDoesque, mid-eighties, yuppie vibe that is so prevalent in many of downtown Denver's bars.

It was what I didn't notice that made me immediately take a strong liking to The Bank Bar and Grill.

What I did notice, as I walked through the giant wooden doors, was a mellow Beastie Boys song that boomed from the jukebox to greet me. I looked around at the clientele lounging alongside the nicely sized bar in hooded sweatshirts and blue jeans. I stepped into a giant room full of tables, booths and a grand mezzanine overlooking it all. Could it really be that there is a quality bar in Denver with a laid back atmosphere? The Bank Bar and Grill just might make this girl a believer.

In some ways, The Bank is like any other bar in Denver. They have a menu filled with sandwiches and pizzas, a full bar and a few pool and skee-ball tables scattered around the main floor. One instantly senses the small differences, though, that set this bar apart from the pack.

The main floor bar is situated underneath a gigantic mirror, in which there's a reflection of you staring down at yourself enjoying a beer. The bar offers 20 different beers on tap, from Guinness to Beesting Honey Ale, as well as specialty mixed drinks such as car bombs and Jamaican ten speeds. After ordering your drink, choose tunes by everyone from Janis Joplin to Jane's Addiction at the jukebox, also located on the first floor.

If the main bar is crowded, venture upstairs to the mezzanine and another loaded bar. While you're there, sink in and relax in one of the sofas lining the walls of this lounge area. Most importantly, while you're up there don't forget to catch whatever game is on the big screen television.

The food at The Bank is surprisingly refreshing as well. Though most dishes are the average bar standards, the menu includes quite a few vegetarian options, and every sandwich comes with fruit and coleslaw. Plus, you can't go wrong with pizza, especially with toppings from artichoke hearts to pepperoni. Almost everyone can find something he or she will be happy with.

Perhaps the best aspect of The Bank, however, is their fantastic happy hours. You heard it right, not one, but two happy hours. The first is from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm Grab any well drink and get a chip that's good for another well drink or beer on tap. The chips are good for up to an hour after happy hour. The second happy hour goes from 10 pm to midnight and those chips are good until closing. Generally, the last call comes around 1:30 am, so you have plenty of time to get in those drinks. Get ready to double your liquor and double your fun.

The Bank is also getting ready to open up the third floor area, which will house a number of games, such as ping-pong and air hockey. The mezzanine bar and the pool tables will be transferred to the game room as well. Keeping all of the games in one room is an absolutely ingenious idea. There is nothing more annoying while you're eating or having a drink with friends than hearing the piercing click-clack of an air hockey game. Soon, customers will be able to choose between games and dinner.

Sure, The Bank is not surrounded by lots of chain bars and microbreweries, and it doesn't have a mile long line just to get in. You aren't blown away by deafening music or staggering crowds when you step through the doorway. It's what The Bank Bar and Grill doesn't have that makes it what it is: a fun, laid-back place to meet friends and grab your favorite beer.

If you're tired of the average Denver bar, try one where you can kick back and enjoy yourself. Take a relaxed attitude toward having fun. Grab some friends and head down to The Bank.

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