Buddah Lounge   

Sure, it's easy to take the lightrail into Lodo for a night of barhopping, but true connoisseurs of the Denver meet market know that great nights aren't only limited to the few blocks that make up the lower downtown scene. The Funky Buddha manages to bridge the somewhat glaring gap between the cool place for weeknight cocktail sippers and the point of departure for weekend warriors. Drink specials run nightly, with a deluxe happy hour every weeknight and frequent deejay-led excursions into the lands of trance and house. The lounge decor is mainly mod, with high-backed leather booths along the walls and a cozy seating area near the back. While the first floor allows for a more intimate vibe, the second floor is about mixing and mingling. Known as the Ginger Bar, the second floor offers a lively alternative to the sultry privacy of the Buddha downstairs. In contrast to leather booths and dim lighting, the Ginger Bar is a loosely covered outdoor patio with plenty of open space to scope the crowd for your next significant other. After the batting of eyelashes has subsided, new acquaintances can retire to the comfy, low-backed seats and couches for a little tete-a-tete. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday 4-8PM, plus a late nighter Monday through Wednesday, 11PM-1AM.