Opening Report: Beetle Bar Brings the Speakeasy Vibe Back Without the Fuss

John Elliott and Dave Cleland who own Southside Bar & Kitchen have revamped the Beetle Bar into a space with a speakeasy vibe. To get inside, patrons knock on the back door of the space located at 3014 East Colfax. A hostess will seat guests on a first-come-first-serve order, serving 28 guests at maximum capacity.

The bar is open Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. with talented bartender Anthony Giovanni is helming the cocktail menu. A variety of small bites are available to enjoy with the drinks, a menu that differs entirely from the one at Southside. There are always six craft beers on tap, changing periodically.

Expect to get the full speakeasy feel listening to the sounds of old jazz, soul music, and some blues. The bar's decor goes along with the speakeasy vision, filled with reclaimed barn wood and chandeliers from the late 1900s.

Elliot and Cleland wanted Beetle Bar to have a completely different feel than Southside, saying, "Downstairs is the party joint," and Beetle Bar is the mellow spot where people can hang out, talk, enjoy really fun drinks.