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In his novel
The
Subterraneans, Jack Kerouac tells the tale of a frenetic love affair set in
a shadowy underworld of jazz clubs and gin joints. Though the back alleys of
Denver were probably more seamy during his days in the
Mile High
City, present day beatniks
looking for looking for kicks down the myriad side streets of LoDo don’t have to
worry about getting jumped on the way to the club. Located somewhere between 14
th,
15
th, Larimer and Market streets in
Larimer Square, a heightened urban acumen
is required to find
Slim 7.
The hidden position keeps out the uninitiated and directions
to this club might read like the way to Neverland: Second alley on the right
and on till the first dumpster. There’s no sign, though occasionally,
flickering torches light up the entranceway. The lounge identifies itself as
“garden-level,” but descend the seven steps and the vibe is more “hip
underground bunker level.”
Décor: It has
been mentioned that there are seven stairs leading down into Slim 7, hence the
“7” part. The “Slim” moniker relates to the girth of the club, which is
probably no wider than ten attractive bar patrons. The space is a study in
minimalism, ultra sleek with a European feel. Narrow and cleanly defined, the lounge
borders on basic, but not boring. A simple bar is to the left and a couple of
cowhide settees with low wooden trunk tables are arranged in intimate groupings.
White stucco walls are bathed in soft blue hues and there are some interesting
accents, but they can go unnoticed as everything is the same off-white color.
Of particular interest is the upside down fireplace complete with actual logs
and mantle when you first enter the bar area. It’s bizarre, but not as odd as
the bright green fake grass walls in the restrooms making the stalls
reminiscent of a walk in Easter basket. They may seem out of place, but provide
a comfortable support for the overindulged. Towards the back, behind a sheer
veil is the VIP area and DJ stand.
Drinks: Though
alcohol is thankfully not one of the seven deadly sins, Slim 7 has created
cocktails to represent the other capital vices. Ranging from Lust to Greed,
these concoctions are strong enough that over imbibing could lead to eternal
damnation. The bottle service is popular and $100 specials on certain nights
could turn even the most parsimonious into pimp. Bottles are served in what appear
to be antique sea chests outfitted with ice buckets to keep your vodka chilled.
Crowd: Apparently
the unattractive have not yet acquired the street savvy to find Slim 7 as the
crowd is always young and sexy. Originally a service industry haunt, things
don’t get going most nights until after 11 p.m.
Bottom
Line: Though there are an abundance of neighborhood
bars, it’s rare to find a neighborhood club, which would be an accurate
description of Slim 7. You might feel like an outsider the first couple visits,
but not in an unwelcome way. Once dinner is over, this subterranean lounge is a
classy way to wrap up an evening.
Slim 71443 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80202
303-359-8273
