4 Denver hangouts where a night out could lead to a funding

by Anthony Sodd
July 29, 2015

Ok, so you’ve set up the big meeting. It's with a big investor, or maybe a potential partner. Maybe you’re planning on acquiring a rival startup or hiring away their top-talent. Regardless, this meeting is a big deal. It could make or break your company, your career, your future and ruin your good name. So why in the world would you ever host it in a soulless, sterile conference room under harsh tube lighting?

Instead, set the tone by picking the perfect location. By picking something outside of the office you’ll seem more sophisticated and, by extension, whatever deal you’re presenting will seem sexier. Grab a scotch, get conspiratorial and get your deal done.

 

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Cooper Lounge

Even though this place is inside a train station, it oozes sophistication. Walking into the bar you immediately step back to the 1920s — which is somehow classier than 2015. This place is about as close as you can get, while remaining in Denver, to having drinks at the Waldorf-Astoria. They make some mean cocktails, have an extensive wine list, and offer amazing views of downtown. Sure, you’ll end up spending a fortune on the meeting, but if everything goes to plan, you’ll be rich and successful anyway.

 

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Beatrice & Woodsley

This place probably has the funkiest interior of anywhere in the state — except for Casa Bonita, which goes without saying. While the food and drinks here are good, the real appeal to Beatrice & Woodsley as a setting for a big meeting is the way their tables are set up. Each table is dimly lit, comfortable and intimate. The ambiance almost forces you to let your guard down, talk freely and get down to business.

 

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The Capital Grille

It’s important to know your audience, and if your meeting is with somebody who is more comfortable eating meat and potatoes than haute cuisine, take them to The Capital Grille. These guys offer an elegant setting with dishes like lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, au gratin potatoes and, of course, steak. If you’re meeting with a financier who works in the oil industry in Wyoming, look no further.

 

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Green Russell

This place is perfect for a conspiratorial meeting. Planning a hostile takeover? Want to raise funding for your super-stealth startup? Look no further. The bar is designed to look like a speakeasy, although its location in Larimer Square couldn’t be easier to find. It was also recently named among the top 30 bars in the country, so your drinks will probably be tasty.


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