It’s getting close to midnight, and the usual late-night food offerings might have you scraping the
bottom of the fryer for soggy fries or nursing a limp burger. The food in question is usually of the
greasiest variety and akin to a college era munchies meal thrown together with whatever was
left in the fridge at 4am. There is, however, a fairly new fighter in the ring for your late-night
indulgences. In the City Park West neighborhood, The Crypt steps up to offer something
familiar, yet uniquely executed. This isn’t your average greased-floored 2 a.m. eatery or
after-hours burrito stand, although they definitely serve their premeditated hangover purposes.
The Crypt is the kind of spot where metalheads, punks, and night owls alike kick back, not just
to drink but to eat – really eat – and feel at home among like-minded, and occasionally
leather-jacketed folk.

Nestled on E 17th Ave, The Crypt has built a kingdom for the “weirdos” – and I say that in the
best way possible. Picture this: a dimly lit, cozy cavern filled with year-long halloween
decorations and the type of horror memorabilia you’d expect to see on a Rob Zombie film set.
The ambience is set to the steady pulse of metal and punk humming through the speakers. It’s
the kind of place where, yes, you could nurse a beer or throw back a shot, but you’ll also find
yourself lining up for some damn good vegan poutine and falafel or some of the best braindead
(banana or lemon) pudding in the city.

For locals and visitors alike, The Crypt fills a void that even Denver’s most loyal late-night
patrons didn’t know they had. Denver’s seen its fair share of punk and dive bars, but rarely one
that steps up with a menu that doesn’t let the gritty decor and unapologetic atmosphere mask
subpar food. The owners didn’t take the easy way out and just slap previously freeze-dried
burgers on the menu and call it a day; they created dishes that bring in everyone from die-hard
carnivores to vegetarians and vegans alike with options that, believe me, make everyone feel
seen (and very well fed). As soon as you taste any of their offerings it’s absolutely crystal clear
that this menu was no afterthought. Imagine sinking your teeth in a plethora of vegan options,
like their poutine with coconut milk-based cheese or their fritters with vegan ranch, that you
wouldn’t know were vegan unless someone told you. If you’re in the mood for meat, you can’t
go wrong with an all-American cheeseburger that they elevate with a leek aioli and comes
perfectly wrapped up on a brioche bun. The chicken shawarma definitely doesn’t disappoint
either.

The food here is just another element of what elevates this place to exceptional status, and not
just a dive that leans on heavy pours and loud music to cover up greasy, low-effort fare. And
there’s something poetic about digging into absolutely stellar, lip-smacking food while the Metal
Top 40 screams through the speakers. It’s not just your grandma’s casual eatery; it’s more like
your cool aunt who swears (and tells you to not tell your mom), wears leather, and doesn’t hold
back. The Crypt’s menu leans heavily on scratch-made, carefully crafted dishes – perfect for those of us who want a little art even in our bar food, but still appealing to those who want a delicious bite as the clock ticks to midnight.

They’ve also got a killer dessert rotation, which, honestly, feels a bit out of place but in the best
possible way. The last time I was there, I tried their banana pudding topped with blonde Oreo
crumbles and a sort of raspberry compote. This wasn’t some afterthought dessert; it was the
kind of pudding that makes you close your eyes, nod your head, and think, “This belongs at a
fine dining joint.” But nope, there it is in a dimly lit local neighborhood bar, but after a while it just
seems… fitting.

But let’s get one thing straight: The Crypt doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, and thank
whatever God you pray to for that. You won’t find heavily stylized just for the sake of being
stylized cocktails here, just a solid collection of beers, shot combos and the sort of themed
drinks you’d expect from a bar that doesn’t shy away from the morbid and macabre. Their
cocktail menu is composed of hallowed creations such as Death on the Beach, a playful, dark
twist on the classic Sex on the Beach. The Crypt knows what it is, and there’s no watering down
the vibe to cater to the masses. The drink list is simple but put together well, with a mix of local
brews, ciders, N/A options and a few hard-hitting signature drinks that feel right at home in the
dim, spirited ambiance.

It’s important to note that it’s not just about the drinks, the food or the decor – it’s the sense of
community that the owners have built. It’s almost like a family haunt for the punk- and
metal-hearted. The Crypt stands as a homage to the DIY ethos, the kind of place where the
regulars who warm their bar stools aren’t just barflies but partners in keeping the spirit alive. The
Crypt became the natural evolution of prior Denver punk havens – a resurrection, if you will, of
the dive-bar grit and inclusivity that keeps Denver interesting.

With all that being said, it feels right to also mention that The Crypt isn’t just a late-night
hangout; it’s also a proper venue for local talent that reminds you why live music matters. No
slick promoters, no overpriced tickets, just raw, raucous shows that echo the old-school punk
roots Denver sometimes risks forgetting in the face of all the shiny new townhomes. You’ll catch
bands you’ve probably never heard of before, thrashing out under dim red lights. But that’s the
magic here – it’s an experience just for those lucky enough to stumble into it.

In a city that’s increasingly more and more obsessed with shiny new condo developments and
trendy cocktail bars, The Crypt is a fiercely unpolished gem, raw and real in a way that’s
becoming hard to find. It serves as an unapologetic late-night sanctuary where you can throw
back a drink, play a game of pool, and let a slice of pumpkin loaf or a mouthful of poutine remind
you that bar food doesn’t have to be sad or greasy. It can be great, it can be inclusive, and it can
hit just right, for vegans and meat-eaters alike. This isn’t a place that begs for validation or tries
to ride the next trend. It’s here for those of us who want something genuine, a place where you
can kick back, loosen the chains of daily life, and embrace a little darkness. Because
sometimes, you need a night in a place that feels like a twisted friend’s living room.

So next time you find yourself wandering the city late at night, looking for more than a somehow
burnt and soggy last-call burger and a watered-down cocktail, head to The Crypt. Grab a seat,
order some grub, and let yourself sink into Denver’s underground pulse. Because some places
are just meant to have character – and The Crypt wouldn’t have it any other way.