Denver Pride Guru

Denver Bartender David Smithey says the best cruising spot during Pride is actually his house

27-year-old dance instructor and Britney Spears fanatic David Smithey is a Colorado native who works as a bartender at Denver’s newest hot spot Triangle Bar.

This weekend, find David pouring up stiff ones during the bar’s first Denver Pride celebration.

Check out David’s Denver Pride Guru rundown. 

Why are you a Denver Pride Guru?
As a bartender and Colorado native, I have seen it all. Denver has grown so much in the past couple years and pride has continued to be fierce and fabulous. I’m here to make it fun while honoring the history of our founding mothers, fathers, and everyone in between who helped us to have the rights that we do.

What makes Denver Pride special from others around the globe?
We have such a diverse community that still manages to be close-knit. Pride in Denver is huge and has something for everyone from family day to the down and dirty nightlife. Everyone is loved and accepted, which is what pride is about.

Favorite Pride cocktail?
Stoli vodka and soda. Keep it cute, clean, and low cal.

Which Pride party is a must?
Honcho and anything that I’m working/werking at The Triangle Bar.

Favorite spot to parade watch?
Right by the capitol. Watching the whole parade come to a close and then being able to enjoy the festival is perfect.

Favorite bars?
Tracks has boss dancing and Drag Nation is to die for.
Charlie’s has the sweetest DJ ever, DJ Sahnec, and is perfect if you want to get down and dirty and dance the night away.
Triangle Bar is the love child of taste and fun. It is literally the coolest bar I have ever worked in and manages to hit cool cocktail lounge in our main room, a sexy dance party in our brand new basement, and chic day (and night) drinking space on our roof deck patio.

Best place to cruise?
My house. Jk. The whole city is pretty gay. Explore it.

Best places to eat?
Go to Ethiopian Restaurant on Colfax and order the vegetarian option. Trust me. Tokio has a late night sushi happy hour that is lovely with super good fish. For more traditional fare nothing beats Ocean Prime. Or Chipotle. Everyone loves Chipotle. Bring me a burrito bowl.

Hotel recommendation for Pride visitors?
Stay anywhere close to 16th street. I personally love the Curtis. So chic.

Follow David Smithey on Instagram for up to the minute Pride shenanigans. 

Photos courtesy of David Smithey

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