About Antero Hall
Antero Hall (sometimes billed as “Antero Hall at Eck’s Saloon”) is a live music club and bar in Lakewood, Colorado. It occupies the longtime Eck’s Saloon building at 9890 W Girton Drive, a dive-style rock venue that’s hosted bands since 1981 (www.westword.com ). The space holds roughly 800 people at full capacity (www.westword.com ). It’s known for a rugged, “cavernous roadhouse” atmosphere – walls full of rock memorabilia and neon lights, a large open dance floor and stage, plus TVs and games (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ). Even MapQuest praises it as “a vibrant bar…with craft beers, signature cocktails and a menu of small bites” (www.mapquest.com ), reflecting its mix of food, drinks and live music.
Over the years this club has earned a legendary reputation. Walls lined with signed posters recall the hair-metal era (Poison’s Bret Michaels, Warrant, Dokken and the like) (www.westword.com ), and national bands big and small have played here – from Quiet Riot and Skid Row to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Five Finger Death Punch (www.westword.com ) (www.westword.com ). In fact, Westword calls it a “nearly forty-year-old live-music venue” (www.westword.com ). It’s a full-service bar/club with two bars and a kitchen open late (the full kitchen stays open until about 1 AM (www.roostcafeandbistro.com )). Signature features include a mural on the exterior (www.westword.com ) and multiple pool tables/cornhole/ping-pong games inside. Overall, Antero Hall’s gritty, all-ages rock vibe – plus its long history – make it a unique fixture in the local music scene (its owner and fans emphasize that the venue is “important to the community” (www.westword.com )).
Events and Programming
Antero Hall has a packed schedule built around live music, plus regular karaoke and jam nights. You’ll find rock and metal bands playing most weekends and many weeknights. The owner books a mix of local acts, regional bands and the occasional national touring artist – think hard rock, punk or country-rock – often 3–4 shows a week. Recurrent weekly events include a Sunday open-rock jam and alternating Monday blues/funk jams (www.openmicdenver.com ). Karaoke is held seven nights a week starting around 9 PM (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ), so there’s usually music of one kind or another nightly.
Notable past performers span genres and decades. In the ’80s and ’90s you might have seen Poison’s Bret Michaels or bands like Kip Winger and Michael Schenker Group when Eck’s Saloon name was used (www.westword.com ). In the 2000s the stage hosted bands such as Powerman 5000 and Drowning Pool (www.westword.com ). More recent rock acts (Sick Puppies, Five Finger Death Punch, etc.) have also played here. Since the rebranding to Antero Hall, they continue to book local and national acts of all styles (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ). Cover bands and special theme shows (80s night, metal festivals, benefit concerts, etc.) happen periodically too. Ticket prices vary: local community shows often charge $5–10, while larger touring concerts might run $20–30.
Tickets and Booking
Ticket sales are mostly handled directly by the venue. You can usually buy tickets in advance through Antero Hall’s own box office (call or visit) or official online outlets. For big shows they may use ticketing sites like TicketWeb. The club frequently announces events on its social media and even suggests texting “ANTERO” to 85100 to join their alert list (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ). Many smaller shows simply sell tickets at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. If you see a show you don’t want to miss, it’s wise to get tickets early – popular shows can sell out. In general, look for performances posted a few weeks or months in advance.
As for pricing, expect modest covers. Low-key or local band nights are often very affordable (sometimes only a small cover or even free). Touring or headlining acts at this 800-person club tend to be $15–25. (Drink minimums and food purchases are separate.) There’s no uniform price – each show’s flyer will list the cover. For planning, assume a normal rock-club scale: most tickets run in the teens, not much higher. Arrive early for door sales if you don’t have an advance ticket.
Seating and Layout
The interior is one large open room (a classic GA layout). The stage is at one end, with a big dance floor in front. Guests stand or dance on the floor – there are no fixed theater seats. Tables and chairs are only along the walls and near the bars. Antero Hall is literally “cavernous” and wide open – in one write-up it’s described as a “cavernous roadhouse” with TVs, pool tables and games (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ). This means you can see the stage from almost anywhere in the room (though buildings pillars can stand between you and the stage).
For the best view, stand right in front of the stage floor. If you prefer to sit, grab an early spot at the high-top tables or stools at the bars on either side. The room does not step up – everyone is on a flat floor – so being near the stage means standing. If you want to hang out without the mosh, the raised patio just outside is also a popular spot (you’ll still hear the music). Because there is no reserved seating, arrive early for good vantage point. Just note that being tall or dancing can block the sightlines of those behind you on the flat floor.
Acoustically, expect loud sound. Speakers flank the stage, and with the high-powered PA most acts play full volume. The space was renovated to improve acoustics somewhat, but it still has a live-club echo. If you need a break from the volume, grabbing the far side of the room or stepping onto the patio will soften it. As with any rock club, earplugs are not a bad idea.
Getting There and Parking
Antero Hall’s address for GPS is 9890 W. Girton Drive in Lakewood, CO 80227 (www.mapquest.com ). It’s a small street off Sheridan Blvd, near the southwest corner of W. Colfax Ave. If coming by car, the easiest free parking is the lot behind or beside the venue (shared with other businesses). Expect to park in that lot or on the side streets (West 10th, Girton Court, etc.). Even large events use this parking – it’s open and free. Just watch for posted restrictions on main roads.
For transit, there is no direct bus stop at the door. The closest bus routes run on Sheridan or Colfax a few blocks away. (For example, RTD Routes 14/51 run on Sheridan at 10th Ave, about a 0.4-mile walk east (moovitapp.com ).) After dark, transit options are limited. Many guests take ride-shares or taxi directly. Uber/Lyft drop off is convenient: just send your driver to the address or Girton entrance. Sheridan Blvd and nearby Wadsworth Ave connect to I-70, so the venue is 15–20 minutes west of downtown Denver or Denver Int’l by highway.
Inside the Venue
Expect a classic rock-club experience. When you enter, staff usually check IDs at the door (most nights are 21+). The front door opens into a wide bar area. Immediately on both sides are the two full bars; stools line each bar front. The back end holds the main stage (now larger than in decades past (www.westword.com )) and a wide dance floor. Pool tables are tucked behind one bar, and a game of cornhole or beer-pong might appear on a quiet night. Flat-screen TVs show sports or videos when bands aren’t playing. The decor is dark with wood and metal; you’ll see bike chains, license plates and band posters on the walls. It’s noisy and energetic whenever live music is on.
The in-house kitchen serves until about 1 AM (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ). You can order at either bar and pick up food there. Menu favorites include burgers, hoagie sandwiches, chicken wraps, and other pub grub – basically the usual bar fare (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ). If you’re hungry, you can get dinner even on weeknights before 11pm, or late-night snacks (wings, fries, etc.) before closing. The drink menu includes draft and bottled beer, wells, cocktails (martinis, margaritas, Long Islands, etc.) and shots. Mixed drinks and craft beers are available – i.e. not just 40oz bottles of cheap swill. House cocktails and local drafts are often featured.
Beyond drinks and food, amenities are straightforward. The venue has one set of restrooms (men’s and women’s) near the rear. No fancy lounge or VIP area – everything is ground level and open. There’s no formal coat check, so either carry or use a chair. Staff unlocks doors at showtime and tends bar trade; extra bartenders come out during busy band sets. Taxis and rideshares call can wait curbside. There is no public Wi-Fi, so cell service is your best bet (Lakewood’s coverage is generally good inside). In short: it’s a working rock bar, not a quiet lounge, so come for the music and atmosphere.
Nearby Amenities
A number of restaurants and hotels sit within a short drive or walk. The Merced Cafe & Events (located in the same complex) serves Southwestern/Mexican dishes and has its own bar – it’s handy for a pre-show bite or late-night tacos (www.mapquest.com ). Nearby on Sheridan Boulevard and Colfax Avenue are casual chains like Pollo Tropical, Starbucks, a local burrito shop, diners and brewpubs. If you want a sit-down meal, there’s a steakhouse (Hyatt House’s restaurant) and a T-Street Roadhouse pub along Sheridan just east of Girton. For lodging, a Residence Inn (Marriott) on Sheridan/10th, and lower-scale motels along Sheridan are within 2 miles. After an evening at Antero Hall, the nearest Lyft/Uber pickup is at Girton Drive; Sheridan has taxi ranks. The nightlife in this part of Lakewood dissipates after 2 AM when Antero closes, so plan rides back if staying out past last call.
What Makes This Venue Special
Part of Antero Hall’s charm is its history and local roots. This building has been a rock-music landmark for decades, and many fans feel lost if it were ever gone. Longtime regulars have written that the place was their “home… filled with family” (www.westword.com ). Owner Ken Morris inherited that legacy and repeatedly emphasized that it was “important to the community and music community” – he notably said if the venue fails, “the building will close and everyone loses” (www.westword.com ). In practice, that has kept people rallying around it. The venue’s continuity through several ownership changes (Mike Bruno’s era, Silver Spur, now Antero Hall) has cemented its cult status.
Unlike newer clubs, Antero Hall proudly preserves the dive-bar vibe. For example, the current decorators salvaged wood from the old stage to expand the dance floor (www.westword.com ), and they even kept a wall displaying original Eck’s memorabilia (www.westword.com ). A collector’s eye will spot signed guitars, old tour posters and decades of stickers – a genuine scrapbook of the local rock scene. At the same time, living comforts were added: modern sound and lighting rigs allow it to host shows you’d only expect at a much larger hall (the recent renovation emphasized a big stage and top-notch gear). So you get the best of both worlds: big gig production in a friendly, unpretentious setting.
Culturally, Antero Hall stands out because suburban Denver has few places like it. It was the rare spot where national metal or punk bands would come to a rowdy, devoted crowd. Many Colorado artists got their start here. Even through COVID-19 challenges, the owners kept things afloat by doing band T-shirt printing and smaller outdoor events, then successfully reopened for live shows again (www.westword.com ). All these factors – unique character, legendary lineup, and unwavering support from the community – make Antero Hall special in a region where most venues are either corporate or country-casual. Both locals and touring musicians say they love its authenticity.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is all on one floor (no stairs or balconies). The entrance has a small ramp for wheelchairs if needed, though the interior doorways are fairly narrow. Restrooms are ground-level but somewhat tight. If you have specific accessibility needs, calling ahead is wise. For most people, getting around inside is straightforward since there’s only one big room.
What to Bring: Always carry a photo ID – security checks IDs at the door. Cash is handy for cover charges and tips (though credit cards are accepted for drinks/food). A small bag or purse is fine; large backpacks or coolers are usually prohibited. Earplugs can be a smart idea for loud rock shows. It can get chilly on the dance floor when crowds thin, so a light jacket isn’t a bad idea – there’s no coat check beyond a coat rack or keeping it on your chair.
Dress Code and Etiquette: Dress is anything-goes casual. Most people arrive in band T-shirts, jeans, boots or sneakers. No formal attire required – the vibe is very laid-back. If you’d feel out of place in a leather jacket at a dive bar, then come anyway – leather and black shirts are on-theme but not mandatory. Because it’s a rock club, be prepared for bumping and dancing. Save your seat at the edge of the pit if you want to catch a breath, and step outside for fresh air between sets. Tipping bartenders and waitstaff is encouraged; this place runs on good will.
Age and Timing: Most shows are 21+. Minors (under-21) are only allowed on special nights like Sunday open jams (www.openmicdenver.com ). Evening events usually start around 8 or 9 PM, and doors open 1–2 hours before that. In fact, the venue advertises hours of 5 PM–2 AM (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ), so arriving before the concert time allows you to eat and claim a good spot. If you’re coming for karaoke, expect it to start at 9 PM or later and run late into the night.
Pro Tips: Don’t expect indoor smoking; Colorado law bans it, so smokers use the patio or sidewalk. If the parking lot is full, some busy nights will direct cars to cruise nearby blocks. If you need an ATM, get cash beforehand – the club may have one, but best not to risk it. And remember, last-call is at 2 AM sharp (the doors close then), so plan rides accordingly – Sheridan Blvd can stay busy after close. Lastly, remember that this is a dive bar concert setting: be patient with slow bar service during a big show and focus on enjoying the music and company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I purchase tickets for Antero Hall events?
Tickets are sold through Antero Hall’s official outlets. You can buy them at the club’s box office, on their website or social-media pages, or via promoted ticketing sites (especially for larger shows). It’s recommended to join the venue’s notification list (for example by texting ANTERO to 85100) to get advance sale alerts (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ). Many shows also allow same-night door entry if not sold out, so you can often just pay cover at the door.
What is the price range for tickets at Antero Hall?
Ticket prices vary by event. Smaller local-band nights often have no cover or a very low cover (around $5–10). Bigger touring acts may charge more (typically in the $20–30 range). There is no fixed pricing; each event’s flyer or announcement will list the cover. In practice, most tickets fall in modest rock club pricing: inexpensive for local gigs, moderate ($15–25) for more prominent shows, plus the usual drink minimum or cover fee on your tab.
What is the exact address of Antero Hall?
Antero Hall is located at 9890 West Girton Drive, Lakewood, CO 80227 (www.mapquest.com ). That’s just off Sheridan Boulevard in southwest Lakewood. The building still has “Eck’s Saloon” signage, but Antero Hall is the name of the live music venue inside. Use that address or “Eck’s Saloon” in your GPS, and it should find you the right spot.
Where should I park or use public transit to get to Antero Hall?
There is a free parking lot right next to Antero Hall (shared with adjacent businesses) and usually ample street parking on West 10th Ave and nearby side streets. Keep in mind Sheridan Blvd itself is metered during the day, but it’s free at night. As for public transit, RTD buses run on Sheridan and Colfax a few blocks away, but none stop directly at the venue. The closest bus routes (like the 14 or 15 on Sheridan/10th) require a ~5–10 minute walk. Many people simply drive or take Uber/Lyft (which can drop you curbside on Girton Drive).
Does Antero Hall have assigned seating?
No – the venue is general admission. There are no reserved seats. The floor in front of the stage is standing room. If you want a seat, tables and bar stools along the perimeter and patio are first-come, first-served. In other words, come early if you want a front-row position or a specific table. Otherwise, feel free to stand or sit anywhere that’s open.
Where are the best spots to watch a show at Antero Hall?
For the clearest view, stand close to the stage on the main floor. If you prefer sitting, try to grab a seat at one of the tables or stools near the side walls or in the back. The large outdoor patio is a quieter place to listen, although it’s farther from the action and open to the elements. Ultimately, the floor is open: you can move around as the show goes on. Just be mindful of dancers moving around.
What is the age limit and ID policy at Antero Hall?
Antero Hall enforces a 21+ policy for most nighttime shows, because it is a full bar. You will need a valid photo ID to enter on weekdays and weekends after dark. However, certain special events (such as Sunday open-mic jams) allow all ages – according to the venue’s listing, “Under 21 is] allowed” on those nights ([www.openmicdenver.com ). Always check the event info: if it’s an all-ages show, it will say so. Otherwise plan on it being 21+.
Can I take pictures or record the show at Antero Hall?
Casual phone snapshots are generally tolerated, but professional cameras (or anyone using flashes or video recorders) are usually discouraged. It’s best to assume that if you’re not just using a phone discreetly, you should ask permission first. The priority is the live experience, so no bright flashes or tripods during the concert. In short: go ahead with phone pics, but save big photography or recording for outside the venue.
Is outside food or drinks allowed at Antero Hall?
No. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. The club has a fully stocked bar and kitchen, so security will normally ask you to leave any outside items behind. If you’re hungry or thirsty, plan to purchase from their menu (or eat before/after the show in the neighborhood).
What food and drink options are available inside Antero Hall?
Antero Hall has a full kitchen (open until ~1am) and two bars. The menu consists of classic bar food: burgers, sandwiches, chicken wraps, salads, wings, and the like (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ). There’s an example of a meatball hoagie or grilled chicken caesar wrap in the menu. For drinks, you’ll find domestic and craft beers on tap, basic cocktails (margaritas, Long Islands, etc.), mixed shots and canned cocktails at the bars. They also offer small appetizers (nachos, fries, etc.). Basically, expect pub-style dining and a standard full bar.
Are there restrooms and is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there are restroom facilities on-site (one men’s and one women’s bathroom near the back of the hall). The venue is all on one level, so in principle it can be navigated by wheelchair. The main entrance has a small step and a ramp can be placed if needed. Keep in mind the hall and restrooms are somewhat tight and cluttered, so if you have concerns (for example about restroom size or parking), it’s a good idea to call ahead. In general, it’s more accessible than a multi-level club, but it’s not ADA fully equipped.
Is there Wi-Fi available at Antero Hall?
No, Antero Hall does not offer free Wi-Fi for guests. It’s a live music venue where the focus is on the performance rather than tabletop browsing. Bathrooms and bars might have cellular reception (which is usually fine in this area), but do not rely on Wi-Fi. If you need to use the Internet, plan to use mobile data or step outside to check messages.
When does Antero Hall open and at what time do shows generally start?
Antero Hall’s posted hours are 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM every day (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ). In practice, this means the doors open by 5 PM (you can grab dinner or drinks then), but live shows typically begin later. For example, if a concert is listed at 9 PM, the doors might open around 8 PM. Karaoke and open-mic nights also start in the 9–10 PM range. It’s best to check the specific event listing, but a safe rule is that music events generally start an hour after doors open.
Why is the venue called Antero Hall?
When current owner Ken Morris took over in 2018, he rebranded the space to break from its prior country theme. He changed the name from “Silver Spur Saloon” to “Antero Hall at Eck’s Saloon” (www.westword.com ). The exact reason for choosing “Antero” isn’t publicly explained, but it was a deliberate new name to refresh the brand. Essentially, Antero Hall is the new name for this historic rock venue (the old “Eck’s Saloon” name still appears on the building inside and out).
What types of music and events does Antero Hall host?
Antero Hall is primarily a rock and metal venue. You’ll see live performances ranging from hard rock, heavy metal, punk, and alternative bands. Its history includes ’80s glam and ’90s metal acts (www.westword.com ) (www.westword.com ), and today it still books acts in those genres, as well as Americana and jam bands. In addition to concerts, they host karaoke nights, blues/funk open-mic sessions, and occasional specialty events (tribute nights, holiday shows, charity concerts, etc.). In short, expect a rock-centric lineup with some variety on slower nights.
