5 Unique Mom’s Night Out Spots in Denver

I love girls’ nights. Actually I just don’t love them–I need them. Since becoming a wife and mother, I need them to stay sane, to keep connected with my girlfriends, and to get deep about life’s big issues: you know, like marriage and motherhood and the best 90’s one-hit wonders. Denver has tons of great spots for “mom’s night out” or girls’ night. So grab your lipstick and that pretty dress that won’t get yogurt/dirt/markers on it and check out one of these places soon:

1. Upstairs Circus – Bravo to you if you can get your husband here for a date night, but for me, this Lodo DIY/craft bar is strictly for the girls. This place is seriously cool, even for the craft averse. They make it so easy. Here’s how it works: pay an entry fee, pick from a myriad of craft options (examples: a jewelry organizer, a painted Denver skyline, and a wooden 6-pack carrier), and craft away. All instructions and supplies are provided, and the staff is super helpful if you happen to be a little craft challenged (raises hand). They serve free popcorn and have some really fun cocktails. I went when I was pregnant and had an awesome mocktail, too! You need to register online (calendar here) before you come for the evening and they have special events at other times, too. Tip: I’ve seen some Living Social deals for Upstairs Circus, so take advantage of that if you see one!

2. D Bar – Dessert lovers, rejoice! I especially love doing desserts for mom’s night out, since it costs less than going out for a whole meal, and you can schedule it after a nursing babe goes down for the night. The D Bar (recently moved to an Uptown location) specializes in desserts, so it’s not weird to go there strictly for after dinner treats. Of course, you can also order dinner and it is excellent, but they really shine with their desserts. Most of their menu is simple things done really, really well. Think: cake and shake, milk and cookies, and they always have scrumptious seasonal choices.

3. Alamo Drafthouse Girls’ Movie Nights – When you want a truly unique movie-going experience, go to the Alamo Drafthouse in Littleton. It’s a movie theater where you can order drinks and food from your theater seat. Along with showing recent hits, the Alamo also does special showings such as quote-a-longs to classic movies, sing-a-longs to movies like Newsies (how fun would that be?!), and they have “Girlie Nights” with favorite chick flicks and specialty cocktails. Their offering for August is Say Anything (Lloyd Dobbler! Boombox! Yes!).

4. Punchbowl Social – This self proclaimed “dining and entertainment mecca” at 1st and Broadway is a fun place to get together with your girlfriends to eat and play old-school games like bowling, skee-ball, arcade games, and shuffleboard. Channel your inner kid and have some fun, mama!

5. Williams & Graham – Located in the Highlands, Williams & Graham is a prohibition-era speakeasy that specializes in cocktails, small plates to share, and desserts. Your group of gals can reserve their game Decipher and solve a mystery together. Due to the size of the space and the usual wait, it’s best to come here with a smaller group, though they do take reservations for under six people Sunday-Wednesday.

Ultimately, no matter what you do for mom’s night out, whether it’s at one of these spots or simply a wine and cheese night at someone’s house after the kids have gone to bed, it is about making connections with your closest friends: the friends that carry you through the everyday of motherhood. It’s about the chance to say “me too!” to each other about our thoughts, from silly things to life’s big questions. When we get the chance to connect, to get vulnerable, those “me too’s” help relationships grow deeper, bonds form a little tighter, and the laughs grow a whole lot sweeter.

Here’s to mom’s night out!

What are some of your favorite mom’s night out ideas?