I stopped by on my way to a friend's house because I wanted to catch a basketball game that started at 5:00 and didn't need to be at their place until 6:30. Kind of knew what to expect when I saw the outside and was not surprised. DIVE BAR, but seems like it in a good way, at least at this hour on a Monday night. A ton of TVs for watching sports, two pool tables, shuffleboard, some other games and stuff if you want to keep busy. Bartender knew everyone in the place, few people playing pool (kind of place where the regulars might bring their sticks), others just chilling. Some underaged kid got tossed who had come in with a regular but even that was chill with no issues, and the regular stayed after the kid was tossed. Bartender was friendly and attentive. Place does not serve food, but did have freshly made popcorn so that worked for a snack. So if you like DIVE BARS, which honestly I do, you should check it out. Oh, and the sign about colors and other 'club related' clothing also tells you who might be around later in the evening. I will say I haven't seen a place like this in Colorado in a while, but reminded me of the bars back east where I grew up. read more

I had a great time at Joe Palookas! This weekend I stared off with hers then went to a place that's labeled a club called "Club Vinyl" and I will say I'd rather go back to Palookas over Vinyl. This place has great energy, good music along with fun and pretty women. It would be better for this place to stay open till 3 with the type of fun everyone was having! read more

Smells like a strip club and has vibes of one. Even has a tv showing what girl bartenders will be there on which day.

I'm regular and had problems with someone who came up to my party (mind you it's randoms that I never see) they will kick you out instead of a party that brings them business....family over everything read more

There is a running joke about this place in other local bars "you mean you've been to Palookas and didn't get punched in the face?" When I was new to Thornton I was randomly assaulted and learned the hard way. Amazing this place has not been shut down. Enter at you're own risk, especially by yourself late at night. The pungent aroma of sh#$t from the plumbing is also a nice touch, although the ghetto clientele probably doesn't notice it. In fact, it looks like the most mentioned word in the reviews, according to Google, is "smell". Now that's hilarious. read more

Service was great, Jen was very attentive of our group, all of us enjoyed our Friday night out with good music and friends! Highly recommended for a fun time out. Definitely coming back! This place is a vibe! read more

This place is amazing. Amazing staff and the best Bloody Mary and red beer in town. Great pool tables and plenty of TV's for all you sports fans. I've made so many friends here. Great place. read more

First time visiting this place and it does not serve food.. The bartender that spoke to me was really rude and arrogant. Not a place I would waste my time to visit again. read more

Always a good time @palookas can't wait till my bestie pops her baby out and we can come here TOGETHER #hannahhaveyourbabyimtiredofdrinkingherewithoutyou read more

My gf and I checked out this place after meeting these two guys there. I would say that this place is not my cup of tea. The music here was more along the lines of hip hop (which I do enjoy a good beat) but the vibe here is just a little ghetto for me. The people is just a different crowd. The place is a typical bar. They've got a small smoking patio, a dance floor, and two pool tables. I personally wouldn't come back to hang out here again because the place is not for me. But if I ever feel a little gangster I might drop it like it's hot on the dance floor!!!! read more

Mmmmmmmeh. Biggest thing; DJ needs to play music not in the 90s & early 2000s - play hits on the music charts NOW IN 2019!!!

Very poor service! I just got off work and didn't want to have drinks downtown and drive all the way up to 136th and Colorado. So I decided to try palookas. I walk in and already the lady is asking me if I am ok if I had been drinking or on drugs or something. I looked at her and said "I just got off work, I drive for a living". She glared me down and said "fine" in a tone. She poured me a drink and charged me $8.50 for a double vodka coke. That's a lot. While I was sitting at the bar she never asked if I am going to have another or even glanced my way. When I was finishing she did glance at my cup and it was almost empty. She grabs her cigarettes and goes outside and smokes. I sat at the bar waiting for 10min and decided "ya know, this is not worth my time" and as I was walking out she said "aww leaving so soon" with a smirk on her face, she didn't want to serve me another drink. You could see that in her face. She was flirting with some older guy and she didn't want to be bothered by the likes of me. Very disappointed because silver bullet across 120th is a lot crappier and cheaper. Thought this bar was going to be ok. There is only a few here in short driving distance from my house. read more

I always enjoy going to Palookas, great neighborhood bar, staff always friendly the environment is always super fun, drinks are reasonable. Also a good nightlife bar. 5 stars! read more

I went there tonight. A heavy set woman with brown hair was my server. I walked up to the bar and she made no initiative to serve me. She stared at me rudely until I ordered. After that she made no time to ask if I wanted a drink or how myself and the other people I was with were doing. Not to mention she was in her phone half the night. The service was less than except able. It was pathetic. This is coming from someone in the service/bar industry. I will not spend money there again. read more

This is a very well ran bar, don't judge off of the "old" reviews. Jen (new owner) and her staff were very professional and the service was exceptional. The bar has recently been remodeled and it was very clean. Definitely try it out if your in Denver area! read more

Joe Palooka's - Guild of Ages played last night and it was amazing!!! - Sports Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Thornton's premier dive bar for getting hammered and hooking up... On a budget. Pretty much anyone who's over 30, broke, and lives within walking distance goes here. Some more often than they should. Two small pool tables, smoking patio, typically vacant dance floor, low budget sound system. The barstaff is cool. Very attentive, and remember you even if you rarely visit (if you tip well anyway). It just feels like a dive though. And smells like a dive. They have TVs all over, if there's a UFC fight on they'll get a good crowd. But people here don't really socialize, just keep to themselves and their booze. I pop in every couple months to pregame for cheap, and then go find a place where people will look you in the eye. read more

Well it's a bar right / and further more it's a bar~ LOL, really it was not all that bad, I met some really nice people there, but on the flip I seen some really bad/drunk folk. So going with a family is a no, a quick drink to say hello and run well yeah. I am new to the area and not really a bar dude, but I did find a very cool friend and no it was not alcohol! read more

A bit of a dive bit the locals were all nice and welcoming. Had a couple PBRs the bartender was nice and the prices where good. I think it was a MC type hangout. Definitely a good place for an afternoon beer if you are looking for that type of scene read more

10/10 best drinks iv ever had love the staff to pieces! best service and music was on point! if your lookin for fun upbeat chill place come here! also everyone is so nice even just the crowd you'll make friends in a second! read more

It's gotten better, I think the old icky crowd has found a new place to hang out!! Thank goodness.

Went here because the hubby and I wanted to go for drinks, and this place is within walking distance of our home. Drinks were good, service was great. It's the kind of place I've been looking for to watch Sunday Football. We'll be back! read more

In a town where most pubs are actually just restaurants, this place is its own divey vibe. It can be a bit sketchy, but not as bad as these reviews would have you believe. If you feel bored with the usual north east Thornton bar experience, check this place out. read more