Sloan’s Lake in west Denver is a little oasis in the city. At 177-acres, this lake is surrounded by walking and biking trails and grassy picnic areas, but it is the water that draws us here. It is the only lake within city limits that allows motor boats so people can waterski or go tubing. Oddly, there is no swimming allowed. Since all this water fun in the summer can work up a thirst it is a good thing there are a few bars nearby. So after a day spent boating on the water while the Denver skyline looms overhead, cross over to Sheridan Boulevard for a little bar crawl afterward.

The Cooler
This is where Sloan’s Lake residents get their Colorado sports fix. For beer lovers, they also have a fondness for cans. Much like the lake, no bottles allowed here. The bar even has a wall of beer cans to prove it. These beers start at $2.50 for Olympia and Old Style and go up to $7 for Belhaven Scottish Ale and Old Speckled Hen with every style of beer in between. Enjoy a can on the patio overlooking the lake. (2045 Sheridan Blvd.; 720-536-4836)

GB Fish and Chips
While the Union Jack graces the exterior wall of the pub, the GB stands for Get Battered. That’s because owner Alex Stokeld spent most of his life visiting family from England where he dined only on fish and chips. Since he couldn’t find any “chippies” he liked in Denver, he opened GB in 2007. The menu has six different “swimmers” ranging from cods to scallops that are battered and deep fried to order. And what to drink with this fried goodness? A pint of Guinness or Boddington, of course. (2175 Sheridan Blvd.; 303-232-2128)

Joyride Brewing Company
Opened just over a year ago on the northwest corner of Sloan’s Lake, this large taproom has huge garage door walls that open to the outdoors so it almost seems like you're drinking a beer at the lake. The 10-barrel brewery run by three friends serves up six year-round beers starting with the Ice Cutter Kolsch at 5% ABV up to the Joyride IPA at 9% ABV. Daily food trucks feed the hungry. The taproom also opens much earlier than other breweries around town. Doors open at noon Monday through Thursday and 11 AM Friday through Sunday. (2501 Sheridan Blvd.; 720-432-7560)

Lakeview Lounge
If you’ve had too much sun or you’re a vampire, then this dark and dank dive bar will save your skin. While you’re hiding from the light, enjoy $2.50 PBRs and something called a Mystery Shot where the bartender pours five different liquors from brown paper bags so you don’t know what you’re drinking. Did we mention the place opens at 7 AM? (2375 Sheridan Blvd.; 303-238-2149)

Photos via GB Fish and Chips and Joyride Brewing Company