#VYBE Hits Broadway and Offers a Place for All

There’s a bar nestled on Broadway between 10th and 11th Avenue, that accepts you as you are. No matter what you look like, where you came from, where you are going, there’s a spot for you at #VYBE. That’s what owner Joey Miranda set out to do since day one, which was July 17, 2017.

Residing in the same space that housed Broadways, #VYBE is one of the six new queer bars that have found residence in Denver. And, although they each cater to the queer community, #VYBE is offering everyone a family.

“People are drawn here because of the vibe we give off,” Miranda said. “It’s family-run, and people pick up on that atmosphere. I mean, my mom works here; she’s behind the bar right now. My dad, brother, and sister all work here with me, and that’s what makes this place so special.”

Miranda, a Colorado native, has been in the queer bar industry since he turned 21 years old in the early 2000s. Hopping from bar to bar, and working with so many people in the community, Miranda decided to break away and finally open his own bar.

He clearly knows what he’s doing. When you cross through the front door, you’re immediately greeted by dance music, and a massive bar with liquor bottles neatly organized behind it. A few tables litter the spacious, indoor dance floor. The DJ booth sits in the corner above the crowd.

But, #VYBE’s main attraction is the multistory patio set up. The top story is a wooden deck with many lawn tables and chairs offering patrons a relaxing place to sit, socialize, drink, and smoke. The lower part of the patio is an even larger dancefloor complete with a main stage where both local and national artists play.

“We’ve really made this place our own,” Miranda said. “I’m really proud of everything we’ve accomplished.”

Even though he broke away to fulfill his dream, he still has strong bonds with those that he has worked beside for nearly two decades—many of whom now own their own bars around town. Utilizing his relationships and desire to bring the community even closer, Miranda organized The Big Gay Onesie Bar Crawl.

On April 28, hundreds of queer people travelled around Denver via one giant bus, hitting five LGBTQ bars—#VYBE, Triangle Bar, Trade, Lil Devil’s, and XBar.

“I used to bartend alongside some of those bar owners, so we still have strong connections,” Miranda said. “It’s crazy to think that so many of us that worked behind the bar became the bars. Why wouldn’t we utilize that?”

It’s something that Miranda is looking to do again. “No matter how crazy or tired it makes me. It’s important for us to come together as a community—especially right now.” The next time around, Miranda wants to get a few more bars in on the action, but that’s the only information available right now.

With a prime location, delicious drinks, plenty of space to dance, socialize, or flirt, and friendly faces behind the bar, #VYBE is looking forward to another year in Denver.

Photos By Charles Broshous