A Denver institution combining a live music venue, cocktail bar, and eclectic restaurant in a converted Victorian brothel. Ophelia's offers a truly unique Denver dining and entertainment experience.
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox occupies a Victorian-era building at 1215 20th Street in Denver that served as a brothel in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The restaurant and live music venue embraces this history with theatrical flair — multi-level spaces, rich Victorian-inspired décor, and a concept that layers dining, cocktails, and live entertainment into a single evening experience.
The kitchen serves eclectic American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced proteins and seasonally shifting preparations. Rocky Mountain oysters ($16) — the Colorado euphemism for pan-fried bull testicles — appear as a signature starter and function as both a genuine regional delicacy and an intentional wink at the venue's past. Fried chicken sandwich ($16) is one of the kitchen's most consistent dishes, a generous preparation with house-made condiments that fits the restaurant's casual comfort register. Craft cocktails ($14) from the extensive bar program are a major draw, with inventive preparations drawing on Colorado spirits and seasonal ingredients.
The building spans multiple levels with distinct atmospheric zones: the ground-floor dining room, a mezzanine bar overlooking the main stage, and lower-level areas where live music performances take place regularly. The programming spans funk, soul, rock, and electronic acts, with shows typically running from Wednesday through Sunday. The result is an evening that evolves — guests often begin with dinner upstairs and migrate to the music below as the night progresses.
The venue operates until 2 AM on weekends, making it one of Denver's most complete late-night entertainment destinations. The combination of food quality, cocktail program, and live music in a genuinely atmospheric historic building distinguishes it from Denver's larger entertainment venues.
Signature dishes
- Rocky Mountain oysters — $16
- Fried chicken sandwich — $16
- Craft cocktails — $14
Good to know
- Known for
- Live music and eclectic dining in Denver's most unique venue - a converted Victorian brothel
- Hours
- 5PM-2AM Tue-Sun
Location
1215 20th St, Denver, CO 80202
39.7469, -104.9851 View on map
Highlights
- Multi-level live music venue and restaurant in a Victorian-era building with fascinating Denver history
- Rocky Mountain oysters — a Colorado regional specialty — appear on the menu as a playful historical nod
- Craft cocktail program drawing on Colorado spirits with inventive seasonal preparations
- Live music from Wednesday through Sunday spanning funk, soul, and electronic acts
- Open until 2 AM on weekends — one of Denver's most complete late-night food and entertainment destinations
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early for dinner before the live music crowd arrives; the kitchen is at its most attentive before 8 PM.
- The mezzanine bar offers excellent views of the stage while remaining close enough to the dining room for food service.
- Check the live music schedule before visiting — show nights (typically Wed–Sun) significantly change the venue's energy.
- Rocky Mountain oysters are worth ordering as a conversation piece and a genuine Colorado food experience.
- The cocktail program is sophisticated; ordering a signature cocktail before the food is standard practice here.
Accessibility
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox is located in a multi-level historic building at 1215 20th St in downtown Denver. The main floor dining room is accessible at street level; upper mezzanine and lower music-level areas involve stairs. Guests with mobility limitations should inform the restaurant when reserving to arrange appropriate seating. The historic building presents some inherent accessibility constraints.
Frequently asked questions
What is the history of the Ophelia's building?
The building at 1215 20th Street in Denver functioned as a brothel during the Victorian era. Ophelia's Electric Soapbox embraces this history in its name, décor, and concept — combining fine Victorian-era architectural details with a thoroughly modern dining and entertainment program.
What type of live music does Ophelia's feature?
Ophelia's hosts live music on most evenings from Wednesday through Sunday, with programming that includes funk, soul, rock, jazz, and electronic acts. Acts range from local Denver artists to touring national performers.
Is it necessary to buy concert tickets to dine at Ophelia's?
On most evenings, dinner reservations do not require a concert ticket purchase. However, on nights with large headline acts, a cover charge or ticket purchase may apply for lower-level music spaces. Checking the event calendar before visiting is recommended.
What are Rocky Mountain oysters?
Rocky Mountain oysters are a Colorado regional specialty consisting of pan-fried bull testicles, typically seasoned and served with dipping sauce. They appear on the Ophelia's menu as both an authentic Colorado culinary experience and a reference to the building's colorful history.