Joe Palooka's

A Thornton staple for over two decades, Joe Palooka's has all the trappings of a good neighborhood bar: cordial waitstaff, reasonably priced drafts, a clean spot to rest your elbows, and plenty of TVs for game-watching. The strip mall-situated hangout looks small from the outside but opens up once you're inside with plenty of seating. Whether you're at a high-top table with a pitcher or bellied up to the giant horseshoe bar with a pint, the bartenders are always friendly and attentive. Mostly a drinking and pool-playing spot, Palooka's keeps the bar food to a minimum, with daily happy hours serving up free popcorn and hot dogs straight from the rotary cooker. The tin roof-lined interior is dimly lit, and patrons looking to grab a smoke can do so on the bar's small front patio.

• Entertainment: Live Entertainment