Nightlife in Golden

Five times a week, Impulse Theater's cast of comedy players fields spontaneous audience suggestions and molds them into 10–12 original scenes that make up 90 minutes of improvised comedy. Though the fast-paced, interactive shows split sides with a mostly family-friendly brand of hilarity absent of profanity, some scenes may deal with situations or themes more appropriate for an audience suited to view a PG-13 movie or a no-holds-barred political ad. Inside the intimate theater, guests file into seats with unfettered views of the stage, where they can order their one-drink minimum, which includes nonalcoholic beverages.

Belly up to the bar or kick back in marshmallow-like sofas and prep your palate with a specialty sip. MiniBar's inventive cocktail menu includes everything from mouth-watering martinis (try the miniBar'tini with Grey Goose L'Orange vodka, citrange, white cranberry, and a spritz of lime, $8) or a bubbly miniBar bellini (Lunetta prosecco, white-peach puree, and peach schnapps, $6). Small plates such as the spiced nuts (coated with kicky Cajun spices) or bacon-wrapped medjool dates are prime for sharing (served 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., start at $5 for one item). MiniBar also features a well-edited selection of salads, dips, and cheese plates to satisfy more intense cravings. Try the caprese salad ($9), flatbread and dips ($8), or the barbecue baby back ribs ($11).

At Legends of Aurora, philly cheesesteak could mean a traditional sandwich, a pizza, or a 24-inch sub food challenge. For more than 20 years, Legends of Aurora‘s hand-tossed pizza dough has formed the foundation for this and other pies, including the supreme and the White pizza, a sauceless number with cheese and tomato slices. And though their patrons order enough pizzas each year to pave a route from Peoria to Buckley, they somehow find time to nosh on pepperoni pizza rolls, Rocky Mountain oysters, calzones, chimichangas, salad, and wings as well.

A Hirschfield-style line drawing of George Burns dominates the brick wall of the Loonees stage. The good-natured caricature–complete with the comedian's trademark round glasses and enormous cigar–watches over modern comics as they launch their best lines into the crowd, from Saved By the Bell alumnus Dustin Diamond to hyperactive J.J. "Dy-no-mite!" Walker from Good Times. Appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts comprise the menu, which visitors peruse before the spotlight sets the stage aglow.

Exposed-brick walls, soft string lights, and eye-catching art serve as the backdrop for a relaxing night over carefully selected wines, small plates, and conversation at Sienna Wine Bar & Small Plates. Shareable dishes include Toblerone chocolate fondue, house salads, and gourmet pizzas to tantalize taste buds and fill diners' stomachs, complemented by sips of wine from the bar's large list of libations.

Named for the basement vault hidden beneath the historic building for more than a century, the Blake Street Vault embraces its history. The dining room bears the original tin ceilings and exposed brick walls, and the menu is inspired by the food of early Denver immigrants. Dishes such as smoked green chili, burgers made from Colorado buffalo, and flaky chicken pot pies hearken back to campfire cooking, while only slightly more modern treats such as the restaurant's signature moscow mule cocktails impart an old-fashioned touch by being served in copper mugs. After eating, guests can explore the 150-year-old building, venture into its mysterious vault, and track down Lydia, the ghost whose high heels have been heard clicking across the saloon floors when the eatery is empty and trying in vain to start a conga line when it's full.