Enjoy the game, the food, and the company.

Of all the Denver restaurants somehow related to (or even named after) professional athletes, I secretly only enjoy going to one of them: The Campus Lounge.

Formerly owned by Jim Wiste, a Denver University hockey legend and original member of the Vancouver Canucks who also played for the Chicago Blackhawks, the Campus Lounge has long been the neighborhood go-to for great food, cold beer, and all things sports. Despite what you might've heard in passing or read, it's that place yet again. 

Since Wiste's passing in 2018, the restaurant underwent a massive reboot spearheaded by City O' City founder Daniel Landes, who admittedly said that his version of the Campus failed to recognize the place's spot in sports history. His investment in the building -- cleaning it and bringing it up to code -- however, might have saved the Campus Lounge from falling into to complete disrepair. At least its current owners think so, as they've saved a few dishes from Landes' menu.

Speaking of current ownership, it's clear that the latest iteration of the Denver icon pays proper homage to its history as a place where sports fans can grab an excellent meal, watch any sport they desire – including hockey, football,  basketball, golf, rugby, NASCAR, and more – and wash it all down with a few cold ones. There's a little something for everyone here, including some fantastic cocktails, a rarity in the surrounding neighborhood joints. 

When I last went there, I was glad to see that modern, flat-screen TVs adorned the walls alongside the necessary Colorado sports paraphernalia, including a few nods to the Wiste. It's also clean, homey feeling, and unpretentious, like a neighborhood restaurant/sports bar should be -- and more importantly, how a hockey player might have it.

As far as restaurants with a sports history, don't get me wrong, a steak from Shannahan's can be a religious experience, and I probably wouldn't turn down an expense-account-dinner at Elway's. But there's just something about those places where you feel like you can't let your guard down, erupt in boisterous booze-fueled laughter, and most importantly, watch the game. At least, not like you can at the Campus Lounge, and you can't beat that. 

If you're a hockey fan and you live in the area, we highly recommend you go down to raise a glass at the Campus Lounge. 

What are your thoughts? Sound off in the comments.