Joel’s Bar

Very nice, well-​trained staff. They can handle the wildest crowd without losing their friendliness. Seem to really get along with each other behind the bar. Excellent tequila selection. Good music. Good crowd.

My fiancé and I went into Joel’s last night around 1AM. We came in with a bunch of friends. There were maybe 10 people inside the bar including us, but the two bartenders gave us dirty looks as if we didn’t belong there. We waited 15 minutes before any of us were asked for a drink, then the bartenders slowly worked to pour them begrudgingly. We still tipped them $ 2+ per drink because we are bartenders too and know that sometimes people can have a bad night. When we wanted our next round, my fiancé ordered a double shot of Milagro tequila since we didn’t want to wait around to be paid attention to again. I go to pay for the double shot, and the bartender looks at me with attitude and tells me its $ 20. $ 20?! Is this a nightclub in New York?! Milagro is $ 5-​$ 7 a shot anywhere else in town. We got swindled. We paid and tipped then got out of there as fast as we could. Needless to say, we won’t be going into this bar ever again and definitely won’t be recommending it to anyone. The bartenders don’t care about anyone in there that’s not one of their friends in their early 20s and they for damn sure don’t give a crap about industry patrons.

I consider Joel’s Bar a «Cheers» of sorts, with a mix of tried and true local patrons and college students. The drinks are affordable and someone is always taking shots. If you’re looking for ambiance, this isn’t it. But you can definitely find a party here!

As a local, one of my favorite goto spots in town. Tucked away off Main, it’s a great spot to hang with friends for a few happy hour drinks. The crowd kinda ebbs and flows depending on the night, but a little later is usually hopping again as folks make the rounds downtown. Great staff, great and reasonable drinks! And almost always a familiar face inside.

One of my favorite places to go whenever I’m back in Durango! I’ve never had a bad experience here, but it can get pretty packed on weekends with all the college kids (but what can you expect? Durango is essentially a college town). Great martinis and bartenders. The owner, Joel is just the sweetest man around, and will always make you feel welcome. I love that they put out food/​snacks for their patrons in case they need a little something to soak up all the alcohol. Because, who doesn’t love snacks? Can’t wait to go back to Joel’s when I’m back in town!

The Monday night football crowd was not drinking here, as a matter of fact it felt more like a morgue than a bar. Either way, they have a giant screen in the front of the bar which was showing the game (no volume) and the Bud Light bottle was only two bucks. No food served, just some chips and hot dogs in the back room. Not much more to say, but it served it’s purpose for watching the 2^nd quarter before moving on to a more lively crowd.

Only passing through, found Joel’s by chance? Great bar and friendly people all round they
have a happy hour, few beers on tap is the down side. Meet an Aussie there by chance !

Have an amazing time every time i come here. Cute bartenders. Great ambiance. Met the owner one night and had a great conversation with him. He is a very cool guy!

This place might depend on the night you show up as to the crowd but either way both times we were there it was a blast. It seems to get going a bit later in the night and it gets a little packed but it has a good energy and everyone always seems to be having a good time. There are a number of drink specials each night, as well. If you are lucky, you might find girls dancing on the bar. Good times.

Pool hall with a shuffle board table. Need I say more, I love shuffle board and we played it every night we stayed in Durango after the bars. They have a full bar with great service.

Good ambiance, friendly staff. Good place to go as there are always people here. Will be back again.

Since Moe’s decided go change its ways, we went to check out Joel’s. A great bartender, STRONG Martinis and a quaint atmosphere make this a great setting to enjoy the company you are with. WIll be a regular at Joel’s on my frequent trips to Durango.