A new Denver nightclub wants to change downtown’s nightlife stigma

Johnny Christmas and Andy Mora want to change the stigma surrounding nightclubs.

Denver has had a rough go with its nightclub scene over the past few years. Beta Nightclub at 1909 Blake St. was shut down in January 2022 after violating multiple laws by hiring unlicensed security guards, allowing people to drink after hours and creating an atmosphere where fighting was common. NATIV Hotel, which had its own nightclub in the basement, filed for bankruptcy last year and sold in a foreclosure auction. And criminal activity and shootings have scared off new business owners looking to take on the nightlife crowd in LoDo.

But Christmas and Mora, who met while working at NATIV Hotel and have 20 years of experience combined — along with Wynkoop Financial’s Brandon Jundt — want to be the change they wish to see from within the industry.

“We knew Market Street would be an uphill battle as it relates to perception, so when we set out to bring this concept to life in the heart of downtown, one of our strongest pillars was ensuring that everybody feels safe,” More said. “So we’ve hired security, as well as made sure to offer escorts to cars at night.”

On May 5, the duo opened Villa Denver, an upscale music and cocktail lounge, at 1416 Market St., where a string of clubs like Purple Martini, LUMI and 24K Lounge previously operated. But their vision isn’t what you would expect for a typical nightclub. They’ve removed the dance floor to focus on the upstairs bottle service, and rather than just having DJs, they’re incorporating live performances from saxophone players, electronic violinists, magicians, belly dancers and more.

“We want everyone walking in here to feel as though they’re a valued guest at a glamorous house party, rather than a traditional bar or nightclub, and that kind of philosophy trickles down into our service standards and intimacy we provide,” Mora said. “We’ve gotten rid of the traditional lasers and dark fog and created a more welcoming atmosphere.”

The longtime Denver residents hired chef Toby Prout, co-owner of the now-closed Leña and previously at Izakaya Den and North in Cherry Creek, to create a chef-driven menu of tapas with Latin American influence. From 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., guests can share some fried yuca and patacones with 10 dipping sauces; pork or bison empanadas; an octopus or snapper ceviche; potato croquettes; Argentinian-style blood sausage and more.

“Being more than a nightclub was a very high priority to us,” Christmas said. “We’ve seen all these nightclubs come and go over the past three years in Denver, and we wanted to offer a well-rounded experience, where you can come in and enjoy dinner, and then stick around for some fun. The food program is very important for longevity and credibility.”

Villa’s cocktails are also Latin-inspired with a modern twist, like a mezcal old fashioned; a mezcal espresso martini; and the “Not My Kind of Guy” with Novo Fogo Cachaça, an  Argentinian rum, rhubarb rosemary and lime. Specific cocktails (like “Not My Kind of Guy”) are created and served tableside by one of the bar’s many mixologists.

The nightclub and tapas restaurant offers “one of the longest happy hours in the city” from 4 to 10 p.m., offering discounts on shareables and signature cocktails.

At each of the nine bottle service booths, there is an “At Your Service” button that guests can press to order more drinks or fresh-squeezed juice mixers, “so you don’t have to hunt down your waiter or waitress for 30 minutes,”  Christmas said. And the owners eventually plan to open an exclusive powder room with a private bar for VIP groups who want to take a break from the club and get a shot.

“Our intention is to provide the best service in the city to a like-minded audience that enjoys quality,” Christmas said.

Villa has cleared the hookah smoke from Purple Martini and transformed the 4,800-square-foot space into a Spanish villa with two floors, natural residential decor and fireplaces on each level. The first floor is dedicated to happy hour and the second features the bottle service portion of the club.