AWAKE: Awakening the Senses in Colorado
Update: As of February 2023, AWAKE in Denver, CO is no longer open. This blog by our guest writer will continue to live on as a tribute to Colorado’s first non-alcoholic social space and bottle shop.
When bon vivants decide to go dry or cut back, alcohol is just a small part of what they miss. More often, it’s that communal feeling of sharing a moment with friends or a loved one over a cocktail. Very few restaurants and bars have sophisticated non-alcoholic menus that sufficiently recreate that experience.
Awake Denver fills this void. Established in 2021 by Billy & Christy Wynne, their mission is to provide a “safe, socially-conscious space that aims to inspire peace, joy, and justice-making” in the Denver area. Awake’s regular donations to charities reflect that commitment.
It’s not easy to be a venue that has the right vibe at any given time of day but Awake manages to pull this off. A coffeehouse in the morning, a place to meet for brunch on weekends, a lunch spot during the week, and hosting fun, often socially-conscious evening gatherings all feel at home in this cozy space in the Jefferson Park neighborhood.
On a beautiful spring day recently, we headed to Awake for Sunday brunch and live music. I started with their signature Bloody Mary—deliciously seasoned and crafted. My husband sampled from their wide variety of beers. Everything from basic Heineken 0.0 to Lagunitas IPNA to Grüvi’s dark stout is represented here for beer-lovers.
What got me most excited were the bubbles! Along with a decent wine list, the menu features sparkling wines from Grüvi, Noughty, and SOVI. I couldn’t resist creating my own flight to sample.
For those who lean more toward crafted cocktails, their menu changes seasonally while also providing classics such as Awake 75, Old Fashioneds, and Margaritas.
The food menu is rather limited, especially for vegans. We had a burrito, hummus, and almonds. All were fine, though clearly are not the focus of the menu.
If I were to add anything to this space, it would be to up the warmth factor with a few more couches and plants. The space can feel austere at times.
The service is always incredible. You can instantly tell when someone is happy to see you when walked in. Even short-staffed, David and Megan made us feel welcome.
The most magical thing about Awake happened once my husband and I were settled and the drinks came. We toasted, took a sip, and let out an audible “ahhh” — just like old times. Those who have gone sober or are considering doing so often think these moments are gone forever. Thanks to the burgeoning NA scene, they not only live on, but are more beautiful and memorable than before.
Summer hours
Monday: 7am-12pm
Tuesday: 7am-12pm
Wednesday: 7am-10pm
Thursday: 7am-10pm
Friday: 7am-10pm
Saturday: 8am-10pm
Sunday: 8am-8pm
2240 N Clay Street, Unit 100, Denver, Colorado 80211
(Across the street from Jefferson Park near Empower Field)
Elizabeth Ross Hubbell is a freelance writer and yogi passionate about living a plant-based, alcohol-free life. In addition to co-authoring several books on instruction, she has contributed to Sober Curator, Vegan Life Mag, Tiny Buddha, Center for Nutrition Studies, and Alcohol Change UK. She resides in Denver, Colorado.
Website: erhubbell.journoportfolio.com
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Inmoxicated - Bringing the Dry Bar to Wisconsin
by Nicole Nettell
Hi, #ZeroProofNation! My name is Nicole, and I’m here to introduce you to a new sober bottle shop and bar located in a state known for its historical connection to beer and overall drunkenness. This good vibes gem is called Inmoxicated, and I stopped by to get all the details you need!
Located in friendly downtown Racine, Wisconsin, Inmoxicated stands out in a good way.
With 2.7 regular bars per grocery store, we know that Wisconsin has no shortage of bars on most blocks. But what the state didn’t have is a dedicated sober space, not just an occasional mocktail menu or boring soda list.
Every year, Wisconsin lands in a top spot when a viral Facebook article crowns the drunkest state. And University students take pride when similar articles list the rowdiest colleges to attend.
For many here, heading to a dry bar might seem like a foreign idea!
But going sober is a thriving trend nationwide - with titans like Glennon Doyle, Laura McKowen, Ruby Warrington, Annie Grace, and many more leading the sober curious movement. It’s not just a short-lived social media trend, but a genuine culture shift.
Inmoxicated owner Shannon Goodman stepped up as a sober leader in her own community and broke the mold on Main Street. Her white brick shop stands out and attracts Wisconsinites who’ve been searching for alcohol-free options.
As one of them, I excitedly made the 40-minute drive from Milwaukee to check it out. Here is what I loved most about my visit:
Signature mocktail menu.
After a series of mixology trials and taste testing, Shannon and her business partner Jeff established their mocktail menu featuring ten custom creations.
A Wisconsin classic, the old-fashioned, with an aromatic smokey twist.
The best indulgent white Russian, topped with whipped cream.
A fun citrusy, orange cosmo featuring Seedlip and Lyre’s orange sec.
…just to name a few!
I was able to try the White Russian, which in my opinion is a rare find in zero-proof form. It was delicious and an inspiring reminder that we can do anything sober.
Try before you buy.
In addition to their mocktail menu, Inmoxicated carries a unique and diverse bottle lineup.
With tons of wine and ready-to-drink options, it’s the premier location in Wisconsin to stock up on booze-free favorites. You can choose from both local and international brands in one location. Plus, if you can’t decide what to buy, just pull up a chair and try the products for yourself!
Inmoxicated also stocks items like bitters and mixers to help you get creative at home.
Safe space for everyone.
In the back left corner, you’ll find a lock wall where visitors write their sober date on a lock and click it into place among others from the community. It’s a visual reminder that no one is ever alone in recovery! Inmoxicated hopes to provide a fun, positive environment for non-drinkers to enjoy friends, music, and drinks.
Visitors can even pick up a book about sobriety in the shop! I saw my personal favorite “We Are The Luckiest” by Laura McKowen on the shelf. And with a variety of seating options, you could get in a whole chapter while sipping a mocktail.
It’s truly a 5 in 1 sober experience.
Mobile dry bar.
This spring, Shannon, and Jeff’s handcrafted mocktails will be available in a full-service, mobile dry bar. You can find them at local markets and meet-ups serving their signature menu. Contact them to bring a unique experience to your next event!
Nicole Nettell is a sobriety advocate, copywriter, and freelance wellness writer based in Wisconsin.
Instagram: @sanitysips / @therecoverycatblog / @alcoholfreeinmke
Website: www.therecoverycatblog.com
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To keep Zero Proof Nation the NPR of the adult non-alc industry, we need your support.
Donate here.
Booze-Free Bar Road Trip Across the USA 🚘
Let's go on a Zero Proof Nation road trip across the United States and visit booze-free bars. It’s true, you can find non-alc cocktails and NA bevs on menus at hundreds of spots around the country (and world) but there’s something kind of special about a completely dry bar.
Hey, friends. It’s been a while. Happy 2022! The last time we met “on the road,” we had just visited NA bottle shops on the west coast. We continue our trip, in no particular geographical order, with booze-free bars. It’s 100% virtual* (ugh COVID / this would cost a load of $$*) but it’s also 100% fun. Guaranteed.
🚘 ⚡️
This is Zero Proof Nation.
*Would love to make this happen IRL. Should we do a Kickstarter to fund the trip? Combine a YouTube channel with the magic? Comment below!
Sans Bar
Austin, TX
📸 V. Quintero
Chris Marshall started the booze free bar movement. A former counselor for people with substance use disorder, Marshall started Sans Bar as a one-night pop-up in Austin, TX in December 2017 as a direct response to providing options for his clients, as well as himself (Chris just celebrated 15 years of sobriety). What started as a one-night pop-up turned into an every Friday happening and then national/international pop-up tours. He is The Godfather, the grandfather, the Papa of this new wave of zero proof / no-low, alcohol-free / sober bars cropping up left and right. If you’re ever in Austin on a Friday night, visit the OG.
IG: @sans_bar // thesansbar.com
Listen Bar
New York, NY
Listen Bar, founded by Lorelei Bandrovschi, is 100% virtual now (but as we can tell you, being 100% virtual is still 100% awesome). COVID may have been the cause of the pivot but from the looks of the cocktail classes, live events/workshops, and booze-free bottle shop, things are pretty bangin’ over at Listen Bar.
IG: @listenbar// listen.bar
Ocean Beach Cafe
San Francisco, CA
Owner Joshua James (aka Josh the Non-Alcoholic) is on a mission to change the world. After a 20 year career in hospitality, Josh took a break from the drinking culture and with this came mental clarity, ambition and drive. He used his experience, taste, and mindset to create Ocean Beach Cafe: a booming cafe, NA bottle shop, alcohol-free tasting tasting menu (SOBAR), and booze-free event space by the ocean.
IG: @ocean.beach.cafe // oceanbeachcafe.com
Umbrella Dry Drinks
Alexandria, VA
Remember what we said about Sans Bar being the grandpa of booze-free bars? Sam Kasten, CEO and founder of Umbrella Dry Drinks, is a graduate of Chris Marshall’s Sans Bar Academy workshops. Armed with a background in retail, three years of sobriety, and a bubbly personality and can-do attitude, Kasten launched Umbrella Dry Drinks as a month-long pop-up in Alexandria, VA (suburb of the DC metro area) and hopes to find a forever home for the concept soon.
IG: @umbrelladrydrinks // umbrelladrydrinks.com
Wildcrafters
Jacksonville, FL
Wildcrafters is one of the first booze-free bars after Sans Bar to hit the map. Founder Yhang Quintero launched his tea / kava / zero proof concept in January 2020. Pop by for a jazz night, grab a gorgeous cocktail or hot beverage, or grab a can of NA beer to-go — but whatever you choose, you’ll find community, beautiful drinks, and a stunning atmosphere.
IG: @wildcraftersjax
Gem Bar
Pittman, NJ
Gem Life Collective, the parent company of Gem’s bar and bottle shop (called a bartique), is all about wellbeing, soulful bliss, and delicious AF drinks. Founder Drew Davis is fabulous and on a mission to meet her customer base where they’re at on their healing and wellness journeys. As Liz Lemon would say, I want to go to there!
IG: @boozefreebar // gemlifecollective.com
Alt Bar
Rochester, NY
Co-founders Bob and Meg Hartman are all about the #sobrietyspectrum and want their space in Rochester, NY to provide options for people who want a social experience sans booze. Currently a pop-up (don’t miss Alt Bar at Pub Hub Coffee on February 25th), expect all the fun and noise-level you’d get at a traditional bar with none of the hangovers.
IG: @altbarroc // altbarroc.com
Bendición Dry Bar
Chicago, IL
Another Sans Bar Academy graduate, founder Cristina Torres brings a punk-rock vibe to her pop-up concept. Aiming to be a place for anyone taking a break from booze (whether for a night, a month, or life), Bendición Dry Bar takes an important stand: “While [we are] a safe sober space for all seeking one, we do not tolerate any forms of racism, anti-blackess, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, any forms of sexual assault or any forms of violence. Marginalized communities will always take priority.”
IG: @bendicion_drybar // bendicionbar.com
Binge Bar
Washington, DC
📸 Tony Powell
