Review of The Retreat by Dave S., Denver CO 9/7/2008 Before I get too far into this review, I should admit that my experience at the Retreat Lounge is very limited. I've been there several times, but always in the same context- I go there to watch football, specifically, the Cleveland Browns. However, in this context, the Retreat is a special place. Undoubtedly, this place is a dive. It's located in a strip mall right next door to a Bridge Club. It has walls covered in wood paneling and there is little to no sunlight. Some people may not love this, but for me it is not a big deal. Especially, when you can realize what a gem this place is. Let me first describe the Sunday NFL action. The Retreat is the adopted home of the Mile High Browns Backers. So, if you are a Browns fan, and the game isn't nationally televised, this is where you go. Not only that, but for early games you tailgate in the parking lot before they open (first time I have ever seen tailgating outside a bar). If Browns fans are the heart of this place, the soul has to be the FANTASTIC servers. Now, these women are not cut from the same cloth as those from Fruition or Capital Grille- in other words, they are not going to recommend what kind of wine to have with your veal. However, I am amazed at how they work a room with little walking room that is full of former Clevelanders that love their food and drink, and they want them in mass quantities. In this cramped room two waitresses work their magic, all while being friendly as could be. For example, when I got there today, I showed my ID, and Ashley asked if I prefer being called David or Dave (Dave). She said she knew that was a big deal because her Dad is David, and her brother is Dave, and you don't get that wrong. I don't really care, but the fact that she did while she had at least 50 other people to serve made an impression. The other server is the Wisconsin version of Flo from the show "Alice". She never asked Mel to kiss her grits, and the southern accent was replaced with a Wisconsin style and calling everyone sweetheart. However, her personality and service are top notch. The food is standard bar fare that is done very well. I've had a great grilled chicken sandwich that was moist, topped with crispy bacon and swiss- with fantastic fries, the wings are everything you want them to be, and now I have a hard time not ordering the breakfast burrito. The truly great thing about Sundays at the Retreat is the atmosphere. The first time I went with a friend. We arrived way too late, and there were no available tables. However, "Flo" said there were some open seats at tables, and she proceeded to walk us over, introduce us to the table, and check to be sure it was alright that we could sit with them- and it always is. Once games start, the cheers never stop and people live an die with every play. People stay for the whole game no matter the outcome. At the end of wins we all hang out, hi-five and laugh, and on days like today we stick around to console each other and talk about meeting up again next week. This place might not be for everyone, but if you like the Browns, or even the NFL (my friends from Wisconsin go just because they think the atmosphere is pumped and they love the fried shrimp basket), there are much worse ways to spend a Sunday afternoon.