The Olympic

In the 60s, 70s and 80s, The Olympic Dance Hall & Saloon (known locally as “The Oly”) was a hugely popular country-western restaurant and bar — and was THE place for swing dancing. And that was only PART of the fun, as there was also a full-on bowling area in a separate part of the space that hosted local league nights.  But it was the dancing and drinking that made the Oly a local favorite. Boulderites came to hear house bands like Dusty Drapes, Sleeper, Hot Rize and Red Knuckles rock the house to the crowded and raucous dance floor. Eddy Brown was a favorite and somewhat legendary bartender at the Oly. But all things must pass, and the Oly eventually gave way to Uncle Grumpy’s Gentleman’s Club and  is, today (unfortunately) a Best Buy. Lots of folks seem to remember “walking in” to the Oly…(hee hee).