Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox is a multilevel live music venue, restaurant, and bar occupying the ground floor and basement of Denver’s historic Airedale Building at 1215 20th Street in the Ballpark neighborhood. With a capacity of roughly 450 guests, it stands out in the Denver music scene as much for its notorious building history as for its eclectic roster of national touring acts and local talent. The venue opened in April 2015 under the Edible Beats restaurant group and has become a defining fixture of the city’s late-night arts culture—named Best Bar and Best Venue With a Sexy History by Westword readers.

The Airedale Building dates to 1889, designed by architect Fredrick Carl Eberley in the Queen Anne style. Originally known as Kopper’s Hotel and Saloon after Bavarian immigrant Albert Kopper, the structure was renamed “Airedale” at the end of World War I. Over its 130-plus-year life the building has housed a hotel, boarding rooms, saloons, a beer bottling plant, and an adult bookstore. It is listed as a Denver Landmark. Owner and restaurateur Justin Cucci—also behind Root Down and Linger—transformed the space into what he calls a “gastro-brothel,” reopening after a two-year COVID closure in April 2022 with an expanded dance floor, relocated bar, and upgraded sound and lighting to national touring standards.

The interior is 7,500 square feet of boudoir-chic atmosphere: bold colors, vintage soft-core art, low-slung lounges, a sunken stage and dance floor, and a bar assembled from roughly 4,000 Jagermeister bottles left by a prior tenant. A giant projection screen anchors the performance space. The venue functions simultaneously as a full restaurant serving handhelds and shareable plates, and as a live music destination hosting indie rock, electronic, R&B, and burlesque nights. General admission standing is the norm for concerts; reserved dining seating is available for dinner service. Notable artists who have played here include JoJo Hermann of Widespread Panic, Shinyribs, We Banjo 3, and a rotating cast of Mile High Soul Club DJs.

Good to Know

• Ages: Most events are 18+; select shows are 21+. Age requirements vary by event—check the individual show listing before purchasing tickets.
• Bar: Full bar with craft cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine. Cocktails are built around the venue’s theme—inventive and strong. Food is available throughout the evening.
• Parking: Street parking is available in the surrounding Ballpark neighborhood. Several paid surface lots and garages are within a short walk on 20th and 21st Streets. RTD light rail at Union Station is roughly a 10-minute walk.
• ADA: The venue is accessible at street level. Contact the venue directly at 303.993.8023 for specific accommodation needs.
• House Rules: No re-entry on most nights. Dress code is casual-eclectic but the vibe skews theatrical. Bag checks may be required for standing-room shows.

Phone: 303.993.8023 — Website: opheliasdenver.com