If you’ve ever walked down Santa Fe Drive, you’ve probably passed the unassuming brick building that houses ESP HiFi, a music lovers paradise. Upon walking in you’ll be taken aback by the cozy wooden walls that are lined with seemingly endless amounts of vinyl records. Among the intimate conversations—old acquaintances as well as countless first dates— you will feel the music reverberating through the bar.
The concept was inspired by Japanese Kissas, which are popular listening bars in Japan. The ‘HiFi’ moniker earns its title through the high-fidelity sound systems in which the music is played. ESP HiFi models itself after these experiences with an emphasis on Extra Sensory Perception or ESP. One of ESP’s founders, Mitchell Foster, felt this type of experience didn’t yet exist in Denver. “We were inspired by the listening bars in Japan. A place to sit quietly and listen to music did not really exist in the US at the time. We saw the need for a place like this in Denver so we created one,” Mitchell says.
The bar gives you the opportunity to listen to co-owner, William Minter’s personal collection of records, “Music is selected by our staff from our record collection, about 1,000 records in total. There is no playlist. Staff are encouraged to read the room and make selections based on energy level, time of day, etc,” says Mitchell. “We cycle through music constantly and even sell some of our collection in our retail bins to fund new purchases.” The records are elevated with their uniquely designed sound system which carries the music through the bar. “The sound system boasts 2 idler drive, Garrard 401 turntables, Condesa rotary mixer, class A tube amplifiers and vintage Klipsch speakers. Without getting too technical, our equipment choices get us the most life-like sound possible. We want it to sound like the musicians are in the room with us. And I think we’ve gotten pretty close,” explains Mitchell.
Co-founders Mitchell and William, as well as co-owner and general manager, Jordan Hubner, are consistently looking for ways to expand their music offerings. There is perhaps no better time to experience the music quality than during the designated “floating hours” where patrons are encouraged to minimize conversation and truly focus on the music. These hours are currently set from 12-3 p.m. on Saturdays & Sundays and allow the listener to focus on the music with limited interruptions, a rarity in the bar scene. They recently launched a new concept called "remote viewing" where, per Jordan, “…we bring the hi-fi system outside of the four walls of our bar, into unique spaces. We’ve been collaborating with art collectives, museums, hot springs and even more traditional events…”.
Although the wide-ranging discography and high-quality sounds are the main focus of the bar, ESP HiFi also boasts a carefully curated assortment of Japanese whiskey, natural wines and cocktails as well as some small bites. “It's a magical space to take in music, relax and enjoy a good cocktail or glass of natural wine…” says Jordan.
Swing by ESP HiFi for a unique Denver bar experience or check out one of their upcoming remote viewing events which occasionally includes a late-night dance party.