Dive Into Pizza and Punk

by  CICI SHARSTROM
If you’ve lived in Fort Collins for any amount of time, and enjoy the nightlife scene, likely you’ve strolled by the curious little “Swell Food” sign between the Astoria and Perennial Gardener. 
It’s the bar we’ve all been curious about, and Surfside 7 totally rocks! No, really; the punk scene is not dead, it’s alive and hopping at Surfside. Part pizza joint, part music hall, and part good old fashioned dive bar, Surfside 7 is a unique and quirky environment that stays supported by its loyal crowd of regulars. Everyone who enjoys nightlife in Fort Collins has a spot, and for many alternative/punk/hipster types, Surfside is home.
“Surfside has definitely changed/progressed for the better the seven years I’ve been here,” says bar manager Marlena Niforos. “We now have trivia on Mondays, and a fly tying/ karaoke night on Wednesdays when we do not have shows. We still have our rock shows, eclectic group of regulars, and we still like to party.”
For years the bar has been catering to the punk/rock genre of live and local music, as well as karaoke, stand-up comedy and trivia. Monday night’s Battle of the Brains has become especially popular.
Host and MC Amanda Grasello states, “I have learned a great deal about the amazing mix of people who frequent trivia and Surfside in general through trivia nights. Who wouldn’t get excited about a Monday night filled with beer, pizza, and games? It’s free to play with awesome things to be won!”
The bands featured range from debuting artists to local favorites, and the tickets, drinks and eats are more than reasonably priced. Famous for their pizza, Surfside provides late night take-out for bar-hoppers with the munchies, as well as dine-in dishes to share with friends. They also have great nightly drink specials.
Dive bars are back in style, and this one definitely grows on you. It’s a bit like a beach bar had a baby with Hot Topic. Possibly the best aspect of Surfside 7 is that the crowd is nothing more than real; everybody can be themselves, and being part of “the in-crowd” is not considered a priority. Piercings, tattoos, shaved heads, and all manner of garb are seen at Surfside, proving that the alternative, eclectic and punk scene still exists. So come “eat, drink and rock at Surfside 7!”