Meet Nate Szklarski | Owner of Horror Bar

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nate Szklarski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nate, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
The idea that being stingy when running or opening a business is the best way to operate for the highest pay out. This is definitely not the case when it comes to the way I like to run shop. I like to supply my customers and my team with the best possible tools, ingredients, experiences, etc. Being smart financially is important of course, but not cheap.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Well first off, nothing comes easily. I’ve learned so many valuable lessons through my life; too many to share. But I guess the biggest one is to show love where love is deserved and stay true to yourself. I feel a lot of people base their life choices on how others view them and what other expect from them. Horror Bar is a truly unique place where we push creativity and compassion. We welcome all walks of life and support everyone’s creative endeavors. And most importantly, stay weird. Weird is the best.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a bit of a tricky one. I am a pretty play it by ear type of guy who actually doesn’t go out in my own city super often. I would feel out the friend and depending on how they are feeling, make a loose plan to accommodate. But I always love seeing and supporting friends, so probably visiting bars around the city to pop in and say hi and grab a quick one. Visit Luke over at Matchbox, Hank at American Bonded, Patrick over at Freshcraft, get some ice cream from Josh at Hidden Gems, tiki drinks from Lukas at Lady Jane, Charlie at Occidental for a fernet.. after that definitely need some grub. I’m a huge foodie so I would love to check out a new restaurant I haven’t been to yet and share the new experience with my friend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The biggest would absolutely be Josh Schmitz. He was the one who held the key to giving Horror Bar a the chance it needed to start fleshing out the beast it is becoming. And Luke Evans for busting his booty every day to make this place happen. Definitely couldn’t do it without a little help from my friends.

Instagram: @northwoodsphantom & @horrorbardenver

Image Credits
Kori from 303Magazine