I love dive bars and the Backstop didn't disappoint. It's very smoky inside and according to my boyfriend who's lived in Boulder all his life it's smelled that way for over 30 years. It wasn't very busy for a Saturday night but there was a good band cranking out rock and roll and hair band metal from the 70s and 80s. The bartenders were friendly and the drinks weren't overpriced. There are several pool tables and dart boards if that's your thing. Bonus: the ladies' restroom was very clean!