Tucked into Denver is a place that feels less like a bar and more like a living room filled with stories, culture, and connection. Trybal Speakeasy is the vision of owners Jeff Sankeu and Collantine Nkaum, who set out to create something unique for Denver: a warm, welcoming environment where people from all walks of life can gather, share conversation, and experience the spirit of African hospitality. The warmth you feel entering the space feels like a bear hug which confirms they’ve succeeded.
From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere invites you to slow down and connect. The lighting is soft, the music thoughtful, and the walls tell stories. This is intentional. Jeff and Collantine believe that the best spaces are not just places to eat or drink—they are places where people feel they belong.
At its heart, Trybal Speakeasy is about community.
Jeff and Collantine designed the space to reflect the feeling many people experience when visiting homes and gathering places throughout Africa—an atmosphere where strangers quickly become friends and conversation flows easily. In many African cultures, hospitality is not just a gesture; it is a way of life. Guests are welcomed warmly, food and stories are shared generously, and gatherings often stretch late into the evening.
Trybal brings that spirit to Denver.
Whether neighbors are meeting for the first time, friends are reconnecting, or visitors are discovering the space for the first time, the goal is the same: to create a place where people feel comfortable coming together.
The walls of Trybal Speakeasy are more than decoration—they are a curated collection of art from across the African continent.
Jeff travels to different countries several times each year, meeting artists, discovering new work, and bringing pieces back to Denver. The collection is constantly evolving, giving guests an opportunity to experience the diversity and creativity of artists from many regions of Africa.
Each piece carries its own story, whether through color, texture, or symbolism. In this way, Trybal functions as a living gallery, connecting Denver visitors to artists and traditions that might otherwise feel distant.
The food at Trybal is just as personal as the art.
Many of the recipes come from Jeff and Collantine’s childhood memories growing up in Cameroon. To ensure the flavors remained authentic, family members traveled from Cameroon to Denver to share the techniques and traditions they learned growing up.
These recipes are not simply dishes—they are part of family history. The plantains on the menu are what Jeff’s mother would make for him when he got home at 2am and nothing else would do.
By bringing those flavors to Denver, Jeff and Collantine are sharing a piece of home with their community, inviting guests to experience the warmth and richness of the meals they themselves enjoyed as boys.
Trybal Speakeasy is more than a destination for great food, drinks, and art. It is a reflection of the belief that spaces matter—that the right environment can bring people together in meaningful ways.
Through thoughtful design, rotating African art, and deeply personal food traditions, Jeff and Collantine have created something special: a place where culture, conversation, and community naturally come together.
And in a city that thrives on connection, that spirit of welcome has found a home.
Trybal Speakeasy
1670 Champa Street
trybalspeakeasy.com
Instagram: trybal speakeasy Denver
Wed-Thur 5pm-12am Fri-Sat 3pm-1am Sun 3pm-12am
Happy Hour, Dinner, Music, Art – a unique place for community
Attribution for logo: Trybal African Speakeasy
