Paul Kushner
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Denver’s nightlife as we unveil the city’s Best Bars, where craft cocktails, local brews, and a dynamic atmosphere converge to create an unforgettable experience. From the trendy districts of LoDo to the laid-back charm of Highland, our curated guide navigates the diverse and thriving bar scene in the Mile High City. Whether you’re a local seeking a new after-work retreat or a visitor eager to explore Denver’s spirited libations, join us on a journey through the top establishments that embody the essence of this Rocky Mountain metropolis. From classic pubs to avant-garde mixology havens, Denver’s bar culture awaits your discovery. Cheers to the Best Bars in the heart of Colorado.
Death & Co Denver
1280 25th St, Denver, CO 80205
(720) 330-2660
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Death & Co Denver opened a sprawling cocktail lounge and restaurant in the River North neighborhood. From morning coffee to private events, Death & Co has you covered. You can enjoy brunch, dinner, or late-night artisan cocktails at Death & Co. The cocktails are the star, and you’ll find a diverse menu of refreshing and boozy drinks to enjoy.
Noble Riot
1336 27th St, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 993-5330
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If you want a party vibe in Denver, don’t miss out on Noble Riot. Located between Curtis Park and River North Art District, Noble Riot is a modern wine bar that attracts a young clientele. The bar offers about 20 wines by the glass. Each wine selected is a different experience. The best way to enjoy a night at Noble Riot is to try a wine flight.
Cruise Room
1600 17th St CO, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 825-1107
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Cruise Room is a landmark located in The Oxford Hotel. Denver’s longest-running bar, Cruise Room opened in 1933. It features an art deco design and a wine-bottle-shaped layout. Cocktail hour is the best time to visit Cruise Room. It offers daily specials on some of the best cocktails in Denver.
Williams & Graham
3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 997-8886
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Williams & Graham is a bar located in the Highland neighborhood. Upon arrival at the speakeasy-style bar, you enter through a bookshelf. Dining at Williams & Graham is a dining event, and reservations are recommended. While visiting, expect to stay up to 2 hours to enjoy your cocktails and dinner.
Goed Zuur
2801 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205
(720) 749-2709
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If you love craft beer and artisan cheese, you should make a reservation at Goed Zuur immediately. This brewpub-style venue offers an exquisite selection of cheeses, cured meats, and craft beer. The chef’s choice board is the best way to experience the latest cheese and meat selection.
Middleman
3401 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 353-4207
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Middleman is a neighborhood cocktail bar located south of City Park. The interior has a minimal yet comfortable vibe. Local favorite cocktails include Bodega Spritz and Space Wine. If you get too tipsy, Middleman also offers a small dinner menu.
Pony Up
1808 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 710-8144
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Head southwest after leaving Coors Field to find Pony Up. The staff treats you like family, and the owners want everyone to feel like Pony Up is their favorite neighborhood bar. The menu at Pony Up varies, but they specialize in French dip sandwiches. It’s hard to choose a favorite, but if you like your sandwich spicy, try The Saigon.
Room for Milly
1615 Platte St Suite, 145, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 630-7020
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Room for Milly is a cocktail lounge with a unique style. The lounge features an exciting visual aesthetic and an art gallery. The menu at Milly’s is just as unique. I suggest sharing a bottle of light sake or experiencing Milly’s aperitif-style cocktails.
Run For The Roses
1801 Blake St #10, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 573-9155
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Run For The Roses (RFTR) is two blocks south of Coors Field. This swanky underground cocktail club transports you back to prohibition-era Denver. You’ll find everything from vintage spirits to seasonal cocktails on the menu. RFTR does offer a limited food menu if you fancy devilled eggs or caviar service with your cocktails.
Sunday Vinyl
1803 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 738-1803
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Sunday Vinyl is a wine bar that hosts events. Located in Kimpton Hotel, Sunday Vinyl has a party atmosphere and is a great place to visit for locals and tourists. Supper Club is the highlight of Sunday Vinyl. The staff wines and dines you while the DJ plays vinyl records every Monday. Other events include drag brunch and boozy lunches.
The Family Jones Spirit House
3245 Osage St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 481-8185
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Family Jones is a distillery in Denver. They offer a variety of products, including whiskey, vodka, gin, and rum. The Spirit House features distillery tours, a full-service bar, and an appetizer-style restaurant. Their daily happy hour offers discounts on cocktails as well.
Union Lodge No.1
1543 Champa St, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 389-0447
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You’ll feel like you stepped into a time machine once you enter Union Lodge No. 1. Located in the heart of the Central Business District, you can relax after a long day at work with 19th-century-inspired cocktails. The bartenders at Union Lodge No. 1 excel at classic cocktails. Some of the local favorites include an old-fashioned and a pineapple julep.
the L
46 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
(720) 940-8715
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The L is a cocktail lounge located between Baker and Speer neighborhoods. While many bars in Denver try to imitate speakeasies, the decor at the L is colorful and flowery. The L is a local favorite and features a short cocktail list, beer bottles, cans, and shots. You’ll feel like part of the local community if you order a beer & shot combo at the L.
Fort Greene
321 E 45th Ave, Denver, CO 80216
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Fort Greene is a small and hidden gem at the center of 45th. As a neighborhood bar at heart, its owners are often present and love to chat. The menu features oddball drinks like Lovers in the Parking Lot or the High Priestess. I suggest reading the drink description before ordering.
Welton Room
2590 Welton St #103, Denver, CO 80205
(720) 447-9502
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You can find Welton Room inside The Lydian Building. This cocktail lounge features an open space with comfy seating. Exquisite cocktails are on the menu at Welton Room. From flaming drinks to cocktails covered in cotton candy, you can experience the wildest drinks in Denver.
The Thin Man
2015 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 320-7814
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A few blocks west of southern City Park, you can enjoy cocktails and live music at The Thin Man. There’s always a good crowd at The Thin Man, but they have plenty of seating. One of the unique drinks you can try is the dill pickle-infused vodka. While it sounds weird, any fan of artisan pickles will love this drink.
Bar Max
2412 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 333-0003
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Bar Max is a craft cocktail bar located near the Carla Madison Recreation Center. The cocktail menu at Bar Max features a variety of drink styles. Drinks come in sublime, sassy, spicy, sparkling, and others. For something unique, I suggest a saucy cucumber caper martini.
Honey Elixir Bar
2636 Walnut St #104, Denver, CO 80205
(720) 328-5992
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Honey Elixir Bar is a lounge north of Coors Field. Not only for cocktails, but Honey also offers a sensory experience. The artisans at Honey craft their own Jun, cacao, and potions. Honey Elixir Bar is a great place to visit for non-alcoholic drinks. Their non-alcoholic potions offer a new way to enjoy cocktails.
54thirty Rooftop
1475 California St, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 996-1558
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If you enjoy a great view while enjoying a drink, head to the 20th floor of the Meridien hotel. Here you will find 54thirty Rooftop. The cocktail menu features Colorado-inspired drinks, including Red Rocks and Cold Brew Sunset.
Adrift
218 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
(720) 784-8111
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Can you believe there’s a tiki bar in Denver? Adrift is a rum-centric bar with island vibes. It can get busy at Adrift, so they advise patrons to reserve seating. Adrift has a full Polynesian-inspired menu as well as a diverse cocktail menu. Red Rum Wednesday is the big night at Adrift, and you can enjoy punchbowl cocktails that serve 2-4.
Why should you trust us?
We use our own local experience and contacts in the city to know which places to include in our lists. We also researched the web and read 6 reputable blogs and websites, including denver.eater.com, cntraveler.com, thrillist.com, denver.org, travellemming.com and cocktailsaway.com. So that you can be sure you’re receiving the best of the best. We compiled all the results in one spot and ranked them according to how frequently they were referenced.
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