Brian Nagele
Denver’s nightlife is a dynamic tapestry of vibrant bars and entertainment venues, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable night out. Whether you’re seeking craft cocktails, live music, or a cozy atmosphere, the Mile-High City has it all. Denver’s bars cater to diverse tastes, offering an exciting array of experiences that guarantee a night to remember. In our guide, we invite you to explore a handpicked selection of establishments that epitomize the city’s nocturnal charm. From trendy rooftop bars with breathtaking views of the Rockies to historic speakeasies brimming with character, each bar on our list promises a unique adventure. Whether you’re a local looking to expand your horizons or a visitor seeking a taste of Denver’s nightlife, our list offers a roadmap to the city’s most vibrant and spirited bars. So, grab your friends and explore the ultimate Denver bar scene for a night out filled with good company and great drinks.
Adrift Tiki Bar Denver
218 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
303-778-8454
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The Adrift Tiki Bar is located in the Baker’s neighborhood of Denver’s South Broadway District. Owned by Paul Tamburello, this bar is known for its excellent drinks like The Sazerac, Blue Hawaiian, or The Mai Tai.It would be best to try their different types of food such as The Spicy Crab or The Mahi Mahi Sandwich. Their best menu is their drink menu, but they also have a full food menu. I would recommend you to try their drinks like the Blue Hawaiian, The Mai Tai or Sazerac. They have a great atmosphere, and it’s a place where you can go to unwind after work with your friends. The Adrift Tiki Bar is open from Tuesday-Thursday(5 PM to 11 PM), Friday & Saturday(5 PM to 12 PM), and on Sunday(5 PM to 10 PM). However, the kitchen is open daily from 5 PM to 10 PM and closed on Monday.
The Cruise Room
1600 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
303-825-1107
The Cruise Room serves spicy peel, shrimp, ahi tuna burgers, salmon roll, pork sliders, and cheeseburgers. Owned by Dana Crawford, The Cruise Room is in Oxford Hotel, just southwest of Coors Field The Cruise Room is well known for its signature drink, The Ride, a spicy lime drink served in the signature glass. The Cruise Room also serves excellent brunch, and many of their cocktails are inspired by events at the Oxford Hotel, such as Bloody Marys and mimosas with an English Breakfast or Moscow Mule flair. You should try their cocktail varieties like Moscow Mules, Bloody Marys, and different types of wine by the glass.
Williams & Graham
3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
303-997-8886
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Owned by Sean Kenyon, Williams & Graham is located on Tejon Street in the neighborhood of Hirshorn Park. Williams & Graham is an upscale and sophisticated bar that offers an interesting variety of foods and drinks, such as The Pecan Biscuit w/ bacon jam, The Cheese Plate, and the chicken salad sandwich. It would be best if you tried out their creative cocktails like The Witch’s Brew (muddled apple with tequila, absinthe, pear juice, and blackberry) or The Green Turtle (white rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, and coconut cream). Williams & Graham offers different appetizers like the chicken salad sandwich, The Pecan Biscuit w/ bacon jam, and the Cheese Plate. Williams & Graham also serves their signature drink, The French 75 (Absinthe, Cointreau, and Champagne).
Union Lodge No. 1
1543 Champa St, Denver, CO 80202
20-389-0447
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You will find this bar in the neighborhood of Modern Market Eatery and opposite the US Social Security Administration building. Union Lodge No. 1 is a rustic and old-fashioned bar that offers great drinks and food such as The Slippery Nipple (vodka, pomegranate juice, and orange bitters) or The Grapefruit Collins (gin, grapefruit juice, and simple rosemary syrup). It would help if you also tried their different types of food like the French dip sandwich, The Mac & Cheese w/ bacon, sausage, red onion, or The Truffle Fries. Union Lodge 1 is not part of Denver’s history, but you feel like it is when you get here. It’s the perfect place to create unforgettable experiences, and you feel like you are time-traveling. Union Lodge No. 1 is owned by the renowned Mike Huggins.
Noble Riot
1336 27th St, Denver, CO 80205
303-993-5330
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Noble Riot is next to Denver’s Central Market. It is a small bar with great drinks and food such as The Lager or The Mango & Chili Margarita. Noble Riot also offers its signature drink, The Old Fashioned (bourbon, cherry liqueur, and bitters). For the appetizers, you should try their different types of food like the nachos, The Cheeseburger Sliders, and the Cajun Fried Shrimp.
The Family Jones
3245 Osage St, Denver, CO 80211
303-481-8185
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The Family Jones is near Hotel Starbucks. The Family Jones is a small bar with great drinks and food such as The Gin Martini or the Parrot Punch (rum, pineapple juice, coconut rum, lime juice, and sugar). This distillery is also open nightly from 5 PM-2 AM. It would be best to try different cuisines like The Banger (pork sausage, onion, garlic, and chili) or the Mexican Street Corn. It would help if you also tried their different types of food like the Sliders w/ BBQ Bacon & Swiss Cheese, Cajun Fried Shrimp, Grilled Veggie Platter, or ahi tuna tartare. Family Jones bar is also open nightly from 5 PM-2 AM.
Death & Co Denver
1280 25th St, Denver, CO 80205
720-330-2660
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Death & Co is in the River North neighborhood near 24th Street Mall. Death & Co has a great atmosphere, and it’s a small bar with great drinks and food such as The Americano or The Corpse Reviver #2 (rye whiskey, lime juice, fresh mint, and egg white). It would be best to try their cuisines like the Duck Confit Fries or The Crispy Chicken Salad. This bar is famous for its martinis, so I recommend trying different drinks like the Tequila Sunrise or The Gin & Tonic. Death & Co. bar is also open nightly from 5 PM-2 AM, all days of the week.
Goed Zuur
2801 Welton St, Denver, CO 8020
720-749-2709
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Goed Zuur is in the buzzing neighborhood of The Five Points. Goed Zuur has a great atmosphere, and it’s a small bar with great drinks and food such as The Dark & Stormy (ginger beer, lime juice, fresh lemon juice, and house-made ginger beer). It would be best to try their different types of food like The Dutch Baby (eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, and hash browns) or the Mac & Cheese. Owned by Kendra Anderson and Head-Chef Antony Lopiccolo, Goed Zuur is famous for its great drinks and food like the Sour Beers, Beers & Burgers, and the Dutch Baby. This bar is also open nightly from 4-9 PM on Wednesday & Thursday and from 12 PM- 9 PM from Friday to Sunday.
Sunday Vinyl Kitchen & Wine Bar
1803 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
720-738-1803
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Sunday Vinyl Kitchen & Wine Bar can be found in 16th St Mall behind Wewatta Street. Sunday Vinyl has a great atmosphere, and it’s a small bar with great drinks and food such as Jambalaya (chicken, sausage, rice). It would be best to try their different types of food like the Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya or The Baked Ziti. Sunday Vinyl is famous for its great drinks and food like the chicken jambalaya, baked ziti, and the new pork belly poutine. It is owned by the renowned Frasca Hospitality Group, founded by Sommelier Bobby Stucky and Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson and partner Peter Hoglund. This bar has a happy hour from Wednesday-Saturday (4:30 PM to 6 PM) and on Sunday (2 PM to pm), serves dinner on Wednesday-Saturday(4:30–10 PM) and Sunday(4:30–8 PM) and brunch on Sunday(10 AM-2 PM).
Fort Greene
321 E 45th Ave, Denver, CO 80216
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Fort Greene is a bar in Denver with a cozy vintage feel, a short walk from Globeville Landing Park. Complete with green textured walls and a dramatic bar, you’ll fall in love with this “Hidden Gem”. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping by for a delicious cocktail. Every room in the bar is a new “Instagramable” moment, so if you’re looking for one of the coolest spots in Denver, this is it. Be sure to check out their Instagram for all the vibes.
The L Denver
46 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
720-940-8715
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Founded by Adam Hodak and Alex Lerman, the L Denver is in the heart of Downtown, at 46 Broadway. It has an incredible atmosphere, and it’s a small bar with incredible drinks and food such as The Ham Sandwich or Guacamole & Chips. It would be best to try their different types of food like the Chicken Shawarma or the French Dip. You will love their drinks. They will serve you with Jack Daniels, The Dirty Martini, or their different cocktails. You should visit this bar from Monday to Sunday from 4 PM to 11 PM. The L is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some good drinks.
Run For The Roses
1801 Blake St #10, Denver, CO 80202
720-573-9155
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Run For The Roses can be found at 1801 Blake St.in the alley of Dairy Block, directly across Milk Market’s entrance. It has a great atmosphere, and it’s a small bar with an incredible drink and food such as the Cheeseburger & Fries or Grilled Cheese Sandwich. It would help if you tried their different types of food like Fried Chicken or The Burger. Known for its classic libations, Run For The Roses offers unique cocktails along with the finest spirits. Also, this bar is owned by the renowned Lodo’s food hall, Dairy Block. It is open on Thursday through Sunday nights.
Room for Milly
1615 Platte St Suite 145, Denver, CO 80202
720-630-7020
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Room for Milly is at 1615 Platte St. opposite Pivotal building, some few meters right of Commons Park West Apartments. It has a great ambiance, and it’s a small bar with an incredible drink and food such as their Chicken Wings or Tacos de Carne Asada. It would help if you tried their different types of food like The Fried Chicken or the Tacos de Carne Asada. Known for its simple yet delicious menu, Room For Milly serves drinks and dinner from Wednesday to Monday from 5 PM to 12 AM. Fiona Arnold owns this joint.
The 1UP Arcade Bar Colfax
717 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203
303-736-2230
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The 1UP Arcade Bar Colfax is located by BallPark, just a few blocks from the Union Station, Blake street. It’s a bar with incredible drinks and food such as their Pizza. It would help if you tried their different types of food like The Chicken Wings or the Bacon Cheeseburger. Known for its unique concept of arcade games and cocktails, The 1UP Arcade Bar Colfax serves the best American Classic and cocktails like the Jack Daniels, The Mojito, or their Bloody Mary, and classic beers served in vintage cans. You will get a solid selection of the most favorite liquors, including malt liquor, in 40 oz bottles. Get the best gaming experience and a great drink at the 1UP Arcade Bar Colfax. The bar is open on Monday-Thursday(3:00 PM-11:00 AM), whereas minors w/parents(3:00 PM-7:00 PM). Friday-Sunday(11:00 am-11:00 am) and minors w/parents(11:00 am- 7:00 pm). What’s more, they offer a happy hour, Monday-Friday (3:00 PM-7:00 PM) and open a full day on Sunday. The 1UP is a perfect place for all ages, and it’s a fantastic place where you can enjoy some good drinks, food, and arcade games.
My Brother’s Bar
2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
303-455-9991
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Being one of the oldest bars in Denver, My Brother’s Bar is located in the neighborhood of Coors Field along Market St, Denver. It’s a bar with an incredible drinks list like The New York City (White Russian), Butterscotch Chipotle (Hot Chocolate), or The Root Beer Float. It would help if you tried their different types of food like the Classic Burger or The French Dip. It would be best to try their drinks like the Blue Moon, Hot Chocolate, or Root Beer Float. Jim and Linda Karagas own My Brother’s Bar and are known for some of the best burgers in Denver. You can visit the bar from Monday through Thursday(11:00 AM to 10 PM) and on Fridays & Saturdays(11 AM-11 PM)and close on Sunday. You can still order online via their order online services or DoorDash.
PS Lounge Denver
3416 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
303-320-1200
The PS Lounge is a dive-in throwback bar located in Colfax Avenue, just next to Lula Rose General Store. This bar is known for its excellent drinks like The Moscow Mule, Fireball Whisky, or Pina Colada. It would be best to try their different types of food such as The Veggie Burger or The Fajita Taco. Their best menu is their drink menu, but they also have a full food menu. I recommend you try their drinks like the Moscow Mule, Fireball Whisky, or Pina Colada. A jukebox and a pool table seal the deal. Pete Siahamis owns PS Lounge, and it is the perfect joint to chill with friends after a long day.
Pony Up
1808 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 720-710-8144
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Located in the neighborhoods of LoDo, Pony Up is a bar that serves up great drinks, but the crowd is full of hipsters. It would be best to try their different types of food such as The Bison Burger, The French Dips or The Chicken and Waffles. Their best menu is their drink menu, like the My Magical Pony, The Deep and Dreamy, or the Pony up Special. I recommend you try their drinks like the My Magical Pony, The Deep and Dreamy, or their late-night deals on Champagne to enjoy the whole spirit of this bar. Owned by partners Angela Neri and Sheamus Feeley, the Pony Up bar is famous for portraying an imperial bulldog that stands at the entrance. With their excellent cocktails and food specials, this bar is perfect for when you are in the mood to have a good time with friends.
Middleman
3401 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
303-353-4207
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Owned by Charlie Thomas and Jareb Parker, Middleman is a new upscale restaurant and neighborhood bar near Mercy Sound Studio along E Colfax Street. This bar is known for its excellent drinks like The Unit_gin, Dimmi, and original cocktails made by amazing bartenders like Courtney Smith, Trey Hamik, and Lawrence Mark. It would be best to try their different types of food such as The Barbecue Burger, or The Chicken Salad, prepared and served by their best Chef, Chef Bo Porytko. Their best menu is their drink menu, but they also have a full food menu. I recommend you try their drinks like the Fiery Chorizo, Cucumber Lemonade, Bloody Mary, and don’t forget to try their signature cocktail called the Middleman.
Forget Me Not
227 Clayton St, Denver, CO 80206
720-259-5369
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Forget Me Not is owned by partners Juan Padró, Katie O’Shea, Matt Joblon, Nicole Lebedevitch, and Max MacKissock. Located at the free-standing house adjacent to the Cherry cricket parking lot, this bar is known for incredible drinks like The Ginger Root and their original cocktails like The Seed of Happiness and the Strawberry Kiss. Their best menu is their drink menu, but they also have a full food menu. You can be assured of getting some very unique and delicious drinks such as The Mojito or Passion Fruit Margarita. I recommend you try their drinks like the Wildcard Sour, Strawberry Mojito, and the Passionfruit Margarita. Also, this bar is open on Wednesday & Thursday(3 PM-1 AM) and Friday & Saturday(3 PM-2 AM).
Cana Wine Bar
2554 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
303-993-7556
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Owned by Dano Householder, Cana Wine Bar has amazing drinks like The Last Word and original cocktails made by the best bartenders in Denver, including Charlie Jackson, Mike Fratto, and Kristin Gillis. Cana Wine Bar is in Cona House in South Broadway, Denver. I recommend trying their drinks like the Willamette Pinot Noir, Last Word, Jack Rose, and The Lady. Cana Wine Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy the Cona House neighborhood, live music, and great drinks. Cana Wine Bar is famous for its drinks and atmosphere, making it the best joint for fun and entertainment.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 4 credible sites and blogs, including Denver Eater and Secret Denver.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 5 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://www.thrillist.com/drink/denver/best-bars-in-denver
https://travellemming.com/bars-in-denver/
https://10best.usatoday.com/destinations/colorado/denver/nightlife/best-nightlife/
https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-bars-in-denver
