Brian Nagele
Nothing gets me through the workday quite like the idea of heading to a happy hour afterward. The promise of cheap appetizers and cocktail specials is a tantalizing reward for making it through a long, stressful day.
It is also a way to bond with co-workers or connect with friends. Denver is home to an array of amazing happy hour spots.
There is a wide range of restaurants that suit any craving, dietary lifestyle, or budget. Some restaurants focus on drink specials, while others offer food and drink combos.
So, where is the best happy hour in Denver? Keep reading to find out!
ChoLon – Central Park
10195 E 29th Dr #140, Denver, CO 80238
Phone: 720-550-6934
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If you’re near downtown Denver and in the mood for upscale Asian food, ChoLon – Central Park is the place to be.
The restaurant offers a unique twist on modern Asian fare, with an emphasis on authentic flavors and beautiful plates.
ChoLon hosts a weekday happy hour. On Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, happy hour runs from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
On Tuesdays, happy hour can be enjoyed all day long. I visited ChoLon on Thirsty Thursday and enjoyed discounted specialty cocktails like the Full Moon Margarita.
I also sampled the Crab Rangoon Purses and the Jade Shrimp Dumplings with Pea Tendrils and Bamboo Shoots. These small bites were the perfect complement to my pre-dinner drinks!
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
1539 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-292-5767
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Seafood bars have a reputation for offering incredible happy hour specials. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar is no exception.
Located on the corner of 17th and Wazee St, it’s the perfect place for a nip after getting off at Denver Union Station.
The restaurant is a casual seafood dining spot that focuses on sustainably farmed ingredients and perfectly crafted cocktails.
Here, guests can enjoy everything from fried calamari and jumbo lump crab cake to grilled Norwegian salmon and juicy burgers.
They run a daily happy hour special which includes $2 east coast oysters and a selection of tasty beer and cocktails.
During my visit, I stuffed myself with the best, most affordable oysters I’ve ever had.
La Loma
1801 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-433-8300
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La Loma is home to one of the best happy hours in Denver. La Loma began as a tiny, family-owned passion project and has grown to be an award-winning restaurant located across from the Brown Palace.
They are known for their freshly made tortillas and mouth watering green chili, both of which are made in-house in front of guests.
Happy hour specials at La Loma run from 3-6 pm Monday through Friday. They offer a large happy hour menu with a mix of appetizers and drink specials.
I recommend ordering the mini chicken flautas or the brisket tacos dorados alongside their house margarita.
The margarita is made with Herradura Silver tequila and triple sec, so you know it packs a punch. I prefer it frozen, but it’s equally good on the rocks!
Tavernetta
1889 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 720-605-1889
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Tavernetta is a glamorous upscale Italian restaurant inside the Kimpton Hotel Born. The high-quality food is prepared in an open kitchen and can be enjoyed in front of a roaring fire in their cozy lounge.
Here guests are treated to impeccable service, warm hospitality, and stylish dining arrangements. Tavernetta hosts a nightly happy hour from 4-6 pm.
The happy hour menu is extensive, with options like cacio e Pepe, Trapanese pesto, and focaccia breadcrumbs, or a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives. They have $7 glasses of wine and cocktails like the Venetian Spritz.
My personal favorite pairing was the robiola e frutta (a decadent soft cheese paired with fruit), with a glass of Scarpetta Frico rosato.
Uchi Denver
2500 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80205
Phone: 303-444-1922
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Non-traditional Japanese cuisine and amazing happy hour specials are at the core of Uchi Denver. It is a buzzy, contemporary spot perfect for hanging out with friends or colleagues after work, just off Lawrence and 25th, near Mestizo-Curtis park.
Uchi is located about 10 blocks west of Coors Field. They serve a delicious array of seafood and sushi alongside beer, wine, sake, and signature cocktails.
Happy hour is hosted daily from 4-6:30 pm. I recommend pairing their $9 Ume Punch cocktail with the Smoked Salmon Gunkan or the Scallion Pancake.
Of course, their vegan food is equally delicious! I can’t speak highly enough of the nasu (Japanese eggplant) or kikurage (wood ear mushroom). They pair exceptionally well with the Sapporo lager.
Fish N Beer
3510 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Phone: 303-248-3497
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There is nothing better than ending a long day with a cheap, ice-cold draft beer and some fresh, wood-grilled seafood.
Fish N Beer, a fresh seafood restaurant located in the RiNo neighborhood, is an expert at both. They offer fresh oysters, fish prepared any way you can imagine, and 16 on-tap beers.
Their happy hour specials run from 5-6:30 pm on Tuesday and Thursday. During happy hour, guests can enjoy $2.50 oysters, peel n eat shrimp, or coal-roasted mussels.
All beers are $1 off and house wines can be enjoyed for only $7.
Postino Broadway
145 N Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-351-7000
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Postino is a modern, eclectic eatery perfect with a happy hour perfect for the young professional. With its glorious rainbow chandelier, exposed brick walls, and pop art, it is a funky, colorful treat for the senses.
The food and happy hour specials are also incredible. Every day until 5 pm, guests can order $6 glasses of wine and pitchers of beer.
They also serve a Board & Bottle on Mondays and Tuesdays, which includes a $25 bottle of wine and a board of tasty bruschetta.
Cart-Driver RiNo
2500 Larimer St #100, Denver, CO 80205
Phone: 303-292-3553
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Cart Driver is a fantastic place to get fresh oysters, wood-fired pizzas, and an array of cocktails and alcoholic beverages.
The restaurant is located at the center of the RiNo neighborhood in a refurbished shipping container. Although it is small, the restaurant is bursting with good food and a cozy atmosphere.
Happy hour at Cart Driver in RiNo is enjoyed twice daily. From 3-6 pm guests can have $5 cocktails and spritzers. Margherita pizzas are heavily discounted during their late-night happy hour.
Hudson Hill
619 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-832-0776
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In the Capitol Hill neighborhood sits a charming eatery that serves incredible coffee, cocktails, and spirits. This is the place to be after work hours if you’re in the mood for a quality drink and light snacks.
I recommend pairing any cheese plates with the Thirst Trap, a vodka-based drink with lavender and violet. Happy hour at Hudson Hill takes place Monday through Saturday from 4-7 pm.
They have a daily signature cocktail as well as drinks, beer, wine, and classic cocktails for affordable prices.
Kona Grill
3000 E 1st Ave Ste 184, Denver, CO 80206
Phone: 720-974-1300
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Kona Grill serves classic and contemporary American food in a modern, casual environment. In addition to breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, Kona Grill is an excellent place to stop by for a happy hour.
Happy hour can be enjoyed Monday through Friday from 2-6 pm and repeated from 9-10 pm. They have a wide range of tasty pre-meal snacks like spicy tuna rolls, fish tacos, and potstickers.
In addition to wine and beer specials, you can enjoy a discounted shot of sake or a classic cocktail like a Moscow Mule.
Barcelona Wine Bar
2900 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Phone: 303-816-3300
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Nothing says happy hour hang quite like Barcelona Wine Bar. They serve tapas in an upscaled, sophisticated environment.
Happy hour lasts from 4-6 pm Monday through Wednesday and 2-5 pm Thursday and Friday. Guests can enjoy 50% off any bottle of sparkling wine and discounted cocktails like the Mini Espresso Martini.
There are also delicious snacks like mini churros in chocolate sauce. My personal favorite is the crispy eggplant with spiced honey. I recommend pairing the eggplant appetizer with a glass of sweet red wine.
Postino LoHi
2715 17th St, Denver, CO 80211
Phone: 303-433-6363
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Postino LoHi is a rustic Italian eatery located just north of Hirshorn Park. The building sits inside the historical Denver Bookbinding Company and features a lovely indoor-outdoor space.
There is a vintage feel and with over 30 unique wines to sample. Happy hour drink specials are available daily.
They serve $6 glasses of wine and pitchers of beer until 5 pm daily. Like their Denver location, Postino LoHi serves $25 Bruschetta Boards Monday and Tuesday from 8 pm until close.
Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood
2625 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Phone: 303-333-2462
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For a touch of East Coast seafood flavor in the middle of Colorado, you must try Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood.
They serve fresh clams, oysters, delicious seafood tacos, and lobster for lunch and dinner. Happy hour runs from 2-6 pm every Monday through Saturday.
Sunday’s happy hour goes from 11:30 am until 6 pm. The happy hour menu is extensive, with sliders, tacos, oysters and clams, and an array of small plates for affordable prices.
Glasses of wine are 40% off with an array of martinis and cocktails that are dirt cheap. Each time I’m here, I go for the tacos. The shrimp taco is utterly delectable.
Final Thoughts
There are some spectacular spots to enjoy the best happy hour in Denver. If you’re in the mood for an upscale, celebratory happy hour, you can’t go wrong with Tavernetta or ChoLon – Central Park.
Nothing is better than a delicious gyro after a few drinks, so check out these Denver Greek restaurants!
Did we leave a restaurant off of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
Best Happy Hour in Denver
- ChoLon – Central Park
- Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
- La Loma
- Tavernetta
- Uchi Denver
- Fish N Beer
- Postino Broadway
- Cart-Driver RiNo
- Hudson Hill
- Kona Grill
- Barcelona Wine Bar
- Postino LoHi
- Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood
