Are you on the lookout for the most sophisticated Cocktail Bars in Denver?
Then we have you covered!
Keep in mind, this article is in ascending order. We’ve saved the best Cocktail Bars for last. Enjoy the list!
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Are you looking to discover the best bars in Denver?
Then we have you covered!
On this page, you’ll find the official shortlist of all the bars in Denver. (More in-depth further below). And, each with why it’s best to go.
Feel free to check out each bar’s official profile to find out more and to find out which is best for you.
We’ve also created separate shortlists for each genre you might like to visit on your time out.
So check out these articles as well:
Furthermore, you can get on the guest list or book a table with bottle service on some of the more exclusive bars. We are happy to help you out with either.
27. Room for Milly- LoHi Bar Denver
One step in, and you’re taken back to the 20th-century-style supper club mixed with a modern and sleek interior. Whether you want to go with friends for a bite or a sip of a cocktail after work, this is the place to be. Inspired by Milly Parker and her adventures, the setup is the ideal space she would go to unwind. She is the inspiration behind the place. Offering a variety of mixed cocktails, each offers a whole experience as you take a sip. Each has a story reflected by its name. Like ‘The Fuel Stop, Old Fashioned’ is a mix of bourbon, cranberry, and rosemary. It is ‘relaxed and intimate with sock-feet on the coffee table.’ With subtle flirty hints, it is hard to resist the charm of this place. The welcoming atmosphere is the best place for hosting a party for all your friends. Their art collection is something everyone can admire. Some expensive and some thrifted, there is a mix of colors and visuals to soak in. If you have your eye on a piece, you can get your hands on it and support the artist. Besides this, the bar is mindful of creating waste and aims toward sustainability.
26. Hudson Hill- Capitol Hill Bar Denver
25. ESP Hifi- Lincoln Park Bar Denver
A music lover’s dream, ESP Hifi is a bar where you will find the host spinning vinyl records. ESP is one of the handful of listening bars in the country, an experience in itself. Sip on some natural wines as shaken drinks would disrupt the music. A step inside, and you go, wow! The smell, the music, and the laid-back and relaxed vibe all are a perfect blend. Foster and Minter, the owners, visited around 40 such bars all around the country to find their niche and what they wanted in their own space. The music ranges from soul, boogie, funk, jazz, and other electronic genres that reflect the owner’s taste and appreciation for deeper cuts. The space resembles those of its kind in Japan but has a personal spin. The energy shifts day to night as coffee gets swapped with gin, tequila, and others you prefer. You will not hear any of the modern-day pop-rock music there. The owners keep their records in mint condition so that your listening experience is one of a kind. Now they are expanding by having more DJs come and play their tracks throughout the day.
24. Trashhawk Tavern- Overland Bar Denver
In the time of modern cocktail bars, Trashhawk Tavern is a neighborhood bar. Opening after mid-day, the place hosts many events in the space. Trashhawk Tavern is the place for those who like their drinks strong, for you will find options ranging from ‘Pink Nasty’ to ‘Big Tasty’ and ‘Trash BB.’ The prices vary from 6 to 8 dollars. It is a family-run place with walls decorated with retro decor and taxidermy. Some are family heirlooms that Homburger, the owner, had kept safe, while others have been thrifted. one is in awe of even the bathrooms, as they are covered with old adverts. The place offers a rustic vibe to its customers. It provides a pool table in a cozy and homey place. Enjoy a game of beer pong or trivia if you want—one of the best places to go to if you fancy some Malort. People love the food here, and the prices are even better. Just a year old, the place is on its way to becoming a dive bar. Whether you want to vent to a friend or be the listening ear to them, the bar offers an excellent ambiance to all its customers.
23. B&GC- Cherry Creek Bar Denver
One of the most challenging places to find, and we will get you there. Not even on Google maps, this place only gives you their contact number. You only get in after you have a reservation. It is behind a hotel in an alley. There is just a golden triangle logo with an antique-looking doorbell underneath. Ring it, and the staff shall guide you to B&CG. Short hours and small sitting space make it an attraction for all drink lovers. This speakeasy is worth all the effort. The bar sits in the center with round tables for bigger groups. The decor gives off 1950s elite and wealthy class club vibes that are now open for you too. The menu offers vintage whiskey, martinis, and cocktail mixes that their skilled mixologists will blend up for you. Delicacies like shrimp and caviar are also available for those who want something to eat and savor. This bar’s exclusive and mysterious nature makes it a fun and unique experience that you must try. The bar is a revival of the glory that we saw after WWII. Lose yourself to the promise of exhilaration. The experience is worth the price!
22. Rayback Collective- Boulder Bar Denver
Rayback Collective is a food truck, coffee shop, bar, event space, and backyard. Everything is in one place. The best part? It even has a pup zone! It hosts events ranging from art, music, and games like trivia, comedy, and community events. Local brewing companies offer you many drink options, including cocktails, ciders, and seltzers. The indoor seating has a clean and polished interior. The building has a history of its own. What was once the building for Raybacks Plumbing Supply for around 60 years is now a food spot. The next generations continued to give to the community but in a newer way, through food and drinks! Everyone from families to students can find something of their liking here. The stage features small local bands performing each night and entertaining us with their melodies. Yard games, Cornhole, and even Jenga are available for rent. It is open daily from noon to nighttime. So grab a drink and a bite to eat, too, and relax on the patio. With so much to do, you cannot resist staying a while once you visit. Meet new people and even some furry friends at Boulders’ one-of-a-kind space.
21. Pindustry- GreenWood Village Bar Denver
From drinks to lanes to music and food, everything under one roof! The perfect pairing is a rooftop view with craft beer and some fantastic cocktails. Think of any game, and Industry will have it. Billiards, ping pong, foosball, darts, shuffleboard, and even corn hole. At $12 per hour, it sounds fun. A vintage arcade with games inspired by Star Wars, Led Zeppelin, and even The Mandalorian! You might even give the life-size chess board a shot. If you enjoy traditional bowling or duck-pin bowling, they have both. Just grab a drink and sit on the couch while you wait for your turn. And if luck doesn’t turn in your favor, then they have something even more potent for you. Enjoy a spot up close as the local bands get a chance to show you their skills. You can check the events on the calendar on their website. With food and drinks prices as low as $6, you can have a fun night out with friends and family at Industry. Book an event with them and have the place all to yourselves if you want that. You can even get the feel of the site by looking at their virtual tour on their website!
20. Wildflower- LoHi Bar Denver
Wildflower is described as ‘incredible on every level’ with a mix of Italian and Mexican influences. Located inside the boutique hotel LifeHouse, it offers a romantic ambiance perfect for your next date night. The whole building is contemporary, but Wildflower has an essence of its own. With jewel-toned decor, velvet and leather seats, draperies, and florals all around you, the mood is something you will enjoy for sure. You must try out their cocktail bar with hand-painted murals and wallpapers that surround you. You will get a taste of Colorado from a variety of options to choose from and many non-alcoholic ones. Especially from the natural wines and beers brewed locally. You will find exciting possibilities like honey wine or mead infused with semi-sweet chamomile and apple cider. The lead bartender Jacob Berndt uses high-end ingredients like prickly pear and black lime mixed in a margarita called Wildflower.
It offers a plant-based menu using as many local ingredients as possible and creating intricate dishes. Suppose you even start reading the descriptions in the menu. In that case, you will lose yourself to the list of delectable ingredients they have to offer in specially designed combinations.
19. Middleman- CityPark Bar Denver
The name, inspired by what it aims to do, Middleman is the place where you get to meet new people. It is the facilitator between you and the other person. The interior is clean and comfortable. With a modernist approach to straight lines, they focused on textures and material purposefully. The woodwork is done by the owners themselves, and the artwork by a local artist, RUMTUM. Being a neighborhood bar at heart, the Middleman still offers some exciting cocktail blends at fair prices. Their cocktails are the main focus here, with beer, wine, and even spirits like genepy and mastiha, which can be combined into some fantastic cocktails. The drinks are described in a fun and quirky way and pack a punch. Don’t underestimate the size! They say that they can publish a book on their combinations by now. There is also the option of some yummy bar bites that you can get your hands on, courtesy of the chef. It does attract a lot of crowd DJs and artists alike. The place is a mix of vintage and retro with a subtle modern flair. It is cool and edgy while being cozy at the same time.
18. Green Russel- LoDo Bar Denver
One of the best and most well-known spots for you to grab a drink, Green Russel is a speakeasy where people come into the front and get a table reserved. It is always a good place to hang out with a group of friends, especially if you prefer a stiff drink. Did we forget to mention that it is under the street so that might get a little hot for you. It is dark with rock walls, velvet booths, framed mirrors, and suitable music playing in the background. It is nicely packed at night, with exciting conversations at every corner you turn to. With more than a dozen cocktails on their menu, they also offer scotch and whiskey from unexpected places like Taiwan. Order the ‘Mojito’ and get a mix of white rum, mint, lime, and seltzer. It also offers a seasonal menu that makes use of seasonal ingredients. You could also ask the bartender for his recommendation after you have tried out a few drinks on your own. The menu of bar snacks is a solid one. They keep you satisfied while you take a break from all the drinking. Their loaded potato chips and pulled pork nachos are a must-have!
17. MBP- Five Points Bar Denver
With a full-service bar, eclectic food experience, and a patio with live music to dance to and have a wonderful evening, MBP is where you should go. MBP, short for moods, beats, and potions, is true to its name. Mathew and Priya Burkett wanted to create a comfortable place for date nights and to unwind post work. It brings in a new vibe to the black neighborhood, and you can be the one hosting a fun party. The experience here brings the community together. A space to bring harmony amongst everyone, MBP offers food and drinks at the most affordable prices you can find. The place highlights African American culture through its space and the food it provides. They want you to grab a drink, chill at the bar, or maybe grab a bite to eat in the dining area and then end up at the patio with your friends and loved ones to groove to the catchy tunes. This venture makes people explore the community and space even more as the place has lots of local businesses that you would love! The design concept is to make more new and fun gathering spots for the people and to show the strength of the African American community.
16. Pearl Street Pub and Cellar- Boulder Bar Denver
You are welcomed in a tavern setting at Pearl Street Pub and Cellar, which offers one of the best food and drinks experiences in town! People rave about their beer selection and bar food options. Fitting snugly between shops and restaurants on Pearl street, the place is a few decades old. It continues to be an attraction for locals and tourists alike. Beware, if you step in after 10, you will find yourself surrounded by students drowning themselves in whiskey and tequila. The happy hour special includes $3.5 drinks and even locally brewed beers. The chicken wings with sauce or crispy, gooey mac n cheese bite sure make you want more. There is also the option to play games downstairs while you sip your drink. The staff is known to be chill, and maybe you want their suggestions for the next round of drinks. The black and blue burger or the crispy finger fish make a killer combination with some coleslaw and fries. Pre covid, they had a tradition for all those turning 21 to kiss their taxidermy bison head that hung on the wall. Still, hey, you will enjoy yourself in the fancy part of town by paying prices that are not so heavy on the pocket.
15. LaBouche- Uptown Bar Denver
From France to Denver, the owners have curated a divine wine experience for all its customers. It is ‘The perfect mix between French & American cultures, between Parisian & Coloradoans’ styles’ as they say. The authentic wine experience gives you the best of both worlds. It is only closed on Mondays; it opens at 4 pm daily and even offers brunch on Sundays! They also host events on behalf of the French embassy, so you might be able to polish up your French skills one evening while you savor the wine. Or maybe dog of the month would interest you more? Their red wine selections include different varieties of grenache, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, pinot noir, and malbec. Sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot gris, chenin blanc and viognier and a part of the white wine selection. There are also more premium options available in both sections. If you are overwhelmed with the options available on the menu, you can order a flight and then see what you want to go for and get a glass of that. Of course, there are options for beers, champagne, and cocktail lovers, as well as cheese boards to pair perfectly with the drinks. The community it is located in is keen on trying out new stuff, so the place is always nicely packed. Complete your European experience without your passport!
14. Slashers Denver- Hale Bar Denver
A dive bar that caters to the punk and hardcore rock metal head, Slashers is the place to be at. You’ll find great cocktail mixes and horror movies and songs here. With cocktail drink names that are quirky, like ‘I waked with a zombie’ or ‘funeral music,’ you get a mix of tequila, mezcal, lime juice, grapefruit juice, agave, and red wine. Priced at an average of $12 to $14, have fun shouting the order. They have created a unique and fun experience for all the weirdos. There are trivia nights, movie screenings, chainsaw-themed events, and everything spooky for all the horror bar lovers. The best part, you may ask? A portion of their sales goes to women’s non-profit organizations. All the movie buffs should be there at 7 to enjoy the movie with some drinks. They even have plastic spiders and skull-themed decor complimenting the drinks. Blood splatters on the walls around you sure add to the spooky effect. The cocktails change seasonally according to the theme and ingredients available, so make sure you get a taste of what they offer. The customers rave about their excellent service, fun drinks, and an exciting experience.
13. The Welton Room- Five points Bar Denver
Giving lounge life a whole new meaning, Welton’s room is sexy, sultry, and glamourous. The best combination for a wild night out. It promises you a sensual experience complemented by delicately crafted cocktails. The lush lounge ambiance and the small plates they offer will make you come back for more. Even the names complement the feel of the space so well. From ‘Pick me up Maria,’ a mix of tequila, freshly brewed espresso, and coffee liqueur, to ‘The dark side,’ which offers you American whiskey, single malt scotch, st. george bruto americano, Aperol, px sherry, sweet vermouth, and apple chips. It is a unique taste that you will want more of. Such a luxurious list of ingredients justifies the $16 price point. The liquid nitrogen adds more oomph to the experience one can’t resist showing off on social media. Your friends will envy you. Each drink is assembled so meticulously that you cannot help but stare at it for a while in awe. The sleek black marble bar top is complemented with dried herbs, fruits, and florals that create a sultry sensory experience.
12. Atost- Golden Bar Denver
Atos offers you their American Aperitifs, a mix of wine and spirit coming together beautifully. They say it is ‘Inspired by tables filled with friends and family, atōst celebrates the timeless tradition of gathering through the clinking of glasses. Wherever you are trying out their drinks, always keep your glass full. You can enjoy their drinks on the rocks by pouring them and taking a sip, over bubbles, or just micing up a few for a simple cocktail. Their website even has a few recipes for cocktails you might want to try. With the perfect combination of wine, spirit, and alcohol, the taste is something you can sip on. Their operatives are suited to American customers. They are different from the ones you find in Europe, which are bitter to taste. Cost symbolizes gathering together with friends and family and having a good time. Aperitivos are usually served before dinner so that while you wait for food, your palette has another experience to enjoy. The tasting room has an intimate vibe, and the excellent staff is also amazing.
On your way back, you can grab a bottle to enjoy later on.
11. The Red Barber- Cole Bar Denver
A rooftop bar is a retreat from your tiring work day, offering an unparalleled 180-degree view of the cityscape. What more do you want? If you want a connection or an escape, this place gives you a mix of the familiar and unknown. It even offers a 3300 ft oasis along with its sitting space. It gives you a concert-like live music experience, fire pits, yard games, and even the chef makes appearances while cooking. You can host private events or participate in their happenings like Thursday night trivia or national rose day. Their bite-size snacks will not be a hindrance while you munch and socialize. It might be worth mentioning that famous chefs often stop by to cook or grab a bite. What do you know, you might meet your inspiration. Booze and mixes are popular here, and you will enjoy whatever you order from the menu. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating. If you want a seat at the bar or on the hammock with a spectacular view, have a drink in hand, and your evening will go along well.
10. Adrift Bar Denver
Adrift is a tiki bar inspired by the Polynesian and Caribbean style. It is an exotic vacation-like getaway experience from your desk job. Their drinks are crafted for those with a strange taste for fresh ingredients, and no mix is too sweet. Tiki Tuesday offers happy hour all day! You can sit on the bar, inside, or on the patio, whatever you choose. Order yourself a ‘jungle bird’ and get black rum, aged rum, martini & Rossi bitter, pineapple, demerara, and lime. Or you might want to sip on ‘hurricane’ or even ‘Saturn.’ You can also get a mystery shot for yourself or a friend to surprise them. Just open the spirit section, and you will find yourself lost in the hundred or so options in front of you. Their food menu also has vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. All that one can think of is from salads to rice bowls to wraps and boards. The bar is lined with bamboo, and even artworks are framed with bamboo sticks. We have lanterns and lamps for lighting, and carved tikis surround you inside and even outside on the patio. The customers love their cocktails, and the service is always top-notch!
9. Forget Me Not- Cherry Creek Bar Denver
With a minimal and sleek-looking building, the inside is cleaner with lots for the eyes to absorb. Forget Me Not invites you to put your sorrows away outside its doors and step in to rejuvenate yourself. The guests come here to talk their sorrows away or to be on the listening end, helping a friend out. Here you get to form new relationships and strengthen old ones. They were inspired by the infamous flower you create and make memories in this place and are to have a good time. Their drinks come with catchy taglines like ‘they say I’m trouble and I don’t give a damn.’ A mix of sweet and robust Nobody’s Angel sounds like something not everyone can mess with. You have a lot of cocktail options to choose from. The aesthetics of the place are on another level. With black and white tiles and marble, we see subtle accents of colors like gold, red and purple in the furniture and decor. A beautiful chandelier hangs above the bar adding to the luxurious feel of the space. The patio space is lined with a picket fence, creating a welcome vibe. The small plate menu includes lobsters, oysters, charcuterie plates, caviar, and even wagyu. Live DJ performances complement all of these, and the vibe is subtle yet sexy.
8. Ghost Donkey- LoDo Bar Denver
Mexican hospitality at its finest! With 65 mezcal and 25 tequila options, Ghost Donkey is also a visual experience. Being the fourth branch here in Denver, it received an immediate rush of customers as soon as it opened up. It offers the same menu as its other branches, but local options will be joining the list soon. The ambiance itself is enough to turn heads. With red and purple hues surrounding you, and the white donkey statue in one corner, it sure does overwhelm you for a hot minute. The well-curated mezcal list is what one should look forward to. Even the spirits come from local places. Do not sip on your drink too fast, for it will hit you hard; revel in each sip and experience the taste in all its glory. Food-wise, the menu does offer exciting options. Especially the truffle nachos. Something considered very simply like nachos has a touch of elegance. A subtle flair of newness is added to these known dishes to create something exciting to the palette. Book the space for some fun times with your friends and have a blast. As they say, ‘Mezcal, tequila, and mucho good times!’
7. Deviation Distilling- LoDo Bar Denver
Deviation Distilling is a distillery that claims to bring you the best gin and spirits in town. Adding their spin to the gin and spirit process, they claim to give you something unique that you have not tasted before. The inspiration is the traditional process, but the artisans are given creative liberty to mix what they like. Once a firehouse, this place has been transformed into an intimate cocktail lounge perfect for events and to stop by after work. Located between restaurants, retail outlets, and hotels, it is a destination for all those who come to the area. A buzz of activities going on around attracts a good crowd. A stunning display of bottle lights welcomes and guides you inside. There are two sitting levels. One is a patio with an indoor bar area. The upper level is more private, with tables and dim lighting to set the mood. They use a lot of fresh fruits and herbs in their cocktails, designed very beautifully with fresh orange and grapefruit slices complementing the drinks. This place will convert you into a gin fan, from bright gins to chai and coffee-flavored whiskeys.
6. Lady Nomada- Arvada Bar Denver
There won’t be a dull moment at Lady Nomada as long as you’re there. ‘Lady loves good food and comes alive at night when the music fills the air and drinks around without a care.’ It takes inspiration from Baja; each dish and drink gives you a taste of the coast and the freshness of the sun. Cocktails, beer, wine, and margaritas, all under one roof. Would you prefer a ‘painkiller’? It packs a punch with a mix of Haitian dark rum, auva cachaca, pineapple, coconut, orange, and lime! Or you might like some sparkling rose. There’s a mix of everything from strong to light to sweet and bitter. The food section has many options like snacks, small and big plates, and even some pastries. The beach inspires the wall art, and you are surrounded by fake cacti lining the walls. Even the seat patterns remind you of a vacation. At one corner, you will see a vinyl player, the owner’s liking and interest, which creates a soothing environment that makes you melt in your seat. The cane lamps hanging from the ceiling add more freshness to the whole place. The first thing you should do when you step in is to order a cocktail.
5. Awake- Jefferson Park Bar Denver
Welcome to Colorado’s largest selection of nonalcoholic beer, wine, spirits, and elixirs at Awake. It focuses on socializing, minus the drinking part. It aims to normalize and embrace the sober lifestyle. ‘Sobriety fosters genuine connections and relationships, according to the owners. Come here to talk, listen and relax with your drink of choice. The bar is very welcoming, with a neon sign that says’ Together, we wake up.’ You can order some caffeine or drink for yourself, whatever you are in the mood for really. Their shop is also open for you to take a bottle or two with you as you leave. 1% of sales and 10% of profits go to local charities. Other than this, all of their ingredients and sustainably sourced. You could book the place for an event, and everyone will remember the expensive interior and the patio space. The community has supported this initiative as people believe one has to drink alcohol to socialize, but Awake is breaking the norm. You could have a margarita, gin, or tonic and still drive back home! How cool is that! The floor-to-ceiling windows, velvet stools, and live music make the experience very relaxing.
4. The Tatarian- Berkeley Bar Denver
The Tatarian calls itself ‘a contemporary neighborhood bar’. The name is inspired by the tree variety that thrives in the area. It offers you a mix of nature with modern. There are abstract paintings of mountains hanging on the blue-green walls, the bar is textured wood, and so are the stools. The lights sparkle above you like a constellation of stars. If the space has not wowed you yet, the menu is a work of art. Drinks named after and sometimes even inspired by the names of trees and herbs are a whole new experience. To name a few, amate, dragon blood, wisteria, ashbrittle, angel oak, kapok, and baobab are on the long list. There are also a few seasonal options along with the classics. You would find it hard to resist taking a picture or two when the server brings your drink to you, from rainbow-colored foam or a smoke show to reveal your drink. Although the food options are limited, we would say the drinks section and the staff make up for it. For a fuss-free sophisticated experience, the Tatarian is the place to be at.
3. Tight End Bar Denver
Denver’s only gay sports bar is a safe space for all. With tv sets and a good sound system, you can gather here to enjoy a good game while choosing your drink from the list. Open all days of the week; they even extend their hours on game days for you all. Would you like vodka, beer, gin, wine, whiskey, rum, tequila, or even something non-alcoholic? The long list in the menu has almost everything covered. It also has a variety of pizza flavors for your company while watching a game. They have bold flavors like Morning wood and Beefcake to snack on. Want a salad on the side? They got it! The owner wanted a more straightforward experience designed for this space. He has created an area where you can relax fuss-free, unlike other gay bars, and chat up to others. They also partner with local gay sports clubs and even offer discounts if you wear your jersey. The place also has drag shows and music sometimes on the weekends. The dance floor is open for those who feel like they are up for it while the football-esqe disco ball reflects onto the space.
2. Thank Sool Poocha Bar Denver
If you are in the mood for a Korean pub experience, walk right in. ThankSool offers alcoholic beverages, a variety of classic Korean dishes, and some chef specials. The music genre is K-pop for a fun vibe at night time. The environment is comfortable and homey, with families all around you. If you want to try some soju or rice wine, both their specialties, then go ahead and taste them. Or maybe if you’re feeling more daring, you might take a bite of a snail or some cow intestines. No? That’s alright; you can also try rice bowls and kimchi pancakes. They have a variety of soups and stews for a heartier option to try as well. If you want a safer option, try out their crispy chicken wings coated with sauce that creates a beautiful blend of flavors in your mouth the first bite you take.
It is a whole new experience for those who haven’t tasted Korean food and culture. It would be fun to try out with a bunch of friends. Or however many fit in the booth.
1. Number 38 Bar Denver
Number 38 promises the authentic Colorado experience for anyone who steps in. It is the place to socialize if you want to have fun or try something new. It offers a branded taproom experience, a sizzling kitchen, a stage where you might get to see the following hot sensation play their tunes, and a no-touch payment system. The taproom will always have the classic favorite but new breweries, distilleries, and winemakers concoctions for you to try out. Twenty-four of them at a time! The food menu consists of bao buns, wraps, tacos, flatbreads, salads, etc., curated by the chef with an Indonesian flair. When you enter, you get a wristband that acts as your source of payment to enjoy the experience to its fullest without the hassle of cost. It’s like their very own music festival! The decor is a mix of minimal and sleek with a rustic touch of organic wooden texture and shapes and cow skin rugs, creating cozy corners for you to hang out. The patio is the biggest the area has to offer, making enough space for all to enjoy the live music. There are also two sand volleyball courts if you and your friends are up for a challenge
