scissors and scotch cocktail

Cocktail Culture Highlights the Salon Experience

What once was a glass of bubbles while getting highlights has turned onto a full-fledged bar movement inside beauty shops around town.

BY Gabriela Reyes

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Indulging in a glass of wine or cold beer while getting pampered isn’t new, but the trend of craft cocktail bars inside or adjacent to a salon has elevated the experience even further. In this era of self-care, it’s not surprising the relaxing drink experience now aims to trump the simple sipper.

Some ventures sport a full bar featuring mixologist-approved drinks, while others have opened a watering hole next door. So why not literally let your hair down and book an appointment at one of these four salons-cum-cocktail-bars around town. It’s time to treat yourself to the ultimate fusion of style and relaxation.

olive tiger salon in denver
Indulge in a cocktail and/or beauty service. | Photo by The Olive Tiger

The Olive Tiger

Recently unveiled, The Olive Tiger occupies a revitalized area of Platte Street, gracing the interior of a modern structure with sophisticated vintage aesthetics. Imagine if a sleek cocktail bar was turned into a salon, with rich greens, dark wood, and live plants scattered about. The ambiance is carefully crafted to provide comfort, whether you’re unwinding with a cocktail or fueling up with a morning coffee or smoothie. It even peddles locally-sourced patisserie items, including vegan options. 

Offering a comprehensive range of color and styling services featuring products by the vegan-friendly brand R+Co. Inside there’s also a dedicated barber shop, making this salon for everyone. Better yet, make it a group beauty party and gather your friends for the ultimate spa(ish) day. Secure your appointment here. 1701 Platte St. Suite 101, Denver, theolivetiger.com

The Retro Room Lounge & Salon

Surprisingly, The Retro Room Lounge, also lauded as the  “home of the pickle shot”, houses a full-service salon. Located in downtown Denver, the vibe feels edgier, in a good way. Featuring KEVIN.MURPHY products, each service also comes with a complimentary drink. 

Imbibe in their extensive selection of infused whiskeys, tequilas, and vodkas, plus a solid line up of beers both on tap and in the can or bottle. Another perk, the lounge offers a casual pub food menu too, including burritos, burgers, wings, and fried cheese curds. Secure your appointment by calling 303-296-3242. 2034 Larimer St, Denver, theretroroomlounge.com

marmalade lounge at clementine's
Head to the Marmalade Lounge for a drink, or get it sent directly to your chair. | Photo by Clementine’s

Clementine’s 

For all your skincare needs, look no further than Clementine’s. Here both skin and hair services reign. The company boasts three convenient locations, however, it’s the one in Olde Town Arvada where cocktails are part of the program. Dubbed Marmalade Lounge, the bar is accessible through the salon as a client, or via a separate alleyway entrance for the public. 

That’s right, you don’t have to get a treatment in order to indulge in cocktails such as the Espressyo-Self or the gin forward ‘Cello Sunshine. The menu also boasts refreshing mocktails and a special monthly concoction. Drinks are available Tuesday through Saturday, and if you’re at Clementine’s for a treatment, you can order straight to your chair via a QR code. Secure your appointment here5665 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, clementinesdenver.com

scissors and scotch lounge area
Enjoy a drink after your service at Scissors & Scotch. | Photo by Linnea Covington

Scissors & Scotch

It’s not every day we find a salon dedicated to the art of the male body. However, thanks to the mini chain Scissors & Scotch we now do. Colorado boasts seven locations from Highlands Ranch to Fort Collins to Erie, so chances are there’s one nearby. Services include haircuts, facial hair grooming, and detailing such as color and waxing. The service also includes a craft cocktail, coffee drink, or pint of beer.

Beyond just a one-time visit, becoming a member unlocks access to exclusive perks, special events, and an exclusive lounge at each spot. No matter which location you visit, each offers a full bar and coffee service. The first drink comes with treatments, but you can always order another. Various locations, scissorsscotch.com

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gabriela Reyes

Gaby has been part of the Denver/Boulder food scene since 2015 when she moved to Colorado. While gradually losing her ability to eat due to six years of misdiagnosed food allergies, she became fascinated with the culinary scene. Gaby, aka The Restaurant Encyclopedia, has been DiningOut’s restaurant coordinator for food festivals since 2017 and joined the editorial team in 2022.
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