The numbers show that fewer people are drinking these days. But that hasn’t diminished the quality of cocktail bars and options across the metro area. Rather, the local bar scene is at the top of its game, attracting elite talent and national awards in recent years.
From trendy lounges to historic speakeasies and neighborhood dives, there’s somewhere for every occasion and type of drinker. Consider these Denver cocktail bars for your next night out.
Denver Cocktail Bars
The Peach Crease Club
Helmed by industry veterans Alex Jump and Stuart Jensen, this cocktail bar next to The Mission Ballroom was one of last year’s hottest openings. Warm tones, wood paneling, and vintage speakers create a welcoming ambiance while global culinary traditions influence the experimental drink menu.
Sip on options like the beet-red Borscht cocktail or a gin-based drink inspired by fattoush when visiting this trendsetter, which was just named a Spirited Awards finalist for Best New US Cocktail Bar. 4180 Wynkoop St., Denver, peachcreaseclub.com
Room for Milly
In conceptualizing this feminine lounge, co-owner Fiona Arnold dreamed up a globe-trotting, risk-taking socialite named Milly Parker. Though fictional, this aspirational character is entirely felt in the Highland bar’s chic aesthetic and timeless offerings. Start with petite martini service on the patio or order a libation inspired by the heroine’s world travels, like the shaved ice kakigōri cocktails. Guests are encouraged to linger over fancy conservas and bottomless truffle salt popcorn, among other small bites. 1615 Platte St., Denver, roomformilly.com
Lady Jane
Coffee meets cocktails at sister concepts Hudson Hill and The Wild, but this darling LoHi spot emphasizes the latter. Perhaps that laser focus is what led Lady Jane to receive its many prestigious honors, including a James Beard semifinalist nod for Outstanding Bar this year.
When visiting, settle along the counter or sink into plush seating among Art Deco accents and abundant greenery. Local, seasonal ingredients star on the ever-shifting menu, so return often to discover what’s new behind the bar. 2021 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, ladyjanedenver.com
The Tatarian
Though from the same founders as Union Lodge No. 1, this Berkeley neighborhood bar has an entirely different feel where mid-century modern meets natural motifs. The Tatarian is named after a locally found maple tree. To further draw from botany, the menu references trees from around the world. Globally sourced amaros and bitters are infused into several artful cocktails. Try the Darley Oak showcasing a liqueur made from pine cones or its bourbon-based namesake featuring maple and lapsang tea. 4024 Tennyson St., Denver, thetatarian.com
Yacht Club
Power couple McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright opened this elevated dive in the Cole neighborhood five years ago, which has since racked up several accolades including Best U.S. Cocktail Bar at the 2024 Spirited Awards. Still, this “anti-club club” remains easygoing and hot dogs maintain their place on the menu. From the bar, guests can order everything from cheap Miller High Life cans to natural wines and coastal-leaning craft cocktails like the rye-based Smoked Plum and Frozen Banana Daiquiri. 3701 N. Williams St., Denver, yachtclubbar.com
The Cruise Room
Even among Denver’s historic places to dine, the Cruise Room holds a special legacy. This downtown speakeasy at the Oxford Hotel claims fame as the city’s longest-running bar, having opened just a day after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.
Drawing inspiration from the cocktail lounge aboard the RMS Queen Mary, the space features a wine bottle shape and glamorous Art Deco details bathed in red light. Take in the ambiance while enjoying a signature martini or another classic, like the spirit-forward Sazerac. 1600 17th St., Denver, theoxfordhotel.com
Semiprecious
Since its debut last year, this Sunnyside neighborhood bar has built a solid reputation for innovative, high-tech cocktails. Instead of using ice, drinks are batch-made and placed in custom refrigeration which ensures the perfect temperature and dilution. Expect the most crisp, cold martini possible, along with creations carbonated in-house with high-pressure techniques.
Having an aperitivo theme, the menu also includes a bubbly Mango Spritz, a cognac-infused Cherry Sour, and other impressive pours. Bonus, Semiprecious has a canned cocktail program it does in house, which means you can take a drink to go. 2839 W. 44th Ave., Denver, semipreciousdenver.com
Union Lodge No. 1
Constructed in the late 19th century, the building that houses Union Lodge No. 1 is rich with wood details, exposed brick, and historic character. Lenka Juchelkova and Mike Huggins, partners in life and business, felt it was the perfect place to spotlight the pre-Prohibition era. Retreat from the tourist crowds on 16th Street Mall to savor libations like its Sherry Cobbler, a variety of juleps, and the frothy gin fizz. While meticulous, the bartenders also have some fun while pouring the dramatic, flaming Blazer cocktail. 1543 Champa St., Denver, unionlodge1.com
Sorry Gorgeous
Apartments with ground-floor retail are common, but the Novel RiNo has something special: one of the city’s best rooftop bars. Like its sister concepts Ay Papi and Forget Me Not, the interior of this lounge is a true stunner with emerald velvet banquettes, gold details, and soaring windows with mountain and skyline views.
Poka Lola Social Club
Find one of the city’s most beautiful bars just beyond the Maven Hotel lobby in the Dairy Block microdistrict. With shiny tile flooring and sea foam green leather seating, its posh interior blends a nostalgic soda shop vibe with Art Deco elegance. But this downtown lounge goes beyond its good looks with a stand-out cocktail program. Order from house classics like the Espresso Martini, signature shots, and a rotating variety of seasonal sips that go fabulously with its selection of small plates. 1850 Wazee St., Denver, pokaloladenver.com
Williams & Graham
Tucked behind a not-so-secret bookshelf in LoHi, this speakeasy is a cornerstone of the local cocktail scene. Third-generation bartender Sean Kenyon founded Williams & Graham in 2011, and has since received numerous accolades for the bar’s craftsmanship and hospitality. With hundreds of bottles behind the shelves, guests can request a custom drink or order any classic imaginable. Some ingredients in the signatures may raise an eyebrow, but somehow always work. The food menu equally surprises and delights. 3160 Tejon St., Denver, williamsandgraham.com
Death & Co
The Ramble Hotel, a boutique stay in RiNo, houses this sophisticated bar that likely needs no introduction. Death & Co rose to fame with its original New York City institution and similarly, the cocktails here are sure to impress. Curated to the neighborhood’s tastes, the menu is divided by personalities with “light and playful” pours alongside “boozy and honest” libations. Thoughtful zero-proof options are also available to enjoy from the jewel-toned lobby, the intimate Suite A mezzanine bar, or seasonal outdoor patio. 1280 25th St., Denver, deathandcompany.com
Welton Room
With theatrical presentations, the cocktails from this bar frequently go viral on social media. This is especially true of those from Monkey Bar, one of two sister concepts in the Five Points space. Espresso martinis are its specialty, with unique variations featuring ingredients like banana pudding and Dubai chocolate. Order the flight to sample several, or sip a more subdued, yet equally artful cocktail at Welton Room. Its menu includes a Clarified White Russian, a smoky old fashioned fat-washed with brown butter, and more. 2590 Welton St., Denver, weltonroom.com
Dirty Laundry
Though Sean Hathaway-Casey and Aubrey Rager debuted their dive during the pandemic era, Dirty Laundry thrived in the Central Park neighborhood. Their Midwestern charm and regional menu won over regulars, who can choose from more than a hundred beers and an even larger whiskey selection. Order a shot with a Miller High Life pony or look to the cocktail menu for something surprisingly refined. Still, the vibe is welcoming and casual, as is the food menu featuring cheese curds and Chicago dogs. 2955 Ulster S., Denver, no website
In the Suburbs
Alchemy
A single block in Golden houses four unique sister concepts helmed by chef John Wilson, each with a commendable menu. Though for the best cocktail selection, plan a visit to Alchemy, an apothecary-inspired lounge with regular live music and craft beverages like the Poison Ivy made from gin, elderflower liqueur, and green chartreuse. Charcuterie and hearty sandwiches make up the solid food menu. 1111 Miner’s Alley, Golden, no website
The Cure
A satanic tiki bar might not be to everyone’s liking, but there’s no denying The Cure makes killer cocktails. Of course, rum anchors most of the menu which includes a Mai Tai and other classics, plus seasonal sips and signatures like the Chocolotl, a tropical take on an old fashioned. This Edgewater bar is unapologetically weird and a bit kitsch, but with frequent events, it’s been a community staple for five years running. 5350 W. 25th Ave., Edgewater, thecureedgewater.com
Traveling Mercies
Before dining at sister concept Annette downstairs, start the evening with a drink and a bite at Traveling Mercies. This intimate, sleek bar from acclaimed chef Caroline Glover offers a curated selection of wines by the glass and carefully crafted cocktails like the neat and balanced Vesper, as well as a signature martini made with anchovy vermouth. Fresh oysters are a must when visiting this Stanley Marketplace standout. 2501 Dallas St., Aurora, travelingmerciesbar.com
Along the Front Range
C Bar
While many bars in Boulder cater to the raucous college crowd, this dark and moody Pearl Street lounge takes a more refined approach. That is, until late hours on Friday nights when live DJs create a party atmosphere. Consider then your excuse to let loose with the mezcal-based Coffee and Smoke or another classically-inspired cocktail. Elevated fare like salmon crudo and caviar, plus an indulgent C Burger, add to the menu. 921 Pearl St., Boulder, cbarcocktails.com
Jungle
Walk a block from C Bar to this bright tiki paradise spotlighting flavors from rum-making nations around the world. Along with balanced, not-too-sweet takes on classics, Jungle offers innovative creations. Several are served from playful ceramics, like a pirate skull-shaped cup containing rum, guava, plantain, citrus, and curry spice. Complement your selection with Caribbean fries, shrimp skewers, burgers, and other tasty small plates. 2018 10th St., Boulder, junglerumbar.com
Foxglove Bar and Hideout
Old Town Lafayette has a few hidden dining gems, including the charming Foxglove Hideout. Expect a snug interior with whimsical decor, intimate tables, and stools along a glossy tiled bar. There’s also a patio with comfortable seating and plenty of space for groups. Tucked inside children’s books, the menu stars spirit-free and garden-inspired creations like the Green Envy Gimlet and a refreshing blood orange spritz. 107 S. Public Rd., Lafayette, foxglovebar.com
