12 of the Coolest Bars for a Night Out in Denver, CO
Are you in the mood for a bar crawl in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains? Denver has a great bar scene that covers everything from whiskey houses to speakeasies. Here’s a roundup of 11 of our favorite bars in Denver, CO.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on August 31, 2023 and last updated on March 28, 2024. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Denver, check out our city page.
Dirty Laundry
2955 Ulster Street, Denver, CO
(303) 474-4891
There’s simply no dirty laundry to air about this incredible Denver bar! A friendly ambiance with attentive servers keeps local patrons loyal. The bar also has more than 300 whiskey varieties to choose from! The bar menu at Dirty Laundry has a long list of beers, wines, cocktails, and specialty drinks. All drinks can be enjoyed with some tasty nachos, wings, soft pretzels, Wisconsin cheese curds, and other bar favorites. Overall, this is a great place if you want a fun and lively night out without necessarily having an obnoxious night out.
The Beacon
2854 Larimer Street, Denver, CO
The Beacon is the right bar for you if you’re attracted to a Burning Man vibe. This artist-created dance bar has an artsy, integrated atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re raising your consciousness as you raise a glass for a toast. An indoor-outdoor setting complete with a large back patio full of fire pits creates a festival vibe. The Beacon’s Willow Womb bar is its most notable feature. Created using natural wood and warm light, this beautiful bar ensures that you’ll enjoy your drink surrounded by positive energy.
Honey Elixir Bar
2636 Walnut Street, Denver, CO
(720) 328-5992
Honey Elixir Bar specializes in offering rare and obscure libations. What makes this bar stand out from the crowd is that the bartenders use raw honey in place of sugar in all house-made drinks. A drink like the figgy gin cocktail really shows off the skill of the bartenders here! This is also one of the only spots in Denver where you can try cocktails made with an elixir called Jun that is an ancient “medicinal” brew fermented with green tea and honey.
Happy Camper
3211 North Pecos Street, Denver, CO
(720) 259-1044
Happy Camper is the place to go if you’ve ever wondered what a 21-and-over pizza joint would be like! The beauty of this place is that you never have to worry about getting stuck enjoying cocktails and beer on an empty stomach. Enjoy a large pizza menu offering toppings that include pepperoni, meatballs, Canadian bacon, prosciutto, vegetables, blackened chicken, dill pickles, and much more! In addition, there’s a big appetizers menu featuring wings, goat-cheese mozzarella sticks, burrata, chicken tenders, and more. The amazing whipped feta topped with honey and pistachios is served with pita and crostini! While all of the cocktails are amazing, there’s something especially refreshing about the Patio Pounder made with tequila, watermelon LaCroix, pineapple, lime, and jalapeño.
Hazel
1581 South Pearl Street, Denver, CO
(303) 284-4976
Nestled in the soul of one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, Hazel offers a classy, timeless experience for those who love polished cocktails. The seasonal cocktail menu will have you wanting to check back in every few weeks! However, the spicy margaritas usually end up being a fan favorite.
Milk Bar
1037 Broadway, Denver, CO
(303) 832-8628
Milk is the cream of the crop when it comes to Denver bars! This underground bar with an edgy vibe has an entry located behind Bar Standard. It is considered the ultimate place to groove out to house, jam, hip-hop, goth, alt, and techno music. Milk Bar is split up between a Dark Room, Clockwork Orange Room, Arcade Room, and Red Room. You can also get some air on the side patio or rooftop patio.
Death & Co
1280 25th Street, Denver, CO
(720) 330-2660
Death & Co will give you life if you’re looking for a great bar with full table service. Like the New York flagship bar, Death & Co in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood offers an upscale, posh night out. Nibble on wedge salad, buttermilk fried chicken, wild mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and other fancy favorites while catching up with friends. While all of the drinks here ooze elegance, martinis made with vermouth and orange bitters steal the show.
Williams & Graham
3160 Tejon Street, Denver, CO
(303) 997-8886
Known by locals as W&G, Williams & Graham gives off speakeasy vibes. Check in when you’re in the mood to enjoy a bar offering more than 500 bottles from around the world. Many of the more than 60 classic cocktails on the menu here are more than 200 years old!
Society Sports and Spirits
1434 Blake, Street Denver, CO
(720) 517-7303
Society Sports and Spirits is one of Denver’s best sports bars. Open until 2 a.m. daily, Society is famed for its fall-off-the-bone wings. This is also a great spot if sampling whiskey is your sport of choice!
Retrograde
530 East 19th Avenue, Denver, CO
(720) 772-7843
While Retrograde is technically a speakeasy bar, you don’t have to jump through hoops to get through the door. The twist here is that all of the cocktails are named after retro horror movies. While patrons love the chill vibe here, the fact that there’s usually just one bartender working as a way to keep the vibe intimate does mean that you’ll need to have some patience.
The High Lonesome
3360 Navajo Street, Denver, CO
(720) 287-4324
This whiskey-centric bar slings some of the best cocktails in Denver! This unpretentious establishment has a casual atmosphere that’s perfect for someone who is in the mood to sample drinks, play some pool, or share laughs among friends. Pace yourself with the whiskey by taking a break for the great Rocky Mountain pizza on the food menu!
Lady Jane
2021 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
In the heart of LoHi lies Lady Jane, the sexy cocktail bar from Pearl Street Hospitality Group. These cocktails are bold, seasonal, and approachable while not afraid to get bold with their flavors and preparations. Just a few of their current drinks include the Queen of the Rodeo (tequila, St. Germain, lemon, pineapple, and smoked juniper) and the funky Sea of Names (cognac, banana walnut, rum, salt, and other ingredients to offer a slice of banana bread in libation form).
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Denver page, here!
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