The Coolest Speakeasies in Denver, CO
What does it take to get into one of Denver’s best speakeasies? Consider yourself on the list if you’re reading this! Between the hand crafted cocktails, dim lights and great music, speakeasies are always such a vibe. These are the eight best speakeasies for darkening a secret door in Denver, Colorado.
Williams & Graham
3160 Tejon Street, Denver, CO
(303) 997-8886
With a team of bartenders capable of creating custom bespoke cocktails based on your mood and preference, Williams & Graham is the easygoing speakeasy anyone seeking a spirited time in Denver needs to know about it. It’s been named one of the top 23 secret bars in the world. The drink menu here boasts 60 classic and time-tested cocktails that date back 200 years. Williams & Graham is also a place where you can grab a hearty bite to eat from a menu that includes hors d’oeuvres, shared plates, big plates, and desserts. The famous W&G Burger washes down nicely with any drink!
Ghost Donkey
1750 Wewatta Street (Suite 140 & 160), Denver, CO
(720) 409-4242
This Mexican-style speakeasy in Denver serves up hospitality in the forms of mezcal and tequila. Unlike some of the city’s subdued speakeasies, Ghost Donkey keeps things lively with loud music and neon lights. The mushroom margarita, wildflower paloma, and burro tropical are lovely drink options. And if you’re feeling a little snarky, the chicken nachos are a great thing to share!
Retrograde
530 East 19th Avenue, Denver, CO
(720) 772-7843
The epically themed cocktails at Retrograde make for a great time! The Space Ninjas cocktail made with plantation pineapple, curacao, Luxardo, banana, miso caramel, and cream is just one example of the deliciousness they’re whipping up here. If you like a fruity drink, this is the spot for you, and the drink portions here are generous. Be warned that the journey into Retrograde is a bit complex because you actually have to head toward a freezer door inside an artisan ice cream shop to gain entry using a secret signal. While we won’t spoil the fun for you, calling Retrograde ahead of time to confirm protocol for entry is recommended!
The Cruise Room
1600 17th Street (Oxford Hotel), Denver, CO
(303) 825-1107
The Cruise Room is a dapper speakeasy with thick 1900’s charm. While some speakeasies try to recreate the magic of the Prohibition Era, The Cruise Room lived it. Founded the day after the repeal in 1933, this sophisticated libation spot stands as Denver’s longest-running bar! While relaxing inside this pink-tinged bar where no elegant detail is overlooked, you can enjoy all kinds of cocktail like the Blossom Sour made with Japanese whiskey, honey, and lychee. Be sure to dress to impress!
Chez Roc
233 Clayton Street, Denver, CO
(303) 551-1600
Chez Roc does a cool vibe like no other bar in Denver. Red lighting in every corner, live piano music, and a Moroccan-inspired food menu create an unforgettable experience. The Sazarak made with date syrup over rye and whiskey is such a treat! Other great options to try include the delicious caviar sliders and Moroccan chicken bites. It’s easy to appreciate the way that Chez Roc pulls off an authentic speakeasy vibe without being cheesy or gimmicky.
The Cooper Lounge
1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO
(720) 460-3738
The views of downtown and Union Station’s Great Hall are enough to put The Cooper Lounge on the map of the best bars in Denver. The ultra-glamorous vibe of this speakeasy is really just the icing on the cake! The Cooper Lounge is situated in plain sight on the ground floor of Union Station. Its look and vibe are inspired by California Zephyr trains. When gazing out the 28-foot-high cast-iron windows while enjoying cocktails, guests are treated to panoramic views of the Great Hall. A treat of oysters with a champagne cocktail at this quiet spot in the middle of everything will hit the spot!
B&GC
249 Columbine Street, Denver, CO
(720) 925-8598
Concealed within the depths of the Halcyon Hotel, this fun speakeasy has an extensive cocktail list that could justify taking time out for a long night! There’s also a nice menu of savory and sweet nibbles. The Rum Me Over made with Santa Teresa Rum, Belle de Brillet, Cardamaro, clarified lemon, and almond extract is a fun and delicious drink option. A well-stocked bar, knowledgeable bartenders, and casual atmosphere make this a bar you could easily go back to time after time.
Roosevelt
1512 Larimer Street, Denver, CO
(720) 840-6156
This friendly speakeasy doesn’t exactly do frills. It offers well-made cocktails in a neat space. End the night with a chocolate and espresso martini, it’ll hit the spot. Roosevelt’s bourbon menu is also quite impressive here. If you find yourself looking for the restroom, keep an eye out for a secret door built into the bookcases!
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Denver city page!
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Restaurant recommendations kindly provided by: Haley Paez | @milehighandhungry
Haley Paez is the food lover behind one of Denver’s best food Instagram accounts and blog – @milehighandhungry. With close to 50K followers, she updates locals and travelers on the best eats in town. Even though she is not a Denver native, since moving here from a food capital – Chicago – her love for culture, cuisine, and community came with her and blossomed into this Instagram page.
She tells Denver’s story through the lens of food. All the creative artisans that put themselves on plates are often untold and she brings them and their treasures to life via pictures and video. As someone who grew up with a desire to travel, she accomplished this by trying the food of far away places right in her neighborhood. Therefore, her page shows a wide variety of cuisines to show that traveling doesn’t always take place on planes, instead it finds a way to come through on our plates as well. Follow her on instagram @milehighandhungry to join her journey through the Denver food scene and beyond!
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