Denver’s Best Bars: A Local’s Guide to Sipping in the Mile-High City

Denver has a dense brewery scene and a cocktail culture that has grown well beyond beer. This guide covers taprooms, cocktail bars, neighborhood taverns, and a few only-in-Denver drinking experiences.

The Craft Beer Capital: Where to Find the Best Brews

Denver has more breweries than most U.S. cities. Start in RiNo, where several taprooms sit within walking distance, then branch out to other neighborhoods.

RiNo (River North Art District): The Epicenter of Hops

RiNo is the easiest Denver neighborhood for a brewery crawl. Many taprooms are close enough to visit on foot.

  • Great Divide Brewing Co. (Ballpark and RiNo locations): A Denver institution. The Ballpark location is the original, and the RiNo Barrel Bar focuses on experimental and barrel-aged beers. Look for Yeti Imperial Stout and Denver Pale Ale.
  • Ratio Beerworks: Known for a punk rock ethos and hop-forward beers. The taproom has live music and food trucks. Antidote IPA is a local favorite.
  • Epic Brewing Company: Focused on big, high-alcohol beers. The Exponential series offers rotating experimental releases.
  • Odell Brewing Co. (RiNo Brewhouse): A rooftop patio with city views and Colorado staples such as 90 Shilling Amber Ale.
  • Mockery Brewing: Slightly off the main RiNo strip, with a rotating tap list that ranges from sours to stouts.

Beyond RiNo: Gems Across the City

Breweries are scattered across Denver. These spots are worth leaving RiNo for.

  • Denver Beer Co. (Platte Street and South Broadway): Two relaxed taprooms with reliable beers. Premiere Pilsner and Graham Cracker Porter are regular choices. The Platte Street location sits on the Cherry Creek Trail.
  • Wynkoop Brewing Company (LoDo): Denver’s first brewpub, in the heart of LoDo near Coors Field. Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout is the famous novelty, but the menu also includes more traditional styles.
  • Cerebral Brewing (Uptown): A clean, modern taproom with crisp lagers, barrel-aged projects, and a natural wine list.
  • TRVE Brewing Co. (Baker): A metal-themed taproom with a dark atmosphere and experimental beers.

Craft Cocktails and Speakeasy Vibes: For the Discerning Palate

Denver’s cocktail bars range from hidden rooms to polished hotel lounges. These are the spots to know.

  • Williams & Graham (LoHi): The quintessential Denver speakeasy. Enter through a secret door behind a bookstore. The room is dark and intimate, and the cocktails are inventive. Expect a wait or book ahead.
  • Death & Co Denver (RiNo): The New York cocktail bar’s Denver outpost, with a moody room and a serious cocktail program.
  • The Cooper Lounge (Union Station): On the mezzanine of Denver Union Station, with opulent seating, classic cocktails, and a view of the station below.
  • Run For The Roses (Dairy Block): A chic cocktail bar with creative presentations and a focus on quality ingredients.
  • Lady Jane (Uptown): A floral-themed cocktail bar with whimsical decor and a patio.

Neighborhood Hangouts and Dive Bars: Where Locals Unwind

For low-key nights, Denver has neighborhood pubs, old taverns, and dive bars with strong drinks and regulars.

  • Avanti Food & Beverage (LoHi): A food hall with a rooftop bar and panoramic skyline views. Grab a drink from one of the vendors and head upstairs.
  • Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill (Union Station): A central spot with a long beer list and a lively room for people-watching.
  • O’Daly’s Irish Pub (Capitol Hill): A cozy neighborhood pub with Irish whiskey and live music.
  • Goosetown Tavern (East Colfax): An old Denver tavern with a no-frills approach to drinks.
  • The Sputnik (South Broadway): A beloved dive bar with cheap drinks, eclectic decor, and a laid-back vibe.

Unique Denver Drinking Experiences

These are a few Denver experiences you will not find in most cities.

  • The Beer Spa (RiNo): A private eucalyptus-infused beer bath with craft beer on tap. It is a relaxing and distinctly Denver concept.
  • Union Station (LoDo): More than a transit hub, Union Station houses multiple bars and restaurants. The Cooper Lounge and Terminal Bar are two easy stops in one building.
  • Mile High Spirits (Ballpark): Denver’s first craft distillery, with tours and tastings of whiskey, gin, and vodka. The tasting room serves cocktails made with its spirits.

Insider Tips for Denver Bar Hopping

  • Plan transportation: Parking in RiNo and LoDo is limited. Use rideshare or walk between nearby spots.
  • Check happy hour: Many Denver bars run weekday happy hour deals on drinks and appetizers. Check social media or call ahead.
  • Match the season: Summer is for rooftops and patios. Winter is for pubs with fireplaces. Spring and fall are good for beer gardens.
  • Explore beyond downtown: Baker, Uptown, and the Highlands have fewer tourists and more neighborhood spots.
  • Book popular cocktail bars: Williams & Graham and Death & Co fill up on weekends. Reserve or arrive early.
  • Drink water: Denver’s altitude is no joke. Alternate drinks with water.
  • Check hours: Smaller taprooms and bars often close earlier than you expect. Confirm before you go.

Denver’s bar scene changes often. Confirm hours and reservations before you set out, especially for smaller taprooms and popular cocktail bars.