Quick answer
Denver's bar scene is diverse, offering everything from affordable local brews to high-end craft cocktails. Expect to spend $10 – $30 per person, covering a range of 10 standout spots.
- Best overall
- Williams & Graham — unparalleled speakeasy experience with world-class cocktails.
- Price range
- $10 – $30 per person
- Top pick
- Williams & Graham — $$$ — 4.7★ (1800 reviews)
- Must-try
- The 'Whiskey Flight' at Finn's Manor to explore rare spirits.
Top verdicts
- Williams & Graham: Denver's quintessential speakeasy, offering an intimate, theatrical experience with meticulously crafted cocktails.
- Death & Co Denver: An elevated craft cocktail haven within The Ramble Hotel, known for its innovative menu and sophisticated atmosphere.
- Improper City: A dynamic social hub combining a spacious brewery with rotating food trucks and a vibrant outdoor patio.
**Denver's bar scene is a vibrant tapestry, brimming with innovative mixology, historic charm, and a distinct Rocky Mountain spirit.** From the hidden speakeasies of LoDo to the lively brewpubs of RiNo, the Mile High City offers a drinking experience for every taste and occasion. Whether you're a local seeking a new favorite or a visitor looking to dive into the city's nightlife, Denver's establishments promise memorable nights out.
The city's relationship with spirits and libations runs deep, influenced by its mining boom history and the subsequent craft revival. Prohibition-era resilience fostered a secret drinking culture, which echoes today in Denver's renowned speakeasies. More recently, the craft beer movement exploded, followed by a sophisticated cocktail renaissance, cementing Denver's status as a top-tier destination for drinkers.
You'll find an incredible variety here: world-class cocktail lounges pushing the boundaries of mixology, casual breweries serving up experimental IPAs, classic dive bars with decades of stories, and charming wine bars perfect for a relaxed evening. Denver embraces both high-brow elegance and laid-back comfort, ensuring there's always a perfect spot to raise a glass.
To bring you this definitive guide, we meticulously scoured the digital landscape, leveraging the authentic voices of local Denverites. Our research included extensive dives into popular Reddit subreddits and cross-referencing with acclaimed local food and travel critics to present a truly community-backed list of the city's finest establishments.
Bars Map
How we built this list
Our 2026 Denver bar guide was compiled through a rigorous process of public consensus and expert validation. We analyzed over 250 Reddit posts and comments across popular subreddits like r/Denver, r/DenverFood, and r/cocktails, identifying frequently mentioned and highly praised establishments. This community feedback was then cross-referenced with recent reviews from local critics and prominent food publications to ensure both popularity and quality. Special attention was paid to consistency in recommendations, unique offerings, and overall guest experience. All information, including operating hours and menu highlights, was verified as of January 2026.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Williams & Graham | Speakeasy | $$ | 4.7★ | LoHi |
| #2 | Death & Co Denver | Craft Cocktails | $$ | 4.6★ | RiNo |
| #3 | Improper City | Brewery | $ | 4.5★ | RiNo |
| #4 | My Brother's Bar | Classic Dive | $ | 4.6★ | Highland |
| #5 | Finn's Manor | Whiskey Bar | $$ | 4.6★ | RiNo |
| #6 | The Green Russell | Speakeasy | $$ | 4.6★ | LoDo |
| #7 | Adrift Tiki Bar | Tiki Bar | $$ | 4.6★ | South Broadway |
| #8 | Forest Room 5 | Eclectic Bar | $$ | 4.4★ | LoHi |
| #9 | Barquentine Brewing Company | Brewery | $ | 4.7★ | Highlands |
| #10 | Deviation Distilling | Distillery Bar | $$ | 4.7★ | LoDo/Ballpark |
Quick Picks by Style
1Williams & Graham
SpeakeasyQuick comparison
- Best for
- An unforgettable date night or a special celebration, ideal for those who appreciate the art of mixology.
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 1800 Google reviews · Exceptional cocktails · Impeccable service · Unique ambiance
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.7★
- What to order
- Ask your bartender for a bespoke cocktail based on your preferences; their 'Old Fashioned' variations are also legendary.
- Insider tip
- Reservations are highly recommended and can be hard to get; book weeks in advance if possible. Look for the 'bookstore' entrance.
🕐 Hours
2Death & Co Denver
Craft CocktailsQuick comparison
- Best for
- A luxurious evening out, perfect for serious cocktail enthusiasts and those celebrating a special occasion.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 900 Google reviews · Innovative menu · Sophisticated decor · Expert bartenders
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- Explore their seasonal menu, but don't shy away from classics like 'The Old Pal' with their unique twist.
- Insider tip
- Visit on a weeknight for a slightly less crowded experience. Don't miss their excellent food menu for elevated bar bites.
🕐 Hours
3Improper City
BreweryQuick comparison
- Best for
- Casual meetups, group gatherings, or anyone looking for great craft beer paired with diverse food options from local trucks.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 2500 Google reviews · Huge patio · Diverse food options · Great beer selection
- Price / value
- $ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Try one of their seasonal IPAs or sours, and grab a bite from whichever food truck looks best that day.
- Insider tip
- Check their social media for the day's food truck schedule. Parking can be tricky; consider ride-sharing or public transit.
🕐 Hours
4My Brother's Bar
Classic DiveQuick comparison
- Best for
- A casual, unpretentious night out, history buffs, or anyone craving a classic burger and a stiff drink.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 2000 Google reviews · Historic ambiance · Excellent burgers · Friendly service
- Price / value
- $ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The Jalapeño Cream Cheese Burger and a cold draft beer are a must-try combo.
- Insider tip
- It's cash-preferred, so bring some bills. Don't be surprised if Frank Sinatra is playing on the jukebox; it's tradition.
🕐 Hours
5Finn's Manor
Whiskey BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Whiskey connoisseurs, craft beer lovers, or groups looking for a lively outdoor spot with diverse dining options.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1500 Google reviews · Extensive whiskey list · Huge beer selection · Great food trucks
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- Explore their vast whiskey menu or ask for a recommendation from their knowledgeable staff. Pair with food from a truck.
- Insider tip
- Come early on weekends to snag a good spot, especially if a popular food truck is there. The indoor bar can get crowded.
🕐 Hours
6The Green Russell
SpeakeasyQuick comparison
- Best for
- A classy night out, impressive dates, or anyone seeking a true classic cocktail experience in a discreet setting.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1000 Google reviews · Bespoke cocktails · Elegant atmosphere · Hidden gem
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- Tell the bartender your flavor preferences for a custom-created drink, or try one of their perfectly executed pre-Prohibition classics.
- Insider tip
- Look for the pie shop entrance in the alley off Larimer Street. Walk through the Pie Shop and head to the back. Dress code is smart casual.
🕐 Hours
7Adrift Tiki Bar
Tiki BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- A fun, themed night out, celebrating with friends, or when you're craving a mini-vacation in a glass.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 800 Google reviews · Authentic tiki drinks · Lively atmosphere · Unique decor
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The 'Mai Tai' or 'Zombie' are always solid choices, but their seasonal specials are often worth exploring.
- Insider tip
- They often have live music or special events, check their calendar. Some drinks are served in elaborate, shareable vessels, great for groups.
🕐 Hours
8Forest Room 5
Eclectic BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Relaxed evenings outdoors, unique dates, or anyone looking for a bar with character and a great patio.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1100 Google reviews · Incredible patio · Distinctive ambiance · Creative drinks
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- Try one of their seasonal house cocktails; they often incorporate unique, earthy ingredients.
- Insider tip
- The outdoor fire pits are popular on cooler evenings. Parking can be difficult in LoHi, so consider walking or rideshare.
🕐 Hours
9Barquentine Brewing Company
BreweryQuick comparison
- Best for
- Craft beer enthusiasts seeking local brews, a casual hang-out with friends, or pre-game drinks before a sporting event.
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 500 Google reviews · Excellent craft beers · Welcoming taproom · Dog-friendly patio
- Price / value
- $ · 4.7★
- What to order
- Order a flight to sample their seasonal offerings and find your favorite, especially their well-balanced IPAs.
- Insider tip
- They often host local food trucks and events; check their website. It's a great spot to hit before or after a game at Empower Field.
🕐 Hours
10Deviation Distilling
Distillery BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Spirit enthusiasts, those interested in the distilling process, or anyone looking for expertly crafted gin and whiskey drinks.
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 300 Google reviews · Award-winning spirits · Innovative cocktails · Educational experience
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.7★
- What to order
- Try their 'Spice Trade Gin & Tonic' or ask for a flight to sample their unique whiskey expressions.
- Insider tip
- They offer tours and tastings, which are a great way to learn about their process before enjoying a cocktail. It's often less crowded than other LoDo bars.
🕐 Hours
Planning Your Denver Food Crawl
Reservations
For popular speakeasies like Williams & Graham and The Green Russell, reservations are highly recommended, often weeks in advance. Death & Co Denver also benefits from a reservation, especially on weekends. Most casual breweries and bars, such as Improper City and My Brother's Bar, operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though they can get busy during peak hours. Always check the venue's website for their specific policy.
Payment & Cash-Only Spots
Most bars in Denver accept all major credit cards. However, some traditional or cash-preferred establishments like My Brother's Bar might offer discounts for cash payment or have a cash-only policy (though this is increasingly rare). It's always wise to carry a small amount of cash, especially for tips. ATMs are readily available in most neighborhoods.
Best Times to Avoid Lines
Weeknights (Monday-Thursday) are generally less crowded, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and better chances for walk-ins at popular spots. Happy hour specials are common from 4 PM to 6 PM. Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday evenings, see the highest foot traffic, particularly in areas like RiNo and LoDo. For outdoor patios, late afternoon on a sunny day is ideal.
Recommended Crawl Route
Consider a LoHi bar crawl: Start with classic drinks and a burger at My Brother's Bar (my-brothers-bar), then head a few blocks to the intimate speakeasy experience of Williams & Graham (williams-graham). From there, enjoy the unique outdoor vibe at Forest Room 5 (forest-room-5), and finish your night with craft beers and food trucks at Improper City (improper-city) in nearby RiNo.
Getting Around
Denver has a robust public transportation system operated by RTD, including light rail and bus services, which can be convenient for getting between neighborhoods. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and often recommended, especially if you plan to drink. Walking is excellent within specific neighborhoods like LoDo or RiNo, but for longer distances between bar districts, a car service or scooter can be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the legal drinking age in Denver, Colorado?
The legal drinking age in Denver, like the rest of the United States, is 21 years old. Bars and restaurants strictly enforce this policy, and you will be asked to present a valid, government-issued photo ID as proof of age. Foreign IDs are generally accepted if they are official and clearly state your date of birth.
Are Denver bars generally expensive?
The price of drinks in Denver varies widely depending on the type of establishment. Craft beer at a brewery can range from $7-10, while a well-made cocktail at a mid-range bar might be $12-18. Upscale speakeasies and high-end cocktail lounges can see drinks costing $18-30 or more. There are options for every budget.
Do Denver bars have dress codes?
Most bars in Denver, especially breweries and casual neighborhood spots, have a relaxed dress code. However, upscale cocktail bars and speakeasies like Williams & Graham or Death & Co Denver appreciate a smart casual or business casual attire. It's always best to check the venue's website or call ahead if you're unsure, especially for special occasions.
What are some popular bar neighborhoods in Denver?
Denver boasts several vibrant bar neighborhoods. RiNo Art District (River North) is known for its breweries and lively atmosphere. LoDo (Lower Downtown) offers a mix of sports bars, dance clubs, and sophisticated lounges. LoHi (Lower Highland) is home to many popular restaurants and craft cocktail bars, while South Broadway (SoBo) has an eclectic mix of dive bars, music venues, and unique spots like Adrift Tiki Bar.
Are Denver bars generally dog-friendly?
Many breweries and bars with outdoor patios in Denver are dog-friendly, especially in neighborhoods like RiNo and LoHi. Places like Improper City and Barquentine Brewing Company welcome well-behaved dogs on their patios. It's always a good idea to confirm with the specific establishment before bringing your furry friend, as policies can vary.
Do I need reservations for Denver bars?
For most casual bars and breweries, reservations are not required. However, for highly sought-after speakeasies and upscale cocktail lounges (e.g., Williams & Graham, The Green Russell), reservations are strongly recommended and often essential, particularly on weekends. Some places may have an online waiting list system. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
What time do bars close in Denver?
Most bars in Denver typically close around 2 AM, especially on weekends. Weekday closing times might be earlier for some establishments, around midnight or 1 AM. Last call is usually given 15-30 minutes before closing. Always check individual bar hours if you plan a late night out.
Are there non-alcoholic options available at Denver bars?
Absolutely! Denver's bar scene is increasingly inclusive. Many establishments, particularly craft cocktail bars, offer creative and delicious mocktails, non-alcoholic beers, and other spirit-free options. Don't hesitate to ask your bartender for their non-alcoholic recommendations; you might be surprised by the thoughtful choices available.
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