Mile High City’s bar scene is enjoyable any time of year, thanks to the numerous craft breweries, distilleries, and urban wineries that fill this grand mountain town.
Greek bottles and Mediterranean-inspired small plates await at a cozy wine spot in Cherry Creek. A distinctly Polynesian vibe distinguishes a playful tiki bar in Baker. One of the city’s longest-running taverns serves a show-stopping martini—and red wine by the goblet—at a storied hotel downtown.
From luxe cocktail dens to classic watering holes to wine bars that come with a crash course on grapes, Denver has a place for every type of reveling. Read on for a guide to the city’s 12 best bars to visit now.
Room for Milly (LoHi)
Walking into this 30-seat bar, all colorful wallpaper and gold accents, is like stepping into a granny-chic oasis or an artist’s lounge. But co-owner Fiona Arnold is neither—she just possesses a great eye for style. The bar pays homage to a fictional muse, Milly Parker, a globe-trotting woman who came of age between the World Wars. The drinks are just as worldly and include the Bora-Bora (rum, falernum, almond-flavored creme liqueur, pineapple, ginger, and baking spices) and the zero-proof Avenue No. 3 (ginger, jasmine tea, honey, citrus, and an aromatic blend of allspice and cardamom). Pair your drinks with snacks including bottomless truffle popcorn, smoked trout dip, and miso pickles, and enjoy the eccentric but lovable escape.
Stem Ciders (RiNo)
Stem Ciders’ bubbly beginnings can be traced to Real Dry, a drink that was originally crafted in co-owner Eric Foster’s garage in 2013. A decade later, Foster and business partner Phil Kao opened a couple of tasting rooms and restaurants, including the RiNo location in 2022. With outdoor high-tops, casual indoor seats, and a bar, it’s an easygoing spot to sip on hard ciders, such as chile guava and the Crabby Neighbor, a dry cider made with local granny Smith and crab apples—the menu also includes cider flights. For those taking the non-alcoholic route, there’s Rin’s No Sin Fizz (housemade non-alcoholic gin, lemon juice, maple syrup, egg white, and soda water). Go for the drinks and stay for brunch or dinner, featuring fresh oysters, a green chile and pepper jack burger, and chamomile-roasted chicken.
Campus Lounge (Cherry Creek)
This classy dive bar has garnered a loyal following in Washington Park and Bonnie Brae since opening in 1976. The Campus Lounge is loved for its 70s feel, achieved via heavy wood accents, neon signs, sports memorabilia, and other throwback knickknacks. Pool tables and a handful of televisions complete the dive-slash-sports bar feel. Unlike most dive bars, food is anything but an afterthought here. Choose from top-notch nachos, smoked chicken wings, and burgers, plus breakfast fare on weekends (there’s even a kids menu). But the bar scene—and the pitchers of local craft brews that flow freely—are the main reasons folks flock to this faithful Cherry Creek spot.
Bad Habits (Congress Park)
This no-frills but exceedingly inclusive LGBTQIA+ spot promises drinks with a side of trivia, karaoke, drag queen performances, and more. The space channels a cozy basement and that warm nostalgic vibe is exactly what co-owners (and spouses) Billie Hawkins and Tony Pachelo were going for. The couple wanted to offer a spot that doubled as a safe place to eat, drink, and be merry when they opened Bad Habits in March 2023. Standout drinks include the zero-proof Marsha Brady Appletini (just one of the many non-alcoholic drinks served), hard seltzer on tap, and plenty of whimsical cocktail specials. Pair your beverage with comforting snacks such as pizza bread, and wings, plus baskets filled with cheese curds, onion rings, and jalapeño poppers.
Cretans (Cherry Creek)
Denver doesn’t have a ton of Mediterranean restaurants and even fewer bars that fit the theme. Cretans is a bit of both and serves Greek wines with Mediterranean-inspired small plates in a charming indoor-outdoor space. Must-try combos include the signature caviar sliders, red snapper crudo, and a glass of sparkling Greek rose. The bar also serves stellar pour-over drinks, including a pepperoncini martini and spicy margarita. Enjoy it all in the sultry space inside the Clayton Hotel & Members Club. The cozy low-lit spot has a vibe inspired by 1960s Europe and is decked with two intimate bars, plus leather banquettes and high-top communal tables for when you want to bring a crowd—or meet someone new.
La Bouche (Uptown)
Owners Alex and Alexis Tréton opened this petite French American wine bar in late September 2021, and it’s become a solid neighborhood spot since. Lounge at one of the small tables, or take a seat on the relaxed patio. There’s also a corner bar inside—a perfect black-and-white rectangle that evokes a box of gourmet chocolates. Belly up and order a glass—flights are also an option—to sip with La Bouche’s simple but standout French fare, including charcuterie boards, a hearty Provence-inspired salad, and quiches.
Williams & Graham (LoHi)
Williams & Graham, a distinguished 1920s-themed bar, has consistently poured a solid drink since 2011. At first glance, the LoHi bar doesn’t look like much: It’s simply a door leading to a waiting room with a wall of dusty old books. But once your reservation is confirmed, that same wall opens up into a comfortable speakeasy, complete with a sturdy wooden bar and cozy booths, plus a standing table for groups. The menu boasts over 60 classic cocktails, along with seasonal creations. Pick a drink to go with the dry-aged burger and a plate of deviled eggs, or ask the bartender to whip up something special.
Ship Tavern at the Brown Palace (Downtown)
This classy spot, nested inside the Brown Palace Hotel, claims a piece of Denver’s history: It opened in 1934 and is considered one of the city’s longest-running bars. As the name suggests, a nautical theme dominates the interiors, complete with a full mast and crow’s nest, Jamaican rum barrels, and a collection of model sailing ships. Take it all in by securing a seat at the solid oak bar, or in one of the blue or red leather chairs—perfect perches for enjoying live piano music on Friday and Saturday nights. Like the vintage tavern itself, the drinks, which include strong beers, red wine by the goblet, and a stellar martini, speak to simpler times.
Noble Riot (RiNo)
Great wine and knowledgeable staff make this modern wine bar the place to be in Denver—and the excellent fried chicken doesn’t hurt either. Revelers don’t have to know anything about wine to enjoy themselves. Pick out a red, white, or cider, then ask the staff to lead the tasting. The only real choice diners have to make is whether to sip in the art-filled and cavernous bar or outside at one of the picnic tables for some top-notch people-watching.
Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery & Restaurant (RiNo)
Though many of the grapes at this urban winery hail from California, they’re processed right here in RiNo. Order a flight and snack on tasty accompaniments such as truffle-laced popcorn, wild boar meatballs, and grilled Caesar salad. Plan ahead and reserve a tour of the space, along with a wine tasting. The industrial-chic vibe extends to the dining room, with sparkling chandeliers and polished steel accents. Sit at the bar for real hands-on wine talk, then take a bottle home.
The Family Jones Spirit House (LoHi)
Led by head distiller Rob Masters, the beverage program at this Denver distillery features creative cocktails, booze infusions, and an array of housemade liquors meant to mimic popular mixers, such as vermouth and Campari. Sip on one-of-a-kind libations such as the Black Manhattan—the rouge vermouth and amaro are distilled onsite, of course—against the backdrop of a copper still that towers above blue velvet booths.
Adrift (Baker)
Tiki bars should always feature tropical drinks and a bit of whimsy. Such is the case at Adrift on South Broadway. The rum-centric drinks at this playful Polynesian-style lair, served under the light of a glowing pufferfish, are dangerously good. Expect classic concoctions such as mai tais and hurricanes, as well as Adrift originals including the house Painkiller, sweetened with housemade coconut cream. Order at the bar or better yet, reserve a table so there’s enough room for plates of coconut shrimp, pele duck wings, poke nachos, and ice cream from the bar’s sibling shop, Little Man Ice Cream.
Tried them all? Check out other options here.
Freelance journalist Linnea Covington lives and eats in Denver, the best place for green chili and epic hikes with fantastic sandwiches.
