The Best Cocktail Bars in Denver
- 2 hours ago
- 7 min read
Honestly, this article has been years in the making. I’ve started and abandoned a “best cocktail bars in Denver” list more times than I can count, partly because I’m such a perfectionist — and partly because a list this definitive-sounding requires a lot of first-hand research, obviously. But at this point — many, many cocktails later — this lineup finally feels pretty close to perfect!
It’s a mix of craft cocktail bars, trendy speakeasies, classic Denver mainstays, music-driven lounges, and hidden neighborhood gems. Whether you’re looking for an elegant date-night martini, an over-the-top tiki drink, a hidden speakeasy, or simply a great cocktail in a memorable setting, these are my personal favorite cocktail bars in Denver.
3701 N Williams St, Denver, CO 80205 (Cole neighborhood)
One of the most nationally celebrated bars in Denver right now, Yacht Club somehow manages to feel both world-class and completely unpretentious at the same time. I would say this place hands-down makes some of the most inventive cocktails in Denver, but without feeling like ingredients are being added just for the sake of it. The staff is deeply knowledgeable and friendly — and the energy feels like a cool neighborhood hangout, not craft cocktail bar. There is both a regular and seasonal cocktail menu, but there's nothing "regular" about either. Think ingredients like crabapple, coffee leaf, tabasco, miso, porcini, bone broth curry leaf, mexican mole, old bay, and more (not all together of course). It’s the kind of place cocktail nerds love, while still somehow feeling approachable and fun for everyone else.
Favorites: Old Bay Martini; Laughing Bones (mezcal, manzanilla sherry, green pineapple, celery, curry leaf); and anything seasonal.
Pro tip: come Sunday nights for some great live music.
2844 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205 (Five Points)
From the same team as Yacht Club, Rougarou has developed its own cult following thanks to its Louisiana-inspired cuisine and excellent bar program. The vibe is casual and welcoming, with strong neighborhood energy and cocktails that pair perfectly with the globally-influenced Cajun flavors. While the food often gets the spotlight, the drinks here are genuinely underrated — especially if you like rum, whiskey, or classic New Orleans-inspired cocktails.
Favorites: Holy Trinity Martini and Apple Martini (with cognac and riesling)
4180 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80216 (Mission Ballroom complex)
Peach Crease feels like the future of cocktail bars in Denver — creative, stylish, and a little bit retro. The vinyl DJ stand and hifi sound system plug into a big trend in Denver right now: audiobars. The bartenders are friendly and genuinely excited about their innovative program, with cocktails that highlight unexpected flavor combinations and feel more like culinary experiences than traditional drinks. If you enjoy bars that push boundaries while still being fun, Peach Crease absolutely belongs on your list.
Favorites: Borscht (yes, lke the soup) and Waldorf (yes, like the salad)
1029 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204 (Santa Fe Arts District)
Speaking of audiobars... this is the OG of that trend in Denver. ESP is part listening bar, part cocktail lounge, and one of the coolest rooms in Denver right now. Inspired by Japanese vinyl listening bars, the space revolves around an audiophile-grade sound system, warm lighting, and a carefully curated atmosphere designed for actually enjoying music. The cocktail program matches the vibe perfectly: thoughtful, restrained, and beautifully balanced. It’s the kind of place where you settle in for a couple of hours instead of rushing through drinks.
Favorites: that mezcal-walnut play on an Old Fashioned
Pro Tip: Sit at the bar and watch the bartenders multi-task between making drinks and flipping records.
1600 20th St, Denver, CO 80202 (McGregor Square)
Located in McGregor Square, Call Me Pearl is one of downtown Denver’s prettiest cocktail bars — anchored by a stunning chandelier that resembles floating champagne bubbles. Fittingly, bubbles are one of the bar’s specialties, making this an especially fun stop for sparkling wine, celebratory cocktails, or a dressed-up drink before or after dinner, a Rockies game, or a night out downtown. It’s polished, feminine, and a little glamorous without feeling stuffy — one of the best cocktail-bar options around McGregor Square and LoDo. The upscale bites make it easy to settle in for more than just one round.
Favorites: Cafe de Tacuba (it's not on the menu anymore, but see if they'll make you this agave-based, slightly spicy take on an espresso martini)
2401 15th St #180, Denver, CO 80202 (off Platte St)
The Nearby Bar is one of the most unique cocktail experiences in Denver because there’s no real menu — just an astonishing collection of hundreds of spirits, house infusions, tinctures, fresh ingredients, and some of the most knowledgeable bartenders in the city. Instead of ordering a specific drink, you can tell the bartenders your mood, favorite spirit, favorite ingredient, favorite dish, or even just the kind of vibe you’re going for, and they’ll create something completely tailored to you. It feels equal parts cocktail bar, flavor lab, and neighborhood hangout — and somehow still remains one of Denver’s best-kept secrets.
921 W 9th Ave, Denver, CO 80204 (Santa Fe Arts District)
Mystic Lounge is one of those hidden neighborhood gems I stumbled onto accidentally, and was surprised to discover how good the cocktails were! Tucked away off Santa Fe, the space blends modern design with subtle Tulum-inspired vibes — warm lighting, natural textures, laid-back energy. The drinks aren’t overloaded with ingredients or overly complicated, but the flavor combinations are thoughtful and memorable. Some of the tastiest cocktails I’ve had in Denver.
Pro tip: schedule a sessions at their escape room along with your cocktail session.
1842 S Broadway #103, Denver, CO 80210 (S Broadway)
The Goldfinch is one of the best reasons to head to South Broadway for cocktails or brunch right now. The space feels polished but still neighborhood-friendly, with a stylish room, great bar energy, and the kind of drinks that make it easy to settle in for more than one round. The cocktail menu is creative without being overworked, with balanced drinks, seasonal touches, and enough personality to stand out.
3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211 (LoHi) & Denver Airport
Still one of the most iconic cocktail bars in Denver, Williams & Graham helped put the city on the national cocktail map. Hidden behind a bookstore facade in LoHi, the speakeasy-style bar remains consistently excellent years after opening.
The bartenders here are true professionals, capable of making both intricate signature cocktails and near-perfect classics. If you are looking for that speakeasy Denver cocktail experience, this is still one of the essential stops.
Favorites: Blackberry Sage Smash (rye, lemon, sage, blackberries) and Rolling 3s (mezcal, pink pineapple, pasilla, lime)
Pro Tip: They also have one of the best French Onion soups in town, filled with tender braised beef and available with gluten-free bread.
1600 17th St, Denver, CO 80202 (LoDo, inside the Oxford)
The Cruise Room is pure old-school Denver glamour. Located inside the historic Oxford Hotel, the Art Deco bar opened the day after Prohibition ended and still feels frozen in time in the best possible way. Famous for martinis and classic cocktails, the room glows red under neon lighting and remains one of the most atmospheric bars in the city. It’s impossible not to feel a little transported while drinking here.
1516 Wazee St # A, Denver, CO 80202 (LoDo)
Bedlam brings a darker, more theatrical energy to downtown Denver. The space feels edgy and dramatic without crossing into gimmick territory, and the cocktails tend to follow suit with bold flavors, smoke, spice, and unexpected ingredients.
It’s an especially fun choice if you’re tired of minimalist cocktail bars and want something with a little more personality. It's also surprisingly lesser-known considering it's prime location in LoDo.
1280 25th St, Denver, CO 80205 (RiNo, inside Ramble)
This Denver outpost of the legendary New York cocktail institution is consistently hailed as one of the best craft cocktail bars in the city. Located inside The Ramble Hotel in RiNo, Death & Co combines world-class cocktails with luxurious interiors and outstanding service. The menu is extensive and carefully crafted, with drinks ranging from elegant classics to wildly inventive originals. There is also a small upstairs patio perfect for good weather, as well as an upstairs lounge that hosts themed pop-ups throughout the year (with a Japanese-inspires Sakura bar being my favorite).
1855 Blake St Suite 160, Denver, CO 80202 (LoDo, inside Dairy Block)
Whiskey lovers could spend all night at Seven Grand. The massive whiskey selection is one of the best in Denver, but the cocktails are equally strong — especially if you gravitate toward spirit-forward classics like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Boulevardiers. The space itself feels like an upscale lodge with dark wood, leather seating, pool tables, and a cozy atmosphere that works especially well in colder months.
1801 Blake St #10, Denver, CO 80202 (LoDo, downstairs in Dairy Block)
One of Denver’s more stylish hidden bars, Run for the Roses sits beneath Dairy Block and delivers a polished speakeasy experience. The cocktail menu is beautifully executed and often visually stunning, but the real appeal is the overall atmosphere: intimate lighting, excellent music, and the feeling that you’ve stumbled onto somewhere special.
249 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206 (Cherry Creek)
B&GC remains one of the toughest reservations in Denver for good reason. Hidden beneath the Halcyon Hotel in Cherry Creek, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar specializes in bespoke drinks tailored specifically to your tastes.
The bartenders are exceptionally talented, and the overall experience feels polished, intimate, and just exclusive enough to make the night feel memorable.
Pro Tip: Just text them to ask about availability, and if they find you a spot, walk down the alley and ring the doorbell.
5350 W 25th Ave, Edgewater, CO 80214 (Sloan's Lake)
Completely unhinged in the best way possible, The Electric Cure is Denver’s beloved satanic tiki bar — and yes, it fully commits to the bit. Neon pentagrams, horror movies, tiki mugs, heavy metal, and wildly boozy rum drinks create one of the most unique bar experiences anywhere in the city. Despite the absurdity, the cocktails are genuinely excellent. It’s weird, loud, theatrical, and maybe not for everyone — but it's certainly memorable. My favorite bit: the painting of Costanza in the "Art of Seduction" on the wall.
2839 W 44th Ave Ste 101, Denver, CO 80211 (Sunnyside)
I wasn't sure about including this one, but for anyone doing a martini crawl of Denver — this one needs to be on the list for their Sour Cream & Onion martini. They told me how it's made, and the creativity and commitment of that process alone is impressive! This is one of those places to visit if you're in the neighborhood just to try it.
To Wrap it Up...
What makes Denver’s cocktail scene so exciting right now is the variety. You can still find timeless classics at old-school places like Cruise Room, and cool speakeasy vibes at mainstays like Williams & Graham — but newer bars like Yacht Club, Peach Crease, and ESP are pushing the city into a completely new era of creativity.
Think I'm missing something awesome? Let me know!