Top 10 Happy Hours in Downtown Denver
- Natalia Story
- Jan 1
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
I absolutely love a good happy hour. It’s really the best time of day! And in my 15 years living and working in downtown Denver, I’d like to think I’ve tried all of the happy hour options around this part of town — so here are my top picks, updated for 2026 — in no particular order.
My criteria was that they have a fun vibe where you'd want to go with a friend (or even by yourself), both food and drink items are available on happy hour, there is a good variety of options for most tastes, and it's reasonable pricing (for downtown).
1539 17th Street
I’ve been a regular at Jax for more than 15 years now. Despite being downtown, this place feels like a cozy neighborhood spot, dominated by the bar spanning the length of the restaurant. There's very little turnover among the bartenders, so you really get to know the staff if you come repeatedly. You'll probably spot me here once a week with Cucumber Lemon Press or glass of wine and some oysters. Happy hour is every day, and all night Monday!
Happy Hour: Tue-Sun 3-5pm / all night Monday
Deal highlights: $2 oysters, $8 gumbo, $12 mussels, $10 cocktails (like the cucumber lemon press), $11 wines
1616 16th Street
I have to start by saying this place used to be a lot better, but it's still the best sushi happy hour downtown. It's every day from open to 6:30pm, as well as all day Sundays — and the happy hour menu is two pages long. Plus it's a fun atmosphere, complete with neon lights, cool Japanese ads on the walls, a huge aquarium, funky Japanese movies playing in the background, etc.
Happy Hour: Mon-Sat 11am-6:30pm / Sunday all day
Deal highlights: $8-10 cocktails (including saketinis and margaritas), $7-8 sake, $5-15 apps, $10-12 sashimi, $7-10 rolls, and more.
Savina's Mexican Kitchen (La Loma)
1801 Broadway (across from Brown Palace)
For traditional, old-school Denver vibes and ranchero-style Mexican cuisine — this place is still the best. This is technically the direct descendent of the original La Loma, having moved in 2016 from the Highland neighborhood where it operated for more than 40 years. The various La Loma locations got split up in a messy divorce — and this one has the best atmosphere, food, and service — but owner William Brinkerhoff lost the rights to the name in 2025. Therefore, it's now called Savina's (to honor Savina Mendoza, the original founder of La Loma and inventor of many of its legendary recipes, including the green chile).
Happy Hour: Mon-Fir 3-6pm
Deal highlights: $12 margaritas, $5 Pacificos, $9 mini rellenos, $11 tacos dorados, $11 chile con queso
1730 Wynkoop (across from Union Station)
Machete is probably my favorite spot for upscale street tacos in Denver. By upscale, I mean you can get everything from steak to salmon to tongue to lobster — each paired with toppings and sauces unique to that individual taco — and even available on jicama tortillas for a healthier option. The margs are boozie and made fresh, and the tequila & mezcal options are extensive. On a nice day, their patio is a great spot for Union Station people watching, too. Don't quote me on the pricing, as it's not online, so I rely on the last time I was there and drunkenly wrote it down.
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 2-5pm
Deal highlights: $8 margaritas, $4 beers, $3 tacos, $9 chips & guac
1745 Wazee Street
You may be wondering how many Mexican spots I can possibly include on this list, and the answer is 3! The Rio has been slinging delicious, oversized, boozy margs in downtown Denver for as long as I can remember. They used to be on Blake Street, with that iconic fountain patio, but recently moved to 18th & Wazee. Their "manberry" frozen margaritas (made with real manberries) are the best. Just kidding: it’s a mango/strawberry half-and-half margarita.
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3-5pm
Deal highlights: $2 off margs, $3 select drafts & cans, $4-8 apps (like the $8 queso fundido)
1600 20th St (inside McGregor Square)
Call Me Pearl is a great upscale happy hour spot if you're looking for something a little more refined. It's inside the Rally Hotel in McGregor Square and features a lovely selection of champagne, craft cocktails, oysters, and other small bites. The enormous chandelier alone here is a must-see, as you can see in the photo! Reservations are highly recommended.
Happy Hour: daily 4-6pm
Deal highlights: $7 cocktails, $8 wines, $14-19 champagnes, $2.50 oysters, $4-10 apps
1555 Blake Street
If you ask me for my top must-try “bites” in Denver, there’s one that always comes to mind: the French onion soup dumplings at ChoLon, which I’m pretty sure have been on the menu since I moved here 15 years ago. ChoLon has been a downtown Denver institution since it opened in 2010, and Chef Lon was a James Beard finalist for Best New Restaurant in America the following year. Today, you can also get “General Cho’s” soup dumplings with chicken, which showcase more typical Asian flavors. Both are on the HH menu, as well as pork belly bao buns and and wagyu beef skewers — also recommended.
Happy Hour: Mon-Sat 3-5pm
Deal highlights: $10 seasonal cocktail, $6 sake, $7-8 wines, $6 dim sum options
1801 California St
My favorite Denver steakhouse has finally brought back its happy hour! This is probably your best option for a nice happy hour spot on the financial half of downtown these days (vs. LoDo and Union Station). Think classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Lemon Drop Martinis, and G&Ts — and bites like charcuterie, kobe sliders, tartare, salmon sushi, seafood towers, and caviar.
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3-6pm
Deal highlights: Not posted online, so I'll have to check on the 2026 pricing when I can.
1450 Larimer St (Larimer Square)
Yes, this place is a big chain — but I come here all the time and absolutely love it. They employ career bartenders and servers and treat them well, so the staff is absolutely wonderful and remembers you if you're a regular. The vibe is high-end, old-school steakhouse — with impeccable service, cocktails, and food to match. You can't go wrong for a date or a business drink here. They're recently expanded their happy hour, and you can easily have a nice dinner here at a steal. For example, the Kona-crusted mini dry-aged NY strip is just $17! Some other favorites of mine include the caesar salad bites, garlic shrimp, petite filet sandwiches, and porcini-rubbed lollipop lamb chops.
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3-6pm
Deal highlights: $10 classic cocktails, $8 wines, $9-22 plates
1550 Market Street
Say what you want about STK and their regular menu — but their happy hour is legit. Cocktails that are normally way too expensive are just $9 and include one of my favorites in town: the "Spiced Watermelon" with Patron tequila, St. Germain, watermelon purée, lime, and jalapeño. The HH food menu of $6 and $9 bites is also pretty great, with items like wagyu meatballs, a short rib quesadilla, pickled shrimp, and wagyu or tuna tacos (all of which I recommend). You can even get a cheeseburger for $9! They also have a late-night option (but be ready for the vibes to turn from trendy cocktail bar to almost nightclub).
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 2:30-6:40pm / Sat-Sun 2:30-5:30pm / late night Sun-Thu 9pm-close
Deal highlights: $9 cocktails, $9 wines, $3 oysters, $6 and $9 small plates
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