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The 5 Best Cocktail Bars in Denver for Every Drink Lover

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Menu Creativity: The flavor profiles must excite the senses and push boundaries beyond the usual classics. I looked for spots that infuse unexpected ingredients and present their drinks with an artistic flair.

Ambiance and Vibe: A great drink requires a beautiful setting to match the mood of the evening. Venues were evaluated on their interior design, lighting, and overall ability to transport guests.

Bartender Expertise: Technical skill and deep spirit knowledge are crucial for a truly elevated drinking session. I paid close attention to how the staff educated guests and tailored recommendations to individual tastes.

Value for Money: Premium pricing should align perfectly with the quality of the ingredients and the service provided. Places that offer accessible happy hours alongside their high-end pours scored extra points.

Denver’s nightlife scene blends high energy with a serious appreciation for well-crafted drinks. From hidden speakeasies to rooftop lounges with skyline views, the city offers plenty of ways to experience a great cocktail.

Whether you’re in the mood for something smoky and spirit-forward or bright and herbaceous, the Mile High City delivers balanced, memorable flavors across its bar scene.

To make sure you don’t waste your evening sipping on mid drinks, I explored some of the most talked-about spots across the city. Here’s a guide to the best cocktail bars in Denver right now!

How much does a cocktail bar cost in Denver?

Expect to spend between $12 and $30 per drink, depending on the venue’s exclusivity, with happy hours dropping prices to around $7.

Bar TypeTypical Drink Price
Upscale/Craft$12 – $20+
High-End/Specialty$30+
Happy Hour Deals$7 – $10

1. Death & Co Denver

death-co-denver-logo

Website: https://www.deathandcompany.com/news-item/denver/

Address: 1280 25th Street

Contact: (720) 330-2660

Hours: 

  • Sunday – Thursday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Kitchen: 10:00 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 3:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Kitchen: 11:00 PM

The Ramble Hotel has a grand lobby that makes you feel its deep history right away. This venue is special because it brings together several unique ideas in one place. 

Their drink menu is easy to understand because it focuses on flavors rather than just the type of liquor used. 

During a recent visit, I sat at the polished bar while the bartender guided me to a refreshing drink that was exactly what I needed. 

The team offers great table service and teaches you about the craft behind each drink. They use high-quality ice and fresh ingredients to ensure every glass is perfect. 

On the downside, the menu is limited to small snacks and offers very few vegan options. 

Since it’s pricey and gets very busy on weekends, it is best to save this spot for a special celebration.

Pros

  • Intuitive flavor-based menu organization
  • Expertly trained technical staff
  • Multiple unique environments available
  • Premium full-table service provided

Cons

  • Expensive top-of-market pricing
  • Extremely limited dietary food options
  • Lengthy walk-in wait times

Lovely place for really interesting cocktails

Lovely place for really interesting cocktails. Sat in a corner table with 2 others, and just got cocktails and some popcorn. Service was very attentive and the drinks did not disappoint! The images on the menu were also helpful.

The hearts on fire cocktail was incredible

We stopped in at Death & Co. for afternoon apps and got a bunch of delicious items! I’m a sucker for a good chips and onion dip (and it was excellent), but my favorite dish had to be the potato croquettes. So light and fluffy and potato-y. The hearts on fire cocktail was incredible and I would definitely recommend coming here if you like inventive cocktails!

Service was excellent and parking was easy because it was a Sunday afternoon.

2. Union Lodge No.1

union-lodge-no-1-logo

Website: https://www.unionlodge1.com/

Address: 1543 Champa St. 

Contact: (720) 389-0447 | [email protected]

Hours: 

  • Monday – Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Sunday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

While most people go to local breweries, this historic lodge feels like a classic American saloon from the 1800s. Union Lodge No. 1 is known for bartenders who use traditional techniques inspired by early American mixology.

Their menu features classic drinks like Swizzles and Cobblers that you rarely find anywhere else. It’s actually exciting to watch them shake a Gin Fizz or use fire to make a drink. 

The space looks beautiful with its old brick walls and vintage flags. They even use their own private barrels and house-made tonics to make the drinks taste special. 

Just keep in mind that the bar is small and does not take reservations. As a result, large groups often have trouble getting a table. 

The drinks are also a bit pricey because they take so much time and effort to prepare perfectly.

Pros

  • Authentic pre-Prohibition mixing techniques
  • Immersive historical brick-and-mortar atmosphere
  • Educational style-based cocktail menu
  • Unique private barrel spirit selections

Cons

  • Strict no-reservation entry policy
  • Frequent rejection of large groups
  • Higher-than-average beverage costs

It’s a good idea to stop by for a drink

it’s a craft cocktails place. there are many choices. The staff has a very good knowledge about the drinks. Do not hesitate to ask them if u don’t know what drinks u wanna get. This place is limited area so there required the vaccination card to get in. so Make sure u have it in paper or on the phone is ok too. I like the decoration of the place too. if you are near by, it’s a good idea to stop by for a drink.

Fantastic atmosphere and craft cocktails

Fantastic atmosphere and craft cocktails. We went for my birthday and got a table right away around 7:30p on a Saturday. There was a line of people waiting to get in by the time we left at 8:30. The bartenders are amazing and super helpful at figuring out what you like. It’s a small, intimate place and doesn’t feel too crowded. Bathrooms are in a shared building space with a door code that they will provide you with.

3. Call Me Pearl

call-me-pearl-logo

Website: http://www.callmepearlbar.com/

Address: 1600 20th Street

Contact: (720) 760-8937 | [email protected]

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Nostalgic elegance is the main focus at Call Me Pearl. Their traditional service makes a regular evening feel like a fancy party at a beautiful home. 

The menu features fun pairings like premium caviar with an affordable glass of prosecco. 

A friend recently went there for an anniversary and loved the sencha green tea martini. She said the toasted rice, washed down with the drink, was amazing. 

During Champagne Hour, high-end labels are cheaper for everyone to enjoy. The accompanying raw bar serves up pristine coastal oysters that taste as fresh as those found in bustling seaside markets

It’s a great spot for people who love to try new things. But if you have a shellfish allergy, you will not find many things to eat. 

Also, the room only has 58 seats. This means it’s very hard to get a spot if you just walk in during busy times.

Pros

  • Playful high-low culinary tasting pairings
  • Accessible afternoon Champagne Hour pricing
  • Technical freezer martinis and house infusions
  • High-quality coastal raw bar offerings

Cons

  • Extremely limited non-seafood food options
  • Small seating capacity for groups
  • Difficult to secure walk-in spots

The frozen martini was a table favorite

What an amazing addition to LoDo! Located in the cozy Rally Hotel at McGregor Square, this martini, cocktails and nibbles spot is sure to please everyone. My martini was the proper dirty and blue cheese olives…nuff said. The frozen martini was a table favorite and we were impressed by the cocktails creativity. Food was awesome! Kumomoto oysters will have us coming back. The caviar service was delish and super reasonable price ($30 salmon roe and $80 sturgeon). The burrata salad didn’t stand a chance!!

A hidden gem

Our server Dan was exceptional! He was very attentive and knew exactly what we were thinking and made us some amazing craft cocktails. Our food was fresh, the truffle fries were amazing and the baked brie was delicious! They were knowledgeable on the oysters. It was pretty quiet for a Saturday night, but we didn’t mind. It is a stunning bar located in a hotel, a hidden gem. Will definitely be back!

4. Williams & Graham

williams-graham-logo

Website: http://williamsandgraham.com/

Address: 3160 Tejon St

Contact: (303) 997-8886 | [email protected]

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Williams & Graham is a famous secret spot hidden behind a bookstore facade, with a fun Prohibition-style theme. 

The bartenders don’t use a fixed menu. Instead, they create custom drinks based on your mood and taste. You simply tell them which spirits you prefer, and they will make a balanced cocktail from their collection of 500 bottles. 

Because they have so many rare bottles, adventurous drinkers will always find something new. 

The kitchen also complements the drinks with elevated late-night bites, including items like dry-aged steak burgers that make it easy to linger longer into the evening.

However, the popularity of this place means that walk-ins often face very long wait times. 

Once you’re inside, there is also a strict two-hour time limit for each table. This rule can make a romantic evening feel a little rushed. 

Pros

  • Immersive hidden bookstore entrance atmosphere
  • Highly personalized bespoke drink creations
  • Extensive library of rare international spirits
  • Exceptional dry-aged steak culinary pairings

Cons

  • Frustratingly long wait times
  • Strict two-hour table time limits
  • Expensive overall food and drink costs

Overall a fab experience

Super cool, cute, cosy and charismatic speakeasy Bar. Cocktails are amazing and change often accordingly with the seasons. Food selection goes really well with the drinks and great portion size. The staff is truly passionate of the work they do. Excellent customer service. Overall a fab experience. Servers are knowledgeable and highly recommend trusting their choice for creative cocktails! Love this place

The drinks were a delight

A local resident of Denver told us about this bar. We were lucky to show up right at 5 where we got seats at the bar quickly (which is apparently an anomaly). We enjoyed a few of the seasonal cocktails and tried the mac and cheese with added green chili and bacon jam. If you can get in, it’s a neat experience! Loved the atmosphere, the staff was awesome, and the drinks were a delight.

5. Semiprecious

semiprecious-logo

Website: https://semipreciousdenver.com/

Address: 2839 W 44th Ave

Contact: [email protected]

Hours: 

  • Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Sunday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Located in the heart of Sunnyside, Semiprecious blends great service with a local feel. The venue focuses on being eco-friendly and even features a bar top made from recycled dishwashers. 

They use modern technology to serve drinks quickly, especially on their Martini Express menu. These small, chilled pours are perfect for those who do not want to wait. 

Since the systems are so efficient, the staff can spend more time chatting with customers. To stay green, they also limit the use of high-waste citrus. 

However, if you prefer classic American bourbon, the menu might feel a bit small because they focus on bitter drinks. 

Plus, the industrial style means there is not much plush seating. 

It is a great spot for a quick drink, but it might not be the coziest place for a long stay.

Pros

  • Ultra-fast and highly consistent drink preparation
  • Deep integration into the local neighborhood
  • Clever use of sustainable recycled materials
  • Accessible expert-level hospitality without pretense

Cons

  • Narrow focus on Western European spirits
  • Uncomfortable minimalist industrial seating arrangements

There’s a great selection of savory cocktails

Delicious drinks, stellar vibe. There’s a great selection of savory cocktails, and the sweet ones are complex and well-rounded. The interior is super cool and modern, with Bauhaus elements. Kevin, the bartender who served us, was friendly and informative, taking the time to explain how drinks were conceptualized and made.

We all agreed that it was special

Tried this place out with a couple of friends and we all agreed that it was special. Some classics, but also some very unique drinks, especially of the savory variety. Great cozy vibes, friendly bartenders, and fabulous flavors? Yes, please, I’ll be back for more!