Locations in Denver: DrinkHere

5707 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada

303-690-6269

American, Bars and Clubs, Bars, Best Of, Sponsor, DrinkHere

The Arvada Tavern opened in 1933, not long after the repeal of Prohibition, and was issued the first liquor license in Arvada. A dive for decades, the tavern received a facelift in 2013 under new ownership while still holding on to the building’s vintage charm. More upscale now, it serves a variety of vintage cocktails and Colorado beers, and the menu includes comfort eats such as pierogi and schnitzel. Upstairs (through a phone booth with a false back wall) is Bernard's Tiki Room, a hidden tiki bar with live music every Friday and Saturday night.

6 articles

The Cooper Lounge

1701 Wynkoop St., Denver LoDo/Ballpark/Commons Park

720-460-3738

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When Union Station was renovated a decade ago, the mezzanine was turned into one of the most enchanting bars in town: the Cooper Lounge. In 2024, the elegant drinking destination got a refresh of its own that somehow made it even more lush. It’s a great place to meet up with friends from out of town, but it's also become something of a favorite with locals, particularly on full-moon nights, when you can sit on a barstool sipping a martini and look over 17th Street bathed in moonlight. The view is magical. And you might need to be a magician to secure a spot here: There's sometimes a two-hour wait.

6 articles

Sputnik

3 S. Broadway, Denver Golden Triangle/La Alma

720-570-4503

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Corn dogs, vegan eats and cheap drinks have made this bar with mid-century vibes a Baker neighborhood favorite since 2003. Located next door to one of the area’s best places for live local music, the hi-dive, it’s the ideal spot to soak up the raucous punk vibes of Broadway — and it will remain just that after being taken over by new owners, who are also former employees. Spencer Madison and Joe Phillips, who also owns Fellow Traveler, are committed to keeping Sputnik a rough-edged refuge among recent, more corporate additions to the area.

1 event 22 articles

Stoney's Bar and Grill

1111 Lincoln St., Denver Golden Triangle/La Alma

303-830-6839

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While there’s a Stoney’s outpost in Uptown, the original is one of our favorite places on game days — or any day. The sprawling space can accommodate big crowds, and there’s plenty of room to belly up to one of the two bars, where you can order Colorado beers on tap. In the front of the house is a ski-lift chair from Keystone, which is fitting, since Stoney’s is an ode to all things Centennial State. There’s also a stage for live music, Skee-Ball, a weird miniature bowling alley and solid pub grub, including a version of that green chile-covered Pueblo staple, the Slopper.

79 articles

5 on Lawrence

2020 Lawrence St., Denver LoDo/Ballpark/Commons Park

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In late 2023, the owner of Max Market added a sports bar next door, outfitting 5 on Lawrence with plenty of TVs for watching Nuggets, Avs, Broncos, Rapids and Rockies games, plus Arsenal soccer matches. It also has an arcade room so you can distract yourself if a televised game isn't going your way. The menu is always a winner, though, with solid wings, smashburgers and hot dogs at affordable prices.

Adrift

218 S. Broadway South Denver

720-784-8111

Polynesian, Bars, Best Of, DrinkHere

Between the ’60s and the ’80s, Denver had a fairly vital tiki scene, thanks to Trader Vic’s and Don the Beachcomber. But after that, the city’s tiki action was largely extinguished — until Adrift turned a 2,200-square-foot space into an island retreat in 2012. While a few other tiki spots have opened since then, Adrift’s dedication to Polynesian kitsch has never waned. Paying homage to the thatch-roofed hooch huts of yore, it specializes in modern and classic tiki cocktails as well as Prohibition-era tropical drinks and tasty tropical tidbits.

38 articles

Aspen Lodge Bar & Grill

8125 W. 94th Ave. Westminster

303-531-4992

Bar, Turkish, Sandwiches, Best Of, DrinkHere

What do lava lamps, Christmas trees and Iron Maiden have in common? Mesut Cetin, the amiable owner and chef of Aspen Lodge, loves them all, which is why his Westminster joint is packed with an impressive collection of retro lights, year-round holiday decor and odes to metal. His other passion: sharing food from his native Turkey, which he serves alongside typical bar fare and “the best Philly cheesesteak in 666 miles radius,” as the sign out front proclaims.

1 article

Bannock Street Garage

1015 Bannock St., Denver Golden Triangle/La Alma

303-534-7000

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In 2004, this former Volkswagen shop was refitted as a bar with a massive garage door at the front, cement floors and a large, open patio. Since then, its divey vibes have made it a neighborhood favorite where crowds gather for First Friday. Whether you shoot a game of pool or play darts, or just settle in at the bar or a heated table out back for a bucket of Montuckys, this is the kind of low-key standby where you’ll quickly become a regular.

10 articles

Bar Max

2412 E. Colfax Ave., Denver Capitol Hill/Uptown/City Park

303-333-0003

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Max Hopewell-Arizmendi and Yuki Koyama founded Cafe Max in 2013 and transitioned the airy, European-flavored bistro to Bar Max in 2016. Now owner Marshall Smith is behind the bar, and the Denver native is offering a rainbow of possibilities that allow guests to design the custom cocktail of their wildest dreams. The Flavor Wheel and Flavor Deck help spark the imagination, introducing guests to Bar Max’s massive inventory of rare and esoteric spirits while allowing them to remove ingredients or taste profiles that they find unappealing.

16 articles

Bar Nun

1225 Logan St., Denver Capitol Hill/Uptown/City Park

720-532-0757

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The former Capitol Hill Tavern was resurrected in 2020 when Bar Nun opened in that space, with irreverent decor (think a painting of Jesus with Juggalo face paint and plenty of nun imagery) and a staff that will make you feel like a regular immediately. Whether you’re pounding pickle shots on the enclosed patio or pairing a cold beer with hot wings and pizza at the bar, this spot is a casually cool neighborhood joint.

3 articles

Bedlam

1516 Wazee St., Denver LoDo/Ballpark/Commons Park

303-975-6785

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Longtime industry pro Jacob Berndt debuted his first solo venture in May 2024 inside the long, narrow downtown space that was home to Deep Roots Winery & Bistro before sitting empty for four years. With the help of his siblings, Berndt has transformed the space with art and knickknacks that give it the vibe of a well-worn neighborhood watering hole. A small food menu of upscale bar bites pairs perfectly with Bedlam’s decidedly not-crazy mix of high-end spirits, simple yet satisfying cocktails and low-bar, budget-friendly options.

1 article

Bierstadt Lagerhaus

2875 Blake St., Denver Five Points/RiNo

720-821-1571

Brewpub, Breweries and Wineries, Recommended, Best Of, Slideshow, DrinkHere

Ashleigh Carter and Bill Eye opened this brewery in 2016. It specializes in lager beers, including three core brews: its helles, its dunkel and — perhaps the most lauded beer in Colorado — its Slow Pour Pils. Beyond Bierstadt’s propensity for making some of the best craft beers in the state, it boasts a comfortable, expansive space that regularly hosts large events, pop-ups, games and trivia, while also offering plenty of corners to tuck into for an intimate experience.

51 articles

The Block Distilling Co.

2990 Larimer St., Denver Five Points/RiNo

303-484-9033

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Everything feels right when you visit the tasting room at this RiNo distillery. That’s because it’s focused on doing things the right way, from how it sources ingredients and crafts its spirits to its sustainability practices and commitment to giving back through a partnership with Nathaniel Rateliff’s nonprofit, the Marigold Project. The bartenders know how to have fun with a cocktail, whether you’re sipping a gin-based concoction with spiked miso, mushrooms and green tea, or a whiskey libation flavored with Creole bitters.

5 articles

Brewery Bar II

150 Kalamath St. West Denver

303-893-0971

Mexican, Bars and Clubs, Recommended, Best Of, DrinkHere

The original Brewery Bar opened in the old Tivoli brewery — which is now the Auraria Campus student union — and moved to Kalamath Street while Nixon was still in office (hence the II in the name). The bar is decked out with sports memorabilia and is host to a crew of regulars who gather not only for the strong pours and camaraderie, but also for the classic Den-Mex cuisine, including a spicy and tomato-heavy green chile that’s one of the best in town, especially when smothering a crispy chile relleno.

18 articles

The Brutal Poodle

1967 S. Broadway Southwest Denver

720-379-6281

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How do poodles and heavy metal mesh? The unlikely combo somehow works at the Brutal Poodle, opened in early 2018 by Wes Moralez, Ryan Oakes and David “Yosh” Yoshikawa, members of Denver band Son Survivor. Beyond the goofy, dog-themed art on the walls and the (just loud enough) tracks pumping from the sound system, good food and a classic sunken bar beckon the faithful. Loaded tots, great green chile and outrageous metal-inspired specials keep bellies full, the better to soak up rounds of unpretentious drinks, pickle shots and Colorado beers. This poodle’s bite is as good as its bark.

7 articles

Bruz Beers

1675 W. 67th Ave. Northwest Denver

303-650-2337

Breweries and Wineries, DrinkHere

Bruz, which also has a tasting room off Colfax, is unique in that it only focuses on Belgian-inspired beers, from the classic abbey ales that you'd expect to find overseas to fun, fruited Belgian beers and IPAs. This is the rare specialty brewery that manages to truly offer something for everyone, including fun, beery education. From tours around the beer world that take place in its taproom to actual tours across the ocean in Belgium, Bruz loves to share its passion for Belgian beer with the wider drinking world.

2 articles

Bull & Bush Brewery

4700 E. Cherry Creek South Dr., Denver Glendale

303-759-0333

Brewpub, Bars and Clubs, Best Of, DrinkHere

Step inside this dark, cozy English-style pub and you’ll understand its staying power: It turned 53 in 2024. Now run by second-generation owners, “the pub you’ve been practicing for” (as the motto goes) serves a long menu of England-meets-Colorado comfort food, including French onion soup, bangers and mash, and green chile-smothered mashed potatoes, as well as both innovative and traditional house-brewed beers. There’s also a Scotch list to warm the cockles of your heart.

57 articles

Burns Family Artisan Ales

1236 S. Broadway South Denver

720-693-9099

Brewery, DrinkHere

Founded by Wayne Burns and Laura Worley, the original Burns Family Artisan Ales was a destination-worthy stop in the middle of an industrial district in west Denver. In 2023, it took over the former Dos Luces space on South Broadway; in 2024, it turned the original location into a non-public brewing facility. Not only has Burns been producing high-gravity beer for decades, biut the owners are often at the taprooms, serving beer, cleaning glasses, conversing with patrons and offering the kind of instant connection that is a rarity in the industry.

1 article

Call to Arms Brewing

4526 Tennyson St. Northwest Denver

720-328-8258

Breweries and Wineries, Best Of, Slideshow, DrinkHere

Call to Arms feels like a safe haven in a neighborhood being drowned by modern condos. Take a few steps down the entryway and you're in a different world. The prominent bar is a great place to sip a few top-notch beers, but the events are really what separate this taproom from other quality breweries. Everything is "Big Energy" when it comes to CTA's main events: Big Fest Energy, Big Pride Energy and Big Holiday Energy — even a tiny float parade down the alley. Nothing about Call to Arms is typical or boring.

2 articles

Candlelight Tavern

383 S. Pearl St. South Denver

303-778-9530

Bar, Bars and Clubs, Recommended, Best Of, Readers' Choice, DrinkHere

This friendly neighborhood bar is beloved by residents of all stripes in the Wash Park area. Once a seedy, smoky dive, the place has been spruced up over the years – but consistency and simplicity are key. You can count on no-frills, tasty pub grub, including a great basic bar burger. The warm glow of the Candlelight’s vintage sign still illuminates the way to one of Denver’s oldest and best bars.

11 articles

The Castle Bar and Grill

6657 S. Broadway Littleton

303-798-5981

Bar, Bars and Clubs, Recommended, Best Of, DrinkHere

The Castle rules in south Denver. Yes, the building even looks like a castle, and the sunken bar is sided by captain's chairs that make for a royally fun day or night of imbibing. The vibe is relaxing and unpretentious, as are the patrons. Snag a twenty-ounce personalized mug for $20, good for a lifetime of twenty-ounce pours for sixteen-ounce prices. The fare is simple but tasty, with budget specials such as ten wings for $10 every Thursday and buy-one-get-one-half-off burgers (among the best in town) on Tuesdays. With karaoke, bingo, trivia and chatty regulars of all stripes, you’ll never be bored when you storm the Castle.

6 articles

Charlie Brown's Piano Bar & Grill

980 Grant St., Denver Capitol Hill/Uptown/City Park

303-860-1655

American, Music Venues, Bars and Clubs, Recommended, Best Of, DrinkHere

Colorful characters from Denver’s past are rumored to have bellied up to the bar at Charlie Brown’s, which has been open since Prohibition ended. A sprawling spot with nightly piano sing-alongs, it lives up to its slogan: “Something for everyone.” Couples, friends, tourists, young professionals, senior citizens, college kids and even celebrities enjoy the stiff drinks, huge food menu, enclosed patio and free drinks for revelers celebrating their birthdays.

1 event 21 articles

Cohesion Brewing Co.

3851 Steele St., Unit 1388 North Denver

303-997-7016

Breweries and Wineries, Best Of, DrinkHere

In just four years, Cohesion has become one of the top destinations for out-of-towners, local industry workers and beer aficionados drawn by its Czech-style lagers served in a very traditional way: from side-pull Lukr taps, with plenty of creamy foam on top. (The exact amount depends on which style of pour you choose.) The bar itself is striking, with gorgeous tilework serving as a backdrop and a wood-paneled nook reminiscent of old Europe.

3 articles

The Cruise Room

1600 17th St., Denver LoDo/Ballpark/Commons Park

303-628-5400

Bars and Clubs, Small Plates, Bars, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, DrinkHere

As Prohibition ended, this bar inside the Oxford Hotel was designed to look like the lounge on the Queen Mary (hence the name), then got a quick remodel a decade later when the frieze with Hitler’s face — one of a dozen international toasts circling the walls — was deemed politically incorrect. In the 1960s, it was the headquarters for a group of carousers known as the Evil Companions; in the ’90s, it was discovered by hipsters. Today you’ll find all kinds of passengers hopping aboard bar stools to bask in the red light and down classic martinis.

19 articles

The Crypt

1618 E. 17th Ave., Denver Capitol Hill/Uptown/City Park

720-542-9543

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Metal, mostly meat-free food (along with a damn good meaty burger) and a reverence for death are all on full display at this spot founded by longtime Tooey’s employee Priscilla Jerez and business partners Chris Maynard and Dale Canino in 2022. A destination for live music and late-night revelry, it has a smoking patio out front that’s often filled with people trading stories (and lighters) under the moonlight. Inside, you're highly likely to run into at least a few old friends while grabbing a cocktail from one of two bars.

2 events 5 articles

Death & Co

1280 25th St., Denver Five Points/RiNo

720-330-2660

Modern American, Bars, Hotels and Resorts, Recommended, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, DrinkHere

This NYC-based cocktail institution debuted its second outpost inside the Ramble Hotel in 2018 with a trio of spaces, each of which offers a slightly different experience but equally impressive craft libations. There’s the opulent lobby bar, a second-floor lounge dubbed Suite 6A, and an outdoor space called the Garden, which is open seasonally and lit by a sign that says “Wish You Were Here,” an appropriate sentiment for this envy-inducing escape in RiNo.

14 articles

The Delorean

1753 S. Broadway Southwest Denver

Bars, DrinkHere

Well-known indie club promoters Scott Happel and Peter Ore created a totally tubular ’80s time capsule when they opened the Delorean in August 2024. The space is decked out with blown-up replicas of ’80s album covers and neon Pac-Men munching across the walls. Under the bar glass are pages ripped from 1980s music magazines, stickers, trading cards and other ephemera of the period. Munch on pizza rolls while sipping signature cocktails like the Do Not Drink After Midnight served in a Gizmo mug, all while listening to a soundtrack of new-wave throwbacks.

The Devil's Drink

3330 Mariposa St., Denver Highland/Lower Highland

720-233-3169

Bars, DrinkHere

When Rock N Lobster Roll founder Andrew Harris and bar maven Alisha Taylor opened the Devil’s Drink in a small space below the 25-room Kasa Comma hotel in LoHi, they described it as an "underworld speakeasy" with dark, moody vibes, red lighting and devilish design touches. If you’re ready to dance with the devil in the pale moonlight, do it here with a cocktail or craft beer in hand.

Dew Drop Inn

1033 E. 17th Ave., Denver Capitol Hill/Uptown/City Park

720-612-4160

Gastro Pub, Bar, Best Of, DrinkHere

This Uptown bar from the women-owned group behind such hits as the Horseshoe Lounge, the Embassy Tavern and more has aesthetically pleasing design details like tiger-print wallpaper. The easy-sipping cocktails are even more pleasing. Stop in for one of two happy hours, or snag a shot and a beer at any time of day for just $9.

2 articles

Dive Inn

1380 S. Broadway South Denver

720-242-6157

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Dive Inn has made its mark since taking over the BJ’s Carousel space in 2012. The decor — which includes an actual motorboat for seating — adds to the upbeat spirit of this Platt Park neighborhood joint. In recent years, the outdoor area has been expanded with more nautical touches and games — but the some dive-like prices and vibes we've loved for over a decade.

8 articles

Don's Club Tavern

723 E. 6th Ave. Central Denver

303-831-0218

Bars and Clubs, Bars, Recommended, Best Of, Readers' Choice, DrinkHere

Also known as Don’s Mixed Drinks (because of the wording on the old-school neon sign outside), this is a dive with staying power: It celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2022. Purchased by local bar conglomerate Little Pub Company in 2006, Don’s has retained a certain welcoming “old man’s basement” atmosphere. The secluded smoking patio and Skee-Ball machine are highlights, as is the vending machine dispensing fun packs of such goodies as condoms, burritos, cigarettes, candy and who knows what else. The bar caters to old-timers during the day and is a packed hangout for the younger set at night.

21 articles

Embassy Tavern

3463 Larimer St., Denver Five Points/RiNo

720-324-8477

Bars, DrinkHere

This bar on a prime corner spot in RiNo is located in a building that started life a century ago as a drugstore, then housed various incarnations before it became Phil's Place in 2002. In 2018, it was taken over by a group of bar pros who changed the name but kept its spirit intact, offering a low-key respite from the trendy neighborhood outside, complete with pinball machines, a spacious, smoker-friendly back patio and a giant moose head overseeing the action at the bar.

Emerald Eye

1403 Larimer St., Denver LoDo/Ballpark/Commons Park

303-568-9746

Bars, DrinkHere

It could be easy to miss this subterranean cocktail lounge when visiting busy Larimer Square; its door decal gives away no secrets, but the words “cocktail lounge” can be seen in the transom window above, along with a neon sign shaped like a Monstera leaf. Upon entering, guests descend a stairwell decorated with globe pendant lights and glossy, emerald-green subway tile before the space opens up to reveal tropical vibes matched by a menu of rum- and agave spirit-forward concoctions that evoke the Caribbean circa 1955.

1 article

Locations in Denver: DrinkHere

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