Denver is a city full of hidden gems, especially when it comes to its bar scene. These are the places you don’t read about in tourist guides or see advertised on billboards.
They’re the ones you hear about from a friend of a friend, where the crowd is just right, the drinks are amazing, and you feel like you’ve found a secret.
If you visit these spots, you might never want to leave. Here are some of Denver’s best-kept secret bars.
If you are traveling to Denver for the first time, I made a guide for you to get the most from this city and still have enough time to check these outstanding bards. You can download the guide here.
The Cruise Room
Tucked away in the Oxford Hotel, The Cruise Room is a bar with a story. Opened the day after Prohibition ended in 1933, it’s Denver’s longest-running bar. The interior is styled after a lounge on the Queen Mary, with red neon lights and art deco decor. It’s a step back in time, perfect for sipping on a classic cocktail.
The bartenders know their stuff, so if you’re unsure what to order, just ask for a recommendation.
Williams & Graham
From the outside, Williams & Graham looks like a small bookstore. But once you’re inside, it transforms into a Prohibition-era speakeasy. You’ll need to find the hidden door behind a bookshelf to get in.
Inside, it’s dark and intimate, with leather booths and a menu full of creative cocktails. Make sure to get there early or be prepared to wait – this place is popular for a reason.
B&GC
Short for “Boys & Girls Club,” B&GC is a true hidden gem. Located in the Halcyon Hotel in Cherry Creek, finding the entrance is part of the fun. You’ll need to locate the unmarked door and ring the bell to be let in. Inside, it’s a small, stylish space with a relaxed atmosphere.
The cocktail menu is ever-changing, so there’s always something new to try. It’s a great spot for a quiet drink away from the hustle and bustle.
Union Lodge No. 1
Union Lodge No. 1 is a tribute to the cocktail bars of the late 19th century. It’s located near Union Station, but you might miss it if you’re not looking closely. Inside, it’s dark and moody, with a bar that specializes in pre-Prohibition cocktails.
The bartenders here are serious about their craft, and it shows. If you’re a fan of classic drinks like the Sazerac or the Old Fashioned, this is the place for you.
Retrograde
Retrograde is a speakeasy hidden inside an ice cream shop. Yes, you read that right. To get in, you need to find the freezer door in Frozen Matter on 20th Avenue. Once inside, you’ll find a small bar with a retro sci-fi theme.
The cocktails are creative and fun, often featuring unique ingredients you wouldn’t expect. It’s a quirky spot that’s perfect for a night out with friends.
The Occidental
The Occidental is a casual, unpretentious bar located next to its more famous sibling, Williams & Graham. It’s got a fun, laid-back vibe with a mix of arcade games, pinball machines, and a jukebox.
The drink menu features a mix of craft cocktails and beers, and there’s a small food menu if you get hungry. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back and relax without any fuss.
Run for the Roses
Run for the Roses is a basement bar located in the Dairy Block. To find it, you’ll need to look for the playing card symbols on the walls. Inside, it’s a stylish space with a sophisticated feel. The cocktail menu is extensive, with a focus on classic drinks and house specialties. It’s a great spot for a date night or a quiet drink after dinner.
Finn’s Manor
Finn’s Manor is a bar with a bit of everything. Located in the River North (RiNo) district, it’s part cocktail bar, part food truck park. The bar itself is housed in an old warehouse, with a spacious patio outside. The drink menu features a mix of craft cocktails, beers, and spirits from around the world. The rotating lineup of food trucks means there’s always something delicious to eat.
Adrift
Adrift is a tiki bar located on South Broadway. From the outside, it looks like any other bar, but step inside, and you’re transported to a tropical paradise. The decor is all bamboo and thatch, with tiki statues and tropical plants.
The drink menu features a mix of classic tiki cocktails and house creations, all served in fun, themed glassware. It’s a great spot to escape the ordinary and enjoy a taste of the islands.
Millers & Rossi
Millers & Rossi is a speakeasy hidden behind an art gallery in RiNo. The front of the space is a small gallery featuring local artists, but find the secret door, and you’ll enter a cozy, dimly lit bar. The cocktail menu is creative, with a focus on unique ingredients and presentation. It’s a great spot for a quiet drink and some art appreciation.
The Arvada Tavern
Just outside Denver, in the suburb of Arvada, is The Arvada Tavern. This bar has a classic, old-school feel, with a long wooden bar and vintage decor. The cocktail menu is full of classics, made with care and attention to detail. It’s a great spot to escape the city for a bit and enjoy a well-made drink.
Death & Co
Finally, there’s Death & Co, located in The Ramble Hotel in RiNo. This bar is an offshoot of the famous New York City bar, and it lives up to the reputation. The interior is dark and moody, with a mix of vintage and modern decor.
The cocktail menu is extensive, with a mix of classics and house creations. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for the evening and enjoy some of the best drinks in the city.
Last Words
There you have it – a list of secret bars in Denver that you really shouldn’t be telling anyone about. Each one offers something unique, whether it’s the hidden entrances, the creative cocktails, or the stylish interiors. Visit them, enjoy them, but maybe keep them a secret so they stay just as special.
HI, I’m Richard. Me and my wife are on a journey to show you all those special places in Denver and around it. I am also the guy with the camera, responsible for capturing each moment and giving you a hands-on experience.
