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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Cool bars in the CBD, Denver

You want a bar that feels like it knows what is current without trying too hard.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Union Lodge No.1 image 1
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Cocktail bar

Speakeasy-style cocktail bar with vintage decor and a rustic, intimate space creates a cozy, relaxed vibe. Music sets a great atmosphere while bartenders craft historical, high-quality drinks with flair. Small, stylish setting blends old-school charm with luxe details for a unique experience.

An upscale prohibition-style cocktail bar with a dark, classy lounge vibe. The bar staff are highly professional and serve unique, historical drinks with some fun fire tricks.

A pre-prohibition style selection shapes the menu with each drink's history detailed. The speak-easy style ambiance blends a modern twist with a cool, historical vibe.

People are saying

"The bartenders' creative twists on cocktails are amazing."

"This spot has a really cool atmosphere and vibe."

"The cocktails here are creative and made from scratch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to secure a seat.

2

The bar specializes in pre-prohibition drinks, offering a unique cocktail experience.

3

Expect a packed bar, especially on weekends; arrive early to avoid long waits.

02
54thirty Rooftop image 1

Rooftop bar offers gorgeous mountain views and a cozy atmosphere with heat lamps, fireplaces, and blankets. Energy feels like hanging out at a friend's place, with thoughtful service and creative cocktails. Drone shows add a unique visual element to the experience.

Rooftop bar offers stunning mountain views and a great spot to catch the sunset. Service stands out as amazing and the vibe feels relaxed even in winter.

Casual rooftop hangouts offer great ambiance and a cool breeze. The environment features cool vibes and a friendly crowd for meeting new people.

People are saying

"I loved the great mountain view from the rooftop."

"The bar's rooftop views are amazing, especially at sunset."

"This rooftop bar is a cool spot with amazing views."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Reservations are recommended as it gets busy, especially during events.

3

A cover charge applies for special events like the Christmas drone show.

03
Bombshells Restaurant & Bar Denver image 1

WWII-themed sports bar blends military memorabilia with a modern Colorado vibe and numerous TVs for game viewing. Atmosphere stays lively and inviting with engaging staff and well-curated music. Large space suits groups seeking entertainment rather than formal settings.

Expansive bar menu pairs with reasonable prices and a modern sports bar vibe. Staff like Tiffany and Ava provide efficient, attentive service even during busy times.

Military-themed decorations create a cool World War II atmosphere. Staff are extremely nice, and the setup feels unique and inviting. Crowds add to the laid-back vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"Kelly, the bartender, made us feel like we were at our local bar."

"I thought the military-themed decorations and setup were really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available every day with great prices.

2

UFC fight nights attract a lively crowd and are popular.

3

The menu offers a wide variety of food and drink options.

04
Bar Red image 1
Italian restaurant

Basement space styled like a speakeasy inside a historic brick building offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with live hip hop and jazz music on a stage. The vibe shifts from quiet dinners to lively performances, attracting those who appreciate authentic Italian cuisine and crafted cocktails.

An atmospheric ambiance sets the tone with an unassuming exterior hiding a lively bar. Cocktails are on point, and the staff, including the owner and bar keep, offer great recommendations.

Dinner time brings a cool vibe with lofi beats and mood lighting. The bartender adds to the laid-back atmosphere.

People are saying

"The lasagna and Chocolate Temptation were exquisite dinner spots."

"The Italian food at this Bar is amazing, especially the lasagna."

"I thought the food here was amazing, especially the carbonara."

Good to know

1

Monthly wine dinners feature dishes paired with wines for each course.

2

Hip hop shows are a highlight, showcasing various artists each month.

3

Reservations are recommended for wine dinners due to limited seating.

05
Vibe Coffee and Wine image 1

Cocktail bar with luxurious open floor plan and large windows offers comfortable lounge seating and a pool table. Atmosphere stays quiet and spacious, making it suitable for working or studying. Drinks include specialty cocktails like espresso martinis and Bloody Marys made with local vodka.

Attentive staff work quickly behind the bar. Seating options include sofas, bar counters, and a pool table. The bar combines coffee, tea, and cocktails in one spot.

A cool atmosphere sets the tone with a unique design inside. The spot offers a delicious selection of hot drinks alongside good service.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

"This bar has a really comfortable and relaxing atmosphere."

"It's a cool spot with a great atmosphere and coffee."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find on the street.

2

The wifi was unusable during my visit.

3

The seating was only for apartment residents.

06
Trybal African Speakeasy image 1

Cocktail bar offers an intimate, stylish space with a warm, soulful African-inspired vibe. Music stays lively yet balanced, supporting conversation without overpowering. Unique cocktails and authentic West African flavors create a sophisticated, culturally rooted experience.

Warm and engaging service from the bar manager sets a welcoming tone. The bar offers a chill atmosphere with a high-end lounge vibe, making it easy to have real conversations.

An intimate, stylish atmosphere with dim lighting and great music creates a unique African-style speakeasy vibe. The crowd adds to the cool, lasting energy throughout the night.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

"The atmosphere here is so cool, with dim lighting and great music."

"The cocktails here are creative, balanced, and unique."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required as the venue fills up quickly.

2

Entry requires scanning a QR code and answering a quiz.

3

Expect high prices with small portion sizes; a meal can exceed $90 for two.

07
Peaks Lounge image 1

Lounge offers breathtaking mountain views and a relaxed, welcoming vibe with cozy seating and warm blankets for comfort. It attracts people looking for evening drinks and sunset watching in a chic, atmospheric setting. The space balances fun energy with a calm, scenic experience.

Offers an amazing view of the city lights and mountains from the 27th floor with unobstructed glass windows. The bar features open seating and provides excellent service with a great vibe and dim lighting.

A very cool ambience sets the tone here. The atmosphere feels relaxed and inviting.

People are saying

"The view here is amazing, especially at sunset."

"This bar has the most amazing view, especially at sunset."

"The views here are awesome and nice."

Good to know

1

The drone show happens every night at 7 PM until the end of December.

2

Peaks Lounge is open until midnight for special pop-up events.

3

Peaks Lounge does not accept cash payments.

08
Tarantula Billiards Bar & Grill image 1

Pool hall offers dozens of full-size tables with extra wide pockets and free play during the week. Atmosphere stays lively and friendly, with music that gets loud when busy and a crowd that leans younger and chill. Walls display colorful art, adding to the inviting vibe.

Free pool tables and a dedicated smoking area stand out here. The bar offers a great atmosphere with nice pool tables and great drinks. Groups fit well and the vibe stays friendly and calm.

A laid-back spot with a cool vibe and music sets the tone. Multiple pool tables and lots of flags add to the atmosphere, especially during happy hour.

People are saying

"They have tons of pool tables and other games."

"I found the drinks and food to be cheap."

"This bar has so many pool tables, it's fun to play."

Good to know

1

Free pool is available all day except Friday and Saturday until 7pm.

2

Playing pool is free with a drink purchase; otherwise, it costs $10 per hour.

3

The bar stays open until 2 AM, which may be challenging for travelers.

09
Ship Tavern image 1
Restaurant

Ship Tavern offers a historic ship-themed interior with hand-hewn wood beams and English pub-style bars creating a unique setting. The atmosphere blends live jazz and piano performances with a quiet, nostalgic vibe. It attracts diners seeking a classic, comfortable place for dinner and drinks.

A ship-themed cocktail bar inside a historic hotel offers a unique vibe that feels like stepping back 130 years. The bar serves non-typical bar food and features a great bartender for drinks in a downtown setting.

Ship-themed decor creates a unique vibe inside the historic hotel. The bar offers a nice atmosphere that feels both cool and inviting.

People are saying

"This bar feels like stepping into a historic tavern with a cozy vibe."

"You'll love the classic, old-school vibe of their cocktails."

"The food here is delicious, especially the prime rib."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for parties of two or more.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with discounted drinks.

3

Live jazz performances occur every Saturday night.

10
Casa Tequilas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open-air Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and live music creates a unique, chill atmosphere. Large tequila selection and handmade salsas complement flavorful dishes like birria and carne asada. Windows open to the street, adding to the vibrant, social vibe.

A Mexican bar with a focus on tequila, led by Leo who has deep knowledge of the spirit. The bar offers friendly service and a social vibe where guests chat and watch games together.

Decor stands out as really cool. Inside, the temperature drops significantly and stays cool for hours even with an open window.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has great flavor and is excellently presented."

"The bartender Eric was friendly, happy, and knowledgeable about the menu."

"The decor here is really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available, but sharing drinks is not allowed.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere on weekends, especially during happy hour.

3

The menu offers a large variety of Mexican dishes and drinks.

11
Coyote Ugly image 1

Wooden bar with spacious layout and vibrant decorations sets a lively scene. Bartenders and dancers create an electric atmosphere filled with games, dancing on bars, and interactive fun. Crowd picks up late, making it a high-energy party spot popular for celebrations.

A huge bar with lots of space hosts a lively crowd on Fridays and Saturdays. Bartenders lead games, spinning wheels for free shots, and get people dancing on the bar, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere.

Huge bar and lots of space create a super cool vibe. Bartenders play the part well, adding to the lively, party atmosphere favored by younger crowds.

People are saying

"I had a super fun time dancing on the bar."

"The bartenders are super fun and energetic, making it a great time."

"It's a cool place with super vibes and a huge bar."

Good to know

1

Coyote Ugly is typically busy on Fridays and Saturdays after 10pm.

2

Expect to pay around $40 for two basic drinks before tip.

3

Weekdays are less crowded, making it a quieter option.

12
3 Margaritas Downtown Cocina Mexicana image 1

Mexican restaurant with live mariachi music and a dog-friendly patio creates a lively, authentic atmosphere. Vibrant, modern dรฉcor and a huge central bar add to the engaging environment. Bold flavors define the food, complemented by hand-shaken margaritas and strong cocktails.

Open seating outside with water misters keeps the atmosphere cool. The bathroom upstairs adds a unique cool vibe to the spot.

People are saying

"You have to try the gigantic margaritas; they're fist-bowl sized!"

"The manager Antonio made us feel so welcome at the bar."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and lively."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

Taco Tuesday offers special pricing on tacos all day.

13
Stellar Jay image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop dining offers breathtaking city views and a stylish, cozy atmosphere that suits romantic dinners and special occasions. An outdoor patio provides ample seating for drinks with friends, while live music adds to the sophisticated vibe. Cocktails and desserts stand out as incredible highlights of the experience.

Personable bartenders like Savanah and Joe create a welcoming vibe. Alex and Austin ensure guests have a perfect night at the bar.

Jeanne Gang's studio delivers a cool design with striking color choices and lighting. The space offers outside views that add to its cool vibe.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are amazing and thoughtfully prepared."

"The bar's rooftop views of the city are amazing."

"The building's modern architecture, inspired by local trees, is really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available on Thursdays, making it a great time to visit.

2

Food cannot be ordered or served on the patio during colder weather.

3

Valet parking costs $64, as there is no self-parking option.

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Central Business District, Denver

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