54thirty Rooftop
Le Méridien · LoDo, Denver$$$ 4.5 Editors' Pick
1 / 5
Denver's highest open-air rooftop bar, atop Le Méridien. Mountain-meets-skyline view, cocktail list to match.
Cocktails
Best Cocktails in Denver
By Eventism TeamLast verified Jul 6, 2026 Editor-curated
Denver's cocktail scene has evolved far beyond frontier whiskey bars—today, the Mile High City pours craft cocktails with the same precision it applies to its legendary beer culture. From hidden speakeasies tucked behind bookcase doors to rooftop lounges framing the Rockies, you'll find bartenders who take their spirits as seriously as the city takes its sunshine.
Our editors hit LoDo, RiNo, and the Highlands to find bars where technique, atmosphere, and ingredients all deliver. Expect to spend $14–18 per drink, with most spots busiest Thursday through Saturday after 9pm. Here are our picks for the best cocktails in Denver.
The list
15 editor-verified spotsWilliams & Graham
Highland, Denver$$$ 4.7 Editors' Pick
1 / 3
Bookstore-fronted speakeasy that put Denver cocktails on the national map — 50 Best Bars regular.
Death & Co Denver
RiNo, Denver$$$ 4.6 Editors' Pick
1 / 3
The world-class NYC cocktail program transplanted into RiNo's Ramble Hotel — multiple bar concepts under one roof.
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox
Ballpark, Denver$$ 4.4
1 / 3
Former brothel turned 'gastrobrothel' — small plates and a tight live-music calendar in a velvet-curtained room.
Yacht Club
Park Hill, Denver$$ 4.6
1 / 5
Neighborhood cocktail dive with a nautical lean — strong daiquiris, friendly bartenders, no pretense.
Adrift Tiki Bar
South Broadway, Denver$$ 4.5
1 / 5
Polynesian-themed tiki escape — fog machines, ceramic mugs, and the strongest mai tais on Broadway.
Historians Ale House
Wash Park West, Denver$ 4.5
1 / 5
Neighborhood pub with one of Colorado's deepest whiskey selections and live music most Friday nights.
Comedy Works Downtown
Larimer Square, Denver$$ 4.6
1 / 5
Denver's flagship comedy club for 40+ years — has hosted Chappelle, Burr, Schumer, and discovered countless local headliners.
Experience Mockingbird. Denver’s immersive art lounge in the heart of RiNo. Cocktails, live DJs, and creative nights Wednesday through Sunday.
Emerald Eye is a Dark Tropical Cocktail Bar in Downtown Denver featuring a wide array of Rum and Agave Spirits, Happy Hour Specials, and Weekend DJs.
With a sleek cocktail lounge on the main floor and an electrifying dance party above, it’s the ultimate spot to mix, mingle, and dance your heart out. Grab a cocktail, find your rhythm, and let the night take you.
Hudson Hill
Capitol Hill, Denver$$
1 / 5
Chic spot offering coffee, cocktails & small plates in a cozy, plant-filled environment.
Rumours Karaoke Cafe
Capitol Hill, Denver$$
1 / 5
High-energy nightlife hub blending two vibrant public main stages with four high-tech private rental rooms for custom parties. Full bar and late-night kitchen menu available.
Voicebox Karaoke
RiNo Art District, Denver$$$
1 / 5
Polished, upscale private karaoke suites where you control the songs, volume, and neon light shows directly from your smartphone. Features a curated Asian-street-food inspired menu.
Charlie Brown's Bar & Grill
Capitol Hill, Denver$$
1 / 12
A vintage, jazz-era Capitol Hill staple featuring sing-alongs and a dedicated public karaoke night every Sunday at 9:30 PM. Offers a massive, legendary wrap-around patio perfect for summer drinks.
FAQ
What should I wear to cocktail bars in Denver?
Denver cocktail bars lean smart-casual—dark jeans and a nice top work almost everywhere. Rooftop spots and upscale speakeasies appreciate a bit more effort, but you'll rarely need a jacket or heels.
Do I need a reservation for cocktail bars in Denver?
Reservations aren't always required but are strongly recommended for weekends and popular speakeasy-style bars. Walk-ins can usually snag bar seats on weeknights, though expect waits after 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
How much do cocktails cost in Denver?
Most craft cocktails in Denver run $14–18, with premium or barrel-aged selections reaching $20–24. Happy hours often knock $3–5 off, typically running 4–6pm on weekdays.
Which Denver neighborhood has the best cocktail bars?
LoDo and the Highlands concentrate the most acclaimed cocktail bars, while RiNo offers edgier, art-forward spaces. Downtown Denver also delivers strong options, especially for rooftop drinking with mountain views.
What's the best night to go out for cocktails in Denver?
Thursday and Friday nights bring the liveliest crowds without Saturday's peak chaos. Weeknights offer quieter conversation and better bartender interaction, while Sundays are ideal for relaxed, early-evening drinks.
More Denver guides
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Eventism Team. “Best Cocktails in Denver”. Last verified July 6, 2026. https://eventism.com/denver/guides/best-cocktails-in-denver
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