Finding the best bars in a big city like Denver can be a process. But don't worry! We've saved the time and effort by putting together this convenient list for you. In a city like Denver that specializes in local brewery and craft beer like no other, how did we ever decide? These 16 best bars in Denver are like no other. Keep reading to find out why.
A good wine bar should offer a relaxing setting for tasting, as well as enough wince choices for everyone's varying tastes. The Village Cork in Denver ranks #1 in Westword as the Best Wine Bar (2015). This isn't your run-of-the-mill wine bar, which is why it made the list. Highlighting the French or American fare, beverages here are mostly organic without added antibiotics or hormones. The Village Cork has also been named the Best First Date Restaurant (2011), Best Rising Chef (2012), Best Wine Bar (2013), and many other awards.
The Village Cork
1300 S. Pearl St.
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 282-8399
Yelp Rating: 3.5 Stars, 94 Ratings
Falling Rock Taphouse in LoDo is a tough-to-beat winner when it comes to being rated "best of" in many beer bar categories. That says a great deal about the quality, as the Denver area is certainly not lacking in good bars. Falling Rock boasts all craft-brewed fare, with "no contract brews or megaswill."
Falling Rock Taphouse
1919 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 293-8338
Yelp Rating: 3.5 Stars, 484 Reviews
Since 2010, Highland Tap and Burger has been serving up its mostly locally-sourced dishes and brews. Racking up 4 separate awards for "best of" in 2015, this is definitely the place for Denver sports fans. The late-afternoon and late-night happy hours are virtually untouchable, with the best food, as well as drinks. Just a quick jump from Coors Field after a game, Highland Tap is perfect for continuing the game-day fun.
Highland Tap & Burger
2219 W. 32nd Ave
Denver, CO 80211
720-287-4493
Yelp Rating: 4 Stars, 558 Reviews
Ever wondered what it's like to be right in the middle of a 21,000 square foot booze production facility? Meet Rackhouse Pub, rated one of the best whiskey houses in all of America. The bar overlooks the production facility for Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey (a separate establishment). This is also the only place to get Snowflake, a rare and heavily-desired batch of whiskey. Many will go as far as camping out in order to obtain it.
Rackhouse Pub
208 S Kalamath St
(near Alameda and Santa Fe)
Denver, CO 80223-1813
(720) 570-7824
Yelp Rating: 4 Stars, 12 Reviews
Tony P's Highland offers an affordable "happier hour" at the perfect time to enjoy after-work drinks and food with co-workers or friends. the convenience of two locations makes it easy to get to, no matter where you are in Denver. A good drink deserves good comfort food after a hard day's work, which is why this tasty pizzeria is the best bar in Denver for after-work drinks. Westword thinks so too and ranked them as the best happier hour in 2015.
Tony P's Highland
2400 W. 32nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 477-4900
Yelp Rating: 3.5 Stars, 257 Reviews
Golden has long-been known for serving up some of the best alcohol around. Ace-Hi Tavern doesn't disappoint in this area. Having been around since 1961, locals continue to be satisfied with this Colorado dive bar. With its native Colorado decor, comfy booths, pool table, and fun for students, being chosen as the Best Dive Bar (2015) is no surprise.
Ace-Hi Tavern
1216 Washington Ave.
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 279-9043
Yelp Rating: 4 Stars, 55 Reviews
Golden Moon Speakeasy is appropriately rated the best classic cocktail bar in 2015 by Westword. Located in the foothills of Colorado, not far from downtown Denver, this speakeasy serves up only the classics of the Prohibition and pre-Prohibition eras.
Golden Moon Speakeasy
1111 Miner's Alley
Golden, CO 80401
(720) 638-1155
Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars, 38 Reviews
Hi-Dive is centrally-located, right in the heart of the city - on South Broadway, of course! Local expert Christine Loomis says that it's among the best bars as it's "a low-key, friendly neighborhood-oriented bar that showcases cutting-edge live music." No wonder it's ranked #2 on the list for the 10 best concert venues for live music. This classic dive bar has it all.
Hi-Dive
7 S Broadway
Denver, CO 80223
(303) 733-0230
Yelp Rating: 4 Stars, 87 Reviews
Viewhouse Eatery, Bar, & Rooftop is true to its name, having some of the greatest views in the bar scene. The wraparound rooftop patio features 360 panoramic views of the mountains and the Mile High City below them. The large courtyard is also noteworthy for those who wish to relax on the green. While Yelp gives Viewhouse average ratings, a closer look reveals that patrons who mention the view are highly satisfied and it's also recommended by Denver.org.
Viewhouse Eatery, Bar, & Rooftop
2015 Market Street
Denver, CO 80205
(720) 878-2015
Yelp Rating: 3 Stars, 459 Reviews
Watercourse Foods is a vegan bar and restaurant that even non-vegetarian patrons can enjoy. The price may be slightly up there for some. However, the taste and creativity certainly makes up for it. Locally-crafted beers, wine, and other drinks boast a vegan flare like no other. Need a bite to eat with that drink? No problem. Watercourse Foods serves up a menu like no other - and we're not kidding! Think of all your favorites, meat or non-meat, and most likely they have a vegan version that's even better.
Watercourse Foods
837 E 17th Avenue
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 832-7313
Yelp Rating: 4 Stars, 1047 Reviews
Cherry Cricket in Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood started out as Duffy's and has long been a bar and food staple for locals. It's actually one of Denver's first sports bars, having been around since the 1960's. Ranked as one of the ten best burger joints, the bar menu shouldn't be overlooked. Here, you'll find an abundance of locally-sourced craft beers, specialty "Boozy Shakes," a fine wine selection, and a special selection of the best spirits. Expect a very casual and relaxed sports bar scene that is often booming. The outdoor patio area is a must if you like to enjoy fresh air while drinking.
Cherry Cricket
2461 E. 2nd Ave
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 322-7666
Yelp Rating: 4 Stars; 1759 Reviews
Root25 Taphouse and Kitchen is rated 5 stars on OpenTable and is also the highest-rated business lunch bar there. Their large selection of beers includes craft beers, draft beers, and even locally bottled selections. The wine selection is also plentiful. In addition to the hearty and healthy menu selections, you'll also find the usual "bar bites," making this the best day drinking spot for both business and casual affairs.
Root25 Taphouse and Kitchen
7800 East Tufts Avenue
Denver, CO 80237
(303) 221-7668
Yelp Rating: 3.5 Stars, 16 Reviews
Ste. Ellie has an elegant, yet relaxing feel, making it perfect for that first date. In fact, Denver's own 5280 magazine considers it one of the best date bars around. Grab a seat and make yourself at home with the tiki mug collection. Ste. Ellie takes the classics and puts a new spin on them for a fun, yet familiar vibe.
Ste. Ellie
1553 Platte Street #120 1/2
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 477-1447
Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars, 40 Reviews
The Juicing Tree is among the three best rated juice bars in Denver. Smoothies, cleanses, fresh juice, cold-pressed options, and smart snacks are their specialty. Nut milks are also available. Organic, cold-pressed, and raw is a way of life at The Juicing Tree. Two locations are available for convenience.
The Juicing Tree
1504 Ivanhoe St
Denver, CO 80220
(720) 509-9055
Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars, 13 Reviews (Ivanhoe St)
32nd Ave location
2025 W 32nd Ave Suite 101
Denver, CO 80211
(720) 509-9055
Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars, 7 Reviews (West 32nd Ave)
The Denver Wrangler is a well-established mostly gay neighborhood bar that welcomes everyone. Patrons of this bar should expect a friendly, fun, and popular atmosphere full of smiling faces. It's no wonder it made the CBS Local list of top gay and lesbian bars in Denver. This bar is most known for frequent drink specials, dance-themed Saturdays, supporting the bear community, and the famous Sunday Beer Bust.
The Denver Wrangler
1700 Logan Street
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 837-1075
Yelp Rating: 3.5 Stars, 68 Reviews
Dunbar Kitchen & Taphouse
2844 Welton Street
Denver, CO 80205
(720) 630-7641
Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars, 85 Reviews
