The best places to grab a drink in Denver

Walking into this 30-seat bar, all colorful wallpaper and gold accents, is like stepping into a granny-chic oasis or an artist’s lounge. But co-owner Fiona Arnold is neither—she just possesses a great eye for style. The bar pays homage to a fictional muse, Milly Parker, a globe-trotting woman who came of age between the World Wars. The drinks are just as worldly and include the Bora-Bora (rum, falernum, almond-flavored creme liqueur, pineapple, ginger, and baking spices) and the zero-proof Avenue No. 3 (ginger, jasmine tea, honey, citrus, and an aromatic blend of allspice and cardamom). Pair your drinks with snacks including bottomless truffle popcorn, smoked trout dip, and miso pickles, and enjoy the eccentric but lovable escape.

Stem Ciders’ bubbly beginnings can be traced to Real Dry, a drink that was originally crafted in co-owner Eric Foster’s garage in 2013. A decade later, Foster and business partner Phil Kao opened a couple of tasting rooms and restaurants, including the RiNo location in 2022. With outdoor high-tops, casual indoor seats, and a bar, it’s an easygoing spot to sip on hard ciders, such as chile guava and the Crabby Neighbor, a dry cider made with local granny Smith and crab apples—the menu also includes cider flights. For those taking the non-alcoholic route, there’s Rin’s No Sin Fizz (housemade non-alcoholic gin, lemon juice, maple syrup, egg white, and soda water). Go for the drinks and stay for brunch or dinner, featuring fresh oysters, a green chile and pepper jack burger, and chamomile-roasted chicken.

This classy dive bar has garnered a loyal following in Washington Park and Bonnie Brae since opening in 1976. The Campus Lounge is loved for its 70s feel, achieved via heavy wood accents, neon signs, sports memorabilia, and other throwback knickknacks. Pool tables and a handful of televisions complete the dive-slash-sports bar feel. Unlike most dive bars, food is anything but an afterthought here. Choose from top-notch nachos, smoked chicken wings, and burgers, plus breakfast fare on weekends (there’s even a kids menu). But the bar scene—and the pitchers of local craft brews that flow freely—are the main reasons folks flock to this faithful Cherry Creek spot.

Denver doesn't have a ton of Mediterranean restaurants and even fewer bars that fit the theme. Cretans is a bit of both and serves Greek wines with Mediterranean-inspired small plates in a charming indoor-outdoor space. Must-try combos include the signature caviar sliders, red snapper crudo, and a glass of sparkling Greek rose. The bar also serves stellar pour-over drinks, including a pepperoncini martini and spicy margarita. Enjoy it all in the sultry space inside the Clayton Hotel & Members Club. The cozy low-lit spot has a vibe inspired by 1960s Europe and is decked with two intimate bars, plus leather banquettes and high-top communal tables for when you want to bring a crowd—or meet someone new.

Owners Alex and Alexis Tréton opened this petite French American wine bar in late September 2021, and it’s become a solid neighborhood spot since. Lounge at one of the small tables, or take a seat on the relaxed patio. There’s also a corner bar inside—a perfect black-and-white rectangle that evokes a box of gourmet chocolates. Belly up and order a glass—flights are also an option—to sip with La Bouche’s simple but standout French fare, including charcuterie boards, a hearty Provence-inspired salad, and quiches.

Williams & Graham, a distinguished 1920s-themed bar, has consistently poured a solid drink since 2011. At first glance, the LoHi bar doesn’t look like much: It’s simply a door leading to a waiting room with a wall of dusty old books. But once your reservation is confirmed, that same wall opens up into a comfortable speakeasy, complete with a sturdy wooden bar and cozy booths, plus a standing table for groups. The menu boasts over 60 classic cocktails, along with seasonal creations. Pick a drink to go with the dry-aged burger and a plate of deviled eggs, or ask the bartender to whip up something special.

This classy spot, nested inside the Brown Palace Hotel, claims a piece of Denver’s history: It opened in 1934 and is considered one of the city’s longest-running bars. As the name suggests, a nautical theme dominates the interiors, complete with a full mast and crow’s nest, Jamaican rum barrels, and a collection of model sailing ships. Take it all in by securing a seat at the solid oak bar, or in one of the blue or red leather chairs—perfect perches for enjoying live piano music on Friday and Saturday nights. Like the vintage tavern itself, the drinks, which include strong beers, red wine by the goblet, and a stellar martini, speak to simpler times.

Though many of the grapes at this urban winery hail from California, they’re processed right here in RiNo. Order a flight and snack on tasty accompaniments such as truffle-laced popcorn, wild boar meatballs, and grilled Caesar salad. Plan ahead and reserve a tour of the space, along with a wine tasting. The industrial-chic vibe extends to the dining room, with sparkling chandeliers and polished steel accents. Sit at the bar for real hands-on wine talk, then take a bottle home.

Tiki bars should always feature tropical drinks and a bit of whimsy. Such is the case at Adrift on South Broadway. The rum-centric drinks at this playful Polynesian-style lair, served under the light of a glowing pufferfish, are dangerously good. Expect classic concoctions such as mai tais and hurricanes, as well as Adrift originals including the house Painkiller, sweetened with housemade coconut cream. Order at the bar or better yet, reserve a table so there’s enough room for plates of coconut shrimp, pele duck wings, poke nachos, and ice cream from the bar’s sibling shop, Little Man Ice Cream.