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Denver’s speakeasy scene is colorful, rich with history, and steeped in creativity. Its hidden surprises bring a fresh take on the Prohibition-era cocktails as crisp as the cool mountain air available 5280 feet above sea level.
Each of these Denver speakeasies bring a unique take on what the craft cocktail experience is all about. With vintage stylings, hidden entrances, and an emphasis on local, herbal drink recipes—you’ll see Denver pays a vibrant, proud homage to the troublemakers of the past.
Here, inventive mixology, historic foundations, and unassuming Western hospitality makes its impact. See which of the Mile-High City’s speakeasies offer the most inspiring flavors with a sophisticated yet down-to-earth service approach. Explore the 5 best speakeasy bars in Denver, Colorado, below.
Key Takeaways
What sets Denver's speakeasy scene apart is its characteristic Rocky Mountain hospitality - a welcoming, unpretentious environment that perfectly captures the city's blend of sophistication and down-to-earth charm.
- Herbal, artisan cocktails are a signature feature, with bartenders using local and seasonal ingredients to craft unique drinks.
- Finding these hidden bars is part of the fun-look for secret doors, unmarked entrances, and creative reservation systems.
- Each speakeasy offers a distinct atmosphere, from vintage and cozy to modern and quirky, ensuring something for every taste.
- Compared to other major cities, Denver’s speakeasies stand out for their inventive menus, approachable vibe, and deep-rooted sense of local charm.
5 Best Denver Speakeasy Bars
Find out what makes Denver speakeasy venues a staple in the local cultures of endless diversity. As first-time tourists, life-long residents, or bar owners—we all have something to learn from the house specialties, beverage sophistication, and service standards of the Queen City’s most interesting bars.
Williams & Graham
Back behind this LoHi bookstore, this James Beard Award-winning bar dresses in a true 1920s style offering a botanical-rich drink menu that perfumes historic walls with an apothecary-style scent. Their botanical cocktails are local, sustainably sourced, and served in authentic, vintage glassware.
Retrograde
This futuristic retreat is stuffed through an ice cream shop’s freezer doors. Projections of stars, cosmic decor, and a nearly space-age menu of innovative flavors bits the mechanical heart of this “space garden.” And did we mention the amazing cocktail pairings with home-made ice cream?
B&GC
In the high-spending Cherry Creek district, this exclusive spot is known for its personalized cocktail service and modern adaptations of classic cocktails beyond cocktail trends inspired by Prohibition. This one requires a reservation, so before you ring its golden, tell-tale doorbell—call ahead to make arrangements.
Millers & Rossi
RiNo (River North) is known for its art galleries and cultural flair, but among the rotating exhibitions of sculpture and paint, there is a hidden bar concealed in one of its galleries. Its drink list is known to rotate as quickly as bought-and-sold artworks, and they uniquely offer monthly classes to teach customers the art of herbal infusions and mixology.
The Cruise Room
Formed in 1933, The Cruise Room is certainly Denver’s oldest speakeasy bar. The interior harkens to Art Deco designs and creates some of the most interesting seasonal rotations and twist to the world’s most-loved drink recipes. Blending a deep historical flavor with contemporary ingredients like sparkling sake, kombucha cocktails, and CBD wine, this spot makes great use of legacy.
Elevating Speakeasies with BinWise Inventory Apps
Craft cocktail programs of the Mile High caliber rely on precision and efficiency throughout inventory management, service operations, and sales strategies. Because Denver speakeasies emphasize expertise, their more complex recipes and delicate, house-made ingredients are eased by the bar technologies.
Specialized beverage management systems help owners and operators track extensive spirit collections, monitor house- and imported ingredients, while maintaining perfect par levels. Every signature cocktail, this way, can keep its craftsmanship top-notch, satisfying guests all night.
If you want to elevate your beverage program to these Denver speakeasy standards, schedule a demo of BinWise inventory management tools, increasing control and accommodating customizations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Denver Speakeasy Bars
If you’re curious about the Denver speakeasy scene, start with these guiding answers to the most common questions asked by visitors and locals who want in on the Mile High City's hidden bars.
See what defines Denver’s speakeasies grounded by its down-to-earth energy and herbal concoctions made from locally-sourced ingredients.
What defines the Denver speakeasy today?
Modern Denver speakeasies pay homage to their Prohibition era roots, embodying the mystique and charm of historic decor and concealed entrances. Speakeasies today are meticulously designed spaces that prove an unwavering dedication to mixology as art and cocktails as craft.
Though they no longer operate under the veil of secrecy necessitated by law enforcement, these establishments have evolved to celebrate the romance of exclusivity, pushing the boundaries of mixological creativity while maintaining a respectful connection to their historical roots.
How do I find hidden speakeasies in Denver?
A few elusive Denver speakeasy bars demand exploration and insider knowledge to gain entry. Keep your heart’s adventurous, Rocky Mountain spirit set on uncovering the secrets of oddly busy alleyways, hidden passages in bookstores, or word-of-mouth recommendations with secret pass phrases.
While traditional methods like local guides and personal recommendations remain valuable resources, modern treasure hunters can also leverage social media platforms and specialized cocktail communities to uncover these sophisticated hideaways.
Why are herbal cocktails popular at Denver speakeasies?
Yes, Denver's bartenders have earned a strong reputation for their innovative use of fresh herbs and botanical ingredients in crafting unique, flavorful cocktails. The city's mixologists take pride in incorporating a diverse array of aromatic and flavorful plants into their creations.
Many bartenders in the city draw inspiration from traditional herbalism, folk remedies, and the latest mixology. Denver speakeasy menus likewise feature craft beverages with fresh basil, aromatic rosemary, lavender, and earthy sage—often locally-sourced. Tea-based cocktails and herbal spirits reflect Colorado's deep appreciation for fresh, local flavors.
Can I visit Denver speakeasy bars without a password or reservation?
Denver's most-established speakeasies, like Williams & Graham and B&GC, use reservations to satisfy an intimate atmosphere despite consistently high demand. While the more casual speakeasies have walk-in guests, reservations are recommended to guarantee the experience.
Note that during peak bar hours (such as Thursday through Saturday evenings), these hidden gems tend to reach capacity fast. Arriving early and making a reservation will help you avoid disappointment at walk-in venues just the same. Make sure you make plans to fully enjoy and immerse yourself in the chosen speakeasy’s moody brews.
How does the Denver speakeasy compare to NYC, California, or Vegas?
The Mile High City's hidden bars cultivate a more personal, experimental atmosphere where innovation thrives. Unlike the Phoenix speakeasy, Austin's hidden bars or secret DC bars, the emphasis lies squarely on advancing the art of mixology through creative experimentation, carefully sourced local ingredients, and seasonal botanicals.
While iconic cocktails like the NYC speakeasy, Californian speakeasy bars, or Las Vegas speakeasies are known for grand, refined, and sometimes shocking speakeasies that prioritize spectacle and exclusivity—Denver keeps it low-key. Denver's speakeasy culture offers an approachable yet refined atmosphere that encourages newcomers and cocktail aficionados to explore the outer limits of craft cocktail culture.
