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Cheers! A Guide to the Best Bars in Denver
Cheers! A Guide to the Best Bars in Denver
- September 5, 2025
- Things To Do
Cheers! A Guide to the Best Bars in Denver
When you walk inside the Great Hall of Union Station, what do you see? What do you notice? Perhaps you are enveloped in the bustle of travelers scurrying to catch a train. It may be the timeless beauty of the 1,200 pound chandeliers from the 1900’s that catches your eye. A moment longer and your eyes may wander to notice 2,300 Columbine flowers etched into the molding throughout the Great Hall.
As you continue to take in the scenery, you may or may not recognize a strikingly beautiful curved bench off to the side, with a rich and stunning grain. This rare work of craftsmanship, much like many other items within Union Station, has a story.
Fresh Sips at Union Station
One of the most lavish luxuries of staying at The Crawford Hotel is having exceptional bars right at your doorstep. Start your evening at The Cooper Lounge, perched elegantly on the mezzanine level of Union Station’s Great Hall. Here, you can sip sophisticated cocktails in a refined setting reminiscent of the golden age of rail travel.
Downstairs, Terminal Bar pays homage to Union Station’s rich rail history. Housed in the former ticketing office, this gastropub-style bar boasts an extensive collection of Colorado craft beers and serves creatively updated cocktails alongside classic American fare. The bustling patio and welcoming interior make Terminal Bar an ideal meeting place before exploring the rest of the city.
Raise a Glass to Denver’s Past
Denver’s cocktail culture has roots that run deep, and some of the city’s most beloved bars are steeped in history. Just across from The Crawford Hotel, The Cruise Room has been serving drinks since the day after Prohibition ended. Modeled after a lounge on the RMS Queen Mary, its red glow and Art Deco design offer a quiet, cinematic atmosphere that feels untouched by time.
In Denver’s LoDo neighborhood, My Brother’s Bar stands as the city’s oldest watering hole. First opened in 1873, this relaxed spot once welcomed beat generation writers like Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady. Today, it remains refreshingly unchanged, with classical music playing softly and no televisions to distract from the conversation.
Inventive Bars & Immersive Experiences
For those who seek something more adventurous, Denver’s bar scene offers plenty of creative surprises. In the River North (RiNo) neighborhood, Death & Co elevates cocktails to an art form. Originating in New York, Death & Co is a renowned cocktail bar known for its glamorous atmosphere and extensive menu curated by mood and style, inviting guests to venture beyond their usual favorites. Try the Signal & Rum, a tropical mix of pineapple, lime, and sesame, or the Wave Motion Gun, a milk punch made with Japanese whisky, mango, and cardamom.
Nearby, Williams & Graham takes patrons back to the roaring twenties. Concealed behind a vintage bookcase, this award-winning speakeasy focuses on precision and craft. With more than 60 classic cocktails and expert bartenders crafting bespoke drinks tailored to your taste, it’s the perfect place to experience the charm of a bygone era.
Beloved Local Gems
Some of the Mile High City’s most beloved bars are the ones that feel like home. Jump into local culture at Star Bar, a quintessential Denver dive bar known for its unpretentious atmosphere and impressive selection of craft beer and whiskey. With live music, karaoke nights, and a loyal following, Star Bar provides an authentic slice of Denver nightlife.
In contrast, Finn’s Manor in RiNo brings a bold mix of color, flavor, and energy. A rotating lineup of food trucks anchors the open-air courtyard, while mural-covered walls and mezcal-heavy cocktails set the tone behind the bar. It’s the perfect place to catch up with old friends, meet a few new ones, soak in the local energy, and enjoy refreshing drinks on a warm summer night.
Great Drinks Meet Great Food
When a memorable cocktail deserves an equally memorable plate, look to Ultreia, located right inside Union Station. Created by James Beard Award winner Jennifer Jasinski and led by Chef Adam Branz, the menu features a thoughtful mix of Spanish and Portuguese small plates, from croquettes and jamón ibérico to house-made sangria and gin tonics that sparkle with flavor.
Inside Denver Union Station, Mercantile serves market-inspired cocktails and innovative culinary creations that capture the spirit of the Mile High City. The bar menu features playful, produce-driven creations like a strawberry-rhubarb gin and tonic garnished with edible flowers, alongside a rotating selection of Colorado craft beers. Add in a menu of contemporary American fare focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and it’s easy to see why this LoDo favorite is beloved by both locals and visitors.
Say Cheers to the Perfect Pour
With Union Station as your hub and The Crawford Hotel as your home base, Denver’s most unforgettable bars are just moments away. Stroll to neighborhood favorites or catch a quick ride to explore beyond the station. However you choose to spend your night, sip responsibly and let the spirit of the Mile High City guide your adventure.
Ready to experience it all for yourself? Book your stay at The Crawford Hotel and explore special offers, exclusive packages, and curated experiences to start planning your next unforgettable night out.
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