Being the owners of a local food tour company requires a lot of research — meaning, tons of eating and drinking around the city. We’ve visited countless Denver cocktail bars, breweries, distilleries, and restaurants to curate our guided experiences, as well as this round-up of the best bars in LoDo.
To help you navigate this post, we’ve organized our favorite watering holes into the following categories:
Our Favorite Bars in LoDo, Denver
LoDo Bars with Food
Urban Farmer
1659 Wazee Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$$
Photo: Urban Farmer Facebook
Urban Farmer is the historic Oxford Hotel’s signature restaurant, set just a block away from Union Station. Expect an upscale ambiance and modern steakhouse menu with locally sourced fare, including Colorado striped bass and bison steaks. This eatery also serves our favorite old fashioned in the city, made with a butter pecan-washed, high-rye bourbon. It’s smooth, serious, and one of several delicious sips on our Cocktail Tasting Tour.
Nola Jane Restaurant & Bar
1435 Market Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Nola Jane Facebook
Be transported to Louisiana at Nola Jane, one of few Denver restaurants that specialize in Cajun and Creole cuisine. Soft-shell crab po’ boys, gumbo served over dirty rice, and shrimp mac n’ cheese all pair well with classic New Orleans cocktails. Sip on its Hurricane, French Quarter spritz, or rye whiskey-based Vieux Carre from its snug interior or rooftop patio.
Rhein Haus
1415 Market Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Rhein Haus Facebook
Head to Rhein Haus for bocce ball courts, brats, and the largest imported German beer list in the city. This warm and rustic hall also serves locally-brewed options, including its namesake lager from Tivoli Brewing Company; along with creative cocktails like its Munich mule made with Apfel Schnapps. Pair these with a giant pretzel and nosh on a shareable smorgasbord while catching the game on several mounted TVs.
Kachina Cantina
1890 Wazee Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Kachina Cantina Facebook
Kachina Cantina makes our favorite tacos in the city — which says a lot given the number of great local Mexican restaurants. But unlike similar establishments, this Dairy Block mainstay leans into a Southwest influence, serving sizzling shrimp and seared Wagyu beef on chewy, flavorful frybread. We pair these tacos with its house margarita on our Downtown Denver Food Tour. Join us, then circle back to enjoy flights of tequila or frozen margaritas on its sunny patio.
Pony Up
1808 Blake Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Pony Up Facebook
If you’re looking for a late-night bite, few bars in LoDo can compete with Pony Up. The kitchen stays open until 1 am, serving classic and creative French dip sandwiches. Savor its vegetarian smoked mushroom version or the Saigon-inspired recipe made with garlic pork and pho broth. For the full experience, order a Tennessee whisky shot with an au jus chaser. Its cocktails are equally interesting with ingredients like parmesan-infused bourbon appearing on the menu.
Mono Mono Korean Fried Chicken
1550 Blake Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Mono Mono Facebook
Mono Mono specializes in Korean fried chicken, served in the form of wings, drumsticks, and plates like its gochujang fried chicken sandwich. Sides such as kimchi fries and shishito peppers pair deliciously, as do in-house craft beers. Sip on its hazy New England-style IPA or K-Pop Pils rice lager, both of which have won awards in the Denver International Beer Competition. It’s one of our favorite downtown lunch restaurants, but also has four other nearby locations.
Tavernetta
1889 16th Street Mall │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$$
Photo: Tavernetta Facebook
Featuring a fireplace lounge and an elevated Italian menu, Tavernetta is one of our top recommended date night restaurants. But you don’t need to book reservations to experience this Bib Gourmand. Visit during its daily happy hour from 3-6 pm to enjoy discounted small plates, handmade pastas, and a curated selection of libations.
Some of our favorites on the menu include its Brachetto spritz and focaccia with garlic conserva — both of which we sample on our Cocktail Tasting Tour.
LoDo Bars with a Spirits/Wine/Beer Focus
Deviation Distilling
1821 Blake Street #130 │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Deviation Distilling website
In our opinion, Deviation Distilling is one of the best bars around Union Station. This local distillery creates innovative spirits, like its coffee-infused whiskeys and seasonally-inspired gins. These form the base of several complex cocktails, including its chai old fashioned (a personal favorite) and mango lassi made with pistachio-washed blood orange gin. Additionally, this Dairy Block bar offers a fantastic ambiance complete with outdoor fire pits and lounge seating.
Ghost Donkey
1750 Wewatta Street #140 │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Ghost Donkey Facebook
Ghost Donkey strikes a high contrast against its corporate surroundings. Set within a luxury condo building, it’s delightfully out of place with a bold, maximalist design. String lights flash on the ceiling, neon encases the bar, and the entire space glows a red hue, casting shadows on a large donkey statue. Smaller burros appear on top of cocktails, which spotlight its vast collection of over ninety tequilas and mezcals. Loaded nachos and street tacos round out the menu.
Seven Grand
1855 Blake Street #160 │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Seven Grand Facebook
Among all the bars in LoDo, Seven Grand is our top recommendation for whiskey lovers. Here, you’ll find more than seven hundred whiskey labels, along with cocktails that complement the spirit. Sip on classics like its Manhattan or mint julep while playing a round of pool or listening in on live bluegrass, available on Wednesday evenings. Dark lighting, leather seating, and taxidermy mounts add to the Old West ambiance.
Ultreia
1701 Wynkoop Street #125 │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Ultreia Facebook
Known for its Iberian cuisine, Ultreia is one of our favorite eateries inside Union Station. It was co-founded by James Beard award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski, and is the only restaurant in the city with a sherry program. Order a flight to sample three varieties, or opt for a Spanish-style gin and tonic. These pair incredibly with its selection of tapas and paellas, as well as its pastel de nata — a Portuguese custard tart which we sample on our Downtown Food Tour.
Corridor 44
1433 Larimer Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$$
Photo: Corridor 44 Facebook
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, few bars in LoDo are better suited than Corridor 44. Famed as Denver’s only champagne bar, this chic Larimer Square mainstay serves flights, splits, bottles, and bubbly cocktails — all perfect for a toast. The restaurant also offers an elevated dinner menu featuring caviar service, seared sea scallops, Colorado lamb lollipops, and espresso crème brulee for dessert.
Sunday Vinyl
1803 16th Street Mall │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$$
Photo: Sunday Vinyl Facebook
Bobby Stuckey, an award-winning Master Sommelier, would spend his Sundays off drinking wine and listening to vinyl records. This pastime later inspired Sunday Vinyl, a neighboring sister concept to Tavernetta and one of the best wine bars in the city. Listen to a variety of genres while enjoying flavorful wine flights and elevated dinner entrées. The restaurant also serves an incredible weekend brunch, and is a highlight on our popular Denver Wine Walk.
Wynkoop Brewing Company
1634 18th Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Wynkoop Brewing Company Facebook
Established in 1988, Wynkoop Brewing Company is Colorado’s first brewpub. Even today, it’s one of the largest in the country with three floors comprising its brewery, dining area, and private spaces — which make for great corporate event venues.
Wynkoop also features pool tables, shuffleboard, darts, and foosball. Enjoy the entertainment, classic pub grub, and craft beer menu which includes its flagship Rail Yard amber ale and Rocky Mountain oyster stout made with a regional specialty: roasted bull testicles.
Westbound & Down
1801 Blake Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Westbound & Down Instagram
Award-winning brewery Westbound & Down first opened in Idaho Springs, and has brought that mountain charm to the Dairy Block micro-district. Expect friendly bartenders, outdoor seating, and regionally-inspired brews. Favorites on the menu include its Coloradan, a Mexican-style lager, and its Spirit of the West IPA. Though this outpost doesn’t serve food, guests can bring in meals from the neighboring Denver Milk Market, which features sixteen restaurant concepts.
Cocktail Bars in LoDo, Denver
Poka Lola Social Club
1850 Wazee Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Poka Lola Social Club Facebook
Few bars in LoDo offer an ambiance like Poka Lola Social Club. Set within the Maven Hotel lobby, this stylish Dairy Block bar takes inspiration from Art Deco design and old fashioned soda shoppes. Admire the retro interior while enjoying seasonal libations and small plates. For the best experience, join our Cocktail Tasting Tour which includes juicy barbecue pork sliders and a complementary craft beverage.
Run For The Roses
1801 Blake Street #10 │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$$
Photo: Run For The Roses Facebook
Run For The Roses can be easy to miss as you make your way down Dairy Block. But take note of this swanky lower-level speakeasy, which serves fantastic cocktails and bar bites. Flip through the menu, which appears on a custom deck of playing cards, or give it a good shuffle and pull one at random. Whatever you choose, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. The same goes for the food menu, which includes shrimp cocktail, fancy deviled eggs, and caviar service.
Reynard Social
1616 Market Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Reynard Social Facebook
If you’re in search of Denver date ideas, Reynard Social delivers. This gorgeous lounge is located on the sixth floor of the Thompson, an upscale Hyatt hotel. Take in views of downtown and the Rocky Mountains, which are even more stunning at sunset. Along with a stellar ambiance, this bar offers impressive cocktails and curated bites including shareable charcuterie, salmon tartare, and parmesan truffle fries served with garlic aioli.
Hell or High Water Tiki Bar
1526 Blake Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Hell or High Water Facebook
Hell or High Water takes inspiration from “a haunted pirate ship that once housed a gaggle of magnificently gay pirates.” The result is chaotic and fun, decorated with intriguing oddities that may very well be phallic in shape. Rum stars in most beverages, as is standard among many tiki bars. But it also spotlights mezcal, creating a fusion of tropical and Oaxacan flavors. Pop in with a group to order one of several large format cocktails, like its flaming Gaytanic Panic.
LoDo Bars Great for Groups
Moo Bar
1800 Wazee Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Denver Milk Market Facebook
Moo Bar is the main watering hole within Denver Milk Market, which houses sixteen vendors serving all types of cuisine. Pair a house marg with tacos from Ghost Tortilla, or enjoy a glass of wine alongside handmade pasta from Fuso. Craft beers complement several vendors’ creations, including chicken sandwiches from Lou’s and fried shrimp po’ boys from Albania by the Sea.
This spacious venue is great for team building activities and other large groups. For a guided experience, join our Market and Food Hall Tour which accommodates up to 150 guests.
Terminal Bar
1701 Wynkoop Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Terminal Bar Facebook
Terminal Bar is set within the bustling Great Hall at Union Station, a historic hub often referred to as Denver’s living room. Here, locals and visitors admire the ambiance, play games of shuffleboard, and sip on cocktails and Colorado brews. Stop by on weekdays from 4-6 pm before catching the train, as this mainstay offers one of the city’s best happy hours.
Note that Union Station is currently being renovated, and indoor seating is limited through the summer. However, Terminal Bar also has a lovely patio adjacent to the outdoor fountains.
Milepost Zero
1601 19th Street #150 │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Milepost Zero website
Located within McGregor Square, Milepost Zero is one of our top recommended activities near Coors Field. Stop by before a Rockies game to grab food from four restaurant concepts, including burgers and regionally-inspired hot dogs from Burgers & Dreams, along with New York-style slices from Anthony’s. Pair your plates with a beverage from its beer wall, which features 35 taps — and consider experiencing this spot on our Market and Food Hall Tour.
Historic Bars in LoDo, Denver
Cruise Room
1600 17th Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$$
Photo: Cruise Room Facebook
Formally established the day after prohibition’s repeal in 1933, Cruise Room takes fame as the city’s longest-running bar. It’s set within The Oxford Hotel and like many historic establishments, is said to be haunted. Paranormal encounters aren’t guaranteed, but there’s no question this mainstay serves an impressive martini. Order a beverage and take in the Art Deco interior, which is bathed in red light and uniquely shaped like a wine bottle.
The Cooper Lounge
1701 Wynkoop Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: The Cooper Lounge Facebook
Feel part of high society at The Cooper Lounge, one of the classiest bars in LoDo. It’s located on the mezzanine level of Union Station, which adds to the historic ambiance. Enjoy watching the bustling crowds below while sipping on classic cocktails, like its signature old fashioned or espresso martini. This bar also offers one of the best happy hours for wine drinkers with glasses priced at just $10 per. Charcuterie and elevated small plates round out the selection.
At this time, The Cooper Lounge is under construction but will reopen later this summer.
LoDo Bars with Outdoor Patios
The Wild
1660 Wynkoop Street #100 │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: The Wild Facebook
The Wild is a stunner, inside and out. This modern bar features a bright and welcoming aesthetic, along with a quiet, shaded courtyard that’s perfect in the summertime. Visit during the morning for a lovely brunch in Denver, made up of fresh croissants, honey-drizzled grapefruit, and, of course, mimosas. Alternatively, stop by during its daily happy hour or evening rush when the sun is setting and craft cocktails are flowing.
54thirty Rooftop
1475 California Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: 54thirty Rooftop website
Without question, 54thirty is one of the best rooftop bars in LoDo. It’s located on the twentieth floor of the stylish Le Méridien hotel, offering incredible views of downtown and the Front Range. Admire the scenery near one of its outdoor fire pits and open a tab, as it’s the kind of place you’ll want to stay for a while. Favorites on the menu include its elevated old fashioned made with apple-infused bourbon, as well as its chicken satay skewers and lamb meatball sliders.
Tap Fourteen
1920 Blake Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Tap Fourteen website
Locals come out in droves on Rockies game days, and Tap Fourteen is set right along the main party strip. Grab a picnic table on its rooftop patio, where you’ll find skyline views, cornhole, and live music on select nights. The entire beverage menu is sourced from Colorado and features over seventy craft beers, fifty whiskeys, and more locally-made spirits. Pair these with pub grub including smoked wings and piled-high burgers, plus funnel fries for dessert.
Pour House on Market
1410 Market Street │ Bar Website │ Menu │ Price: $$
Photo: Pour House on Market Facebook
Pour House on Market is one of our favorite dive bars in LoDo. Here, you can expect cheap draft beers, bucket specials, spiked slushies, and well cocktails priced under $10. Place your order on its street-facing rooftop bar, which features several flatscreens for catching the game. This local pub also serves a dedicated sports day menu consisting of cheeseburger sliders, baskets of wings, and chicken tenders served with crispy onion rings.
