This guide covers 18 cocktail bar options in Denver. Guests rate them 4.5 out of 5 on average. Most of them are spread across Central, Highland, South Denver, so those are the areas to start with.

All Cocktail bar in Denver

Leven Deli Co.

4.7 2,533 reviews

Leven is a community-focused eatery dedicated to honest, fresh food and lifting people through quality sandwiches, drinks, and connections. It started with sandwiches, but its plan was never to stop there. Leven does just about everything from scratch with fresh ingredients and zero pretension, making honest food by people who actually care. At the heart of Leven is its belief in people: its team, its guests, and its community. The name Leven means "to rise," and that's what it's about – rising to the occasion, lifting each other up, and making life a little lighter one sandwich, one slice, and one glass of wine or spritz at a time. Leven chooses to do things the long way, baking, smoking, fermenting, and roasting because when it tastes better, it feels better. Leven's team works incredibly hard, making every guest's day, every guest's day, and their own day. To support its goals, Leven has implemented a 10% service charge, which helps the team afford to live where they work, provides natural hours, and creates a real pathway to a long-term career in the hospitality industry. This allows Leven to pay higher-than-average wages, provide staff free meals, and offer a weekly stipend for additional in-house purchases, among other benefits.

Opening hours
  • Monday8 AM–7 PM
  • Tuesday8 AM–7 PM
  • Wednesday8 AM–7 PM
  • Thursday8 AM–7 PM
  • Friday8 AM–7 PM
  • Saturday8 AM–4 PM
  • Sunday8 AM–4 PM

La Doña Mezcaleria

4.7 698 reviews

La Doña Mezcaleria is a mezcal-centric cocktail bar located in Denver, Colorado. It is a unique establishment that offers an authentic oasis from the traditions of Oaxacan cuisine and mezcal culture. The bar features a deep commitment to traditional Oaxacan fare and craft, with a premiere selection of mezcal available in Colorado. La Doña Mezcaleria is a passion project founded by Silvia Andaya, the matriarch owner and head chef of Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina. The bar offers a variety of mezcal flights, as well as agave-forward cocktails and Mexican street food in a rustic setting. The staff is knowledgeable about mezcal and can help customers choose from a selection of bottles from different regions and species. The bar is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4PM to 9PM, and Friday and Saturday from 4PM to 10PM. They also offer special deals, such as a "Taco Tuesday" where customers can try three bottles of mezcal for half off the price, and a "Mezcal Wednesday" where customers can enjoy a selection of mezcal-based cocktails.

Opening hours
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday4–9 PM
  • Wednesday4–9 PM
  • Thursday4–9 PM
  • Friday4–10 PM
  • Saturday4–10 PM
  • SundayClosed

La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal

4.4 1,691 reviews

La Diabla is a restaurant that specializes in serving traditional Mexican cuisine, specifically pozole, a hearty stew made with hominy and various meats or vegetables. The restaurant is owned by Chef José Avila, who grew up in Mexico City and has brought the spirit of the city's pozolerías to Denver, Colorado. The menu features a variety of pozole options, including classics and seasonal specials, as well as other traditional Mexican dishes. La Diabla's menu also includes a range of non-pozole options, such as tacos, ceviche, and esquites, which are small boiled or toasted corn kernels. The restaurant's kitchen is dedicated to using traditional methods and ingredients, including nixtamalization, which involves soaking corn in limewater to make it easier to grind and more nutritious. This process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it results in a richer, more complex flavor. La Diabla is a destination for those looking for authentic Mexican cuisine in Denver, and its menu is designed to transport customers back to the flavors and traditions of Mexico City. The restaurant's pozole and other dishes are made with love and care, using high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a delicious meal, La Diabla is a great choice for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine.

Opening hours
  • Monday3–9 PM
  • Tuesday3–10 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–10 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–10 PM
  • Friday11 AM–11 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–11 PM
  • Sunday11 AM–9 PM

Gaetano’s

4.4 3,060 reviews

Gaetano's Italian Restaurant is an Italian restaurant that offers authentic Italian cuisine, including pizza, pasta, and catering. It is located in Denver, Colorado, and has been serving traditional Italian dishes for over 70 years. Gaetano's is known for its old-school, authentic atmosphere and has a rich history, having been owned by the notorious Colorado Smaldone crime family in the 1940s. Gaetano's menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes, including homemade pasta, meatballs, and lasagna, as well as more modern options like burrata and chef's boards. The restaurant is also known for its weekend brunch, which offers a range of Italian-inspired dishes, including bottomless mimosas. Gaetano's has received rave reviews from customers, who praise the restaurant's attentive service and welcoming atmosphere. Gaetano's has a long history of serving high-quality food and drink, with many of its cocktails and drinks being inspired by its "Little Black Book" of recipes. The restaurant's bartenders are skilled at crafting complex and delicious drinks, such as the 38th Ave. cocktail, which features bourbon, allspice dram, falernum, and orange liqueur. Gaetano's is a popular destination for special occasions and casual dining, and is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its authentic Italian cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.

Opening hours
  • Monday4:30–9 PM
  • Tuesday11:30 AM–9 PM
  • Wednesday11:30 AM–9 PM
  • Thursday11:30 AM–9 PM
  • Friday11:30 AM–10 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–3 PM, 5–10 PM
  • Sunday11 AM–3 PM, 5–9 PM

el Camino

4.5 1,340 reviews

El Camino is a Mexican restaurant located in Denver, Colorado. It is a place to gather, where the drinks are cold, the welcome is warm, and hospitality isn't just a service - it's second nature. Whether you're a longtime regular or just passing through, the goal is simple: make you feel at home. El Camino offers a menu that reflects a spirit of creativity, blending unexpected ingredients and traditions to craft something uniquely its own. From scratch-made dishes to inventive twists on classics, every plate tells a story. The restaurant is committed to sustainability, minimizing waste, making mindful sourcing choices, and prioritizing eco-friendly practices whenever possible. Its ever-evolving menu, lively bar scene, and deep community ties make it a West Highlands staple. El Camino is a neighborhood mainstay where the drinks are cold, the welcome is warm, and hospitality isn’t just a service - it’s second nature. Whether you’re a longtime regular or just passing through, the goal is simple: make you feel at home. The restaurant is known for its happy hour, where you can enjoy $1 street tacos and $2 happy hour beers, and its delicious food, including tacos, margaritas, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–11 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–11 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–11 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–11 PM
  • Friday11 AM–11 PM
  • Saturday10 AM–11 PM
  • Sunday10 AM–10 PM

Blanco Cocina + Cantina

4.1 723 reviews

Blanco Tacos + Tequila is a hospitality company that operates a chain of Mexican restaurants with locations in various cities. The company offers a menu of traditional Mexican dishes with a fresh twist, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and margaritas. Blanco Tacos + Tequila's menu is designed to satisfy every craving, with options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The company's restaurants are known for their lively atmosphere, with a focus on vibrant decor and a DJ or live music in the evenings. Blanco Tacos + Tequila's menu is designed to be shareable, with options for happy hour and group dining. The company also offers catering services and a rewards program for frequent customers. Blanco Tacos + Tequila's menu features a range of options, including traditional Mexican dishes, vegetarian and vegan options, and unique twists on classic dishes. The company's restaurants are popular for happy hour and group dining, with a focus on vibrant decor and a lively atmosphere. Blanco Tacos + Tequila's menu is designed to satisfy every craving, with options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–9 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–9 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–9 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–9 PM
  • Friday11 AM–10 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–10 PM
  • Sunday11 AM–9 PM

Bao Brewhouse

4.1 1,859 reviews

Bao Brewhouse is an Asian fusion restaurant located in the heart of Larimer Square in Denver, CO. It offers a unique dining experience with two distinct levels, each with its own atmosphere and menu. Downstairs, the Tap Room features graffiti-covered walls, glowing lights, craft cocktails, and Asian-inspired cuisine built for sharing. The restaurant's menu includes a variety of playful dishes such as Pork Xiao Long Bao, Char Siu Bao, and Spicy Bluefin Tuna Crispy Rice, as well as a selection of Asian street food to-go options. Guests come for the atmosphere and stay for the shared experience, with many leaving already planning their next visit. Bao Brewhouse is perfect for celebrations, with its multi-level spaces, glowing lanterns, and moody interiors creating a setting that feels anything but ordinary. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, corporate dinner, graduation, or just a night out with friends, Bao Brewhouse offers a unique and memorable experience.

Opening hours
  • Monday4–10 PM
  • Tuesday12–10:30 PM
  • Wednesday12–10:30 PM
  • Thursday12–10:30 PM
  • Friday12 PM–12 AM
  • Saturday12 PM–12 AM
  • Sunday12–10:30 PM

Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina

4.6 3,964 reviews

Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina is a Mexican restaurant in Denver, Colorado, that offers an authentic experience of Mexican cuisine and culture. The restaurant is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the women known as "La Adelita" during the Mexican Revolution, and its name pays homage to their strength and courage. Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina is a Latin and woman-owned family establishment that serves traditional Michoacán recipes and craft agave cocktails. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity is unwavering, with a focus on preserving traditional recipes and cooking methods. The menu features a wide array of dishes that capture the essence of Mexican cuisine, from the sizzling fajitas to the signature mezcal cocktails. The restaurant's warm and welcoming atmosphere reflects its dedication to providing a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. Whether you dine in or order for delivery, Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Mexico. Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina offers a variety of services, including Mexican food delivery in Denver. The restaurant's menu is curated to reflect the rich tapestry of Mexican culinary traditions, with dishes that are lovingly prepared using genuine recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in every bite and sip, making it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly dining experience or a cozy evening out, Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina offers a warm and inviting environment where every visit is an opportunity to savor the best of Mexican cuisine and culture.

Opening hours
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday11 AM–9 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–9 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–9 PM
  • Friday11 AM–10 PM
  • Saturday10 AM–10 PM
  • Sunday10 AM–9 PM