Prohibition may be over, but that doesn't mean we aren't still fans of secret speakeasies.
Walk into the past to underground lounges, behind bookshelves, and more at these hidden bars.
Password, please.
In the past year, there’s been some familiar speakeasies that have closed in the city. We’ve had to say goodbye to places like Brass Tracks but in its place, were introduced to the Pueblo-inspired Fuel & Iron, more of a community bar so it won’t make it on this list. and we’ve also said goodbye to Green Russell, a local favorite. But we’ve seen an increase in lounges, speakeasies and cocktail bars that have cropped up in Denver that are getting us excited for Friday nights.
If you didn’t know, Denver actually dealt with the Prohibition Era four years longer than the rest of America, giving it a bit of a underrated claim to fame when it comes to speakeasies. While speakeasies are quite popular in places like NYC, Chicago and LA, Denver’s reputation should be bigger than it is, and if the cocktail scene we’re seeing now is any indication, it will be in the coming years. With that being said, here are 8 of our favorite super secret speakeasies and hidden bars in Denver with beautiful interiors, hidden doors, and always amazing cocktails.
1. Retrograde
Retro 60s meets the future at this super secret speakeasy tucked away behind an ice cream shop, Sweet Action, previously Frozen Manner. Head into the ice cream shop and head towards the back. The freezer door is your secret passageway into Retrograde where you’ll flip the switch and await to be taken to a place of alien-themed libations that will change as summer approaches.
Where: 530 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
2. Ghost Donkey
A hot pink glow, red neon, and a ceiling that resembles a glittering night sky are just a few reasons why Ghost Donkey is one of our favorite speakeasies in the city. Situated in the Coloradan near Union Station, Ghost Donkey focuses primarily on mezcal and tequila cocktails, which is exciting considering mezcal’s time in the spotlight the past year and a half. Don’t forget to try out one of their killer plates of specialty nachos while you’re there.
Where: 1750 Wewatta St Suite 140, Denver, CO 80202
3. The Cruise Room
The Cruise Room is an art deco-styled secret speakeasy tucked away inside the Oxford Hotel. You’ll not want to miss out on visiting this speakeasy, as it’s actually Denver’s longest standing bar, opening up just one day after the repeal of Prohibition. We recommend making a reservation in advance.
Where: 1600 17th St CO, Denver, CO 80202
4. B&GC
This underground bar hidden away in Cherry Creek makes our list for its longstanding place in Denver. Born from an old post office and revitalized into a hideaway serving amazing specialty cocktails or classics. For fans of spirits, they’ve got a ton of variety from multiple brands of scotch, rum, and gin for you to experience. For reservations, text 720-925-8598 with your reservation date, time, and number of people joining.
Where: 249 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206
5. Millers & Rossi Speakeasy and Bar
Art meets mixology at Millers & Rossi. What appears to be just an art gallery with beautiful art hung on the wall for you to peruse is also a secret speakeasy. Unassuming, contemporary, and uniquely decorated once inside, this is a special place you won’t want to miss.
Where: 3542 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205
6. Five Nines
The Clayton Hotel is home to this hidden speakeasy. While it touts itself as a hidden bar and not a speakeasy because of its aesthetic interior, open arms, and lack of exclusivity, its specialty cocktails rank it as speakeasy in our eyes. Come in and stay awhile sipping on a crafted libation and small bites.
Where: 233 Clayton St, Denver, CO 80206
7. Run for the Roses
An underground lounge in Dairy Block that pays “homage to elegant cocktail clubs of yesteryear…with hints of superstition and luck seen throughout.” Run for the Roses offers a seasonal menu of crafted cocktails and rare and vintage spirits, along with elevated snacks, making it one of Denver’s newest but best secret speakeasies in the city.
Where: 1801 Blake St #10, Denver, CO 80202
8. Luci’s Shambles & Revisions
A sinful speakeasy, welcome to this eclectic underground bar that’s just hit the Denver scene. Luci’s Shambles & Revisions can be accessed by heading to the glass door by Modi’s and going downstairs into the underworld, right under the Goat head perched on the wall. Small bites, expert cocktails, and a lush, dark decor make this a super secret speakeasy you can’t miss.
Where: 1553 Platte St Ste 110, Denver, CO 80202
Read more at SecretDenver.com
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