There’s even a Tim Burton-esque bar.
If you have a friend or family member visiting from out of town, are you going to take them to a chain that they can get in their own city? Definitely not! You’re going to take them to somewhere completely new and unique that they can only get while in Denver, right? That’s why we wanted to give you guys a quick guide to the best weird, eclectic, quirky bars in Denver so you can impress your friends, enjoy a change of scenery, and maybe even discover your new favorite place. From tropical to elegant to rustic, these are 13 of the most unique and eclectic bars here in Denver for a night out on the town.
1. Adrift
We know that tiki bars are pretty kitsch, but let’s admit that a good Tiki bar is an extremely fun and breezy way to spend an evening. Adrift Tiki Bar is one of those elevated tropical spaces with fanciful cocktails placed inside tiki-inspired cups and punch bowls. There’s a lot to choose from, but we’d recommend going for their original concept cocktails. Their Lychee Seventy-Five has whiskey, lemon, lychee, St. George Terroir Gin, cinnamon, and champagne and their Voodoo Witchdoctor Funk Punch Bowl has Appleton Rum, Centenario 7yr Rum, pomegranate grenadine, pineapple, lime, absinthe, and champagne. Have fun and drink these big bowls responsibly.
Where: 218 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
2. B&GC
Welcome to this super secretive underground speakeasy hidden in Cherry Creek. (Psst, head to their website that hints at the mysterious art-deco vibe you’ll find once inside the bar). Inspired by the years after WWII, B&GC is elegant with fancy, themed decor and themed-cocktails to match. Drinks are a little on the pricy side, but the Steel Toe is a good bang for your bunk, with Four Roses Single Barrel, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Belle de Brillet, Orange Bitters, and Peychaud Bitters. For reservations, you can text 720-925-8598.
Where: 249 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206
3. The Cruise Room
The Cruise Room is an elegant art-deco cocktail bar located inside the Oxford Hotel. The lighting and decor are immaculate and calls back to the unique old-school glamour of the Prohibition-Era. It’s also Denver’s longest standing bar, opened since the 1930s. We couldn’t find an exact drink menu, so pull up a seat and ask one of their skilled bartenders to whip you up something you’ll love.
Where: 1600 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
4. Retrograde
Where: 530 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
5. Mario’s Double Daughter’s Salotto
Where: 1632 Market St, Denver, CO 80202
6. Forest Room 5
Forest Room 5 has an awesome mountain getaway sort of vibe with Western-inspired food, like Bison Burgers and Pulled Pork Sandwiches. The bar itself offer a charming and rustic environment where you can enjoy films, art shows, and some awesome beer and wine. Probably one of the most charming bars in Denver, we’d definitely recommend paying them a visit if you like something a little weird, a little different, a whole lot of cozy.
Where: 2532 15th St, Denver, CO 80211
7. Forget Me Not
Forget Me Not does cocktails and seafood, and has even paired up with local oyster shucker, Oyster Wulff to bring you delicious briny bar food to go with your cocktails. You could go for the Satine, with white rum, spiced guava and lime, or their La Pina, with white tequila, smoked pineapple, lemon, cucumber & jalapeno. They’ve even got “large format” cocktails which are perfect for a large party where you can just pour right into your glass from a large crystal container.
Where: 227 Clayton St, Denver, CO 80206
9. Ghost Donkey
Bathed in neon pink, you’ll feel like you stepped into the world of Blade Runner. Instead, you’re about to experience an elevated bar focused on the smoky, taste of Mezcal that’s become 2021-22’s sweetheart spirit, that goes great with a plate of their craft nachos. If mezcal isn’t in your tastes, they also do great tequila cocktails. Try their spin on the classics like their Mole Negroni and Oaxacan, using Mexican-inspired flavors and ingredients.
Where: 1750 Wewatta St Suites 140 & 160, Denver, CO 80202
10. Electric Cure
This brand new bar in Edgewater is a quirky weirdo’s dream. From vinyl to velvet kush paintings of celebrities like Danny Devito and the Creature From the Black Lagoon, and that’s not even counting their speciality: their tiki cocktails. Their cocktails bring that wow factor that you want when you order tiki. From crystal skull glasses piled high with spherical ice and flower garnishes to trash cans with fire-lit tops, you’ll definitely get a good bang for your buck here.
Where: 5350 W 25th Ave, Edgewater, CO 80214
11. Slashers Bar
This woman-owned dive bar caters to the punks and hardcore scene, the metal-heads and horror-heads with horror films, good music, and amazing cocktails. Try a Ginger’s Cure with gin, St. Germaine, lemon, ginger beer, and candied ginger for a super anti-inflammatory, spiced cocktail and catch a classic or modern horror movie this spooky season.
Where: 5126 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220
12. Honor Farm & Hell or High Water Tiki
Honor Farm and Hell or High Water Tiki, owned by the amazing duo behind The Electric Cure. Expect a lot of sass, cursing, and edge with your cocktails, with interesting names like Carpe Demon and Satan’s School for Girls. Part of their menu, non-alcoholic drinks are available for the sober curious, larger shareable cocktails, and an extensive menu of local beers and ciders. Food wise, they’ve got both omnivorous and vegan options to choose from, continuing the trend of inclusivity on Denver menus.
Hell or High Water Tiki is a haunted, pirate-themed LGBTQIA+ friendly bar with drag shows and phallic-shaped glassware. The bar is tiki-themed, with plenty of rum and mezcal-forward cocktails with tropical ingredients and themes. Not just that, but the bar itself is set in a place that was once considered the most haunted bar in Denver.
13. Chez Roc
Cherry Creek has got a new Moroccan-themed piano bar and cocktail lounge called Chez Roc. They specialize in classic cocktails that are given a contemporary spin while also offering originals. Enjoy a Sazerac while listening to live pianists play. Not to mention, the interior is absolutely stunning.