Our Recommendations of Great Bars in Downtown Denver (2022)
Are you on the prowl for the best happy hour in downtown Denver? Has it been a long week and you can’t wait to hit great downtown Denver nightclubs? We’ve got you covered. Downtown Denver has matured as a destination for booze connoisseurs. Bars such as El Chapultepec were made famous by Beat poets, and a few decades later Tom Waits’ performances raised the profile of the old Terminal Bar by Union Station. Some of these venerable drinking spots are still open, and they have been joined by a plethora of watering holes of every type in downtown Denver neighborhoods. Here are the drinking spots that we identify as distilling (no pun intended) downtown Denver’s bar scene.
About Us: We are passionate downtown Denver residents and the founders of Worth the Fight Boxing and Fitness Studio in downtown Denver, so we can vouch that downtown Denver is a great place for a night out no matter whether you’re looking for a killer nightclub, a wine bar, a chill speakeasy, an anonymous dive bar. And after you’ve had a crazy night out, if you feel like you need to hit the gym to bring your body back into equilibrium, come check out a downtown Denver fitness class consisting of boxing fitness and high intensity interval training at our Denver fitness studio. Get 10 days of boxing classes for $30 to try WTF Boxing without commitment!
Top Downtown Denver Bars (2022)
Without further ado, here are our recommendations for the best bars and nightclubs in downtown Denver:
Viewhouse Ballpark – Fun Bar in Downtown Denver
in Downtown Denver
Viewhouse Ballpark is a locally-rooted bar with great energy, excellent food and booze selection, and a spectacular location next to Coors Field with panoramic views of the mountains and downtown Denver. Viewhouse has a great courtyard replete with games including corn hole, bocce ball, volleyball, giant Jenga, and giant beer pong. The courtyard has been used as home base for downtown Denver scavenger hunts. Viewhouse is a great option for a group of friends or for a group event or corporate event.
2015 Market Street
Denver, CO 80205
Viewhouse’s Website
Goed Zuur – Best Downtown Denver Taproom
This sour beer taproom and charcuterie-serving kitchen offering a striking bar backdrop is on downtown Denver’s historic Welton Street and is a destination for Denver natives and tourists alike. Craft-brewed specialty beers and international wild ales pair with charcuterie plates and other sophisticated nibbles in a chill fun environment. Goed Zuur is a downtown Denver juggernaut and a bar we definitely recommend you visit.
2801 Welton St
Denver, CO 80205
Goed Zuur’s Website
My Brother’s Bar – Great Downtown Denver Bar with Interesting History
with Interesting History
This downtown Denver institution is known as one of the oldest bars in Denver, dating back to 1873. It was frequented by Beat poets like Neal Cassady, Allen Ginsberg, and Jack Kerouac. Now it is frequented by a diverse crowd of old-timers, families, transplants, and tourists. Only people in-the-know visit this watering hole because My Brother’s Bar has no sign identifying its location. In addition to a famously liberally-stocked bar and plenty of options for beer, wine and other libations, the kitchen cooks delectable American comfort food such as jalapeño poppers, nachos, burgers, and mini corn dogs that pair great with a beer, cocktail or other poison of choice. My Brother’s Bar also features outdoor patio seating. It is definitely worth visiting this piece of downtown Denver’s history.
2376 15th Street
Denver, CO 80202
My Brother’s Bar Website
PonPon Bar – Unique Downtown Denver Bar
If you’re looking for something quirky and fun, check out Pon Pon Bar in the RiNo neighborhood of downtown Denver. PonPon Bar has a cool vibe with vinyl records, art gallery, and great off-the-wall drinks. The walls of the bar are lined just-so with interesting art and objects. Pon Pon Bar is a great option for a solo drinker, couple, date, or small group who want to be able to hear one another.
2528 Walnut Street
Denver, CO 80205
PonPon Bar Website
Las Delicias – Great Happy Hour in Uptown Denver
in Uptown Denver
Are you in the mood for margaritas (among other refreshing drinks) at happy hour in downtown Denver? Las Delicias should be your choice. Check out the skinny margaritas, which are to-die-for. The star of the show is the great patio on top of the roof that allows you to enjoy Denver’s consistently amazing weather as you enjoy your generous margaritas (also, imbibing outside may be safer during COVID). Las Delicias has been recently given a slick remodel. Also, their Mexican fare is great to pair with a night of drinking. We recommend the white queso which has been described as one of the few worthy white quesos in Denver. It’s delicious! Chunks of jalapeños in a gooey, hot, melty dip. You might be tempted to drink it straight especially after a few margaritas – but please don’t actually do this.
Las Delicias is a staple for many in Uptown Denver, both as a bar and as their Tex-Mex restaurant of choice.
439 19th Ave
Denver, CO 80203
Las Delicias Website
Stoney’s Uptown – Best Sports Bar in Downtown Denver
Stoney’s Uptown is our pick for the premier spot for watching sports like football and UFC (not just for premier league; Mia San Denver has all their FC Bayern watch parties here!) in a fun atmosphere with a large craft beer selection and scrumptious food. I am personally a fan of the roasted brussel sprouts and french fries as accompaniments for a beer at Stoney’s. Many people swear by their burgers as well. I am a vegetarian, but if were to eat meat I think a burger would also go great with one of the many microbrews on their menu. There is plenty of space inside the sleekly decorated bar as well as tons of patio space to accommodate you whether inside or outside. In spite of the spaciousness of their bar, walk by Stoney’s at night and it is usually packed. The service is great, and Stoney’s has plenty of TVs. The menu is very reasonably priced (which is definitely a plus in Denver where cost of living is skyrocketing – hey, it is a great place to live so not too surprising). We have been going to Stoney’s Uptown for multiple years including before COVID, and it has always been a positive experience which is why we keep going back. If you are looking for somewhere to host an event in Uptown Denver, Stoney’s should be on your list of possibilities. We have worked with them to host events and it is a very easy process.
1035 E. 17th Ave.
Denver, CO 80218
Stoney’s Uptown Website
We hope you have some ideas about where to grab a drink in downtown Denver! Come check out WTF Boxing without commitment – get 10 days of boxing fitness, strength training, HIIT, and yoga in Denver for $30!
