Nightlife
Denver’s Best Nightlife
Trip Ideas
Best Jazz Bar: El Chapultepec refuses to give itself a glossy makeover to match the changes in LoDo, and that’s part of the charm at this tiny corner bar where well-known musicians have been known to drop in to jam with the regulars.
Best Country Music Bar: Whether or not you wear your cowboy boots, you can join a line dance at the Grizzly Rose and sing along with the country tunes.
Best Dance Club: Beta opened in 2008 and quickly became one of the best clubs in the city, with world-class DJs in the main room and the Beatport Lounge.
Best French Bar and Bistro: À Côté is as close as Denverites have to a true Parisian bar and bistro and it’s full of Old World charm as well as French food and wine.
Best Historic Bar: Step into the glorious art deco Cruise Room in the historic Oxford Hotel and you’ll feel as if you’re aboard a cruise ship. The bar was modeled after a lounge on the Queen Mary.
Best Dive Bar: Don’s Club Tavern is a simple dive bar that offers just drinks and pool, with no fancy cocktails, seating, or music, but this unaffected quality is what makes Don’s a local favorite year after year.
Best Margarita: Bigger is better at Mezcal, where pint-glass margaritas rule, made with fresh lime juice instead of bottled sweet-and-sour mix.
Best Wine Bar: For a refined night out, head to Tastes Wine Bar & Bistro, where a large selection of wine, delectable tapas, and scrumptious desserts are all you need.
Best Drinks with Geeks: Beer is usually associated with depleting brain cells, but Café Scientifique gatherings at the Wynkoop Brewing Company each month are a way to enjoy both fresh brew and smart ideas.
Best Zen Lounge: The falling water, smooth river rocks, glowing Buddha statue, and mellow vibe at Swimclub 32 make for an enlightening evening out.
© Mindy Sink from Moon Denver, 1st Edition