Nightlife in Denver: The Ultimate After-Dark Guide

If your ideal evening includes sipping a craft cocktail, catching live music, or tearing it up on the dance floor, then welcome to Denver nightlife, where the elevation is high but the vibes are even higher.

Whether you’re bar hopping through downtown Denver nightlife hotspots or looking for something low-key with a skyline view, nightlife in Denver is full of surprises, flavors, and beats.

From the edgy art-filled streets of RiNo to historic haunts in LoDo, each district has a personality all its own. And with a craft beer scene that’s practically its own religion, you’ll never be short on options for a fun night out in the Denver CO nightlife universe.

Buckle up—this planning guide is about to light up your trip itinerary, from speakeasies to rooftop lounges to underground dance floors. Let’s dive into the Mile High fun!

LoDo (Lower Downtown) & Larimer Square

Wynkoop Brewing Company

Denver’s original craft brewery, Wynkoop Brewing Company, delivers classic comfort food and house-made brews inside a historic warehouse. Try their Rail Yard Amber (malty brew with notes of caramel, medium toasted white bread, and a slight fruity taste) or Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout (deep flavors of coffee, chocolate, nuts, and roasted grains) while noshing on green chile fries or the bison burger.

It’s casual, lively, and a perfect kickoff for a night in LoDo. Plus, the massive space means you’ll usually find a table, even during peak hours.

Rio on Wazee

If you like your margaritas strong and your rooftop views panoramic, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant on Wazee delivers. The star of the show is the Rio Classic Margarita—a tequila-forward classic made with their own house mix. Feeling bold?

Try the Big Tex Margarita for a stronger kick, or check out their rotating seasonal flavors that add a fruity, adventurous twist to your night. Grab tacos, nachos, or a burrito bowl while watching the Denver sunset from the rooftop patio. This is where groups gather for pregame laughs and skyline selfies.

Union Lodge No.1

This speakeasy-style bar brings 19th-century cocktail culture roaring back to life with hand-chipped ice and vintage charm. Sip on a Union Gin Fizz (Old Tom gin, Sloe gin, lemon, cream, egg white, sugar, soda water) or a classic House Collins (gin, lemon, ginger syrup, rosemary, soda water) as bartenders decked in suspenders craft each drink with precision.

The ambiance is dim, moody, and deliciously old-school. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to settle into and stay awhile.

Illegal Pete’s

Late-night cravings? Illegal Pete’s has your back with burritos, tacos, and nachos loaded with queso and guac. This fast-casual gem keeps things fresh with quality ingredients and a full-service bar that’s way more legit than you’d expect from a burrito joint.

Sip on their Pete’s House Marg (Sauza Silver Tequila, Triple Sec, and House Marg Mix) for a smooth classic, or upgrade to the Premium House Marg with Milagro Silver Tequila and Grand Marnier when you’re feeling fancy but still keeping it chill. The vibe is young, loud, and fun—perfect for soaking up the tequila after a night of bar hopping.

Bonus: they’re open late (until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays), so it’s always a reliable final stop.

ChoLon Modern Asian

If you’re craving Asian food for dinner, ChoLon takes Asian fusion to the next level with a menu full of unexpected flavor bombs. Their signature French onion soup dumplings are a must, and the pork belly bao is pure joy in bun form.

The sleek, upscale space makes it ideal for foodies and date nights with a side of wow. Pair your meal with a sake cocktail and watch LoDo stroll by from the patio.

Comedy Works

Down in the LoDo basement lies one of Denver’s most beloved comedy clubs. Comedy Works hosts nationally known comedians and rising stars in an intimate setting where no phones are allowed—so you’re guaranteed to be in the moment.

Order drinks and snacks from your seat and prepare for big laughs in a no-frills, all-fun environment. It’s a classic nightcap for those who prefer punchlines over punch bowls.

The 1UP Arcade Bar (LoDo)

The 1UP Arcade Bar features dozens of retro arcade games, pinball machines, and classic consoles. Visitors can play while enjoying a selection of draft beers, cocktails, and snacks.

The casual atmosphere makes it accessible for groups, couples, or solo travelers. It’s especially appealing to those nostalgic for 1980s and 1990s gaming culture.

RiNo (River North Art District)

Ratio Beerworks

Ratio Beerworks is where art meets ale. Their quirky, creative brews like Dear You (a French Saison) and Repeater (Extra Pale Ale) pair perfectly with live music from local, indie artists.

The patio is always buzzing, especially during sunny afternoons and event nights. It’s a casual, come-as-you-are hangout that embodies RiNo’s creative spirit.

Our Mutual Friend Brewing

With a focus on small-batch and locally sourced ingredients, OMF Brewing makes beers for people who want to sip something seriously unique. Their Time’s Arrow (a West Coast IPA brewed with Citra and Idaho 7) just snagged a 2025 GABF Silver and packs a citrusy punch at 7.5% ABV.

Looking for something lighter? Go for The Fizz, a crisp Colorado-sourced pilsner, or the Biere Ovale, their two-time GABF-winning mixed-culture foeder-aged saison with just the right amount of funk.

The outdoor seating is spacious, dog-friendly, and usually accompanied by a food truck or two, making it feel more like a laid-back neighborhood hang than a traditional brewery. Come for the beer, stay for the conversations and that signature RiNo charm.

Death & Co Denver

This sleek cocktail den inside The Ramble Hotel brings NYC’s legendary mixology to Denver’s artsy heart. Drinks are grouped by mood, so whether you’re feeling light and playful (hello, Shadow & Flame with cold brew and Brut Cava), bright and confident (Combat Rock with Cognac, grappa, and bergamot), or elegant and timeless (Astrokinesis with guava Eau De Vie and tonic), there’s something that fits your vibe.

Small plates like cheese plates and steak tartare keep things elevated without feeling fussy. Book ahead—this place gets packed, and for good reason.

Beacon RiNo

Part nightclub, part immersive art exhibit, Beacon is where you don’t just dance, you explore. The space features motion-reactive projections, glowing installations, and a light-bouncing DJ booth that shifts with the energy of the crowd. Every night has a theme, so no two visits feel the same.

Sip on creative cocktails while wandering through light tunnels and photo-worthy corners. It’s a must for nightlife fans who want more than just a bar—it’s an experience, a photo op, and a dance party rolled into one.

South Broadway (SoBo) & Baker District

Adrift Tiki Bar

Adrift delivers island escape energy with bamboo booths, glowing fire pits, and tiki cocktails that demand a photo before your first sip. The ZOMBIE is a rum-loaded knockout with absinthe, cinnamon, and pomegranate (limited to two per guest for a reason).

The Zest of the Year is a sparkling tequila-and-brandy punch built to share, but the real showstoppers are the flaming punch bowls, served with fire, flair, and a serious buzz. Add coconut shrimp or spam musubi to the mix, and you’re basically on vacation without leaving Denver.

Historians Ale House

This neighborhood staple offers over 40 beers on tap, rooftop seating, and a solid menu of pub grub. Their green chili cheeseburgers and loaded fries are local favorites, and happy hour deals are worth planning around.

TVs play the game, but the real win is the view from the roof. It’s the go-to casual night out when you want chill with a capital C.

Hi-Dive

Hi-Dive is a tiny music venue with major indie cred. It’s hosted everyone from The Lumineers to unknown punk bands, and the energy is always raw and real.

Grab a PBR, squeeze in by the stage, and discover your new favorite artist. If your night needs guitar riffs and dive bar ambiance, this is where it’s at.

Punch Bowl Social

This giant entertainment venue has everything: bowling, karaoke, arcade games, shuffleboard, and a solid food and drink menu. Try their chicken and waffles, then follow it up with a round of giant Jenga.

The vibe shifts from family-friendly to adult playground as the night goes on. It’s great for groups who want to eat, play, and repeat without changing venues.

Capitol Hill

Satellite Bar

Unpretentious, dimly lit, and effortlessly cool, Satellite Bar serves up drinks from draft beer to craft cocktails, wine, and no judgment. You’ll find regulars chatting at the bar, cheap wells, a pool table, jukebox entertainment, and an inviting back patio for chill hangs.

The bartenders know their stuff, and the music is always on point. It’s the kind of place you discover once and return to every time you’re in town.

Hudson Hill

Part neighborhood bar, part stylish cocktail lounge, Hudson Hill hits that sweet spot of cozy and elevated. Try their simple house roast or their finest single-origin latte while lounging on velvet sofas under warm lighting. You can also explore artisanal cocktails and other gourmet coffees.

The bar snacks (like charcuterie boards and gourmet grilled cheese) keep things classy but comforting. Ideal for dates, deep convos, or winding down after a show.

Lost Lake Lounge

This narrow little venue on Colfax may not look like much, but its soul is all music. Events like indie bands, touring acts, and local heroes fill the lineup, and the crowd is always in it for the sound.

The bar slings solid cocktails like the spicy-smooth Margarita Picosita (made with Thai chili–infused Espolon) and a strong Old Fashioned crafted with Bulleit bourbon and an orange twist.

It’s the kind of place where you can sip something stiff while standing two feet from your next favorite band. Affordable, intimate, and always on vibe, Lost Lake Lounge is Denver’s version of a musical speakeasy.

Retrograde

Hidden behind an ice cream shop and accessed through a freezer door, Retrograde is half secret bar, half sci-fi dreamscape. Inside, expect cozy vibes and an intimate setting lit by cosmic glows and neon details.

The rotating cocktail menus are inspired by cult films and celestial adventures—always seasonal, always imaginative. You’re here for more than a drink: expect a surprise entrance, story-driven sips, and one of the most memorable nights out in Denver.

South of Colfax Nightlife District (SoCo)

Club Vinyl

Four floors of beats, bass, and bodies in motion, Club Vinyl is a Denver nightlife institution. EDM rules the rooftop, hip-hop dominates the basement, and the ground floor keeps it mixed.

The rooftop patio adds fresh air and skyline views to the party. Come ready to dance ‘til 2am—and maybe wear comfortable shoes.

The Church Nightclub

Housed in a 130-year-old church, this venue is where stained glass meets strobe lights. Expect themed parties, guest DJs, and epic light shows in a jaw-dropping cathedral setting.

There are multiple rooms for different genres, plus chill-out areas when you need a break. It’s nightlife with divine architecture and unapologetic energy.

Milk Bar

If Tim Burton opened a club, it would look like Milk Bar. This goth-glam underground club features dark corners, pulsing beats, and themed rooms like The Red Room and Green Room.

Fridays bring ‘80s and ‘90s throwbacks; Saturdays lean techno. It’s moody, maximalist, and made for people who like their nightlife slightly strange.

Bar Standard

Bar Standard brings European-style elegance to Denver’s club scene. With crystal chandeliers, sleek couches, and top-tier DJs, it offers a more upscale experience while still keeping things dancey.

Their house and techno nights are a favorite among locals who want to party without the chaos. It’s high vibes without the high-maintenance dress code.

Red Rocks & More for Live Music Lovers

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

If Mother Nature and Beyoncé co-designed a venue, it would be Red Rocks. Set inside towering sandstone formations just west of Denver, this open-air amphitheatre is legendary—for the acoustics, the views, and the fact that even a Tuesday yoga class feels epic here.

Catch everyone from jam bands to EDM powerhouses under the stars, or hike the surrounding trails by day and pretend you’re training for a comeback tour.

The Grizzly Rose

Picture line dancing, mechanical bull rides, and live country music almost every night of the week, and you’ve got The Grizzly Rose.

This is honky-tonk heaven with a side of bar snacks, pool tables, and enough Western charm to make you consider cowboy boots a justified souvenir. Come for the live music, stay for the twang.

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox

Equal parts swanky supper club and live music mecca, Ophelia’s is set in a former adult bookstore (seriously). The lineup’s as eclectic as the décor; jazz, funk, DJs, burlesque, indie rock, and everything in between.

Add in a killer menu and wraparound balcony views of the stage, and you’ve got a night out that feels both cheeky and chic.

Party’s Not Over: Your Final Call on Denver Nightlife

Whether you’re vibing to live jazz in RiNo or shaking it at Club Vinyl, Denver nightlife brings the altitude and the attitude.

With its blend of laid-back beer halls, pulsing clubs, and moody speakeasies, there’s no wrong way to do Denver after dark.

But don’t sleep on the daytime thrill rides, either. Scream your face off at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, or feel the rush of freefall (minus the plane) at iFly Indoor Skydiving—both perfect pregame options for adrenaline junkies.

And with Tripster’s guides, you can score deals on the best Denver attractions, hotels, and more.

From classic cocktails at The Cruise Room to Red Rocks encores under the stars, downtown Denver nightlife is full of late-night legends in the making. So pack your best kicks, charge your phone, and get ready to party like it’s 5280.

Tripster’s got your back for all things after-dark with our Denver Travel Guide full of vacation packages, deals, and local love. Bookmark it—you’ll thank us later.

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