Best places to grab a drink in Denver

Downtown Denver is relatively small, but there are dozens of places to drink.

Some are so great, you’ll be sad to know you wasted money elsewhere. Don’t choose lightly: From martinis to mules, this barhop guide will help you find local spots and spare your wallet.

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen

First Draft is Denver’s iconic self-serve beer bar. They offer a large, constantly changing selection that features different breweries from all over Colorado and the U.S. It’s pricier on a drink-by-drink basis, but the cheapest place if you’re going for a sampling experience.

Best beer on tap: Telluride Tempter IPA

Crowd pleasers: Quick service and no lines; Busy atmosphere but spacious seating.

The Retro Room Salon and Lounge

Ever wish you could have a drink while someone cuts your hair? The Retro Room bar doubles as a beauty salon and massage parlor. The drinks are good and fairly priced during happy hour.

The haircuts are quality too, but my favorite part is the employee vibe. You can see how happy they are to be involved with such a unique concept. Stop in Sunday for $3 “U-Call-Its” all day.

Best drink: world famous pickle shot

Crowd pleasers: Busy atmosphere but spacious seating; Double happy hour (daily and late night)

The Ginn Mill

Hope to catch a Rockies game but couldn’t get a ticket in time? Grab a drink at The Ginn Mill instead; it’s as good as nosebleed seats.

The historic, and misleading, nickname actually means local tavern and was given to reflect a simpler time. The bar’s antique atmosphere surely matches its name. The usually young crowd is laid back and friendly, but it might be too busy to notice.

Best drink: It doesn’t matter, they’re all cheap.

Crowd pleasers:  Happy hour deals: $2 Coors draft or well drinks, $3 you-call-its; Free popcorn

ViewHouse Eatery, Bar & Rooftop

A drastic shift from the party at The Ginn Mill, you’ll find great prices, an awesome panorama and wonderful service at ViewHouse. Whether you’re looking for a quick drink or a bartender to take care of you all night, this is the place to go. A very modern feel, and a bit more upscale, it was voted one of “America’s Most Popular Bars” in 2014.

Best drink: craft beer of the month

Crowd pleasers:  Patio (brew and view); Knowledgeable and friendly staff

The Refinery

This bar is a great place to become a regular—it seems like everyone knows each other. I come here for the cocktails, and the prices, but service is always on point and the regulars give it a cool local vibe. Again the outdoor seating is the best: classy and cozy.

Most interesting drink: Buzz Button

Crowd pleasers: Cheap, delicious food; All-day happy hour Sunday

The 1up – Lodo

If you enjoy gaming and drinking, take a trip to 1up. The arcade bar has tons of old school games, throwback decor, drinks and standard bar food. Weekday happy hour deals are solid, and the drinks are made strong. It’s got a vintage dive bar feel.

Most vague drink: Mystery shot

Crowd pleasers:  Pinball tournaments; Giant Jenga

Hayter’s & Co.

This is the best sports bar in Denver to watch your favorite teams. On Rockies game days, they have all you can drink beers for $12. Don’t expect a high-class meal, but the food is great for pub grub and the crowd varies from all ages.

Best drink: Hayterade

Crowd pleasers: Rooftop seating; Beer pong

Freshcraft

If you need a booze break to fill your stomach with some substance, this is my favorite spot for food. Beer-wise, they have 25 rotating taps, classic cocktails and a lengthy wine list. I’d say of all my recommendations, this is the best local spot.

Best beer on tap: Dry Dock Amber Ale

Crowd pleaser: Mainly Colorado brewed beer; Quieter bar experience

Gaslamp

If I was hired to write a slogan for this bar, it would be, “always busy, always friendly.” It can get a bit crowded on the dance floor, but their bartenders handle the lines well. The nice, upbeat crowd is perfect for people who don’t need a seat to enjoy their drink.

Pro-tip: they list special deals exclusively on their Facebook page.

Best drink: Vodka and RedBull slushie

Crowd pleaser: Live DJ; Ping pong

Denver Booze Cruise

This two-hour downtown bar crawl is perfect for big group trips or special occasions. The bike bar features a sound system, lights and a resourceful tour guide. I wish I would have found their coupon on the Denver Things To Do page before I went, but I’d say it was worth the full price.

Crowd pleaser: “Private” party; Uber free, walk free

If you’d like, all 10 bars are in walking distance from each other. Follow this map for my recommended route, location and hours.