Best of Denver
Late Night Eats in Denver
Denver’s speakeasy scene is thriving, with hidden entrances, vintage vibes, and cocktails that reward the hunt. Behind bookshelves, alley doors, and unmarked staircases, bartenders are mixing some of the city’s most creative drinks.
Whether you’re chasing a classic Old Fashioned in a velvet-lined lounge or a modern cocktail in a tucked-away gallery, these spots feel like secrets shared among friends. Here are the best speakeasies in Denver to slip away to when you want your night to feel a little more mysterious.
Secret Entrance Speakeasy: Retrograde — Hidden behind a freezer door in an ice cream shop—press a switch and step into a cosmic-themed cocktail club that’s equal parts quirky and clandestine.
🏛 Historic Lounge: The Cruise Room — Denver’s oldest speakeasy, opened the day Prohibition ended. A preserved art-deco gem with legendary martinis behind a velvet curtain of jazz and mystery.
🌌 Immersive Atmosphere: B&GC — A velvet-lit basement speakeasy in a hotel, complete with a doorbell entrance and electric energy perfect for sneaky date nights.
Denver’s speakeasy scene isn’t just about secret doors—it’s a curated night of atmosphere, storytelling, and cocktails worth whispering home about. Whether you’re stealthily stepping through a bookcase, cozying up in a tiki lounge, or hitting a hidden basement, these bars still surprise and delight after dark.
Bookmark this guide for your next incognito evening, and when you’re ready to switch the vibe, find your next spot on our nightlife directory or check out our Best Live Music Bars in Denver—because in this city, the night is always just getting started.
Many of Denver’s speakeasies are deliberately subtle and require more than GPS. Retrograde hides behind a freezer door in an ice cream shop—flip the light switch, then enter. Williams & Graham appears as a bookstore, revealing a cocktail lounge when you pass through a hidden bookshelf. Green Russell is tucked behind a pie shop with a secret stairwell to a whiskey salon. Since these spots value ambiance over signposting, checking social updates or calling ahead can help confirm entrance quirks and availability.
Definitely. Speakeasies like B&GC and Williams & Graham offer intimate, cozy seating ideal for quiet conversation. For a more immersive, theatrical date idea, Retrograde delivers a playful reveal and themed atmosphere perfect for sparking conversation over creative cocktails. The Cruise Room’s decadent art-deco vibes are another classically romantic yet understated option. Reservations or planning ahead are strongly advised, especially on weekends.
Yes—many of these spots have specific entry protocols. B&GC requires you to text for a reservation and ring a hidden doorbell to enter. Williams & Graham is walk-in friendly but may wait during peak times, and you’ll pass through a bookshelf door to get in. For places like Retrograde, you’ll need to find the functional freezer entrance behind an ice cream parlor. Checking websites or calling ahead is always a smart move to ensure access.
Most speakeasies strike a balance between craft cocktails and immersive decor. The Cruise Room serves classic martinis in a preserved art-deco lounge. Green Russell offers chef-driven cocktail artistry with a whiskey-forward menu in a vintage setting. Retrograde leans into quirky, cosmic visuals and creatively themed drinks. No matter your vibe—classic, cozy, or playful—you’ll find just the right blend of mood and mixology.
Expect prices on the higher side given the ambience and craft involved. Cocktails typically range from $14–$20, with some specialty concoctions or historic classics going up to $25+. Venues like Williams & Graham and The Cruise Room lean toward the pricier end, while demographic-forward spots like Retrograde and Green Russell offer a mix—so you can pick a vibe that fits your budget.
Denver’s most famous speakeasy, Williams & Graham hides behind a bookstore façade and opens into a dimly lit cocktail den with leather booths and shelves of spirits. Bartenders here are storytellers, crafting custom drinks to fit your mood from an encyclopedic menu. It’s intimate, romantic, and immersive—reservations are tough to snag, but the experience is worth the planning.
🍸 Ask for Your Favorite Bartender: Requests like Erik, Rihanna, or Kenny often result in personalized, top-tier cocktail experiences with attentive service.
📚 Entrance Experience: Look for the bookstore facade with a curtain entrance—an iconic speakeasy vibe but not hidden, so expect a lively atmosphere.
🕔 Make Reservations Early: Weekends fill quickly; reservations are recommended to avoid standing room only and long waits.
🚗 Parking Tips: Street parking is free and paid but can be scarce, especially on busy nights. Plan ahead or arrive early to find a spot.
Behind an alley door at the Halcyon Hotel, B&GC is accessed only after texting for entry and ringing a brass doorbell. Inside, it’s a refined lounge with plush seating, scotch-forward cocktails, and a menu that blends timeless technique with modern flair. The exclusivity is part of the appeal, making it one of Cherry Creek’s most stylish hidden gems.
🔔 Unique Entrance Experience: B&GC features a cool speakeasy entrance with a doorbell and a maze-like path leading underground, making arrival memorable.
🍸 Ask for Dealer’s Choice: The bartenders excel at crafting custom cocktails—try the dealer’s choice for a personalized drink adventure.
👋 Exceptional Host Service: Host Nina is often highlighted for her warm welcome and hospitality, setting the tone for a great visit.
💡 Reservations Recommended: Due to its popularity and limited seating, securing a reservation is advised to ensure entry and a smooth experience.
Start in an art gallery, step past a curtain, and you’re in Millers & Rossi—a speakeasy that balances creativity and comfort. Its cocktail list plays with both tropical tiki flavors and modern classics, and the lounge pairs dim lighting with a low-key social vibe. It’s playful, artsy, and feels right at home in RiNo’s buzzing nightlife scene.
🎤 Karaoke Nights: Join on midweek evenings for popular karaoke sessions that bring a lively crowd and great energy.
🍸 Custom Cocktails: Let bartenders craft a personalized drink based on your favorite spirits for a unique experience.
🕔 Happy Hour: Take advantage of happy hour specials Monday through Friday evenings for discounted drinks and food.
🛋️ Cozy Ambiance: The lounge offers a dim-lit, trendy setting ideal for intimate gatherings or casual nights out.
The Cruise Room is Denver’s historic hidden gem—the city’s oldest cocktail bar, opened the day after prohibition ended in 1933. Its timeless Art Deco vibe—complete with moody red lighting, marble floors, gilded booths, and a Queen Mary–inspired layout feels like stepping back into glamorous speakeasy days. Their classic martinis and vintage cocktails are bubble-perfect, delivered with a wink from bartenders who respect tradition. It’s where nostalgia and night-out luxury come together beautifully.
🍸 Order the Sazerac: A standout cocktail praised as one of the best in Denver, crafted by expert bartenders.
🎨 Appreciate the Art Deco Decor: The historic red lighting and vintage design create an immersive 1930s lounge experience.
🕔 Best to Visit Early or Late: The lounge can get crowded; visiting early evening or closer to closing can help find seating easily.
🏨 Located Inside The Oxford Hotel: Perfect for hotel guests or those wanting an elegant downtown cocktail in a historic setting.
Disguised behind the freezer door inside Sweet Action ice cream, Retrograde is small, quirky, and full of character. Cocktails lean creative and playful, with nods to science fiction and nostalgia, while the space keeps its moody, intimate energy. Drinks can be pricier than average, but the novelty of walking through a freezer into a hidden bar makes it one of Denver’s most fun secrets.
🧊 Hidden Entrance Experience: Enter through the freezer door of Sweet Action ice cream shop for a fun speakeasy surprise.
🍸 Off-Menu Surprises: Bartenders, especially Mo, often craft off-menu cocktails tailored to your preferences – just ask!
🎥 Vintage Vibe: Enjoy classic movies projected on the walls enhancing the cozy and stylish atmosphere.
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Arrive early during weekdays or before 8 PM on weekends to avoid long waits and enjoy a quieter experience.
Union Lodge No. 1 celebrates Denver’s pre-Prohibition cocktail history. Hidden just off Champa Street, the space evokes the 1800s with flickering lamps, wooden booths, and bartenders shaking Ramos Gin Fizzes and other classic New Orleans–style drinks. It’s less about being tucked away and more about transporting you back in time, making it a must-visit for cocktail purists who appreciate the craft.
🍹 Order the Classics: The bartenders shine brightest crafting classic cocktails like the Gin Fizz and Widow’s Kiss—avoid simple mixed drinks here.
🎭 Prohibition Vibes: The intimate, low-lit setting replicates a 19th-century speakeasy, perfect for a cozy night out or special occasion.
⏰ Visit Early on Weekdays: Weekday evenings, especially before 6 PM, are less crowded, ensuring quicker service and a relaxed atmosphere.
♿ Accessibility Matters: Wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom available, ensuring comfort for all guests.
Denver’s speakeasy scene isn’t just about secret doors—it’s a curated night of atmosphere, storytelling, and cocktails worth whispering home about. Whether you’re stealthily stepping through a bookcase, cozying up in a tiki lounge, or hitting a hidden basement, these bars still surprise and delight after dark.
Bookmark this guide for your next incognito evening, and when you’re ready to switch the vibe, find your next spot on our nightlife directory or check out our Best Live Music Bars in Denver—because in this city, the night is always just getting started.
Many of Denver’s speakeasies are deliberately subtle and require more than GPS. Retrograde hides behind a freezer door in an ice cream shop—flip the light switch, then enter. Williams & Graham appears as a bookstore, revealing a cocktail lounge when you pass through a hidden bookshelf. Green Russell is tucked behind a pie shop with a secret stairwell to a whiskey salon. Since these spots value ambiance over signposting, checking social updates or calling ahead can help confirm entrance quirks and availability.
Definitely. Speakeasies like B&GC and Williams & Graham offer intimate, cozy seating ideal for quiet conversation. For a more immersive, theatrical date idea, Retrograde delivers a playful reveal and themed atmosphere perfect for sparking conversation over creative cocktails. The Cruise Room’s decadent art-deco vibes are another classically romantic yet understated option. Reservations or planning ahead are strongly advised, especially on weekends.
Yes—many of these spots have specific entry protocols. B&GC requires you to text for a reservation and ring a hidden doorbell to enter. Williams & Graham is walk-in friendly but may wait during peak times, and you’ll pass through a bookshelf door to get in. For places like Retrograde, you’ll need to find the functional freezer entrance behind an ice cream parlor. Checking websites or calling ahead is always a smart move to ensure access.
Most speakeasies strike a balance between craft cocktails and immersive decor. The Cruise Room serves classic martinis in a preserved art-deco lounge. Green Russell offers chef-driven cocktail artistry with a whiskey-forward menu in a vintage setting. Retrograde leans into quirky, cosmic visuals and creatively themed drinks. No matter your vibe—classic, cozy, or playful—you’ll find just the right blend of mood and mixology.
Expect prices on the higher side given the ambience and craft involved. Cocktails typically range from $14–$20, with some specialty concoctions or historic classics going up to $25+. Venues like Williams & Graham and The Cruise Room lean toward the pricier end, while demographic-forward spots like Retrograde and Green Russell offer a mix—so you can pick a vibe that fits your budget.
Denver’s speakeasy scene isn’t just about secret doors—it’s a curated night of atmosphere, storytelling, and cocktails worth whispering home about. Whether you’re stealthily stepping through a bookcase, cozying up in a tiki lounge, or hitting a hidden basement, these bars still surprise and delight after dark.
Bookmark this guide for your next incognito evening, and when you’re ready to switch the vibe, find your next spot on our nightlife directory or check out our Best Live Music Bars in Denver—because in this city, the night is always just getting started.
