Best of Denver
Late Night Eats in Denver
🎶 Denver doesn’t just do nightlife, it sings. From sultry jazz lounges to funky jam spots and rock dives that launched touring bands, the city’s bars double as stages almost every night of the week.
Whether you’re after a date-night supper club, a free late-night jam, or a gritty indie room with standing-room-only energy, these live-music bars deliver. Here’s your go-to list for when drinks taste better with a side of music.
Massive, airy, and social, Number Thirty Eight is more than a bar—it’s a music campus with one of the best patios in Denver. The rotating lineup spans live bands, DJs, and special showcases, often free to attend. Pair that with Colorado beers, cocktails, and plenty of food options, and you’ve got a ready-made group hang. The open-air stage makes summer nights especially fun, but it’s lively year-round with events that suit every crowd.
🏐 Volleyball Vibes:The sand volleyball court is a major draw; perfect for groups looking to mingle and have active fun.
🎼 Music First: Live shows attract crowds; check schedules for popular performances and arrive early.
🍔 Lunch Specials: Affordable $12 lunch specials and happy hour deals make daytime visits rewarding.
🐕 Dog Friendly Patio: The spacious, turfed outdoor patio welcomes dogs until midnight, a rare find in Denver.
If indie music and EDM are your love language, Larimer Lounge is your spot. This RiNo staple has hosted everyone from The Killers to up-and-comers still touring in vans. The room is small, standing-room-only, and perfect for discovering bands or DJ's before they blow up. Drinks are straightforward, the crowd skews young, and the energy is raw. It’s not glamorous, but that’s the charm—you’re there for the music, up close, loud, and personal. Earplugs optional, excitement guaranteed.
🕺 Best Dance Nights: Thursdays and weekends draw vibrant crowds for live DJs and electronic sets, perfect for dancing late.
🌈 Inclusive Atmosphere: Known for being LGBTQ+ friendly, the venue welcomes a diverse and supportive community.
🍸 Efficient Bar Service: Reviewers highlight quick drink service and friendly bartenders, ensuring minimal wait times even when busy.
🚪 Reentry Policy Alert: Reentry through the patio is sometimes restricted during events; plan accordingly to avoid missing parts of shows.
South Broadway’s BurnDown mixes whiskey-bar swagger with a stage that leans into local rock, funk, and jam bands. The room feels cozy but charged—exposed brick, neon glow, and a crowd that’s always ready to dance. Nights here swing from high-energy covers to original sets, with plenty of craft beer and bourbon behind the bar. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll stumble onto your new favorite Denver band on an otherwise ordinary weeknight.
🎤 Weekly Trivia Nights: Join the free Wednesday trivia hosted by energetic locals, with prizes and halftime car bombs.
🌇 Rooftop Sunset Views: Visit Thursdays during the SunSet Series for intimate acoustic sets and spectacular Denver sunsets from the rooftop patio.
🎶 Diverse Live Music: Experience everything from non-traditional blues bands to high-energy dance parties on multiple floors.
🍹 No Tabs Policy: Plan to pay per order since the bar doesn’t allow tabs, which could complicate larger group billing.
A light-filled newcomer (opened April 2024), Two Moons brings live music six nights a week without the usual divey vibe. Cozy sofas, a bright airy atmosphere, and a small dance floor create a welcoming space for jazz, singer‑songwriters, DJs spinning funk or disco, and rotating local acts. It’s perfect for nights when you want music and comfort in equal measure—and yes, many of the weekday sets are totally free.
🎤 Arrive Early for Live Music: Guests recommend arriving right at opening to catch opening acts and secure good seating.
🛋️ Front Couches Are Off-Limits: The front couches are often unused during shows, standing room is preferred for better views and dancing.
🍸 Explore Unique Cocktails: Ask bartenders for mixologist recommendations or seasonal creations beyond the menu.
🎟️ Reservations Recommended: Popular nights fill up quickly; booking ahead ensures entry and good spots for events.
A self-described “gastro-brothel,” Ophelia’s is part restaurant, part music venue, part immersive nightlife experience. The two-story space has velvet booths, balcony views, and a stage that hosts everything from indie bands to burlesque to weekend headliners. You can grab dinner, stick around for a show, and end the night dancing without ever leaving the building. It’s one of Denver’s most unique live-music bars—equal parts stylish, playful, and always buzzing with energy.
🎤 Best Views Upstairs: The balcony seating offers a great bird's-eye view of performances, ideal for shorter guests or those wanting to soak it all in.
🍽️ Eclectic Menu Highlights: Try the chicken and waffles or the legendary sliders, favorites repeatedly praised by locals.
💃 Midweek Vibes: Wednesday nights feature free Basement Sessions with local artists, perfect for discovering fresh talent with no cover charge.
♿ Accessibility Focus: Fully wheelchair accessible with entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating, making the venue welcoming to all patrons.
Part immersive art bar, part dance floor, The Beacon turns live music into a performative experience. With ebony‑cloud ceiling installations, art-driven décor, and DJs who lean deep into local talent, it’s an aesthetic-forward venue that doubles as a creative stage. It’s less about “sit down for a set” and more about dancing under art—and discovering peers in Denver’s creative DJ scene.
🎟️ Early Arrival for Best Spots: Arrive before 7 PM on weekends to secure seating and avoid cover charges on Sundays.
🍹 Happy Hour Highlights: Take advantage of happy hours from 6–8 PM midweek and 5–8 PM on weekends for discounted drinks.
🎶 Live Music Nights: Check the event schedule as live performances are a core part of the vibe, offering unique experiences each night.
🅿️ Parking Tips: While free street parking is available, finding a spot can be challenging, so plan to arrive early or use rideshare options.
A country-gastropub hybrid, Whiskey Row delivers live music along with elevated American fare and a wide beer list. Themed more upscale than your average honky-tonk, it features live bands and country-leaning beats almost every night. Ideal for a night of dinner, dancing, and well-mixed drinks—all under one lively roof.
🎉 VIP Bottle Service for Special Nights: Reserve a VIP table on weekends to enjoy exclusive bottle service and an elevated nightlife experience.
🥞 Weekend Brunch Vibes: The brunch on Saturdays and Sundays features bold southern dishes and mimosas, making it a top pick for morning gatherings.
🌆 Rooftop Patio Perks: The rooftop area offers great city views and a chill spot for day drinking and socializing, popular among groups and tourists.
⚠️ Dress Code Enforcement: Be mindful of the strict dress code; gym shorts and sweatpants are not allowed, and enforcement can feel intrusive.
Tucked in LoDo, Herb’s is a musician-owned bar famous for its late-night funk and jazz jams. The best part? There’s never a cover, making it a go-to for spontaneous nights out. Local bands, improv-heavy sets, and a rotating cast of players keep the energy fresh. It’s loud, it’s sweaty, and it’s pure Denver grit. Minors can tag along with parents until 10:30, but the vibe is grown-up and best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand.
🎶 Best Nights for Live Jazz: Tuesdays feature excellent jazz performances highly favored by regulars.
🕺 Peak Weekend Vibes: Fridays and Saturdays get packed from 9 PM onward—arrive early for a spot on the dance floor.
🍺 Bartenders Make the Experience: Friendly bartenders like Chuck and Patrick create a welcoming community feeling.
💵 Cover Charge Alert: Be prepared for cover charges on weekend nights; cheaper entry arrives earlier in the evening.
A Denver jazz institution, Dazzle recently moved into the Denver Performing Arts Complex, giving it a sleek new home with an impressive calendar. Expect everything from local ensembles to nationally touring legends, plus special brunch and matinee shows. Seating is intimate and designed with sightlines in mind, so every table feels close to the action. It’s classy without being stuffy, with a strong menu of drinks and small plates. A must for jazz lovers.
🎷 Arrive Early for Intimate Seating: Guests recommend booking reservations early to snag cozy booths for the best listening experience.
🍸 Happy Hour Perks: Enjoy happy hour Monday to Friday from 3–6 PM with discounted drinks and food before shows.
🚗 Parking Tips: Use paid parking lots nearby rather than meters for better rates during long visits.
🎶 Explore Diverse Jazz Acts: Frequent live performances feature world-class artists—from Latin jazz ensembles to solo innovators—offering variety each visit.
This RiNo mainstay is as local as it gets—part dive, part listening room, and part neighborhood hang. Long known for its weekly jazz nights and underground vibe, Meadowlark has nurtured countless Denver musicians on their way up. It’s cozy, sometimes crowded, but always buzzing with creative energy. You won’t find velvet ropes or cover charges that sting, just intimate sets, solid drinks, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel part of the scene.
🎵 Wednesday Live Music: Catch the best live indie and neo-soul performances midweek for a vibrant yet relaxed experience.
☀️ Patio with Heat Lamps: The outdoor patio stays comfortable year-round thanks to efficient heat lamps even on cooler nights.
🍔 Food Trucks Nearby: Pair drinks with tasty offerings from Mexican food trucks often parked outside, especially popular on weekends.
🎤 Karaoke Nights: Enjoy karaoke events that add an interactive, fun element to the cozy bar atmosphere.
