Discover Denver's best bars with insights from local experts including AAA spokesman and bar owner, explore the authenticity of dive bars and hidden gems, reminisce about iconic locations like My Brother's Bar, and learn about the heritage of Denver's oldest bar since 1873.
Dive bars like The Squire on Colfax offer lively events and a diverse crowd, creating a welcoming space.
The Cruise Room at the Oxford Hotel impresses with its Art Deco design, historical background, and elegant cocktails, making it a top choice for visitors.
Deep dives
Defining a Dive Bar: From Lively Happenings to Local Hangouts
A dive bar is characterized by lively happenings, conflicts breaking out, and a diverse crowd mingling together, as observed in The Squire on Colfax, a favorite hangout spot. The atmosphere at The Squire was vibrant, hosting events like the original Wu Tang Wednesday and offering a 'happy meal' special, creating a welcoming space for both regulars and newcomers.
Impressing with History: The Cruise Room's Classic Appeal
To impress someone with Denver's history and hidden gems, The Cruise Room at the Oxford Hotel stands out as a top choice. Established post-Prohibition, its Art Deco design resembles the observation room on the Queen Mary, showcasing global history panels and unique toasts from around the world. The classic charm, elegant cocktails, and rich historical background make The Cruise Room a standout spot for impressing visitors.
The Best All-Rounder: Charlie Brown's Diverse Experience
Charlie Brown's emerges as the best bar in Denver due to its ability to cater to various moods and occasions, offering a mix of dive bar experiences and upscale settings. Whether seeking a heavy pour on the patio or a refined piano session, Charlie Brown's creates a memorable bar experience for everyone. Despite its time-warp ambiance and unique features like roller chair bar seats, it remains a dynamic and inclusive spot in the city.
What’s the best bar in Denver? Is it the bar with the highest average rating on Yelp? Is it the diviest dive that ever dove? Or somewhere new and fresh? With St. Paddy’s Day coming up this weekend, producer Paul Karolyi is sitting down with two people who know Denver’s bar scene as well as anyone — AAA spokesman, Oak Creek Tavern owner, and part-time bartender at Pete’s Satire Skyler McKinley, and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval — to pick Denver’s best bars.
We are gonna have a huge list of St. Paddy’s Day stuff to do in our newsletter Hey Denver later this week, subscribe now at denver.citycast.fm.