1634 18th St.
Denver, Colorado 80202
303-297-2700
Website
In 1988, John Hickenlooper, a struggling geologist, founded the Wynkoop -- Colorado's oldest brewpub. Located in the historic J.S. Brown Merchantile Building in the deteriorating Lower Downtown district, it was an immediate success, spawning a vibrant bar scene and urban gentrification in LoDo. Now, Hickenlooper is the mayor of Denver, and the Wynkoop remains the city's most renown drinking establishments, producing some of the tastiest, hoppiest liquid gold ever to flow out of a tap. The Wynkoop's second floor houses 22 pool tables, two private pool rooms and dart lanes. If you'd prefer not to leave when happy hour is over, Wynkoop's kitchen specializes in pub fare, including shepherds pie, fish and chips and pot roast braised in -- you guessed it -- more beer.
1600 17th St.
Denver, Colorado 80202
303-628-5400
Website
For those who prefer their libations shaken, stirred or over the rocks, the Cruise Room is LoDo's classiest cocktail lounge. The venue's neon lighting project pink and purple colors onto the walls, that make it look like dusk at all the time. Owners have changed little about the bar since it re-opened the day after prohibition was repealed in 1933. Established in 1891, The Oxford Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
501 16th St.
Denver, Colorado 80202
303-595-3700
Website
After work hours, Marlowe's giant lighted martini glass at the corner of 16th and Glenarm draws business professionals like mosquitoes to a campfire -- particularly in the warm months when patrons can hang out at the gathering spot's outdoor deck. Located on Denver's 16th Street mall, where street people frequently cross paths with the titans of commerce, Marlowe's is a great place for people-watching. The establishment specializes in classic mixed drinks and wine, but it also offers outstanding appetizers and dinner specials if you're too comfortable to walk or take the shuttle elsewhere.
Peaks Lounge
650 15th St.
Denver, Colorado 80202
303-436-1234
Website
Located at the top of the 27-story Hyatt Regency hotel, this is a good place to enjoy cocktails and appetizers with an excellent view of the city. The drinks are a bit pricy, but the panoramic vista is a definite mitigating factor for the expense.
650 15th St.
Denver, Colorado 80202
303-436-1234
Website
Located at the top of the 27-story Hyatt Regency hotel, this is a good place to enjoy cocktails and appetizers with an excellent view of the city. The drinks are a bit pricy, but the panoramic vista is a definite mitigating factor for the expense.
El Chapultepec
1962 Market St.
Denver, Colorado 80202
303-295-9126
Looking like a dive bar on the surface, El Chapultepec is actually Denver's best live jazz venue. Open since 1951, the place has hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald as well as Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Bring plenty of quarters to feed parking meter, order a couple of frosty beverages and Mexican appetizers and prepare to unwind for a great evening of music and/or conversation.
1962 Market St.
Denver, Colorado 80202
303-295-9126
Looking like a dive bar on the surface, El Chapultepec is actually Denver's best live jazz venue. Open since 1951, the place has hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald as well as Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Bring plenty of quarters to feed parking meter, order a couple of frosty beverages and Mexican appetizers and prepare to unwind for a great evening of music and/or conversation.