Best speakeasy bars in Denver: The ultimate guide to hidden cocktail lounges
Whether you’re looking to grab an adult beverage in style, or just looking to surround yourself with the historical scenery of a bygone era, there are several hidden bars and speakeasies to discover in the Mile High City.
These establishments offer a blend of historical charm and modern mixology, providing patrons with unique and immersive experiences.
Here’s our list of some of the most popular and top-rated speakeasies in Denver:
Williams & Graham: Speakeasy behind a bookshelf in Denver’s LoHi
Tucked behind a functioning bookshelf inside a faux bookstore at 3160 Tejon St., Williams & Graham has become one of Denver’s most iconic speakeasies since opening in 2011.
Located in the Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhood, this Prohibition-style bar is known for its moody lighting, intimate seating, and internationally acclaimed cocktails. Guests are ushered through the secret entrance after checking in at the front desk inside the bookshop.
The cocktail menu features a rotating list of house creations alongside more than 60 classic drinks and over 500 spirits. Food offerings include upscale bar fare like bone marrow with bacon jam, duck confit poutine, and the W&G Burger.
The venue enforces a seated-only policy and strongly recommends reservations Sunday through Thursday. Parties are limited to six guests, and all patrons must be 21 or older.
A second location operates inside Denver International Airport near Gate A38, offering a similar experience for travelers.
Details:
- Address: 3160 Tejon St., Denver, CO 80211
- Phone: (303) 997-8886
- Hours: Daily, 5 p.m.–1 a.m.
- Reservations: Recommended; limited walk-ins accepted
- Price range: $$$ (cocktails around $17; small plates and entrées $13–$40)
- Website: williamsandgraham.com
Williams & Graham delivers a refined, bookish twist on the speakeasy experience, pairing Denver’s cocktail culture with a sense of hidden history and charm.
Millers & Rossi: Art Gallery Speakeasy in Denver’s RiNo District
Tucked behind an art gallery in Denver’s RiNo district, Millers & Rossi offers a unique blend of visual art and speakeasy charm. Guests enter through a concealed door to discover a sleek lounge adorned with Edison lighting and velvet seating.
The menu features handcrafted cocktails and upscale small plates, including croquettes, burrata, and Italian flatbreads. The venue also hosts free pool nightly and karaoke every Wednesday, providing a refined yet approachable atmosphere for various occasions.
Details:
- Address: 3542 Walnut Street, Denver, CO 80205
- Phone: (720) 257-5342
- Hours:
- Tuesday–Thursday: 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- Friday–Saturday: 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Sunday: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Monday: Closed
- Price Range: $$ ($31–$50)
- Menu Highlights:
- Small Plates: Croquettes, burrata, Italian flatbreads
- Cocktails: Handcrafted selections with seasonal ingredients
- Website: millersandrossi.com
Millers & Rossi offers a distinctive blend of art and mixology in Denver’s RiNo district, serving as both a cocktail lounge and gallery space suitable for a variety of occasions.
B&GC: A Hidden Speakeasy in Denver’s Cherry Creek
Concealed behind an unmarked door in an alley between Second and Third Avenues, B&GC (short for Boys & Girls Club) offers an exclusive speakeasy experience in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood.

The Mastic cocktail features Vodka, Skinos Mastiha, Rosemary, and Aperol.
Marco Cummings
The Mastic cocktail features Vodka, Skinos Mastiha, Rosemary, and Aperol.
Accessed via a discreet entrance in an unassuming alleyway, marked with a golden doorbell, this subterranean bar exudes mid-century elegance with its central bar, leather banquettes, and intimate lighting.
The cocktail menu features both classic and inventive drinks, such as the “It’s Always Foggy in London,” served in a teacup, and the “Something Sunny,” a balanced, citrus-forward option.
Guests can also opt for a personalized creation by sharing their flavor preferences with the bartender. Complementing the drinks are refined small plates, including deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, and caviar blinis. We recommend the bacon-wrapped dates.

B&GC in Denver serves deviled eggs, cured meats, and pretzel-crusted cheese balls in a moody, intimate setting perfect for cocktail lovers.
Marco Cummings
B&GC in Denver serves deviled eggs, cured meats, and pretzel-crusted cheese balls in a moody, intimate setting perfect for cocktail lovers.
Details:
- Address: 249 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206
- Phone: (720) 925-8598
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Sunday–Monday: Closed
- Reservations: Recommended via text to (720) 925-8598
- Price Range: $$$ (Cocktails typically $15–$20)
- Website: https://bandgcdenver.com/
B&GC provides a refined setting for those seeking a discreet and sophisticated evening in Denver’s upscale Cherry Creek district.
Retrograde: Sci-fi speakeasy hidden behind Denver ice cream shop
Hidden behind a freezer door at Sweet Action Ice Cream, Retrograde is a speakeasy tucked inside a small storefront at 530 E. 19th Ave. in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood.
Guests flip a light switch near the back freezer to signal for entry into a dim, sci-fi-inspired bar with glowing panels, neon accents and space-age decor.
The bar serves imaginative cocktails such as “My Alien Girlfriend,” made with tequila, watermelon and grapefruit, and “Galaxy Lords,” a mix of milk-washed Fernet, cauliflower sotol and Korean pepper. Classic drinks and non-alcoholic options are also available.
Due to limited seating, parties are capped at five people, and all guests must be 21 or older with a valid, physical government-issued ID. Photos of IDs and vertical licenses are not accepted. No reservations are taken, and the bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Patrons often grab a scoop of Sweet Action’s ice cream on their way in or out.
Details:
- Address: 530 E. 19th Ave., Denver, CO 80203
- Phone: (720) 772-7843
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 4:30 p.m.–midnight; Friday–Saturday, 4:30 p.m.–1 a.m.
- Reservations: Not required; walk-ins only
- Price range: $$ (cocktails typically $12–$18)
- Website: retrogradednvr.square.site
Retrograde offers a playful take on the speakeasy experience, blending nostalgic sci-fi aesthetics with imaginative drinks in a compact, hidden space.
Run for the Roses: Subterranean cocktail lounge beneath Denver’s Dairy Block
Located beneath the Dairy Block at 1801 Blake St., Suite 10, Run for the Roses is an underground cocktail bar that pays homage to the elegant clubs of yesteryear. Guests enter through an alleyway marked by a red neon “Cocktails” sign, leading to a cozy, jewel-toned lounge adorned with plush seating and subtle nods to superstition and luck.
The bar offers a seasonal menu of crafted cocktails and rare and vintage spirits, along with parlor snacks. Its classic cocktail menu is uniquely presented as a deck of cards, with each card representing a thoughtfully designed drink based on its historical reference.
Run for the Roses emphasizes sustainability in its cocktail program, employing techniques like super juice extraction and forced carbonation to minimize waste and enhance flavor.
Details:
- Address: 1801 Blake St., Suite 10, Denver, CO 80202
- Phone: (720) 573-9155
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 5 p.m.–midnight; closed Mondays
- Reservations: Not accepted; walk-ins only
- Price range: $$$ (cocktails typically $15–$20)
- Website: https://rftrbar.com/
Run for the Roses offers an intimate setting for those seeking a refined cocktail experience in the heart of Denver.
Honorable mentions: Hidden speakeasy bars in Denver worth visiting
A few other standout bars round out Denver’s speakeasy scene, each offering its own take on hidden entrances, quality cocktails, and distinctive atmosphere:
At 1422 Larimer St., this Western-inspired bar beneath Larimer Square serves whiskey-forward cocktails and includes an in-house hat-making studio. The former home of Green Russell keeps the underground vibe alive with modern flair.
This 1950s Caribbean-themed speakeasy at 1403 Larimer St. leans into tropical cocktails and moody décor, with a focus on rum and agave spirits. DJs on weekends keep energy high beneath Larimer Square.
Inside the Oxford Hotel at 1600 17th St., The Cruise Room is Denver’s longest-running bar, famous for its Art Deco design and martinis. It opened the day after Prohibition ended and remains a landmark of Denver nightlife.