Best Top Shelf Bars In Denver
When you want to make an evening of it at an upper-echelon bar in Denver, there's a nice mix of those with casually upscale atmospheres and others with a serious devotion to all things liquid. No dives here, we've got the best top-shelf bars in town.
Cruise Room
1600 17th Street
Denver, Colo. 80202
(303) 825-1107
www.theoxfordhotel.com
Anchored inside the historic Oxford Hotel, the Cruise Room is known for its art deco interior and narrow, oblong space, designed to mimic a lounge on the Queen Mary. It's also renowned for a spectrum of flavored martinis and a consistent overall attention to detail...for instance, specialty cocktails are enhanced only with fresh-squeezed juices. If you like tony patrons and a hip vibe, cruise on in. Open Sunday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, till 12:45 am.
Marlowe's
501 16th Street
Denver, Colo. 80202
(303) 595-3700
www.marlowesdenver.com
Marlowe's continually attracts downtown professionals with its dark woods and casually upscale atmosphere, plus a killer patio on the 16th Street Mall. Try a signature martini, or suggest your own. The wine list is small but select, and drink specials dot the happy hour menu daily from 3 pm to 7 pm and 10 pm to close. Open Monday through Thursday, from 11 am to 10 pm; Friday, till 11 pm; Saturday, 9 am.to 11 pm; Sunday, 9 am to 10 pm.
Wynkoop Brewing Company
1634 18th Street
Denver, Colo. 80202
(303) 297-2700
www.wynkoop.com
Sometimes you've just gotta have a decent beer. Wynkoop Brewing Company's Railyard Ale has long been a trademark, offering among its meticulously handcrafted brews some medal winners at the Great American Beer Festival. Flying under the radar is its list of scotches, and the venue often sponsors a single-malt tasting of hard-to-find varieties (put in your reservation early). There's also pool upstairs, comedy performances downstairs and an entertaining, national Beerdrinker of the Year contest. Open 11 am to 2 am daily.
1441 Larimer Street
Denver, Colo. 80202
(303) 996-9985
www.tag-restaurant.com
With a team of mixologists (no pedestrian bartenders here), Denver super-chef Troy Guard boasts a top-shelf bar within his signature restaurant. Creative cocktails are augmented by a massive wine wall, featuring hard-to-find varieties...order your vino from a half-glass up to a whole-shebang bottle. Try the Liquid Lunch special offered Monday through Friday - an entrée paired with just the right adult beverage for 10 bucks. Open Monday through Thursday, 11:30 am to 10 pm; Friday, till 11 pm; Saturday, 5 pm to 11 pm; Sunday, 5 pm to 9 pm.
The Village Cork
1300 South Pearl Street
Denver, Colo. 80210
(303) 282-8399
www.villagecork.com
You may be surprised by the hippy-dippy exterior, but venture inside and you'll find one of the most select, intriguing wine lists in town in a comfortably casual atmosphere. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and decidedly non-intimidating. Other beverages cover the spectrum, with limited, owner-selected offerings. Pair with simple, delicious appetizers from the daily chalkboard menu and you've found nirvana. Open Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday, till midnight; Saturday, 5 p.m. to midnight.
