If you read my post about Denver & the Outdoors, you will know that we were disappointed with the amount of hikes the weather permitted during our October stay in Denver. One may question, what did we do instead? We used our time in Denver to be extremely social which led to a collection of drinks.
Breweries
Cideries
Bars
Breweries
Epic Brewing Company
Location: RiNo
Overall Rating: 9/10
In our 6 weeks here, we went to Epic twice. The first time was a Sunday afternoon. Their beer selection is pretty diverse. I ordered a flight and enjoyed every type of beer. One thing to note is that some of their beers have higher alcohol content. There was also a food truck outside.
A few weeks later, we went back with our friends on a Monday night. We had seen there were board games the first time, so we brought Settlers of Catan to play. On the website, there was a discount for everyone who brings their own game. Unfortunately, Monday night happened to be an open mic night as well. We were not trying to be rude, but we were called out by a comedian. Honestly, we were surprised we were only called out by one.
Reverence Brewing Company
Location: City Park West
Overall Rating: 9/10
Reverence is the smallest brewery we visited, but had the best flight experience. With each flight, there were detailed cards explaining the beer and a small cup of popcorn. Luckily, we showed up on the last day they were serving their Apple Sour. It was delicious and a great option for people who enjoy beer and cider.
Blue Moon Brewing Company
Location: RiNo
Overall Rating: 9/10
We visited the Blue Moon brewery when we visited in June 2021. It was worth it to go twice. I am not sure how often, but their menu changes, so it felt like a new experience. I tried to diversify my flight and was happy I tried something new. Their Mexican Chocolate Brown Ale was unique and delicious. I should mention that I am not usually a Brown Ale drinker.
*Noteworthy is a brewery called Odell Brewing Company. We didn’t go to the brewery, but we did buy some of their beer from the grocery store. I enjoyed the Apricot flavor and I hear “Sippin’ Pretty” is their best one. I did not enjoy their Lemonade.
Cideries
Stem Ciders
Location: RiNo
*Moving location to another spot in RiNo Fall 2022
Overall Rating: 8/10
If you like ciders, Stem is definitely for you. They have classic ciders, but also incredibly creative flavors. We went last year and were lucky to go to the RiNo location a week before it closed. They are moving to a new location nearby that will be bigger and will have a full kitchen. I am excited to visit the next time we come to Denver. I like that they rate the sweetness on their menu. I ordered mostly semi-dry ciders.
Acreage by Stem Ciders
Location: Lafayette, CO
Overall Rating: 10/10
This location is about 30 minutes outside of Denver, but worth the drive. There is a lot of outdoor seating and a playground for kids. In one seating section, there are fire pits. In others, there are outdoor heating lamps. If you are not interested in sitting outside, they have plenty of indoor seating as well.
The view of the mountains from this cidery was insane. Also, there was an extensive restaurant menu. The Acreage has it all! It was pretty busy on a Saturday afternoon, so I would make reservations if you can.
Bars
Forest Room 5
Location: Highland Park
Overall Rating: 9/10
Have you ever sat around a campfire in a forest in the middle of a city? If your answer is no, you are missing out. This bar is deceivingly massive. The indoors has two rooms and one has games. The outdoor section has a lot of trees to try to mimic a forest and it feels more legitimate than you’d expect. I am sure you are wondering. Yes, on the menu there are smores. I love experiencing unique bars. Forest Room 5 created a memory that will be hard to forget.
Lady Jane
Location: Highland Park
Overall Rating: 10/10
Lady Jane screams trendy. Between the dark green velvet seating, the plants, and the creative cocktail list, I am so happy we stopped in for a drink. It happened to be “Bees Knees Week” when we went. They were running an event that if you ordered certain cocktails and posted on social media, they would plant 8 square feet of bees habitats. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse. To make the decision even easier, the drink that I ordered came in a glass shaped like a bear.
Larimer Lounge
Location: Five Points
Overall Rating: 4/10
Our friends invited us to see DJ Decker with them and we wanted to see our friends, so we agreed. EDM is not my scene. The place was packed. They were out of the drink I wanted, so I took their suggestion and was not thrilled. With all that being said, everyone we went with who does like EDM music was having a blast. Overall, it felt like a bar targeting newly 21 year old’s.
Number 38
Location: RiNo
Overall Rating: 10/10
When you walk into Number 38, you have to check in with the front desk. They check your ID, add a credit card to your file, and give you a bracelet. Throughout your time there, you tap your bracelet at the bar or food counters to pay. At the end of the night, they will add a tip and close out your tab. It is such a smart way to help people drink and not forget their cards. Also, it definitely makes people spend more money because you aren’t thinking about it all adding up.
The venue is massive. It has a huge indoor section with games. Once you go outside, there is a big TV screen that plays sports games. They also have DJ events. If all of that wasn’t cool enough, they have a volleyball court. At Number 38, there is something for everyone.
Death & Co
Location: RiNo
Overall Rating: 9/10
If you appreciate well-made cocktails, Death & Co is for you. It is a little more expensive, but the drinks are crafted with the same attention that chefs give to their menu. The menu is split into how the cocktail will make you feel (refreshed or dark & moody) and everything in between. When we went, I was driving, so I ordered one of their mocktails. There is an ingredient they add that mimics the flavor of gin. I was in heaven.
Summit Lounge
Location: Union Square
Overall Rating: 7/10
Summit Lounge is an event space more than it is a bar. We went for Gimme Gimme Disco’s ABBA night and it was a ton of fun. I love ABBA and it was cool to see everyone so dressed up and into the theme. The drinks were ridiculously cheap. I think it is because most of your drink will be spilled on the dance floor. It cost almost double to order a canned drink.
The Deck
Location: Capitol Hill
Overall Rating: 8/10
The Deck is a great neighborhood bar. They play sports on their TVs, have a delicious menu, and a great selection of drinks. On a whim, I ordered their meat & cheese board. If you’ve ever had a great meat & cheese board, do not order theirs. Unfortunately, we ate before we showed up, so I was not hungry for an entrée. The images of their food were mouthwatering.
Challenge
People gravitate towards bars in new cities to experience the culture or they have really good views. Challenge yourself to go to a bar and order a nonalcoholic beverage.