Denver is a city that loves to drink, and there’s no better time to enjoy a refreshing cocktail, a cold beer, or a glass of wine than during happy hour. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to unwind after work, a lively place to catch up with friends, or a trendy venue to impress a date, you’ll find plenty of options in the Mile High City. Here are 10 of the best happy hours in Denver Colorado in 2023, featuring food and drink specials, great atmospheres, and delicious cuisine.
1. Woodie Fisher
What to order: Crispy Chicken Wings, Craft Cocktails
We love the atmosphere at this gorgeous restaurant located a few blocks from Union Station in LoDo. Woodie Fisher sits inside one of the oldest standing structures left in Denver, the city’s original Hose House #1. It was restored a few years ago and pays homage to its former fire station structure by offering all first responders 20% off.1 We love their Happy Hour, offered seven days a week from 4-6 p.m. and featuring $6 glasses of wine, $2 off signature craft cocktails and draft beers. Pair your cocktail with their crispy chicken wings with a Thai peanut sauce ($8) or their Woodie Fisher burger ($15). You can opt to sit at the bar, at a table in the dining room or in their cool, cozy lounge area, which features great views right into their open kitchen.
2. Le Roux
What to order: Radish Crudite, Chicken Liver Mousse, Sparkling Rose
From Lon Symensma and Cholon Concepts, this French bistro is a richly appointed and romantic space that feels intimate and luxurious. The happy hour menu is extensive with 15 (!) items under $5.2 The Radish Crudite is fundamentally french: raw crisp radishes with a drizzle of honey, a dusting of coarse salt on a soft piping of high fat butter. They are crisp, salty, sweet and spicy at the same time. The Chicken Liver Mousse is served with grilled brioche toast points and a fig jam. The Sparkling Rose is refreshing and pairs well with any of the dishes.
3. Bar Dough
What to order: Wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas
This Italian restaurant in LoHi is known for its wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas that headline the menu.2 The happy hour is offered daily from 3-6 p.m. and features $5 glasses of wine, $4 draft beers, $6 cocktails and $8 pizzas. The Margherita pizza is a classic choice, but you can also try more adventurous toppings like lamb sausage or roasted mushrooms. The pastas are also delicious and range from $9 to $12 during happy hour.
4. Jax Fish House
What to order: Fresh seafood flown in daily
This seafood restaurant in LoDo has been serving fresh fish and shellfish flown in daily since 1942.2 The happy hour is offered Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. and features $1.50 oysters on the half shell, $5 glasses of wine, $4 draft beers and $6 cocktails. You can also enjoy other seafood dishes like peel-and-eat shrimp ($9), calamari ($8) or crab cakes ($12). The restaurant has a big, noisy party setting with a great bar scene.
5. Kaos Pizzeria
What to order: Wood-fired pizzas surrounded by lush gardens
This pizza place in Platt Park is a hidden gem that offers wood-fired pizzas made with organic ingredients.2 The happy hour is offered Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. and features $5 glasses of wine, $4 draft beers and $2 off pizzas. You can choose from classic toppings like pepperoni or cheese or more creative ones like fig and prosciutto or pear and gorgonzola. The restaurant is surrounded by lush gardens that make you feel like you’re in an oasis.
6. Panzano
What to order: Modern interpretations of classic Northern Italian dishes
This Italian restaurant in downtown Denver offers modern interpretations of classic Northern Italian dishes served amid contemporary décor.2 The happy hour is offered daily from 2:30-6 p.m. and features $5 glasses of wine, $4 draft beers, $7 cocktails and half-priced appetizers. You can sample dishes like bruschetta ($7), arancini ($7), meatballs ($8) or gnocchi ($9). The restaurant also has a gluten-free menu for those with dietary restrictions.
7. Work & Class
What to order: Latin American and American dishes
This restaurant in RiNo offers the cooking of chef Dana Rodriguez, who blends Latin American and American flavors in dishes like blue corn empanadas, cochinita pibil or fried chicken.2 The happy hour is offered Tuesday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. and features $5 glasses of wine, $4 draft beers, $6 cocktails and discounted food items. You can try dishes like lamb sausage ($7), pork ribs ($8), roasted goat ($9) or cornbread ($3). The restaurant has a bustling atmosphere with communal tables and an open kitchen.
8. Otra Vez Cantina
What to order: Taco Tuesdays
This Mexican restaurant on the 16th Street Mall offers authentic cuisine and drinks in a colorful and festive setting.3 The happy hour is offered weekdays from 4-6:30 p.m. and features $5 margaritas, $4 draft beers, $6 wines and half-priced appetizers. You can enjoy dishes like nachos ($7), queso fundido ($7), ceviche ($8) or quesadillas ($8). But the real deal is on Taco Tuesdays when you can get tacos for as low as $1 from 4 p.m. to close.
9. Root Down
What to order: Global cuisine made with local ingredients
This restaurant in LoHi offers global cuisine made with local ingredients sourced from organic farms. The happy hour is offered Monday through Friday from 4-6:30 p.m., Saturday from 5-6:30 p.m., Sunday from 4-9 p.m., as well as late night on Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m.-12 am. The happy hour features $5 glasses of wine, $4 draft beers, $7 cocktails and discounted food items. You can try dishes like sweet potato falafel ($7), lamb sliders ($9), veggie burger sliders ($8) or Korean BBQ tacos ($8). The restaurant has a hip vibe with eclectic décor and stunning views of downtown Denver.
10. Tavernetta
What to order: Aperol Spritz, Olives and Marcona Almonds
This upscale Northern Italian eatery located in the heart of downtown Denver just off the Union Station train platform may appear to be a better option for special occasions or higher-priced dinners, but midday they offer the best Happy Hour in Denver.1From 4-6 p.m. daily (yes, even on weekends), Tavernetta’s Happy Hour menu includes $7 cocktails (the Venetian spritz is our personal favorite), $7 glasses of wine, $6 beers and a host of reasonably priced small plates like hierloom tomato crostini ($10) and Cacio e Pepe ($15). No reservation necessary for Happy Hour, and the lounge is especially cozy when the fireplace is lit in winter.
As you can see, Denver has a lot to offer when it comes to happy hours. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to unwind after work, a lively place to catch up with friends, or a trendy venue to impress a date, you’ll find plenty of options in the Mile High City. And if you’re looking for a way to invest in your future while enjoying a drink, why not check out The Good Neighbors? We are a local company that helps our clients buy and sell short-term rentals and vacation homes so they can enjoy financial freedom. We have the tools and expertise to help you find, furnish, and manage your Airbnb or VRBO property with ease. You’ll also get to join a dynamic community of investors who share your passion for real estate. Plus, you’ll get access to exclusive perks and discounts from our partner businesses. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today at info@thegoodneighbors.com or visit our website to learn more. Cheers!
Sources:
1. deliciousdenverfoodtours.com
2. gayot.com
3. happeningindenver.com
