18 of Denver’s Best Happy Hours

Happy hour is practically an institution in Denver, especially on those beautiful late summer days when the sun is shining and a patio (or air-conditioned bar) is begging you to cut out of work a little early. Luckily, the Mile High City makes it easy to indulge in this feeling with an abundance of generous late-afternoon deals on drinks and bites. Here, 18 of our favorite places to raise an affordable glass.

Editor’s note: This is a living list that was last updated on August 21, 2024. Did we miss your favorite happy hour? Email us at dining@5280.com.

Tap & Burger

Multiple locations
Tap & Burger satisfies appetites for handheld delights at four outposts across the Front Range. At all of them, diners can enjoy rotating flatbreads, salads, wraps, and burgers crafted by chef Carrie Baird, who became the restaurant’s culinary director in fall 2021, and tried-and-true classics that have made the 14-year-old chain a local go-to. Save on selections of both on the Dog Days of Summer happy hour menu, which debuted earlier this month. Multiple locations
The Deals: Order a round of cocktails ($5), beers ($2–5), or shot-and-beer combos (the Remote Worker features a shot of Espolòn Blanco with a Dos XX draft for $9). Then dig into a classic smashburger, a two-hander with a thin beef patty, American cheese, and all the usual accoutrements ($6); six jumbo wings with your choice of sauce ($9); and a shareable Asian ginger salad with crispy onions, tomatoes, carrots, and sesame seeds or wedge salad speckled with bacon, everything spice, tomatoes, and blue cheese (both $5).
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 2–6 p.m.; Sunday, 5–9 p.m. —Patricia Kaowthumrong

Leven Deli Co.

Golden Triangle
From 4 p.m. until close on weekdays, this beloved Golden Triangle deli supplements its regular lunch menu with a new happy hour program, which launched in March. This means that, while all of Leven’s tried-and-true sandwiches, sides, and more are still available, you can spend your after-work hours perusing expanded offerings, like buy-two-save-$2 toasts, house-made spreads served with the shop’s signature breads, and shareable boards. The trendy tinned fish board, which comes with a rotating choice of fish, whipped feta, charred lemon, assorted pickles, and copious slices of in-house focaccia and sourdough, is perfect for patio dining while the weather is still warm. 123 W. 12th Ave.
The Deals: Take it easy with a draft beer or glass of wine (both $6), or opt for one of the happy hour cocktails, like the minty Cucumber Press ($9) that comes with your choice of gin or vodka, or the Greek Spritz ($10) with piney Greek mastiha liqueur, ginger simple syrup, lime juice, Cava, and a splash of soda water.
Happy Hour: 4–7 p.m, Monday–Friday —Ethan Pan

Pancho Poncho

Speer
Replacing Logan Street Restaurant & Bar as the next-door dining companion to Carboy Winery’s Denver location, Pancho Poncho swapped out its predecessor’s Mediterranean influences with an all-Mexican menu this past June. While it’s uncommon to have access to quesabirria tacos and a full selection of locally produced wines at the same time, it’s rarer to have a happy hour menu snap back in after dinner service. Well, that’s what you get at Pancho Poncho, so if it’s 6:01 p.m. and you just missed out on those deals, circle back in three hours and celebrate again. 400 E. Seventh Ave.
The Deals: $7 house margs, $9 espresso martinis, and $10 shot-and-beer combos let you start the party how you like; glasses of Carboy wines are $2 off, to boot. Just don’t miss the entrée-size carne asada fries, which, at $7, is likely one of the cheapest ways to fill up so long as you’re willing to start dinner a little early.
Happy Hour: 3–6 p.m. and 9–10 p.m., daily (only afternoon happy hour on Sundays) —EP

STK Steakhouse

LoDo
You probably wouldn’t expect this upscale New York–based steakhouse chain, which brought an outpost to LoDo in 2017, to have stellar happy hour deals. But it does. Come hungry because there are a lot of must-haves, from wagyu meatballs to popcorn chicken. If you don’t want to spoil your dinner entirely, opt for an order of the tater tots—which are really more like cheesy arancini dusted with Parmesan—and the melt-in-your-mouth short rib quesadilla (the perfect sharing size for two). With 16 different cocktails to choose from, there’s a libation to suit tequila lovers, bourbon buffs, gin enthusiasts, and vodka devotees. But we also support keeping it simple if you prefer one of STK’s $9 wine pours. The best part? You get three-dollar-sign service without the hit to your wallet. 1550 Market St.
The Deals: Don’t skimp on the $9 specialty cocktails because they usually carry a $22 price tag. Pair your inexpensive sipper with an array of $3, $6, and $9 bites or splurge on the $19 surf and turf (a three-ounce filet and a jumbo prawn).
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 2:30–6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2:30–5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9–11 p.m. —Jessica Giles

The Hampton Social

LoHi
Put on your best blue-and-white outfit and head to this coastal-inspired restaurant for fresh seafood dishes and cocktails that will transport you to the beaches of New England. The national chain—which also has locations in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and Tennessee—opened in the former Ale House space in July and serves up Manhattan- and Maine-style lobster rolls, oysters, and clam chowder alongside American staples. The next time you’re daydreaming of a beach vacation at the office, head to the Hampton Social’s happy hour for discounted dishes and a nautical ambience. 2501 16th St.
The Deals: Toast to the end of the workday with $12 specialty cocktails, including the Hampton Frosé; the I Glitterally Can’t, a mix of strawberry gin, sparkling rose, and edible glitter; or a Bloody Mary shot served with an oyster on the side. Soak it up with a shareable Southampton artisan pizza ($15) or creamy spinach dip ($12), or keep it light with tuna tartar in a honey chili vinaigrette ($16) or roasted Brussel sprouts served atop whipped goat cheese ($10).
Happy Hour: 3–6 p.m., Monday–Friday —Michelle Shortall

Fellow Traveler

Englewood
After bartending at Sputnik for nearly a decade, Joe Phillips opened his own spot for craft cocktails and comfort food five miles south on Broadway in 2022. Fellow Traveler’s fully vegan lunch and dinner menu jet-sets across the world with plant-based versions of global classics—from a tofu bahn mi sandwich to cauliflower aloo gobi to mac ‘n’ cheese tossed in a cashew cream sauce. During happy hour, sidle up to the inviting bar or grab a spot on the back patio and whet your appetite with a range of discounted cocktails before enjoying veggie-packed small plates ($7 and under) that will satisfy herbivores and omnivores alike. 3487 S. Broadway
The Deals: Sip on a refreshing Dream Lover (vodka, citrus medley, guava syrup) for $9, a lavender gin lemonade for $6, or keep it classic with $2 off wines by the glass and $1 off beers on tap. Then dig into a vegan version of a White Castle–esque burger slider ($4), cauliflower wings tossed in your choice of buffalo, barbecue, or sweet chile sauce ($6), or Colorado poutine—house-cut fries covered in a spicy green chile and chipotle aïoli ($7).
Happy Hour: 3–6 p.m., Monday–Friday —MS

Wolf & Wildflower

Wheat Ridge
Let’s be honest: Most establishments’ “happy hours” occur during what most of us, most days, call “working hours.” Perhaps that’s why Wolf & Wildflower co-owners Tamara McTavish and Sarah Galloway—mothers who both worked full-time jobs in the run-up to launching their chic, welcoming wine bar in July 2023—offer what they’ve dubbed “reverse happy hour,” with special specials ($2 off desserts, $5 draft beer, and $2 off select glasses) for an hour after kiddo bedtime Monday through Saturday. Whenever you go, grab a few pals and pair your choice from the expertly curated wine list—flower icons denote the owners’ faves—with shareable eats like the Howling Wolf charcuterie board or hot honey pear flatbread. 7190 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge
The Deals: During the afternoon event, beers are discounted by $1 and select glasses of wine are $2 cheaper, but we love to take advantage of the $5 off flights deal. Order the Blind & Bougie to let your bartender choose your four pours, then buy a bottle of your favorite: They’re all 25 percent off during happy hour, too.
Happy Hour: All day Monday; 4–5:30 p.m., Tuesday–Thursday; 3–5:30 p.m., Friday; 3–5 p.m., Saturday–Sunday; 8–9 p.m., Monday–Thursday; 9–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday —Jessica LaRusso

Redeemer Pizza

RiNo
If you’ve only hit up this pizza joint’s alley window for late-night slices, consider its afternoon happy hour a reason to park yourself at a table inside or on the patio and stay a while. Redeemer’s sourdough pies—from Alex Figura and Spencer White of Dio Mio fame—are perfectly chewy, making the slice-and-drink deals hard to pass up. But don’t sleep on the humbly named garlic knots, which are heavenly soft bread balls stuffed with fresh mozzarella and served with chile honey. 2705 Larimer St.
The Deals: The four-pack of garlic knots is a dollar cheaper than usual, at $8, and the dealer’s choice rotating cocktail is just $8 as well. But for perhaps the best meal deal in all of Denver, order a slice and a beer for $6 or a slice and a glass of wine for $9.
Happy Hour: 4–6 p.m., Monday–Friday —JL

Local Jones

Cherry Creek
Tucked inside the Halcyon Hotel surrounded by Cherry Creek’s upscale boutiques, this all-day bistro is the perfect pit stop during a day of retail therapy in the neighborhood—particularly since happy hour starts at 2 p.m. daily. The menu sports bites by chef Dan Young, who adds refined and nostalgic touches to contemporary American dishes. He joined the Halcyon culinary team in 2022 after tenures at renowned restaurants in Las Vegas, Cleveland, and beyond.  249 Columbine St.
The Deals: Local Jones’ signature piquillo-pepper-garnished spicy martini ($10) is our thirst-quencher of choice, but there are also deals on sangria ($11 or $30 for a pitcher), a bartender’s choice cocktail ($10), draft beers ($6), and house wines ($9 or $25 for a bottle). Nibble on a rotating selection of fresh oysters ($2 each), fried artichokes hearts ($9), and crab and artichoke beignets ($9).
Happy Hour: 2–5 p.m., Monday–Friday —PK

ChoLon

LoDo and Sloan’s Lake
Having presided over the corner of 16th Street Mall and Blake Street for more than a decade, ChoLon has long called to Denver diners craving upscale Asian fusion eats like Thai Brussels sprouts, Indonesian fried rice, and French onion soup dumplings. This spring, chef-owner Lon Symensma added a Sloan’s Lake location, which is also a sweet spot for a leisurely happy hour. 1555 Blake St.; 1691 N. Raleigh St.
The Deals:Select glasses of wine are $7, while a nice sparkling brut rosé is only $8. But if your idea of pre-dinnertime bliss is more boozy, ChoLon’s signature cocktails are $3 off MSRP. We’d recommend ordering the Block Distilling gin- and basil-infused Suikawari ($11) and a smattering of snacks, particularly the pork belly bao buns ($6 each), “General Cho’s” soup dumplings ($5 for two), and coconut-jam-slathered kaya toast ($11).
Happy Hour: 2–5:30 p.m., daily —Lindsey B. King

Vesper Lounge

Capitol Hill
This Capitol Hill drink den appeals on many levels. The vintage chandeliers and a well-and-shot special (the Capitol Hillbilly) are reminiscent of a dive. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers divine pitas and dips. And staff greets regulars by name, making the watering hole a true neighborhood gathering place. A stellar time to take in the charm is during happy hour, when the bar is less crowded and a large array of snacks and drinks is available for a discounted price. 233 E. Seventh Ave.
The Deals: Choose a couple of the six dips ($4)—available in red pepper or green chile hummus, pesto, olive, tzatziki, or baba ghanoush—and round out your spread with some gyro, burger, sloppy joe, or falafel sliders ($4 for one). To drink, you can’t go wrong with the Vesper, a gin-and-vodka house cocktail known as James Bond’s signature drink ($7 all the time), or any of the spirit-forward offerings on tap such as the dark and stormy or paloma ($8) or the BOGO Crossroads (two-for-one dirty martinis for $14).
Happy Hour: All day Monday; 4–6 p.m., Tuesday–Friday; 2–4 p.m., Saturday–Sunday —PK

Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar

LoDo
Denverites line up outside of the downtown Jax location well before it opens at 3:30 p.m. to be among the first to crack into the daily deals on oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, mussels, and other seafaring delights. Sit at the bustling, central bar to get the best LoDo people watching, and enjoy the show as shuckers expertly plate and present their briny morsels. 1539 17th St.
The Deals: Select oysters are $2 each (pair them with $5 hush puppies or fries) or enjoy a pan-ocean sampler of a half-pound peel-and-eat shrimp, six Emersum oysters, and a half-pound of snow crab for $55. Cocktails, wine, and bubbles are just $6 to $8 a glass.
Happy Hour: 3:30–5 p.m., daily —RMM

Dew Drop Inn

Uptown
Kiendl Smith, Leigh Jones, and Margaret Moore—the female-led team behind Uptown’s Dew Drop Inn—are no strangers to happy hour, having worked in Denver establishments like Horseshoe Lounge and Embassy Tavern. So when they opened their cozy neighborhood watering hole in May 2021, they gave it a happy hour with teeth: nearly all house cocktails are just $9, and call drinks are $7 each. Thoughtful, shareable bites are in abundance, like the $22 Big Bowl of Mussels, prepared in your choice of three broths: Parisian-style white wine, lemon, and garlic; Bangkok-style red curry; or Genoa-style with pesto, white wine, lemon, and cherry tomatoes. 1033 E. 17th Ave.
The Deals: Call drinks and glasses of the house red, white, or rosé are $7; Neighborhood Cocktails (think: margaritas, palomas, and dark and stormies) are just $9.
Happy Hour: 3–6 p.m., Monday–Thursday —RMM

Toro

Cherry Creek
It’s hard to find cheap drinks in ritzy Cherry Creek North, but Toro, the Richard Sandoval–led restaurant in the Hotel Clio offers a welcome reprieve for the hoi polloi. With a sprawling indoor-outdoor restaurant and patio and oversize leather barstools, it’s easy to wile away the two hours of deals in the environment of your choice. Pair your $6–8 bebidas with a bite prepared by chef de cuisine Tracy Todd, who honed her talent for crafting pan-Latin specialties under the tutelage of predecessor Oscar Padilla (now behind Gaucho Parrilla at Freedom Street Food Hall). 150 Clayton Lane, Suite B
The Deals: Order $5 beers and $6 house wines alongside $6–$8 cocktails (don’t miss the habanero blood orange margarita). Pair with rich and tangy smoked swordfish dip for $7 or a set of two pork belly street tacos for just $6.
Happy Hour: 3–5 p.m., Monday–Friday —RMM

Joy Hill 

Overland
Share a spread of wood-fired bites while you watch the sun set behind the Rockies on Joy Hill’s covered and heated rooftop patio to experience what feels like one of Denver’s hidden happy hour treasures. The homey South Broadway pizzeria offers daily deals so you can warm your belly with a za’atar and feta flatbread ($10) and a chai old fashioned ($6), or split a bottle of organic house red, white, and rosé wine for only $20. Just be sure to cash in on the $10 bargain for Joy Hill’s most beloved pie: a 12-inch margherita pizza featuring its house-made, hand-stretched mozzarella and naturally leavened sourdough crust, made with heirloom wheat flour from Boulder-based artisan mill Dry Storage. 1229 S. Broadway
The Deals: Shareable food items—pizza, cheese plates, flatbread, and tomato soup—for $10 or less; select cocktails and glasses of wine for $6; and $1 off draft beers
Happy Hour: 4–6 p.m., daily —Madi Skahill

Olive & Finch Collective

City Park West, Cherry Creek, and LoDo
$5 mojitos, sangrias, and gimlets are already a steal, but tack on a $3 deal for Outlaw light lagers and you might just have the most cost-efficient happy hour in town. Make that three: these steep discounts are available at both Olive & Finch locations (which also have select food items on the happy hour menu) and their newer sister restaurant, Little Finch, on 16th Street Mall. Even the items outside of happy hour tend to be affordable; pair something from the lineup of fresh baked goods with a pressed juice, coffee, or tea for a quick afternoon pick-me-up. 1552 E. 17th Ave.; 3390 E. First Ave.; 1490 16th Street Mall
The Deals: Enjoy $5 cocktails and wine, plus discounts on a rotating lineup of small plates and shareables at Olive & Finch.
Happy Hour: 3–5 p.m., daily —EP

Work & Class

RiNo
At Work & Class, Dana Rodriguez’s essential meat-and-three concept located in a shipping container in RiNo, the term “Early Work Release Program” is preferred to “happy hour,” but the 60-minute deal window offers indulgences that are easy on the wallet all the same. Cocktails on tap—like plum spritzes, mules, and espresso martinis—and house mixers with a choose-your-own liquor policy are all $12 or less, along with a lineup of four creative plates to share (or not). 2500 Larimer St.
The Deals: Pick a spirit to pair with the likes of cucumber-mint lemonade or a grapefruit-habanero-rosemary mixer for just $11, or enjoy $2 off wine and $5 suds. Shareable plates like zucchini corn fritters, spicy chicken pot pie, and lamb chorizo poutine are all $9 and under.
Happy Hour: 5–6 p.m., Wednesday–Sunday —RMM

Señor Bear

LoHi
Named after executive chef Blake Edmunds, who also goes by Whiskey Bear, Señor Bear serves Latin-inspired dishes with a twist. Its happy hour menu is available every day from from 3 to 6 p.m. at the bar (3 to 5 p.m. at tables) and consists of eight appetizers and a decent-size drink list of cocktails, beer, wine, and tequila shots (for those extreme happy hour folks). The cocktails run strong and the food arrives hot and fast. Portions do run small, such as the single Gordo Crunch, so make sure to order one each if you do not want to share. 3301 Tejon St.
The Deals: Margaritas are just $8, mini queso with chorizo runs $6, and the Gordo Crunch—a take on the Taco Bell staple—costs a blessed fiver.
Happy Hour: 3–6 p.m. at the bar, 3–5 p.m. at tables, daily —Helen Xu

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