The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
In this month’s “Denver’s 35 Best Bars,” we pick the top bars in seven categories. The trouble is, the list is missing some of our favorite watering holes. Here, our top 11 neighborhood bars.
1. City O’ City
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Why We Love It: It doubled in size this summer, but still has the low-lit, tightly packed vibe of a smaller bar.1
2. Thin Man
Neighborhood: City Park West
Why We Love It: We always seem to find a seat at the bar, and the bartenders are always quick with refills.
Neighborhood: LoDo
Why We Love It: Because all of our bartender friends recommend it. The restaurant has gone through some upheaval, but the drinks don’t seem to notice.
4. Linger
Neighborhood: LoHi
Why We Love It: Because it has drinks named “Corpse Reviver” and “Drowning for Apples.”
5. Irish Snug
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Uptown
Why We Love It: The bar isn’t fancy, but you feel like a regular every time you step inside.
6. El Diablo
Neighborhood: Broadway
Why We Love It: Margaritas. Chips. Salsa. That’s why.
Neighborhood: Cherry Creek
Why We Love It: Because this place is always packed with sports fans, families, and, well, us.
8. The Matchbox
Neighborhood: RiNo
Why We Love It: This joint is less than a year old, but it feels like it could have been serving drinks for decades.
9. Cuba Cuba
Neighborhood: Golden Triangle
Why We Love It: By just stepping in the door, we feel transported to the Caribbean (no matter the temperature outside)
10. British Bulldog
Neighborhood: Downtown
Why We Love It: The bar opens early to show international football games, meaning a fan never has to watch a match alone.
11. READERS CHOICE: Lola
Neighborhood: LoHi
Why We Love It: The view. The drinks. The tequila.
—Image courtesy of Carmel Zucker
