From the century-old Denver Zoo, to the largest green space in Denver, City Park, Uptown Denver will keep any resident or visitor busy. Bars in Uptown give locals and tourists plenty to get excited about, too, both during the day and as part of the fantastic Denver nightlife.
Denver’s bar scene is well known for being diverse, fun, and welcoming. Uptown, in particular, offers some of the most exciting and varied joints for grabbing a swift one after work, watching the big game, getting dressed up to the nines, or simply chillin’ for a while. North Capitol Hill, to give Uptown its more “official” name, is packed with hip, up-and-coming, and well-established drinking spots, so you’re never more than a stone’s throw away from some of the best bars in Uptown.
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Top 5 Uptown Bars
Picking the best bars in Uptown, Denver is only so tricky because there are so many great options. We picked out five that constantly rate high on reviews and local sites, so you can try them out yourself.
Society Sports and Spirits
Address: 1434 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
The name says it all: Society is a sports bar where spirits, draft beer, and awesome bar food come together in a community atmosphere. Sit at the bar and watch the game on one of the many screens, or take a table and sample some craft beers and wings — vegan options are available too.
What to Try:
If you go there to watch Monday Night Football, ask about the endless wings: smoked and boneless wings, fries, and all the beer you can handle.
Dew Drop Inn
Address: 1033 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
If cocktails are more your flavor, Dew Drop is the spot for you. This bar is one of the best-stocked establishments in Uptown, with the weird and the wonderful on display, from black walnut bitters to every spirit under the sun. Chic, yet cozy and never pretentious, Dew Drop is a top spot for classy cocktail drinkers who enjoy a more down-to-earth vibe.
What to Try:
A bowl of Parisian mussels won’t soak up the alcohol, but the French bread might. Pair this dish with a Port Cara Cara or, if you’re driving, one of Dew Drop’s “Clear-Headed” zero-alcohol cocktails.
Stoney’s Bar and Grill
Address: 1035 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
Would you believe our next contender in the top bars in Uptown list is right next door to the last one? Finish your cocktail at Dew Drop, walk a few steps to your left, and hop into Stoney’s Uptown. Stoney’s is one of the best spots to watch the Nugs (The Denver Nuggets, the local championship-winning basketball team). Plus, it’s literally built from history. They crafted the décor from 150-year-old barn wood, with a repurposed ski gondola that you can use as a booth!
What to Try:
Friday night is wine night, when Stoney’s offers hearty bruschetta with your choice of wine or champagne.
Union Lodge No.1
Address: 1543 Champa St, Denver, CO 80202
From sports bars to speakeasies: Union Lodge No.1 takes the Prohibition look to the next level. The owners themed it around late-19th-century drinking holes, so expect dark wood, leather, and expertly crafted cocktails. The drinks here are as much a feast for the eyes as the tastebuds. They blend modern flavor fusions—think cherry-hazelnut bitters—with the atmosphere and care of what they refer to as the true “American Bar.”
What to Try:
The house old fashioned is a genuine classic, but for something fancier and a little more dangerous, try the absinthe cocktail. It’s redolent with mint and house-made bitters—just make sure you bring a friend to help you home.
The Horseshoe Lounge
Address: 414 E 20th Ave, Denver, CO 80205
The Horseshoe Lounge isn’t just rated as one of the best bars in Uptown, it’s regularly hailed as one of the best bars in all of Denver! This success could have something to do with the enormous, 30-foot bar made entirely of dice. It could also be the fact that it’s open from 3 pm ‘til late every day, showing sports on giant flat screens and serving cold beer, shots, and hot dogs.
Enjoy a game of pool or pinball, or take your drinks outside and enjoy Uptown city life while tucking into some pizza and craft beer. There’s happy hour for four long, merry hours every day, plus, if you figure out how many dice there are in the bar, you get a free beer.
What to Try:
Order some flavored tater tots with your ‘dog, and wash them down with a blood orange wheat beer.
Live Near the Best Bars in Uptown, Denver
If our list of top bars in Uptown makes you excited about Denver city life, talk to AptAmigo. We’re always on hand to help you choose the right apartment, close to the things you love, in an area that suits you down to the ground. We can source 1, 2, or 3-bedroom apartments, or look for bespoke housing options that fall within your budget. Take a look at Denver apartments close to these top bars right now, or contact AptAmigo for more information.
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Mabh Savage is a seasoned travel writer with a knack for finding the best bars and restaurants wherever she goes. She’s written for magazines, travel companies, tourism agencies, and real estate companies all over the world.
