Step behind secret doors and hidden entrances to discover Denver’s 10 best speakeasies.
If we were to hop in a time machine and travel back 100 years, we’d find ourselves in the midst of the Prohibition era: a time when the sale and consumption of alcohol was prohibited, and bootleggers were in high demand. And even though Colorado adopted prohibition four years before the nationwide Volstead Act, not everyone in the state was on board with the new restrictions. Denver, in fact, was one of the most vocal cities against dry and anti-alcohol laws.
With the new law, Denver saw the closure of as many as 1,615 saloons and 17 breweries in the Denver area alone. Knowing this, it’s not surprising that Denver was one of the hot spots when it came to speakeasies. These secret cocktail clubs were often hidden inside soft drink parlors, barber shops, funeral parlors, and other in-plain-sight locations, usually requiring a password or secret handshake to gain entry.
More recently, you might remember Denver’s “two-hour prohibition” in 2020. In response to COVID-19, Mayor Michael Hancock announced that liquor stores and marijuana dispensaries were not considered essential businesses and would close the next day as part of Denver’s stay-at-home order. As a result, rather than staying home, people from all over lined up outside liquor stores and dispensaries in an attempt to stock up before the temporary prohibition.
In response to the chaos, the mayor reversed the order two hours later and deemed liquor stores and dispensaries essential businesses. Phew.
Lucky for us, in the summer of 2026, the liquor (and zero-proof spirits) is flowing in Denver, and you don’t have to stock up or drink in secret. Despite this freedom, our fascination with the prohibition era remains. Perhaps it’s the excitement of doing something in secret, or the feelings of discovery and exclusivity.
Regardless of your why, here are 10 Denver speakeasies and where to find them.
Williams and Graham
If you didn’t know any better, you’d think Williams and Graham (W&G) was just a small bookstore, and you’d probably walk right past it without giving it a second thought. Lucky for you, now you do know better, and you’ll walk right in. Once inside, head over to the old-fashioned cash register and give the cashier your name and ID. A green light will turn on, a bookshelf will open, and you’ll be welcomed into the W&G speakeasy.
W&G’s cocktails are as creative and sleek as you’d expect from a bookstore speakeasy. They offer unique house cocktails featuring ingredients such as lavender, condensed milk, olive oil, Thai basil, and more. You can also choose from classic cocktails like an espresso martini, Negroni, Paloma, and more. There’s also beer, wine, and mocktails. Perhaps the most creative drink they offer is a fully personalized cocktail. Simply tell the bartender your tastes, preferences, and mood, and they’ll create a one-of-a-kind drink just for you.
While not required, W&G strongly encourages making an online reservation in advance. With such an intimate atmosphere and limited seating, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to snag a walk-in spot.
Fun fact: W&G now has a second location hidden behind a faux bookstore in Denver International Airport (DIA).
Lincolns
Out of all the spots on this list, Lincolns is the one most likely to transport you back in time and feel closest to the Prohibition era. Signless and hidden, this bar makes finding it part of the experience. So, at the request of the owner, I can’t disclose exactly how to find Lincolns, but I can tell you a couple of key things. First, it’s located in the Ice House near Union Station, and second, it’s cash only, so don’t show up empty-handed.
Luckily, a little cash is all you need since everything there is $5, tax included (get it? You pay for your drinks at Lincolns with Lincolns). However, don’t expect anything fancy; the drinks are simple. Choose from 10 spirits and add a mixer, or opt for wine, beer (including Odell Brewing’s specially brewed Lincolns Lager), seltzer, or cider.
The fun of finding a hidden bar with affordable drinks is what gets you in the door on the first visit. The simplicity, predictability, and comfortable atmosphere are what get you to stay and keep coming back all the times after that.
The Cruise Room
A drink at The Cruise Room might be the closest you’ll come to entering a time machine. Hidden inside one of Denver’s oldest hotels, The Oxford Hotel, The Cruise Room (inspired by the luxurious RMS Queen Mary) opened the day after Prohibition ended (and who’s to say it wasn’t already a secret speakeasy before that?).
The Cruise Room has been continuously serving drinks since 1933, making it Denver’s longest-running bar. True to its 1930s roots, the bar is decorated in Art Deco style, sleekly shaped like a wine bottle, and glows a distinctive red glow. As a Denver landmark, this spot can get very busy, and they don’t take reservations, so visiting is a bit of a gamble when it comes to crowds. But with their famously good martinis and legendary history, it’s a gamble worth taking.
Retrograde
What’s sweeter than ice cream? Finding a secret bar hidden inside an ice cream shop’s freezer. Head to Sweet Action Ice Cream in Uptown, step through the freezer door, and you’ll find yourself in Retrograde, a mid-century cosmic speakeasy.
No matter how many times you visit, entering Retrograde will feel like a whole new experience. That’s because of its ever-evolving menu and environment, which shift with the seasons and bring in new sci-fi themes inspired by the classics and the cosmos.
Like all places, Retrograde does have some house etiquette to abide by. With its popularity, you can expect a wait (I suggest grabbing some ice cream while you wait). They also won’t seat incomplete parties, and everyone in your group is expected to order at least one drink (don’t worry, out-of-this-world N/A beverages are available!).
Perhaps the most fun part of the bar is its creative cocktails, with names like “Bride of the Killer Piñata,” “Invasion of Astro-Monster,” “Sting of Death,” and plenty of other cosmic concoctions.
B&GC
Ding dong. That’s the sound you’ll hear as you press the doorbell (hidden in an alleyway) and embark on a journey back to the decades following WWII, a time frozen in B&GC’s (Boy’s & Girl’s Club) speakeasy. Located in the Halcyon Hotel, this little hideaway is exactly the place you picture when you think of a speakeasy: the lights are low, the décor is sleek, the seating is cozy, and the bartenders are professionals. Due to limited seating, reservations are required!
Their menu features both savory and sweet bar snacks and, of course, a long list of handcrafted and creative cocktails (plus N/A options). The extensive cocktail menu ranges from classic favorites like Manhattans and espresso martinis to, wait for it … a $2,500 “Gilded Martini.” Created in partnership with Cherry Creek jewelry business Gnat, this luxury drink comes complete with a one-of-a-kind Gnat diamond necklace made of 24K gold and a one-carat diamond. When ordered, it’s served in a custom locked case.
However, if you’re not feeling a cocktail, or spending next month’s rent money, there’s also beer, wine, and champagne by the bottle. No matter what you order, the atmosphere is just as timeless and enjoyable.
Run for the Roses
If you stumble upon a trail of roses in Denver’s Dairy Block, follow it. After an elevator ride underground, the doors will open to Run for the Roses: a speakeasy frozen in a bygone era complete with plush seating, jewel-toned décor, and an air of sophistication.
Once you’ve found your seat, you’ll be presented with a menu in the form of a deck of cards. The cards follow a distinct code where certain numbers correspond to specific spirits and different suits represent flavor categories, all rooted in historical references. If you’re looking for something a little fancier, there’s also a reserve cocktail list featuring rare spirits and historic bottles. There’s also a small menu to snack from alongside your drinks.
Reservations are not accepted, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Emerald Eye
Not every hidden bar has to take you back to the Prohibition era. Escape to a tropical underground at the Emerald Eye. Tucked away in Larimer Square, an intriguing neon sign simply reading “Cocktails” marks the entrance. Open the basement door and follow the stairs down until you find yourself transported to a 1955 Caribbean tiki bar complete with exotic plants, colorful lighting, and cozy seating.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the vibes get even better with live DJs and dancing. Their menu features seasonal and creative cocktails with a heavy focus on rum and drinks inspired by the Caribbean and Central and South America, including mojitos, piña coladas, spicy margaritas, and more.
They accept walk-ins, and it’s the perfect spot to grab a drink before a concert, sporting event, or evening out in Denver.
Trybal African Speakeasy
Step foot into “the first ever African Speakeasy in the U.S.” Trybal, located in downtown Denver, offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of African culture through authentic food, exceptional cocktails, art, and music.
Like any speakeasy, getting inside takes a little extra work, which only adds to the fun. Trybal uses a knowledge-based entry system centered on African culture, which you can find on its website. You read an interesting fact and answer a related question. Answer correctly, and you’ll receive an entry pass that can be scanned at the door. Before you go, it’s important to know that there is a strict upscale dress code, and reservations are encouraged since the bar can get very busy.
Once inside, you’ll find yourself in a beautiful space decorated with wall art directly sourced from Africa and a full menu featuring authentic African cuisine, including suyas, puff puffs, fried plantains, Bantu salad, and more. Alongside the food is an extensive cocktail menu with favorites like the Zamani Espresso Martini, Pineapple Juju, and Hibiscus Old Fashioned. There’s also beer, wine, and mocktails.
Union Lodge No. 1
Union Lodge No. 1 takes you back to the days before Prohibition, a time when cocktail creativity truly flourished. That being said, it’s not exactly a speakeasy since it’s neither hidden nor inspired by the Prohibition era. However, it is a speakeasy-style bar, offering an escape from the fast-paced modern world and a return to a slower, more intimate atmosphere that feels both exclusive and high-end.
At Union Lodge No. 1, you can expect exceptional drinks from bartenders whose years of passion and knowledge have helped make some of the finest cocktails in Denver. Their menu aims to recreate what they believe was a true American bar experience in the late 19th century.
Their drinks range from seasonal selections to slings, juleps, sours, swizzles, tonics, and more. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and are happy to create something based on your taste preferences. Just ask!
Agua Bendita
Agua Bendita welcomes sinners and saints alike as it approaches the speakeasy theme with a unique twist: a Catholic confessional. Located beneath El Patio, you enter Agua Bendita through a confessional booth and find yourself in an intimate space decorated with church pews, candles, and a different kind of holy water: unique and delicious handcrafted cocktails, especially mezcal cocktails.
Agua Bendita harkens back to the Prohibition era because it makes you feel just a little sneaky and sinful as you sip your drink. The atmosphere is intimate, but don’t expect the quiet, relaxing ambiance of some of the other speakeasies on this list. Instead, Agua Bendita feels more like a nightclub and is best saved for nights when you want to embrace your sinful side.
