There’s no better way to complete a road trip to Colorado than visiting the capital city of Denver. The city offers many daytime attractions, including museums, galleries, and nearby hiking trails, but the nights are truly awe-inspiring. Denver nightlife is never-ending and full of surprises. Let us introduce you to the best nightlife in Denver and make your trip one to remember for a lifetime.
Contents
1. Live Music
If you’re looking for an upscale experience combining fine dining, amazing music, and an elegant atmosphere, look no further than Nocturne. This jazz club is known for their incredible menu offering a variety of exquisite foods. The staff is exceptionally friendly and are happy to accommodate all sorts of dietary restrictions. Guests rave about their drink pairings, the pomegranate glazed duck leg confit, and the goat cheesecake for dessert. Enjoy quintets and quartets featuring talented local musicians and jazz bands. In a room specially designed for peak acoustic performance, you won’t forget your evening at Nocturne.
If lively country music and line dancing is more your style, the Grizzly Rose is for you. On a typical night, enjoy line dancing, country swing dancing, dance lessons, and a ride on their mechanical bull. Hoping to see someone famous?
Plan your visit for a concert night and experience music from top country singers such as John Michael Montgomery, Easton Corbin, and Pat Green. If you’re hungry, grab your favorite burger and fries basket from the Smokehouse Grill menu or order the Smoker feast to try a little bit of everything. Don’t forget to check out their beverage specials as they have a vast list of delicious rotatory beverages.
A former theater turned music venue, the Ogden Theatre is a hotspot of music activity and often hosts notorious artists such as Coin, Orville Peck, and Girl Talk. Located in the heart of the city, the Ogden Theatre offers a quality sound experience and a good view of the stage from anywhere in the room. We recommend arriving early as the free parking fills up quickly, and you don’t want to miss the opening song of your favorite band in this popular, intimate venue.
2. Comedy & Theater
No matter what’s ailing you, Comedy Works will take your woes away. Enjoy hilarious, live audience shows, where comedians such as Tim Dillon, Taylor Tomlinson, and Chad Daniels will make your cheeks ache. If you want to have an extra special night, we recommend the VIP tickets. They include a reservation at the Lucy restaurant above the comedy venue and a personal escort to premium, front row seats reserved just for you. Don’t forget to book your tickets ahead of time and have a hilarious night.
If you’re a fan of Broadway or live theatre, you must catch a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. From My Fair Lady to Mean Girls to Les Misérables, you are sure to find a show that will pique your interests. We recommend checking their event calendar and booking your tickets ahead of time, as this popular Denver venue sells out fast. You don’t want to miss everything this high class performing arts center has to offer.
3. Cocktails and Bars
If you’re looking for high end drinks in a classy, prohibition-style setting, Union Lodge No. 1 is the bar for you. You’ll be transported to the late 19th century with this bar’s intimate and historically accurate, yet modernized, feel. This speakeasy is a local favorite, with frequent attendees recommending the gin and fizz as a must have cocktail. If you go for a second drink, ask for the bartenders choice. With years of experience, every bartender at Union Lodge No. 1 is equipped to deliver a personalized drink you’ll never forget. This exceptional cocktail bar focuses all their attention on serving the best drinks in Denver, so make sure to grab a bite to eat before you arrive.
If a meal paired with a cocktail is more your style, head out to Death and Co Denver. This bar not only serves exemplary cocktails and wines, but also offers an exquisite food menu, including vegan and gluten free items. Guests cannot stop raving about the quality of food and service this establishment provides! We recommend making a reservation or arriving early as this popular bar fills up quickly.
4. Restaurants & Eateries
When out late in Denver, you might find yourself hungry and searching for an open place to eat. We’ve got you covered! Check out Pete’s Kitchen, a family owned and operated diner serving delicious foods 24/7. With a homey feel and food offerings such as homestyle breakfasts, gyros, and burgers, this quality diner is sure to satisfy all your late night food cravings. They’re known for quick and friendly service along with filling portion sizes. Pete’s also sports true diner-like prices, making this one of the cheapest places to eat in Denver without skimping on quality. The winner of multiple awards from 5280 Magazine, Pete’s Kitchen is a must visit during your Denver visit.
If you’re looking for a high-end dining experience, Tavernetta is comparable to none. This upscale restaurant features an open kitchen, fireplace lounge, and a delightful atmosphere. Guests endlessly rave about the mouthwatering meals, incredible wines, and impeccable service, with many saying it was the best meal they’d ever eaten. Tavernetta is also known for working with guests with food allergies and coming up with creative meal solutions. While on the pricey side, you’re sure to get your money’s worth and then some with the quality of service, food, and spirits served at Tavernetta.
5. Assorted Nightlife Venues
When in Denver, be sure to visit the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, an incredibly sought after outdoor concert venue. Here you can enjoy concerts, outdoor movies, or visit after sunset for an incredible stargazing experience. The Amphitheatre closes one hour after sunset on non-event nights, so make sure to arrive early if you wish to be awe-struck by the milky way. We recommend getting cozy with a blanket and pillows and heading out to a fancy dinner afterwards for the ultimate stargazing evening.
If you love watching cult movies or classics, make sure to go to Landmark’s Esquire Theatre on a Saturday night. This intimate theatre offers a variety of movie times, including midnight showings, perfect for an after dinner treat. With an in-person introduction for each movie, comfortable seating, quality video and sound, and an offering of unique and delicious concession snacks, you are sure to have a one of a kind experience at the Esquire.
If an exciting night of dancing and partying is more your style, head on over to The Church Nightclub. This beautiful building was built in 1865 and served as a church before it was remodeled with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The new owners kept the gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows, making it one of the most unique nightclub experiences out there. At The Church you’ll experience some of the best DJs in Denver, from internationally renowned to local budding talents. Before you leave, be sure to check out the rooftop bar and all three dance floors, including one entirely devoted to salsa dancing! Get your groove on and dance the night away at this one of a kind nightclub.
Wrapping up an Amazing Night
We hope our carefully curated guide on the best nightlife in Denver will help you plan a fun and memorable trip. No matter what kind of nightlife you enjoy, you’re sure to find it in Denver. A city with such diverse attractions is rare, and is a must visit at least once in a lifetime. So, plan your trip now and enjoy this city to the fullest.
If you have already started to plan your trip, check out some excellent accommodations near the best nightlife in Denver on our platform Rental Trader. We have a vast selection of vacation rentals, hotels, homestays, and more. If you want to know more about these accommodations, fill out the webform below, or feel free to call us via the number on the contacts page.
