Ask anyone what first comes to mind when they think about Denver, and things like “mountain views” and “craft beer” are sure to be at the forefront. And while it’s very true that the Mile High City has those things in spades, it’s also chock-full of bars and clubs for young adults.
Denver’s vibrant nightlife scene gives everyone from singles to couples to friend groups the perfect spots to sip, socialize, and snap Insta-worthy photos atop sprawling patios with those renowned mountain views in the background.
Read on for the 19 best bars for young adults in Denver.
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Best Centrally Located Denver Bars
The 1Up Arcade and Bar
1925 Blake St., Denver, Colorado, 80202
- Hours: 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 3 p.m.-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday
- Happy Hour: 11-1:30 a.m. Sundays and 3-7 p.m. Monday through Friday
This might be one of the most obvious choices to include in our list of the best bars in Denver for young adults. To start, there’s the obvious: This classic spot near Coors Field is full of video games, from old-school Pac Man to NBA Jam to more modern setups that are perfect for group competition. And then there are the drinks: Whether you’re into a $3 mystery shot (something only young adults will survive), one of the $2 happy hour Coors Lights, or something a little fancier, you’re sure to have a good time without spending an exorbitant amount of money.
Desert Social
1312 S. Broadway, Denver, Colorado, 80210
- Hours: 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon -1 a.m. on Saturday, and noon-10 p.m. on Sunday
- Happy Hour: 4-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon-10 p.m. on Sunday
This cool spot on South Broadway is the perfect place to snap a nice-looking photo on Instagram and enjoy some hang time (literally, because some of the chairs swing) on this unique patio. When it comes to Denver bars for young adults, it’s hard to beat the ambiance at Desert Social. Be sure to try the agua de casa.
Happy Camper
3211 N. Pecos St., Denver, Colorado, 80211
- Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Monday through Wednesday, 11-2 a.m. on Thursday, 10:30-2 a.m. on Friday, 9:30- 2 a.m. on Saturday, and 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sunday
- Happy Hour: 3-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday
This outdoor-centric spot in the Highlands is all about the vibes, be it from the fire pits, the surprisingly cozy seating, bottomless brunches, or the lovely menu that blends espresso martinis with buckets of White Claw. Happy Camper also regularly hosts pre-games for big Denver events like Rockies opening day or concerts at the stadium, making it the perfect spot to meet up with friends old and new.
Herb’s Hideout
2057 Larimer St., Denver, Colorado, 80205
- Hours: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 3 p.m.-2 a.m. on Sunda
- Happy Hour: N/A
While not a traditional nightclub, Herb’s Hideout could technically be considered one of Denver’s dance clubs thanks to its always friendly and rollicking dance floor and great taste in music, be it through live cover bands or DJs who play stuff that actually gets crowds going. It’s also one of the few places in LoDo with a crowd you actually want to hang out with, as well as $5 beers (which might be even more of a rarity). No matter which way you swing it, this is easily one of the best Denver bars for young adults.
Historian’s Ale House
24 Broadway #102, Denver, Colorado 80203
- Hours: 2 p.m.-midnight Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m.- midnight on Thursday, 11-2 a.m. on Friday, 10-2 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.-midnight on Sunday
- Happy Hour: Numerous specials throughout the week, including all-day happy hour on Tuesday
What makes Historian’s one of the best Denver bars for young adults? Let’s start with this epic rooftop, which is perfect for both its opportunities for people-watching on South Broadway (if you know, you know) as well as its view of the downtown skyline. Next, there’s its menu, which includes an ever-changing rotation of unique beers, as well as a selection of wine and local spirits. For when you inevitably get hungry, be sure to order some food, which happens to be pretty affordable and fantastic at soaking up the consequences of whatever you choose to imbibe.
The Meadowlark Bar
2701 Larimer St., Denver, Colorado, 80205
- Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. daily
- Happy Hour: 4-8 p.m. every day
Thanks to its spot in the heart of RiNo, the Meadowlow Bar has been considered one of the best bars in Denver for young adults for quite a while. However, it’s not just a stop during a night of bartending; it’s a destination unto itself. That’s thanks to its wide variety of DJs, fun dance floor, and large patio for those moments when you don’t want to shout at your friends over the music.
Middleman
3401 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80206
- Hours: 4 p.m.-midnight Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4-10 p.m. on Sunday
- Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday
The magic of Middleman is that it can be whatever you want it to be. You can easily just post up and sip on $4 Montucky’s, or you can sample one of their sophisticated cocktails with hard-to-pronounce names. Regardless, you’ll be taken by the cool yet relaxing atmosphere, and on a nice day, the opportunity to enjoy some sunshine thanks to the large windows. A bonus? This bar serves pretty good food — another crucial criterion when it comes to great Denver bars for young adults.
The Thin Man
2015 E. 17th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80206
- Hours: 3 p.m.-2 a.m. daily
- Happy Hour: 3-6 p.m. daily
Is this a hipster bar? Is this just a classic dive bar with a mild-to-moderate Jesus theme? It’s hard to say, but regardless, this is easily one of the best bars in Denver for young adults. Between the combination of classy cocktails and much more affordable drinks, it’s the perfect spot for everything from a first Hinge date to a meetup with friends you’ve known for much longer.
Best Denver Dive Bars for Young Adults
Hi-Dive
7 S. Broadway, Denver, Colorado, 80223
- Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. daily
- Happy Hour: 4-8 p.m. daily
The Hi-Dive basically is South Broadway. It has that independent spirit and grungy interior that inherently make it cooler than you are, but it’s also super welcoming to just about everyone. It’s the perfect spot to catch a show from the latest up-and-coming act, as well as hang around during free pool on Mondays. If you’re strapped for cash, be sure to stop by at happy hour and snag $2 Rainier and $4 well drinks.
Lion’s Lair
2022 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80206
- Hours: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m.- a.m. on Friday, and 3 p.m.-2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday
- Happy Hour: 3-8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
The Lion’s Lair isn’t just one of the best Denver bars for young adults — it might be one of the best spots in the region to see the next big thing live. Over the course of its history, this storied East Colfax Avenue establishment has welcomed everyone from Jello Biafra of the Dead Kennedys to the Black Keys. Drinks are affordable, too: You can always snag a $4 PBR or Bud Light on draft, with all of the drinks being $1 off at happy hour.
The Nob Hill Inn
420 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80203
- Hours: 10-2 a.m. daily
- Happy Hour: 4-6 p.m. daily
The beauty of East Colfax Avenue is its weirdness, and nothing encapsulates that ethos better than the Nob Hill Inn, located just a couple of blocks away from the Colorado Capitol. Don’t let the creepy clown painting inside scare you: This place has nothing but a good heart. The drinks are cheap, the clientele is nothing if not quirky, and the bartenders will love you even if you’re not a regular. This bar also happens to always be dark, meaning it’ll feel the same whether you’re there at noon or at 10 p.m.
The P.S. Lounge
3416 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80206
- Hours: 3 p.m.-midnight Sunday and Monday, 3 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
- Happy Hour: 3-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 4-6 p.m. on Sunday
The P.S. Lounge has long been one of the best bars in Denver for young adults … but it also might just be the best bar in Denver period. Why? To start, every lady who visits gets her own rose, and everyone gets a free shot of the famous Alabama Slammer. This cash-only establishment also has a wide variety of affordable beverages (don’t expect to find beer on tap, though), and the owner, Pete, is often roaming around to ensure everyone has a good time. Probably the best thing at the P.S. Lounge is its jukebox — it includes everything from Greek music selected by Pete himself to Purple Rain to ABBA’s Greatest Hits.
Best Denver Dance Clubs
Club Vinyl
1082 Broadway, Denver, Colorado, 80203
- Hours: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
- Happy Hour: N/A
This multi-level spot right near downtown is one of the quintessential Denver, Colorado nightclubs, booking everything from Latin DJs to top EDM artists. You’ll have no excuse not to find something you want to dance to, thanks to the four levels of dance floors, all of which play different music on a given night. The main room has a huge LED monitor that adds a show to the show, and the crowd is generally young, friendly, and ready to have a great time.
Milk Bar
1037 Broadway, Denver, Colorado, 80203
- Hours: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday
- Happy Hour: N/A
The Milk Bar is among the best Denver, Colorado nightclubs thanks to its underground location in the back alley of Bar Standard as well as its lineup that includes everything from goth, 80s, and alternative to hip-hop and indie techno music. No matter what you’re into, this is easily one of the best Denver dance clubs.
The Grizzly Rose
5450 Lincoln St., Denver, Colorado, 80216
- Hours: 6 p.m.-midnight on Wednesday, 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 6 p.m.-midnight on Sunday
- Happy Hour: N/A
The Grizzly Rose is truly the embodiment of old-school Denver dance clubs. That’s, of course, thanks to the history’s long Western heritage and this establishment’s reputation for bringing in some of the biggest country acts at the earliest stages of their careers (we’re looking at you, Taylor Swift). This longtime spot is also a fun time, whether you’re a seasoned line dancer or just a fan of drinking enough beers to decide you might be capable of riding a mechanical bull. Be sure to check out the daily specials, including Thursday ladies’ night, where women drink for free from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Best Gay Clubs in Denver, Colorado
Charlie’s Nightclub
900 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80218
- Hours: 11-2 a.m. daily
- Happy Hour: N/A
Charlie’s Nightclub has been a favorite among gay clubs in Denver, Colorado since it was established in 1981. To start, it really leans into the city’s cowtown reputation thanks to its Western theme, but it has its own twist thanks to its regular lineup of dance parties, Lady Gaga tribute shows, and colorful collection of strong and affordable drinks.
X Bar
629 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80203
- Hours: 3 p.m.-2 a.m. daily
- Happy Hour: 3-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday
X Bar isn’t just one of the top gay clubs in Denver, Colorado — it might just be one of the best Denver dance clubs period. Whether you’re into one of the frequent karaoke nights, drag shows, Friday night dance parties, or the unlimited $15 beer busts, you’re sure to have a great time (even if some of it is a little bit hazy).
Tight End Bar
1501 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80218
- Hours: 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Friday, and noon-2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Happy Hour: 3-8 p.m. Monday through Friday
The Tight End is relatively new to the Denver bar scene, but it’s already a favorite. This LGBTQ+-friendly bar is all about sports and is equipped with 17 TVs, two patios, and a nice sound system for those huge games that everyone wants to watch.
Tracks
3500 Walnut St., Denver, Colorado, 80205
- Hours: 9 p.m.-1:45 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 p.m.-1:45 a.m. on Sunday
- Happy Hour: N/A
Tracks Denver has been one of the top gay clubs in Denver, Colorado for decades and has long been a key part of the fabric of the Mile High City’s LGBTQ+ community. It’s also a pretty fun place to hang out, thanks to its ever-changing lineup of events, strong drinks, and huge space that plays a combination of pop and hip-hop music.