See the Best Views in the Mile High City at These Denver Rooftop Bars
This is where you should be drinking to see the most of the Mile High.
How do you get even higher than the already elevated Mile High City? Head up—way up—to a rooftop bar, where the drinks are almost as cool as the views. Denver bars and restaurants know a thing or two about capitalizing on their amazing perch between city and mountains, and these 15 rooftops are prime spots for gazing upon all our natural beauty. From highrise lounges to high altitude cabanas to game-filled roosts, rooftop bars are tops.
South Broadway
It’s not typically a good thing for a fire to burn down (get it?) parts of a building, leaving a gaping hole in the middle of it, but it’s worked out for BurnDown. That hole is now a tri-level, open-air atrium, culminating with a rooftop deck that’s almost always full of live music, cocktail-sipping revelers, and killer views of the entire Front Range. With bars on every level and a full menu, your thirst and hunger don’t stand a chance here.
Cherry Creek
Halcyon is cool enough as it is, but the rooftop bar and pool with views of the Rockies really solidifies its standing as one of Denver’s most interesting (and entertaining) hotels. Besides its panoramic perch, Rare Bird features a roster of summery cocktails, a full menu, and cozy cabanas for sitting poolside in between swims. It’s one of the better, bougier ways to spend a warm and sunny day.
Ballpark
Seventy beers on tap, ample seating, music, sunshine, and just some chill, beer garden vibes. That’s what’s hidden from streetview down on Blake, and it is well worth climbing the stairs to get there. A popular spot on weekends, be prepared to scope out a spot upon arrival. Once you squeeze in and get settled, kick back, enjoy a beer (and your company), and munch on some crispy fries or a juicy burger. Beer not your thing? Tap Fourteen has over 50 whiskeys to sample instead.
LoHi
Linger is marked by that giant O’Linger Mortuaries sign overlooking the entire neighborhood. But don’t worry, there’s nothing creepy about the rooftop; in fact, it’s spacious, easy to access, and has pretty sweet views of the city. A 1975 GMC RV is where you’ll find Linger’s signature cocktails and pretty much any other drink you’re looking for; and once you’ve found a seat, you can order to your heart’s content from the full food menu with steamed bao buns and roasted mushroom tostadas.
Rino
This come-early-and-stay-late spot offers one of the most massive rooftop patios in all of Denver, spanning 3,000 square feet. Enter the retro Catbird Hotel and take the elevator up to the spacious covered bar and lounge, grab some charcuterie or vegan nachos, then take your drinks out into the fresh air for daily happy hour, a constant DJ lineup, unique events like Wellness Wednesdays, and the occasional pop-up show, and some of the best city skyline selfies you’ve ever taken. Not sure what to order? The signature frosé is a must.
Greenwood Village
Denver works hard but plays so much harder, so the welcome for this massive, two-story adult playground was warmer than warm. Imagine a Saturday filled with bowling, arcade games, live music, craft beer, and tasty bar bites—then add the colossal Skydeck, complete with its own bar, tons of seating, cornhole, ping pong, and killer Front Range views. This place is a Weekend Warrior repeat destination like no other.
Cherry Creek
The forecast here is “always sunny in spirit” with a chance of nautical fun, given the rooftop pool, 180-degree views of the Rockies, and fun, seasonal cocktails. If you’re looking to splash around a little, this is where you should post up for that Denver summer sun (only if you’re an overnight guest at The Jacquard Hotel, though). And don’t worry, snacks like hummus and charcuterie boards help sustain an all-day affair.
Sloan’s Lake
What’s better than one rooftop brewery? Two! That’s right, you can take your pick of lakeside views at Odell’s Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse or a rooftop reprieve from the bustle of RiNo at the Five Points Brewhouse. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, check out both in the same day. Keep in mind that Sloan’s serves pizza to soak up a bit of that beer, whereas the Five Points locale is drinks only (with the likelihood that plenty of food trucks are parked on the street below).
Sloan's Lake
This brewery/taproom features 10 barrels of craft brews alongside lake views from its 2,400-square-foot rooftop patio where you and 149 of your closest friends can enjoy a cold one on a hot day. Fancy something to eat? There’s no in-house kitchen, but you can be sure there’s a rotation of the best local food trucks parked close by for when you need a little something to soak up some bubbles.
Civic Center
Though only four floors up, the terrace rooftop restaurant and bar, Fire, features views of bustling Broadway and the Museum District alongside creative and classic cocktails. Get there early to snag a semi-private lounge area of your own, complete with a flickering fire. Meanwhile, check out the local art in the Art Hotel, worth exploring whether you're in town for the weekend or have lived here for ages.
Rino
Salsa flights and sunshine? You'll find all that and more at this popular Mexican eatery that boasts a $5 happy hour and a slew of tequila and mezcal-based cocktails that go way beyond the basic margarita. The 90-seat rooftop has expansive city skyline views (ideal at dusk) and is a great spot to hang out for the night or kick off a RiNo bar crawl just the right way.
Highlands
Take an elevator up five stories to find this Mediterranean escape from the Edible Beats (Root Down, Linger) team. Inside the space has pops of color and street art vibes, but on the open-air patio it's all about the views of the Highlands and Downtown. Be sure to get here early to snag a good seat, then settle in for big, shareable servings of paella and picture-perfect cocktails like the rotating frosé or a pineapple cucumber collins.
Central Business District
This bar on the 20th floor of the Le Méridien Denver Downtown boasts sweeping views of both downtown and the Rockies, a roof system that will keep out any afternoon rain showers, cozy private lounge seating, and fire pits. Settle in with one of its many enticing craft cocktails and definitely go just before sunset—you won’t regret it.
LoHi
On the main floor of this food incubator, you can eat your way through the current roster of up and coming culinary creators anytime. But it's the upper floor where you'll find a rooftop bar with unobstructed views of Downtown. On sunny days, it's packed with happy hour crowds and weekend revelers and the energy turns up even more on holiday weekends (note: this is an ideal spot for viewing Fourth of July fireworks). This spot is one instance where following the crowd is actually a pretty great idea.
Rino
Perched sky-high atop The Source hotel, The Woods boasts some of the best (and most underrated) views in town. Along with a menu filled with truly craveable choices (think: wings, soft pretzels, and grilled shishito peppers), this spot boasts over 20 beers on tap (including some brewed on-site), cocktails, two fireplaces, and some of the very best views of both the Downtown skyline and the mountains to the west.
Erica Buehler is a Thrillist contributor.