The Best Bars for Foodies in Denver

by The OpenTable Team

Updated February 26, 2020

The "Mile High City" has a bar and restaurant scene that soars into the stratosphere. Denver's popularity has exploded over the last decade with an influx of new businesses and workers looking to enjoy the city, and the food scene has benefited. But where are the smartest, savviest diners going for the best drinks? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Here’s our list of the best spots for drinks in Denver.

El Five

4.7

4.7 (4260)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Highlands

About the restaurant

El Five is a popular spot for after-work drinks. It's a great place to soak up the surroundings with an amazing view of the city—its location offers guests the chance to gaze out at the Denver skyline. The cuisine and the drinks are as spectacular as the view. Grab a pitcher of the sangria, a local craft beer, or one of their fine wine selections, and you're guaranteed a good night out.

Top review

RachelleVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Incredible food, incredible service, it was such a wonderful experience and worth the wait to get in

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Experience

Chef's Counter Dinner

Izakaya Den

4.8

4.8 (1970)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Platt Park

About the restaurant

Izakaya is in one of the most happening sections of Denver and the weekends bring out a young clientele for Japanese "small plate" dishes. It's an ideal spot for dinner out with friends. Share the small plates, noodles, sushi, and pair the bites with recommendations from the sake list. They also offer sake flights for those who love to sample.

Top review

SteveVIP

Dined 4 days ago

We enjoy Izakaya Den and understand that it has complex menu choices, which we consider a feature (not a bug). However, our waiter managed to make the menu more confusing rather than easier to navigate. We couldn't tell whether he was trying to "sell" us on items, provide information, or just hear himself talk! He got very far afield on the preparation of Tuna Collar and then discovered that he was describing a totally different dish. He also laid-on a thick layer of jargon, i.e "flavor profiles", etc. instead of speaking with clarity. The experience at Izakaya Den is already very good and didn't need to be embellished with BS. Fortunately, since one in our party has serious allium (onion/garlic) and gluten sensitivities, the order was placed correctly. We'll definitely will return again, and just hope we don't get the same waiter! Yeesh!

Linger

4.7

4.7 (7705)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Highlands

About the restaurant

In the summertime, Linger's rooftop bar is always packed with locals enjoying classic cocktails and craft beers. There's a dedicated rooftop patio menu full of mouth-watering and hearty creations—a bison Reuben, wagyu sliders, and Korean tacos. For all of the cold weather months, visitors can head inside and relax at a table for a full meal.

Top review

Justin

Dined 2 days ago

Awesome experience all around from the staff to the food. Thanks for making our anniversary and V-day so special!

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Popular dish

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Bun (1)

The Corner Office Restaurant and Martini Bar Denver

4.1

4.1 (3723)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Downtown / LoDo

About the restaurant

The Corner Office is in the heart of everything. It's within a stone's throw of the Colorado Convention Center, the Elle Caulkins Opera House, Union Station, the Colorado State Capitol, and the Denver Art Museum. Both visitors and locals can be found here gawking over the extensive "TCO Martinis" menu. It's a perfect way to end the day after time spent sightseeing or working.

Top review

SandraVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had the Valentines Day special: a wedge salad, a potato soup. salmon and a nice combination of little desserts. Plus the eggplant appetizer with our pre- meal cocktails. All the food was perfectly prepared and the cocktails were very creative! This restaurant is very convenient to DCPA.

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4.5

4.5 (4387)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

Downtown / LoDo

About the restaurant

Created by acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval, Tamayo provides authentic Mexican classics in a warm and welcoming atmosphere off of Larimer Street. There are plenty of events going on at Tamayo: Taco Tuesdays, a Happy Hour with drink and food specials, and Bottomless Brunch specials. In the summertime, take advantage of Tamayo's rooftop bar with one of their famous cocktails.

Top review

RobinVIP

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

We did the bottomless brunch (food only). It was great and had a birthday celebration so tried all the desserts

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Popular dish

Shrimp

the plimoth

4.9

4.9 (2427)

$50 and over

American

Central

About the restaurant

This neighborhood eatery from chef Peter Ryan is a local favorite. There's an ever-changing menu with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, and outdoor dining tables when the weather is good. Stop by the bar for a cocktail or a local beer on tap and enjoy a nice dinner with locals in the know.

Top review

Blaine

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent food and service! Ambience was special.

SOL Mexican Cocina - Denver

4.1

4.1 (1787)

$30 and under

Mexican

Cherry Creek

About the restaurant

Classic Mexican dishes and in an indoor-outdoor fire pit for chilly nights, what more could one want from a bar? SOL Cocina is a lively spot, with plenty of specials and a diverse crowd. There's a huge margarita and tequila menu, and they have plenty of filling food options: the street and specialty tacos have garnered much acclaim.

Top review

Tim

Dined 3 days ago

Always satisfied with food and service. Enjoyed the special Valentine’s three course menu. Would like to see this feature offered more often

The Capital Grille - Denver

4.8

4.8 (4777)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown / LoDo

About the restaurant

Located next to the Center for the Performing Arts, the Capital Grille is a perfect spot for dinner and drinks before seeing a show. It offers classic steakhouse vibes and a menu to match, with plenty of steak dishes and a huge wine list—a reliable choice for a night out on the town.

Top review

ismail

Dined 3 days ago

Absolutely amazing food and staff very friendly and not shovey shovey like most restaurants

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Experience

Wagyu & Wine Spring Lounge Event

ELWAY'S Downtown

4.4

4.4 (4280)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown / LoDo

About the restaurant

In the middle of the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Denver, Elway’s is a mix of steakhouse and sports bar and gets its name from one of the biggest heroes in Colorado sports history—the quarterback who took the Broncos to two titles. The place features plenty of delicious upscale dishes for a sit-down dinner and a fine variety of traditional bar fare for those who want to stop in on Sunday and take in some football.

Top review

Gary

Dined 4 days ago

This was our first trip here. I had read the mixed reviews but wanted to try Elways’s for myself and form my own opinion. The restaurant was very busy and Steven was our server. He was super friendly and we asked his opinion on a couple of items and he gladly answered our questions. Food was nothing short of amazing. We started with grilled artichoke and salads for appetizers. Both were fantastic. My wife had an 8oz filet(medium) and I had the 10oz filet(medium)and mashed potatoes. Steaks were cooked perfectly, very tender and tasty. Wine was great. Overall one of the best places we have eaten and again Steven was fantastic. We will definitely return soon.

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