The Absolute Best Rooftop Bars in Denver

In addition to being one of the hotter bars to recently open, this come-for-happy-hour, stay-for-late-night-shenanigans spot offers one of the largest rooftop patios in all of Denver. Enter the impeccably quaint Catbird Hotel and take the elevator up to the expansive covered bar/lounge, then take your drinks right out into the fresh air for happy hour, Thursday night trivia, and some of the best city-skyline selfies you’ve ever taken.
 

Denver works hard but plays so much harder, which is why 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 colossus that is the 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. (Open May 2.)

The forecast here is “always sunny in spirit” with a chance of nautical fun, given the rooftop pool, 180° views of the Rockies, and fun cocktails like First Chair Vibes and Après Ski Chillin. If you’re looking to splash around a little, this is where you should post up for that Denver summer sun (once it’s officially open this May). And don’t worry, there are available snacks like hummus and of course, a charcuterie board, to sustain an all-day affair.
 

If sipping experimental brews with a lakeside view sounds like an ideal afternoon, then this Odell Brewing location is the place for you. The brewhouse is home to a 10-barrel R&D system, which means they get to have some fun playing around with new beers and you get exclusive access to them. Pair your beer with their scratch made pizza and a seat on the expansive rooftop patio where you can ponder the meaning of life, or just, you know, order another beer. 

This brewery/taproom features 10-barrel craft brews and 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.

Take the elevator on up to the 27th floor for the bar that remains one of the OG rooftops (and one of the swankiest) in Denver. Perfect for special occasions and date nights, Peaks Lounge offers craft cocktails made with local spirits, “tried and true” classics, and a selection of whiskeys, bubbles, beer, and wine. Hit-the-spot-snacks like poke nachos, pork belly sliders, and mango habanero wings are available alongside perfect night-ending sweets like molten lava cake and wonton churros.

This food hall housed in a historic mill built in 1864 is also home to Golden’s first and (so far) only rooftop bar. And it’s totally worth the trek from Denver to check it out, mostly for the views of Clear Creek, North Table Mountain, South Table Mountain, and Mt. Zion. And for the self-pour wall where you can fill up glass after glass of cocktails, local beers, wine, and sake. And the sushi bar, BBQ joint, New Zealand-style ice cream… and, yeah, just go get a drink already.

This hotel has a curated collection of local art that you should explore whether you're a guest or a local, but you don't need to have an art degree to appreciate the FIRE Terrace. Though it's only four floors up, you get views of bustling Broadway below and the Museum District while enjoying creative cocktails. Get there early to snag a semi-private lounge area of your own, complete with a flickering fire.

For over 20 years, Jax's four Colorado locations have been bringing the coast a little closer with their fresh seafood. But it's the Glendale location you need to head to for views unlike any other in the area. Not only can you watch the sunset over the mountains, you can also order the entire full menu on the rooftop (including happy hour favorites like gumbo fries and peel 'n' eat shrimp). Pair those bites with summer-ready cocktails like the vodka-spiked strawberry lemonade and you'll be glad you skipped the crowds downtown for this spot further south.

The entire interior of this perennial favorite for fancy nights out is a work of art, including the top floor where you'll find the Ten Qoo sky bar with a retractable glass ceiling and the rooftop patio. The food and drinks are as impressive as the design details, with a large menu of Japanese small plates that are ideal for sampling and sharing. This place would also make a great date night spot.

Salsa flights and sunshine? You'll find all that and more at this popular Mexican eatery that’s serving up eats like pork carnitas nachos, birria tacos, and a slew of tequila and mezcal-based cocktails that go way beyond the basic margarita. Oh, and the 90-seat rooftop? It's basically a bonus at this point.

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.

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.

Atop The Source Hotel sits this collab between The Source and Fort Collins' New Belgium Brewing. 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.

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 apricot frosé or a pineapple mint collins.