Skip to main content

Locals’ 6 Favorite Bars in Denver

By U.S. News & World Report

Denverites love to work hard — and play hard. So it’s no surprise the city is full of a growing number of breweries, pubs, cocktail lounges and sports bars where locals can grab an after-work cocktail or a frosty brew.

Visitors will have no trouble finding a great bar within walking distance in almost any Denver neighborhood. The real challenge is finding a great place to post up for a special event, like a Sunday afternoon football game, or to indulge in the perfect cocktail, whether it’s a well-crafted Old Fashioned or a dirty martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives.

To help travelers navigate the Denver bar scene, local experts shared their favorite places around town to imbibe and unwind.

[Read: 7 Breweries to Visit on Your First Trip to Denver.]

The Fire Lounge

Encased in floor-to-ceiling windows on the fourth floor of t he Art hotel in Denver’s Golden Triangle district is the contemporary Fire Lounge and adjoining rooftop terrace, where Ashley Taufen, communications manager with the Visit Denver tourism board, likes to go to “check out the public art collection and art-themed cocktails.”

Taufen recommends trying the Jackson Pollock, a rosemary-infused gin cocktail with muddled strawberries and a splattering of balsamic reduction syrup around the rim of the glass to mimic the abstract expressionist artist’s famous painting style.

The Fire Lounge is an ideal place to wrap up a day spent exploring the Golden Triangle’s many cultural offerings. A special Social Hour menu is offered daily from 3 to 6 p.m.

[Read: 7 Must-See Museums in Denver.]

Union Lodge No. 1

Tucked away on a quiet side street near the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver, the historic Union Lodge No. 1 pays homage to pre-Prohibition mixology (a golden era for cocktails), offering a selection of hand-crafted concoctions that use small-batch spirits and an array of fresh ingredients and garnishes.

“I love Union Lodge because it’s off the beaten path,” says Joern Howind, concierge at the Four Seasons Denver Hotel. “All the drinks they make are American classics, and it has a really cool atmosphere.”

Pull up a leather bar stool in this saloon-styled space and watch in awe as the bartender builds your cocktail of choice with finesse — perfect for an after-dinner nightcap.

Punch Bowl Social

Denver’s South Broadway neighborhood is brimming with bars and restaurants, but anchoring it all is Punch Bowl Social, whose lightbulb marquee you can spot from blocks away. Recommended by Sheila Gargan, concierge at The Westin Denver Downtown hotel, this lodgelike space houses a 360-degree bar, a massive faux granite fireplace surrounded by leather couches and Victorian-inspired wingback chairs for lounging, and an array of social activities from bowling to shuffleboard.

“South Broadway is really happening right now,” Gargan says. “This is a fun place where you can have a punch bowl served at your table and play games.”

In other words, there’s something for everyone, making it a local favorite for meeting up with friends. Thanks to the diverse crowd it draws, the “PBS” can also be a great place to meet new people.

Cooper Lounge

The newly revitalized Union Station has become a popular hub for dining, entertainment and nightlife thanks to the addition of several top-notch bars and restaurants, including the posh Cooper Lounge at the Crawford Hotel.

Concealed on the mezzanine level of the hotel overlooking the bustling terminal and offering a selection of craft beers and Colorado-made spirits, Cooper Lounge is one of Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s favorite bars, who calls it “a great social environment for a nice cocktail.”

Here, guests can order drinks while sitting at a bar or lounging on white leather couches and tufted armchairs. This service-oriented spot is the perfect place to impress a date or, according to Taufen, “a good spot for a drink before or after dinner.” But be prepared to wait if you don’t have a reservation.

[Read: The Best Things to Do in Denver.]

Infinite Monkey Theorem

Boasting one of the best patio spaces in the RiNo (short for River North) neighborhood, this “urban winery” serves wine on tap behind the “taproom” counter, just like many of the city’s beloved craft breweries. Although the only option besides wine is a hard cider, the Infinite Monkey Theorem is a local favorite for its fun atmosphere. The space channels the artsy energy of its surrounding neighborhood and fosters a community environment by hosting group events, live music, food trucks and yoga classes.

Michael Schmidt, tour concierge at the Crawford Hotel, highly recommends the winery for its “fantastic patio” and “wine on tap.”

Grab a bottle of cabernet franc to share with friends at the outdoor picnic tables, swing by to sample the delicious rose wine slushy when it’s available during the warmer months or grab a growler of wine to go. One-hour tour and tastings are offered Friday through Sunday and cost $25 per person.

Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen

Best known for having an extensive beer selection and a gourmet pub menu created by Top Chef Masters contender Jennifer Jasinski, Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen also offers a large, cozy place to saddle up and sample local spirits.

Howind, who is German and very fond of European-style beers, recommends Euclid Hall for its menu of “unique beer cocktails.” As a nod to the nearby Auraria campus, which houses three universities, Euclid Hall offers a discounted Study Hall menu from 3 to 6 p.m. daily.

To experience more of what Denver has to offer, check out the U.S. News Travel guide.

More from U.S. News

7 Breweries to Visit on Your First Trip to Denver

6 Great Brunches in Denver – Locals’ Picks

Find the Best Hotels in Denver

Locals? 6 Favorite Bars in Denver originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
Read Next Story

Related News

Frustration grows in Venezuela as earthquake death toll reaches 1,430

Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in ‘first step’ toward peace, Rubio says

Trump-endorsed populist poised to become Colombia’s next president as rival challenges vote