Before summer officially ends and all of my favorite Denver rooftop bars close for the season, I wanted to round up a list of what I feel are the best rooftop bars this city has to offer. If you are a fellow Denver-ite or are thinking about making a visit to the Denver area in the near future, these rooftop bars are a ‘can’t miss’. Be sure to check them out while the days (and evenings) are still warm enough. In no particular order, here are my top picks for must-visit Denver rooftop bars:

Linger

Linger is perhaps the most unique rooftop bar on this list due to the fact that it used to be a MORTUARY. Yes, you read that correctly. This mortuary-turned eatery is located in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver and is one of the coolest rooftop bars in the whole city. Sitting atop the rooftop is a giant “Olinger Mortuaries” billboard sign that illuminates the rooftop’s deck in the evenings, while drinks are served out of an actual RV that’s been turned into a bar. Pretty cool, right? Linger’s rooftop menu serves delicious small bites like spicy pork belly buns, cheese curds and unbelievably delicious mini doughnuts. Also, don’t miss out on trying their frose and/or frozen margaritas. They’re amazing.

 

Del Frisco’s Grille (in Cherry Creek)

If you’re looking for a more modern and stylish take on the regular ol’ run of the mill bar and grill restaurant, Del Frisco’s just might be your cup of tea! It’s located in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver and has an adorable little rooftop patio with lots of greenery, string lights and cozy love seats lining the perimeter. This is one of my favorite places to “do happy hour” as well as to enjoy a casual Sunday afternoon lunch. You really can’t go wrong ordering any of their yummy appetizers and a glass of rose. However, I also love their fun and fruity summer cocktail options, like their glass of sangria complete with a POPSICLE in it!!!! I tend to be easily excited by things like this.

 

The Jacquard Hotel and Rooftop – Kissbee on the Roof (in Cherry Creek)

Kissbee on the Roof is an upscale outdoor bar located on the ninth floor of the swanky Jacquard Hotel in Cherry Creek. This rooftop boasts incredible, panoramic views of downtown Denver, as well as the gorgeous Rocky Mountains. Come to enjoy this rooftop bar nook amid poolside cabanas, (complete with mist-ers on days when it gets way too hot) with a delicious cocktail in hand. INSIDER TIP: My favorite cocktail (called ‘The Marquis’) is from the lobby bar downstairs, so usually I will order this drink from the downstairs bar menu, then relocate to the rooftop for the best seats in the house!

 

 

Elevated – Rooftop Bar of the Halcyon Hotel (in Cherry Creek)

Located atop the Halcyon Hotel in, once again, the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver, this place is almost never crowded, which can be a positive or a negative depending on the type of scene you’re after. The decor is uber swanky and gorgeous and the ambiance feels very “exclusive”. It also has one of the only rooftop pools (complete with cabanas) in all of Denver, which I love! Because, what’s better than enjoying a delicious cocktail while poolside? That’s right, nothing. So, order yourself a fun, summer-y cocktail from the wrap-around bar, and then find yourself a cute nook to curl up in and enjoy the view from one of the many couches scattered across the deck.

 

54Thirty

Located within the Le Meridien Hotel, 54Thirty is probably my favorite rooftop bar in all of Denver, if I had to choose just one. Why, you ask? I love this place for many reasons. First, it’s always very lively, which I personally prefer over a “less-lively” bar. I’m also very into the high-end, lounge-y vibe and ambiance of the place. The drinks are great, the music is even better, and the view literally can’t be beat. 54Thirty is the highest open-air bar in the whole city and the sunsets here are SPECTACULAR. Come to witness a sunset here between the hours of 7:30-8:30 pm and enjoy a mini bottle of bubbly for just $25. Or come with your girl gang and enjoy a bucket of bubbles for $65!

 

Death & Co’s – The Garden

Located on the mezzanine level of the Ramble Hotel in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver is Death & Co’s cute and cozy patio known as ‘The Garden’. Honestly, this place was unbeknownst to me for much of the summer. When I finally caught word of this patio bar I knew I had to check it out. To say I was blown away by it’s courtyard-esque vibes and garden-y feel would be an understatement. Suffice it to say, I will be frequenting this place as often as possible before it closes for the season. From the to die for decor (like its wooden beams wrapped in ivy and string lights) to the iconic, Instagram-worthy “I wish you were here” neon sign, to the deliciously-refreshing cocktail menu (the French 75 is a MUST-try) this place is the ideal spot to spend one of the few warm summer afternoons/evenings we have left.

 

Los Chingones

This modern Mexican cantina is also located in the River North (RiNo) Arts District neighborhood and its fun and lively rooftop is almost always “poppin”, especially, if the Rockies are playing at Coors Field. With an indoor/outdoor bar area, tons of available seating and a party-hearty crowd this place is ALWAYS a good time. Also, I do not lie when I say that their margaritas and street tacos are TO DIE FOR. Order the ‘Wild Card’ taco or the ‘Chingon Queso’ with rattlesnake chorizo if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

 

Tamayo

This delectable restaurant is located on quite possibly the prettiest street in all of Denver, Larimar Square. The numerous string lights strung across this road light up the entire street in the evenings and Tamayo’s rooftop is THE perfect place to overlook this beautiful, twinkling scene. Their vast rooftop-shaded deck stays nice and cool in the summer heat and the chic decor adds to the upscale ambiance of the place. It’s also a great spot for brunchin’, because their weekend bottomless brunch menu is amazing! Oh, and the ancho-spiced margarita is a must-try!

 

Avanti F & B

Possibly the most “lively” bar on this list, Avanti Food and Beverage is located in the Highlands neighborhood and is a sprawling two-story food hall with a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Almost the entire second-story can be considered a “rooftop” with three different sections: 1. your typical open-air rooftop area, 2. a large covered rooftop area (with open sides), and the most unique of all, 3. a bleacher-style seating area that overlooks the downtown skyline. In my opinion, the best part of this modern-day collective eatery is the plethora of food options available! With 7 different vendors to choose from (5 on the ground level; 2 on the rooftop-level) there’s something for everyone, from sushi and poke bowls to wood-fired pizzas, and so much more. Each different vendor serves their food out of their own separate shipping containers which makes the whole concept even more unique. It’s the perfect gathering place to bring a large group of people for a fun, yet, casual ‘dinner and drinks’ situation.

 

And there you have it, folks! Those are my absolute favorite rooftop bars in the entire city of Denver. So, just take my word for it and make sure you squeeze these amazing rooftops into your end of summer festivities before they close down for the season. You’ll be glad you did.