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7 Best Places to Go Out in Denver

Denver has places to go out for very different kinds of evenings: watching a game with a group, meeting friends for drinks, grabbing bar food, or making a relaxed second stop. Your ideal choice depends on the mood and party size.

Start by deciding whether you need a lively game-day setting, a no-frills bar, pizza, or a larger gathering space. If several people are joining, confirm seating and timing early so the night starts without unnecessary waiting.

How this guide is ordered

Research came first: we studied places to go out across Denver and held on to the businesses that specialize most, that customers review best and that give complete details.

Certain businesses pay to appear in more visible positions.

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#1
The Passport Denver
4.9399 reviews
Game-day groups and watch-parties
#2
The Bar Car
4.5597 reviews
Casual drinks and bar food
#3
Bombshells Restaurant & Bar Denver
4.7725 reviews
Game-day mealsLarge casual gatherings

Full list

Compare 7 local options

The Passport Denver#1
What stands out

  • Group-ready sports bar atmosphere

The Passport Denver

4.9399 reviews
1437 Market St, Denver, CO 80202, United States
Best for
Game-day groups and watch-parties

The Passport Denver is a casual sports bar built for shared energy: big-screen viewing, pub fare, cocktails, beer and a lively game-day atmosphere. Food at the bar and happy-hour options make it easy to settle in for a few drinks, while the broad seating setup supports larger groups.

Its strongest role is as a social gathering place for birthdays, team parties, watch-parties and other celebrations. Pool and darts add activities beyond the screens, giving groups another reason to stay after the main event.

The Bar Car, Denver#2
What stands out

  • Vintage neighborhood bar with barbecue

The Bar Car

4.5597 reviews
819 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80206, United States
Best for
Casual drinks and bar food

The Bar Car is a locally owned Denver neighborhood bar with a vintage, train-inspired interior and an easygoing, community-minded feel. Strong pours, classic cocktails, beer and daily specials keep the drinks central, while barbecue and other comfort-food options make it more than a stop for a single round.

The compact setting feels social without being formal, and outdoor seating adds room when the bar is busy. Pool, darts, bingo and occasional DJ programming give the place a lively rhythm, while takeaway food and delivery add practical flexibility.

Bombshells Restaurant & Bar Denver#3
What stands out

  • Sports-focused dining for lively groups

Bombshells Restaurant & Bar Denver

4.7725 reviews
1400 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80202, United States
Best for
Game-day mealsLarge casual gatherings

Bombshells Restaurant & Bar is a lively Denver dining and entertainment spot with comfort food, cocktails, beer and multiple screens built into the experience. The atmosphere suits sports fans, social groups and casual diners who want more energy than a quiet restaurant.

Large tables and accommodating service make the venue useful for group meals, including last-minute gatherings. Servers are prepared to explain menu choices and customize dishes, while quick food delivery helps keep the pace moving during busy events or major games. Pickup, delivery and curbside service provide convenient alternatives when the full bar-and-restaurant atmosphere is not needed.

715 Club, Denver#4
What stands out

  • Late-night pizza and neighborhood energy

715 Club

4.4440 reviews
715 E 26th Ave, Denver, CO 80205, United States
Best for
Casual nightlife with pizza

715 Club is a casual Denver bar where pizza, inexpensive drinks, music and a neighborhood crowd set the tone. Pizza from Famous Original J’s is available on the patio, making it easy to pair a slice with beer, cocktails or a late-night drink.

A dark, energetic interior, dance floor and occasional DJ activity give the bar a nightlife edge without turning it into a formal club. Outdoor seating and event options add flexibility for groups, while the drink list covers beer, wine, spirits and cocktails.

Bannock Street Garage, Denver#5
What stands out

  • Heated patios and classic dive-bar feel

Bannock Street Garage

4.4319 reviews
1015 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204, United States
Best for
No-frills group drinks

Bannock Street Garage is a Denver dive bar with a relaxed, unpolished character, heated patios and plenty of room for casual groups. Beer, cocktails, wine and spirits keep the focus on easy drinking, while pool, darts and sports screens add low-key entertainment.

The bar’s food and event programming give it more range than a drinks-only stop. Crawfish boils, casual food options and outside-food flexibility make it useful for informal gatherings, especially when a no-frills atmosphere is part of the appeal.

The Front Porch, Denver#6
What stands out

  • Playful themed drink nights

  • Outside food is welcome

The Front Porch

4.0461 reviews
1215 15th St, Denver, CO 80202, United States
Best for
Casual drinks with friendsA relaxed second stop

The Front Porch brings a relaxed Denver bar atmosphere to evenings built around drinks and conversation. Its selection covers beer, cocktails, spirits, wine and happy-hour drinks, with table service, seating and a casual dine-in setting. Outside food is allowed, which adds flexibility for groups who want to settle in without turning the bar into a full restaurant.

Quick organization and visible attention to cleanliness help the space work well as a stop during a night out. The bar also leans into playful programming, including name-based drink offers and themed nights, giving repeat visits a distinctive hook. It is especially appealing for friends looking for an easygoing downtown drink, a varied mule selection or a casual place to continue an evening.

Coyote Ugly, Denver#7
What stands out

  • Bartenders drive the entertainment

Coyote Ugly

3.91,253 reviews
Pavilions, 500 16th St Mall #350, Denver, CO 80202, United States

Coyote Ugly is a high-energy Denver bar built around dancing, bartending performances and an unapologetically theatrical night out. The atmosphere can shift considerably by day, from quieter weekday visits to packed evenings with shows, dancing on the bar and signature shots such as body shots. It is a destination for guests who want spectacle and interaction rather than a quiet cocktail lounge.

The venue keeps a lively, adult-oriented tone, with bartenders at the center of the entertainment and a saloon-style identity that has become part of its appeal. A tidy setting supports the experience, while the atmosphere is best suited to visitors comfortable with a boisterous bar where the performance is as important as the drink.

Summary

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviewsBest for
#1The Passport Denver 4.9399Game-day groups and watch-parties
#2The Bar Car 4.5597Casual drinks and bar food
#3Bombshells Restaurant & Bar Denver 4.7725Game-day meals
#4715 Club 4.4440Casual nightlife with pizza
#5Bannock Street Garage 4.4319No-frills group drinks
#6The Front Porch 4.0461Casual drinks with friends
#7Coyote Ugly 3.91,253—

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Map and areas

Map of places to go out in Denver

No verified neighborhood grouping is supplied for these Denver nightlife options, so the practical starting point is the occasion rather than a named district. Use the individual listings to identify a bar or restaurant that fits your plans. For a spontaneous drink, choose the easiest route from where you already are. Groups and game-day visitors should allow extra travel time, check seating arrangements, and confirm that the venue can accommodate the intended party.

Services to compare

  • Game-day gatheringsFind venues suited to watch-parties and groups who want the event, atmosphere, and shared viewing experience to shape the night.
  • Casual drinksChoose relaxed bars for meeting friends, having a few drinks, or making plans without a formal dining agenda.
  • Bar foodLook for places where drinks can be paired with a casual meal, including pizza and familiar group-friendly dishes.
  • Large casual groupsCompare venues that can work for bigger gatherings, with seating and timing checked before everyone arrives.
  • A relaxed second stopUse an easygoing bar as a less structured follow-up after dinner, an event, or another first destination.
  • No-frills nightlifeConsider straightforward bars when the priority is simple group drinks rather than a formal restaurant experience.

How to choose places to go out in Denver

  1. Set the evening’s main purposeChoose between watching a game, eating, meeting for drinks, or continuing the night so the venue serves the plan rather than competing with it.
  2. Count the group carefullyGive the venue your actual party size and ask whether everyone can sit together, especially for game days or larger gatherings.
  3. Check the food planIf people need dinner, confirm the menu includes substantial options such as bar food or pizza instead of assuming drinks are the main offering.
  4. Plan around busy momentsAsk about game-day demand, peak arrival times, and reservations before traveling when the group needs a predictable start.
  5. Choose the right second stopFor a follow-up drink, favor a relaxed setting and a route that keeps the transition simple from your first destination.

Frequently asked questions

Where should a group go to watch a game in Denver?

Look for venues specifically suited to game-day groups and watch-parties. Before heading out, ask about seating, the game being shown, arrival timing, and whether the full group can stay together.

Can these places work for dinner as well as drinks?

Several options are associated with bar food, game-day meals, or pizza, while others are better suited to drinks alone. Check the menu and decide whether the food is a central part of your evening.

What should I confirm for a large casual gathering?

Confirm the party size, seating arrangement, expected wait, and whether reservations or advance notice are accepted. These details matter more than the venue’s general atmosphere when the group is large.

Which type of place suits a relaxed second stop?

An easygoing bar with a casual atmosphere is usually the simplest choice after dinner or an event. Prioritize a convenient route and a setting where the group can continue talking without a complicated plan.

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