There’s nothing quite like spooky season, and Denver is no stranger to eerie vibes (October or not). Some of Denver’s longest-standing establishments still have spirits lingering, and not just on their shelves. Others refuse to follow holiday tradition and embrace spooky vibes year-round. Here’s our guide to all of the above to set the perfect scene for your next boo-zy drink.
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Cruise Room
Located in Oxford Hotel; 1600 17th St. CO, Denver
Sunday – Thursday 5 – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Denver’s longest-running bar has some ghostly tenants from a postal worker who was murdered and discovered later; plus patrons from a former barbershop transformed bathroom who pop up in the mirrors. If you can get past the spirits, the Cruise Room‘s chic atmosphere and Prohibition-era history make the perfect backdrop for a sultry drink. You can’t go wrong with a martini or Sazerac.
12 Spirits Tavern
Located in Patterson Inn; 420 E 11th Ave., Denver
4 – 9 p.m. daily
In the home of former U.S. Sen. Thomas Patterson, 12 Spirits Tavern offers a cozy, ambient space for a fall drink date. The moody, Victorian bar sits beneath Patterson Inn and serves intimate cocktails and small bites. So where did the name come from? Legend has it that 12 spirits haunt the grounds, and the bar pays homage with 12 bottles of bourbon on the back bar. It’s best known for its Old Fashioned and strawberry shortcake. You might even hear a ghost story from its owner, so don’t miss this Cap Hill gem this spooky season.
Linger
2030 W 30th Ave., Denver
Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 5 – 9:30 p.m.; Monday – Thursday 4 – 9:30 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 5 – 9:30 p.m
What now stands as one of Denver’s best rooftop restaurants once housed the Olinger Mortuary, which once held Buffalo Bill. Linger‘s macabre aesthetic, paired with its global cuisine, sets the stage for the restaurant’s lively atmosphere and photoworthy views. Though you might not see a ghost while you’re there, Linger leans into its spooky history with coffin-shaped menus and thematic decor that flows seamlessly through the space. You can’t miss its wagyu sliders and bao buns or happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Bar Red
437 W Colfax Ave., Denver
Sunday – Monday closed, Tuesday – Thursday 5 – 11 p.m., Friday – Saturday 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
A former brothel with a Prohibition-era tunnel and 120 years under the building’s belt, Bar Red rests on some serious history. Its spirits have been heard walking across the floors, causing crashes and making the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Despite its ghost friends, Bar Red offers up a cozy vibe for a quick stop on your way to the Performing Arts Center or dinner with Italian fare. On Halloween Night, it hosts its Annual Halloween Wine Dinner with a six-course tasting menu and wine pairing. Costumes are encouraged, and you can reserve by calling 720-296-7130.
The Brown Palace
321 17th St., Denver
Sunday – Thursday 4 – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 2 – 11 p.m.
Of course, one of Denver’s oldest buildings would be haunted. From room 904 to the conductor to the random voices on the upper floors, The Brown Palace has no shortage of spirits. Step into the Churchill Bar and you might see the spirit of the founder, Henry Brown, while you’re smoking a cigar or drinking a Maduro.
The Celtic on Market
Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 2 a.m., Monday 5 p.m. – 2 a.m., Tuesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m., Friday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Unexplained footsteps, flickering lights and ghostly voices are just a few of the creepy occurrences at The Celtic on Market, one of Lodo’s favorite Irish bars, that holds more mystery than meets the eye. Maybe it’s because it’s on Denver’s historic Market Street, once famous for brothels and dancehalls. You can’t miss out on the Guinness and the atmosphere, perfect for watching a soccer match, and maybe you might come across more than just liquid spirits.
Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage St., Denver
1400 Market St., Denver
Sunday – Thursday 5 – 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday 4 – 9:30 p.m.
Denver’s original steakhouse, which also started out as a fur trading post in 1893, Buckhorn Exchange is no stranger to paranormal activity from its original patrons of miners, traders and farmers. Its eclectic atmosphere mixed with taxidermy and vintage Western artifacts makes it one of Denver’s defining establishments. Some reports from staff and guests include moving chairs, disembodied noises and even the shadowing figure of its founder, Henry Ziets. Other than its spirits, Buckhorn is known for its Rocky Mountain oysters, Buffalo prime rib and elk.
Bar Nun
1225 Logan St., Denver
Sunday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m., Monday – Thursday 2 p.m. – 2 a.m., Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
At Bar Nun‘s, every day is Halloween. Its iconic sinners-and-saints theme has made it a popular Cap Hill spot that not only hosts spooky vibes but also live music and a comfort-food-heavy menu because having a good time is not a sin. Not haunted, but its $3 pickle shots (voted neighborhood favorite) during happy hour are to die for. Stop by during happy hour for a taste of the neighborhood favorite and stay awhile; the devil is in the details.
The Devil’s Drink
1553 Platte St., Denver
Sunday 4 p.m. – 1 a.m., Monday – Thursday 4 p.m. – 1 a.m., Friday 4 p.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday 3 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Although the Devil’s Drink isn’t haunted, it still embraces an underworld theme with a sultry speakeasy vibe and craft cocktails. Add an extensive list of 14 espresso martinis, a photo booth, and pool tables, and you have the perfect, memorable spooky night out. Pair it with a 666 shot or the night board (the house charcuterie board) for an evening of underground fun.
The Electric Cure
5350 W 25th Ave., Denver
Sunday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m., Monday closed, Tuesday – Thursday 5 p.m. – 12 a.m., Friday – Saturday 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.
The satanic tiki bar known as The Electric Cure blends grunge and metal with eclectic, quirky vibes, making it one of Edgewater’s most beloved bars. It serves drinks on fire and has a Fuck ICE shot where 20% of the proceeds go to the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network. Every first Sunday of the month, you can enjoy drag bingo; horror movie trivia on the third Thursday of the month; and Women’s Wednesday on the last week of the month. With its unapologetically weird atmosphere and packed calendar of events, The Electric Cure is the kind of neighborhood bar where no two nights feel quite the same. See all of its events here.
Bedlam
1516 Wazee St., # A, Denver
4:30 – 2 a.m. daily
A Victorian-themed bar that leans into the eerie history of its namesake. Bedlam Public House, named after the Bethlem Royal Hospital psychiatric institution in London, is a LoDo hidden gem. Open every day at the same time, it’s a consistent neighborhood bar that’s sure to become your new favorite. Become a true regular and get a plaque on the bar wall by drinking 100 Underbergs (a German digestif that tastes like a combination of Fernet and Jäger). Or just stop by for a quick drink and stay for the conversation that will keep you there.
The Crypt
1618 E 17th Ave., Denver
Sunday 12 p.m. – 2 a.m., Monday – Friday 4 p.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.
At The Crypt, horror decor hugs the ceiling and walls, bathed in moody neon lights, with an impressive, inclusive menu. You might never guess, walking into the bar, that the menu includes some of the city’s best vegan food. From poutine to its Nashville pakora sandwich and vegan beignets, there’s something for everyone. Don’t stop at the food. The bar hosts live music, drag shows and live events filled with spooky vibes. In October, its events extend from goth brunch to a Halloween market and monster bingo. Keep up to date with The Crypt’s events here.
Adventure Time Bar
101 Broadway, #9, Denver
Sunday 5 – 9 p.m., Monday closed, Tuesday – Thursday 6 – 10 p.m., Friday 6 p.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Denver’s Baker neighborhood just got a whole lot spookier with the Adventure Time Bar from husband-and-wife duo Sam and Laura Wood. Although the theme changes on a rolling basis, its Halloween theme, Tragic Kingdom, is perfect for the season. In this world, villains are the main characters and dangerously delicious drinks scour the menu. All month long in October, the bar is hosting Halloween-themed events on the weekends, from Freaky Fridays, Spooky Saturdays and Slow Down Sundays. During the weekdays, you can find events for low-pressure activities, game tournaments and industry discount nights. To see what’s in store, check the events page here.
