Why wait for Halloween? Summer Ween is here and we are bringing slasher thrills and horror vibes to the warmer months. This roundup highlights Denver’s spookiest bars and restaurants, from horror-themed haunts to restaurants with eerie backstories. Whether you are chasing chilling cocktails or haunted bites, the Mile High City is serving up frightful fun just in time for summer.
The Crypt
Where: 1618 E 17th Ave, Denver
When: Monday – Friday 4 p.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday – Sunday 2 p.m. – 2 a.m.
The Lowdown: Step into a haunt enthusiast’s happy place where horror icons peer from the walls and vintage movie posters flicker like ghostly memories. Dig into bold bites like Korean BBQ Fried Tofu with crisp slaw and pickles, or the juicy Chicken Shawarma layered with cucumber and fries. Drinks are just as deadly and in the best way. Try the Death on the Beach, a dangerously smooth, summer escape with tropical sweetness and a hint of mischief. Or summon the Levitated Corpse, a sharp, floral elixir with a dark twist. Inside The Crypt, the spirits are not just in the decor, they live in your glass.
12 Spirits Tavern
Where: 420 E 11th Ave., Denver
When: Sunday through Saturday 4 – 9 p.m.
The Lowdown: If haunted hangouts are your thing, 12 Spirits Tavern is a must. Tucked inside the historic – and allegedly haunted – Patterson Inn, this bar is said to be home to a few roaming spirits. If the open sign is glowing, you are in the right place. Try the dangerously good Pineapple Coconut Mojito or the Cap Hill Carrot, a bold bourbon cocktail with a citrus carrot flavor. For bites, try the Sloptart, think hand pie meets sloppy joe, or pair Pretzel Bites with Marinated Olives for a ghostly good spread. It is the perfect stop for those who like their cocktails with a side of the supernatural.
Bedlam
Where: 1516 Wazee St., #A, Denver
When: Sunday through Saturday 4:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.
The Lowdown: Another essential haunt, Bedlam offers moody vibes and eerie charm just steps from the grounds of a former mental institution. With whispers of the unexplained and a cozy, shadowy interior, it is the perfect spot for a spooky summer night. We recommend The Chainsmoke, a rich, smoky cocktail with a hint of tobacco, or brave the Hot Charlotte Sometimes, a tasty blend of gin, cucumber, elderflower, lemon and a Tabasco kick. For bites, the rotating meat and cheese board was a great choice, especially paired with their indulgent Smoked Trout and Onion Dip. Haunting never tasted so good.
Linger
Where: 2030 W 30th Ave., Denver
When: Monday – Tuesday 4 – 9 p.m., Wednesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (including a siesta), Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (including a siesta), Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (including a siesta) and Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (including a siesta)
The Lowdown: Housed in a former mortuary, Linger is a Denver landmark dating back to 1890 and once known for its funerary services, now beloved for unforgettable dining. Subtle nods to its past linger in the details, from formaldehyde-style water vessels to playfully morbid cocktail names. This elegant haunt features a rotating seasonal menu that never disappoints. We recommend the Resting Place, a floral vodka cocktail with raspberry, lemon and tonic – or go classic with the Mortuary Margarita – one of the city’s best. Do not miss the Thai Fried Rice, Mongolian BBQ Duck Bao and King Trumpet Mushroom Skewers. With its rooftop perfect for summer, you will be dying to come back. Reserve your resting place online.
Hell or High Water Tiki Bar
Where: Upstairs Mezzanine, 1526 Blake St., Denver
When: Tuesday through Thursday 5 – 11 p.m., Friday – Saturday 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. and Sunday 3 – 11 p.m.
The Lowdown: Hosted by the Honor Farm, do not miss the hidden gem upstairs called Hell or High Water Tiki Bar. With its lush, gothic meets tropical decor, it is a decadent escape for the spooky at heart. The cocktails are as exciting as the atmosphere: try the Passion of the Christ for a bloody sweet thrill, or go all in with Spread the Dead for a drink simply to die for. For bites, head back downstairs and sink your teeth into the Vindaloo Chicken Birria Tacos or the Mushroom Nuggets, both frightfully delicious. It is a hauntingly good time you will not want to miss.
Honor Farm Haunted Spirit House
Where: 1526 Blake St, Denver
When: Tuesday – Wednesday 5 p.m. – 12 a.m., Thursday 5 p.m. – 1 a.m., Friday – Saturday 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. and Sunday 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.
The Lowdown: Honor Farm is rooted in rich, dark history and was once a rebellious hub during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. Its hidden tunnels helped smuggle liquor, women, weapons and more. Today, it is a haunt of a different kind, where skeletons greet you at the door and the drinks are as spirited as the stories. Try the Hocus Hyperfocus, a crisp gin cocktail with botanical notes, ginger, sage and a touch of cream sherry. Or go bigger with Stevie Doesn’t Wonder Anymore, a bittersweet tequila concoction laced with coffee, cinnamon, pineapple and lime. A little danger, a lot of flavor, happy haunting at Honor Farm this summer.
The Devil’s Drink
Where: 3330 Mariposa St, Denver
When: Sunday through Thursday 6 – 11 p.m., Friday – Saturday 6 p.m. – 1 a.m.
The Lowdown: Step into the shadows at this speakeasy, where the dark, moody interior and dim lighting set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Try Are They Made From Real Girl Scout Cookies? a vodka-based cocktail with crème de cacao, black coffee liqueur, mint and cold brew – capturing the essence of the beloved treat with a kick. For something richer, go for the Help Me Step Devil, a rum-based cocktail with banana liqueur, Copa Coffee Liqueur, a touch of sweetness and cold brew, smoothly blending sweet and bold flavors. The Devil’s Drink is a hidden gem with libations that will leave you hunting for more.
Ghost Saloon
Where: 1422 Larimer St, Denver
When: Thursday through Sunday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
The Lowdown: Tucked beneath the vibrant bustle of Larimer Square, Denver’s oldest street, lies Ghost Saloon. A chilling reimagining of a historic haunt, where the atmosphere is as intoxicating as the drinks. Try the Midnight Revolver, a whisky-based cocktail with blackberry liqueur, a hint of cinnamon and a fizzy soda top, or sip on the Viper’s Kiss, a gin-based concoction with botanical notes, muddled blackberries and a frothy egg white finish. With its eerie vibe and hauntingly good cocktails, Ghost Saloon is a place where spirits, both supernatural and liquid, come alive in the heart of the city.
Until next time, Denver.