When the weather’s right, Denver’s rooftop bars are hard to beat. Here’s how to pick the right one and make the most of your night—with a little help from HotSpot.
Why rooftop season matters
Denver gets a short but perfect stretch for outdoor drinking: long summer evenings, clear skies, and views of the skyline and the Rockies. Rooftop bars capitalize on that with great atmospheres and often higher price points. Knowing when to go and where the deals are can turn a splurge into a smart night out.
What to look for
Views. Some face downtown, others the mountains or the plains. Check photos and reviews in the app to see what you’re getting.
Cover vs. no cover. A few rooftops charge cover on peak nights; others are always free. The venue page in HotSpot usually notes events and any cover, so you can plan accordingly.
Happy hour and specials. Rooftops aren’t always cheap, but many run happy hours or weekday specials. Filter by “Happy Hour” or “Special” in HotSpot and you’ll see who’s offering what.
Crowd level. Use live stats in the app to see how busy a place is before you head up. If you want a table, go earlier or on a weeknight; if you want energy, aim for a busy Friday or Saturday.
Tips for a great night
Arrive before peak time if you want a seat. Dress for the weather—evenings can get breezy. And use HotSpot to check in so your friends can find you and so you can unlock any check-in or promo offers the venue runs in the app.
Discover more
New rooftops open and menus change every season. In the app, search or filter by “Patio” or “Rooftop” (when available) or browse by area and look for venues that mention rooftop or outdoor seating. Save your favorites and turn on notifications so you don’t miss a Hot Alert or event.