15 MAY 28-JUNE 3, 2026 westword.com WESTWORD | CONTENTS | LETTERS | NIGHT+DAY | CULTURE | CAFE | MUSIC | experience that stays relaxed during daytime hangs. Fair warning: Things can get particu- larly busy around Rockies games, so plan ahead if this is your pre-game destination of choice. THE TOP 10 ROOFTOP BARS By Molly Martin Whether we’re looking at the Rocky Moun- tains or the downtown skyline, there’s no shortage of views and vistas here in Denver. What better way to enjoy them than with a cold cocktail on a hot day from atop one of our many rooftop bars? From these panoramic vantage points, it’s easy to catch our spec- tacular sunsets, scope out some post-game fi reworks, or just soak in some sunshine. Here are the top rooftops we’re making our way up to now. 54thirty 1475 California St. For a classy night out in a sleek downtown space with a clear view of the Rockies, head to 54thirty, the rooftop bar at the Le Méridien Hotel. After 6 p.m., it’s only open for those 21 and up, and it welcomes guests on a fi rst- come, fi rst-served basis, so be prepared for a wait — especially on clear, calm weekend nights. But your patience will be rewarded with an experience that includes small plates ideal for noshing, alongside ritzy cocktails and stunning vistas, enjoyed over a mile in the air (5,430 feet, to be exact). Avanti F&B 3200 Pecos St. We love popping into this Highland food hall for eats from vendors like Biker Jim’s, Berliner Haus, Farang Thai Kitchen and the Pizza Bandit, but those bites are even better when paired with a rooftop patio session. Take in the downtown skyline as you soak up the impeccable vibes at Avanti, where you can sip cocktails and mingle in the fresh air. The rooftop gets particularly buzzy on the 4th of July, when it offers some of the best fi reworks views in town. BurnDown 476 South Broadway You can see both the moun- tains and downtown, includ- ing the gold dome of the Colorado Capitol, from the top of this South Broadway spot that’s been packing people in since 2023. The multi-level BurnDown is part restaurant – with a full food menu for brunch, lunch and dinner – and part live music venue, hosting a rotating lineup of acts on Fridays. But you can soak up the sun and good times on the third-fl oor indoor/out- door rooftop patio anytime. It’s a particularly stunning spot to see the sunset, so plan your outing accordingly. The Golden Mill 1012 Ford St., Golden Five years ago, a circa 1860 grain mill overlooking Clear Creek entered a new era when it opened as the Golden Mill, a food hall with sweeping, second-story rooftop views of the nearby Coors Brewery. The town of Golden is one of our favorite easy-access destinations for quaint, Old West-style ad- ventures, and this is one of our favorite stops in the area, with scenery that’s best enjoyed with nigiri and sashimi from Sushi Sora and a cold pint from the self-serve beer wall. Halo Rooftop Bar 6985 E. Chenango Ave. In 2024, the Kimpton Claret Hotel made its debut in the DTC, along with its on-site Italian eatery, Saverina, and what is now the highest rooftop bar in Denver, Halo. While it’s located on the 19th fl oor — one lower than 54thirty — the hotel sits at a higher elevation, meaning Halo fl oats 5,817 feet above sea level. Its location, miles from downtown’s tall build- ings, also gives it a completely unobstructed view of the Front Range, from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak. The place isn’t a secret — both the indoor lounge and outside seating get jam-packed nightly — but it’s worth braving the crowd for a sunset spot this stellar. Historians Ale House 24 Broadway If you prefer your rooftop imbibing ad- ventures to be more casual than refi ned, Historians is the place. Tucked into a row of rowdy Baker-neighborhood bars, this establishment has been pouring since 2013. It boasts an upper level where you can watch the action on buzzy Broadway below while also enjoying a Rocky Mountain sunset. The rooftop here is usu- ally loaded with revelers enjoying cheap drinks and eats, including one of the best weekday lunch deals in town: a cheeseburger, fries and a 10-ounce draft beer, well drink or soda for $10.95. MCA Cafe 1485 Delgany St. The Museum of Contem- porary Art Denver is known for its offbeat programming and thought-provoking ro- tating exhibits, but locals also know that it’s home of one of the city’s most relax- ing rooftop escapes. You will need to pay the $14 adult museum admission for ac- cess to the MCA Cafe (pro tip: it’s only $5 to get in af- ter 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday), but you’ll get to wander through this ever- changing cultural institu- tion before heading to the top fl oor, where you can take in the city views over smalls plates and a cup of coffee, local beer or cocktail inspired by the art. Palenque Cocina y Agaveria 2609 Main St., Littleton This quiet suburb has a charming Main Street dotted with historic buildings, locally-owned shops and a damn good Mexican eatery with a rooftop where you can sip your way through an impressive collection of agave spirits. Palenque Cocina y Agaveria is a favorite for its Mexican fare and cocktails, but they all taste even better when you’re settled in at a table on this patio that pairs fresh air with warm hospitality — and an array of excellent tacos. Sorry Gorgeous 1350 40th St. Set on the twelfth fl oor of the NOVEL RiNo building, Sorry Gorgeous debuted in 2024 and quickly became a favorite with those who love a rooftop photo op. The interior cocktail lounge is decadently decked out with deep green velvet banquettes and gold accents, while fl oor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light during the day. But the real action starts at sunset, when the outdoor patio becomes selfi e-central before patrons order another round of cocktails as clubby vibes take over after dark. Stellar Jay 240 14th St. In 2024, we fi nally got to go inside the eye- catching building that does, yes, resemble a cheese grater but is actually supposed to mimic the eyes on aspen trees. The Populus hotel is home to two eateries: Pasque on the fi rst fl oor, and Stellar Jay on the thirteenth, which is where you can see out of those “eyes” that look over downtown and the Capitol. The views from any table near a window are top- notch, but for the best experience, get a seat on the patio itself. Email the author at [email protected]. The Halo rooftop bar at the Kimpton Claret Hotel is now the highest rooftop bar in the Denver metro area. It’s easy to fall in love with the view at Avanti F&B KIMPTON CL ARET HOTEL AVANIT F&B
