Best Happy Hour Deals In Denver

For people who love food and drinks but also need to be mindful of their budget, the midday lunch break can present a real challenge. You want to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal, but the cost of dining out every day can quickly add up.

This is where the concept of happy hour comes in. While traditionally a late-afternoon event, many restaurants now offer lunchtime specials and deals that can be a game-changer for food lovers looking to save money without sacrificing quality or taste.

Finding a restaurant or bar with a great happy hour deal is the key to enjoying your lunch break to the fullest. That is why we are bringing out the best happy hour deals in Denver for you. It's a strategic way to experience the best a restaurant has to offer while keeping your wallet happy.

What are Happy Hour Deals?

Happy hour deals are special promotions offered by restaurants, bars, and other food service establishments, typically during a set time of the day. The main purpose of these deals is to attract customers and increase sales during hours that are normally slow, such as the late afternoon.

Common happy hour deals include:

• Discounted Drinks: This is the most common type of happy hour deal. You can expect lower prices on a variety of beverages, including beer, house wine, and cocktails.
• Appetizer Specials: Many places offer reduced prices on appetizers or small plates to encourage customers to buy food. This might include deals on items like wings, sliders, or nachos.
• Bundled Deals: Some establishments create special packages, where a specific food and drink item are offered together for a single, reduced price.
• Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) Offers: You might see a promotion where if you buy one drink, you get the second one for free or at a discounted price.

Happy hours are usually held on weekday afternoons, often between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., though some places also have "reverse happy hours" late at night.

Best Happy Hour Deals In Denver:

Denver is the capital and most popular city in the U.S. state of Colorado. It is located in the South Platte River Valley, at the western edge of the High Plains, and is situated just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.

Denver has a thriving happy hour scene, with options ranging from upscale dining to casual neighborhood pubs. Here is a detailed guide to some of the best happy hour deals across various neighborhoods, with an explanation of what makes each a great choice.

Downtown Denver and LoDo (Lower Downtown)

The downtown and LoDo areas are packed with great happy hour spots, perfect for a post-work drink or pre-game meal before a Rockies game.

1. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar:

A Denver institution known for fresh, sustainable seafood. Happy hour is a major draw here, featuring a variety of discounted oysters on the half shell (their "CrackerJax Oysters" are a signature item), as well as deals on peel-and-eat shrimp, gumbo, and other small plates. You can also get a "Beer and a Buddy" combo—a Coors Banquet and a shot of bourbon or tequila for a great price.

Why it's a good deal: The oyster and seafood discounts are hard to beat for the quality, making a typically expensive meal much more accessible. They also have an "all night happy hour" on Mondays.

2. Blue Sushi Sake Grill:

This is a modern, stylish spot for sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes. Their happy hour is famous for its extensive menu, which is often longer than most restaurants' regular menus. It includes a wide variety of discounted sushi rolls, sashimi, maki, and nigiri, as well as deals on sake, beer, and cocktails.

Why it's a good deal: The sheer variety and generous pricing make it one of the best-value happy hours in the city, perfect for a group that wants to try a lot of different things. The all-day Sunday happy hour is a particular highlight.

3. ChoLon:

Cholon is an upscale Asian-fusion restaurant known for its innovative and flavorful dishes. Their happy hour features some of their most popular items at a significant discount, including the famous "General Cho's" soup dumplings, pork belly bao buns, and wagyu beef skewers. You'll also find deals on select drafts, wine, and cocktails.

Why it's a good deal: This is an opportunity to experience fine dining at a lower price point. The quality of the food is exceptional, and getting a taste of their signature dishes for a fraction of the cost is a major win.

Capitol Hill and Uptown

These neighborhoods offer a mix of trendy and classic spots, with happy hours that cater to a local crowd.

1. City, O' City:

City, O' City is a well-known vegetarian and vegan restaurant and bar located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. It has a long-standing reputation as a community hub and a destination for plant-based comfort food.

Some of its key characteristics are:

• Cuisine: It is primarily a vegetarian and vegan restaurant. While some dishes may offer a vegetarian option with eggs or dairy, the menu's default is vegan, and it's known for its creative and innovative plant-based dishes. Popular items include their "chicken" and waffles (made with fried cauliflower), seitan wings, pizzas, and various breakfast and brunch options.
• Atmosphere and Vibe: The restaurant has a unique, eclectic, and "plant-forward" ambiance. It's often described as having a relaxed, hipster, or bohemian feel. It serves as a coffee shop during the day and transitions into a bustling bar and restaurant in the evenings.
• Hours and Service: City, O' City is known for its extended hours, often staying open late into the night, which makes it a reliable spot for a late-night meal or drink. They also have two daily happy hours, making it a popular destination for those seeking a good deal.

Why it's a good deal: It's a great option for those looking for vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, which can sometimes be hard to find on a happy hour menu. The late-night happy hour is also a fantastic bonus.

2. Vesper Lounge:

This is a classic Capitol Hill watering hole with a speakeasy feel. Their happy hour is available all day on Mondays, and from Tuesday to Friday from open until 6 p.m. It includes deals on drafts, wells, and a variety of food items like sliders, wings, and dips. They also have a popular "Solo Cup Club" on Wednesdays where you can get a discounted refill.

Why it's a good deal: The long hours and all-day specials make it one of the most reliable and budget-friendly spots in the area. The "snack for drinkers" menu is perfect for a casual evening out.

The Highlands and LoHi (Lower Highlands)

The Highlands is a hub for foodies, and its happy hours reflect that with unique and high-quality offerings.

1. Postino Highlands:

This is a stylish and popular wine bar with a fantastic patio. A signature happy hour that runs from opening until 5 p.m. daily. It features $6 glasses of wine and pitchers of beer, and the main event is the famous bruschetta board for a great price, with four pieces of your choice from a wide selection.

Why it's a good deal: This is a fantastic deal for wine lovers. The bruschetta board is substantial and perfect for sharing, making it a great value for a light dinner or afternoon snack.

2. Postino LoHi (LoHi):

Postino LoHi (similar to Postino Highlands Ranch) share the same concept and signature deals, but vary in neighborhoods and their own unique character.

Postino LoHi is incredibly popular for its "Board & Bottle" deal and unique bruschetta boards, Postino offers a chic and lively atmosphere with fantastic patios. It's a go-to for wine lovers and those looking for a light dinner.

• Happy Hour Times: Daily from opening until 5:00 PM. All day Monday for the "Board and Bottle" deal.

What's On Offer:

• Drinks: $6 for a glass of any wine or a pitcher of any beer.
• Food: The famous "$25 Bottle & Board" where you get a bottle of wine (select list) and a choice of any bruschetta board (4 large pieces) for $25.
• Vibe: Trendy, bustling, very social, with a bright and airy interior and inviting patios.

Note: Mondays are incredibly busy due to the all-day deal. Arrive well before 5 PM on other days to snag a table, especially on the patio.

3. Linger:

Linger is one of Denver's most distinctive and well-regarded restaurants, known for its unique concept, innovative food, and incredible rooftop views.

Here's a breakdown of what makes Linger so notable:

• The Building's History: The restaurant is housed in a former mortuary, the Olinger Mortuary. The owners embraced this history, turning the "Olinger Mortuary" sign into "Linger EATUARY," a playful and clever nod to the building's past. You'll find other subtle and not-so-subtle references to its history throughout the decor.
• The Cuisine: Linger’s menu is inspired by global street food, with a focus on "farm-to-street" ingredients. The menu is divided by region, such as "Avenue of the Americas," "Karakoram Highway" (Asia), and "Shouk" (Africa and Middle East). Dishes are served as small plates, making it perfect for sharing and trying a variety of flavors from around the world. The food is known for being creative, flavorful, and responsibly sourced.
• The Rooftop: This is a major highlight. Linger has a stunning rooftop patio with a retrofitted VW bus that serves as a bar and a repurposed food truck as a kitchen. The rooftop offers some of the best panoramic views of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains, making it a highly sought-after spot, especially during sunset.
• Happy Hour ("Community Hour"): Linger has a popular happy hour that's a great way to experience the restaurant at a more accessible price point. The happy hour, often called "Community Hour," offers a rotation of discounted small plates and a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.

Why it's a good deal: The incredible rooftop views and creative, high-quality food make this an experience as much as a happy hour. It's a great spot to impress a date or hang out with friends.

Other Best Happy Hour Deals Locations In Denver:

The above options are just a few amongst others. The best locations will highly depend on how closer they are to you. Other best happy hours deals in Denver, USA are;

1. Avanti Food and Beverage (LoHi).

2. Terminal Bar (Union Station - LoDo).

3. Stoic & Genuine Fish House (Union Station - LoDo).

4. Cart-Driver (RiNo & LoHi).

5. My Neighbor Felix (LoHi, RiNo, Cherry Creek).

6. Osaka Ramen (RiNo).

7. Recess Beer Garden (LoHi).

8. Rhein Haus (RiNo).

9. Historians Ale House (South Broadway / Baker).

How to Find Happy Hour Deals Near You:

Finding the "best" happy hour near you often comes down to what you prioritize: the deal on drinks, the quality of the food, the ambiance, or the neighborhood vibe.

Here is how to go about it:

1. Search Online: A simple search for "happy hour deals near me" or "happy hour specials" is the most effective way to find current offers in your area.
2. Check Restaurant Websites: Many restaurants and bars list their happy hour menu and times on their official websites.
3. Use Social Media: Follow your favorite local spots on social media, as they often post about daily or weekly specials.
4. Specialized Websites/Apps: In some larger cities, there are websites or apps dedicated to compiling happy hour deals for different neighborhoods.

Important Note: Happy hour deals, times, and specific offerings are subject to change. Always check the restaurant's official website or call ahead before you go to confirm the current details.