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John_BSeptember 2026 • Viator
We had a great time on...
We had a great time on this experience. Michael was fun, knowledgeable, and passionate about Denver’s food and cocktail scene. Cocktails were good and quite varied.
Denver Cocktails & History Tour
4.9
132
Reviews
Recommended by 99% travellers
99% of guests rated this experience 4 stars or higher
4.9 (132)
Recommended by 99% travellers
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4.9
132
Reviews
Recommended by 99% travellers
99% of guests rated this experience 4 stars or higher
4.9 (132)
Recommended by 99% travellers
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Available TodayReserve your spot now and join the experience today.
Free CancellationCancel for free up to 1 day before your experience
Food for HappinessFor every guest in your booking, we donate 10 meals to children around the world
Why book with byFood?Japan's #1 food travel platform
Japan's #1 food travel platformTrusted by 50,000+ travelers worldwideCurated by food lovers, for food loversFeatured in CNN, Forbes & NYT
Description
Good to Know
Visit some of the best cocktail bars in Denver on this roving adventure through the heart of downtown.
From a light and crisp spritz to a smooth and serious Butter Pecan Old Fashioned, there's something for everyone on this boozy Denver cocktail tour.
Visit three of the best cocktail bars and restaurants in the city and sample four cocktails paired with small plates at two stops.
You’ll start at the iconic Union Station, heading next to the city’s oldest hotel. You’ll end on the Dairy Block, one of Denver’s newest, coolest micro-districts. At each stop, you’ll sample a craft cocktail (or two!), learn about Denver’s growing food and cocktail scenes and mix and mingle with fellow foodies.
Your experienced local guide will share fun cocktail history and stories about Denver’s prohibition days as well as our recent culinary renaissance, putting Denver on the map for foodies and drink enthusiasts across the country.
Italian Marinated Olives
2 Craft Cocktails Made Daily
Brachetto Spritz from James-Beard Award-Winning Restaurant
Housemade Focaccia
Butter Pecan Old Fashioned
Gratuities
1
5 minutes · Admission Ticket Free
Denver Union Station
We begin the Denver Cocktails Tour inside Union Station, one of Denver’s most beautiful and historic spaces. Originally built in 1881 and completely restored in 2014, this Beaux-Arts landmark now serves as the city’s social hub — a place where travelers, locals, and visitors all cross paths. Beneath its soaring ceilings and chandeliers, the Great Hall buzzes with energy from the bars, cafés, and restaurants that have turned the station into a showcase of Denver’s food and drink culture.
As guests gather here to meet their guide, you’ll hear the story of how Union Station helped shape the city — from its railroad beginnings to its rebirth as a centerpiece of downtown life. The tour starts here because it captures the essence of Denver: classic architecture, warm hospitality, and a spirit of reinvention. After introductions and a quick orientation, we’ll step out into the city to explore the cocktail bars that define Denver’s modern mixology scene.
We begin the Denver Cocktails Tour inside Union Station, one of Denver’s most beautiful and historic…
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The Crawford Hotel
The Crawford Hotel is built into the upper floors of Denver Union Station, allowing guests to stay inside one of the city’s most important historic landmarks. It opened in 2014 as part of the station’s $54 million restoration and was named in honor of Dana Crawford, the influential preservationist who helped lead the project. Crawford also played a major role in saving and revitalizing Larimer Square, the Oxford Hotel and other historic Denver properties. The hotel’s rooms line the Great Hall and occupy spaces that once served as station offices, storage areas and attic rooms. Their designs reflect different periods in Union Station’s history, combining exposed brick, historic architectural details and railroad-inspired elements with modern amenities. The Crawford is a strong example of adaptive reuse: rather than turning Union Station into a museum, the redevelopment gave the building an active new purpose while preserving its identity.
The Crawford Hotel is built into the upper floors of Denver Union Station, allowing guests to stay i…
2
25 minutes · Admission Ticket Free
Tavernetta
Our first stop is Tavernetta, one of Denver’s most celebrated Italian restaurants and the perfect place to ease into the evening. Warm, elegant, and welcoming, it captures the relaxed sophistication of dining in northern Italy — complete with an open kitchen and a view of passing trains just steps from Union Station. Here, we start with a Brachetto Spritz, a refreshing twist on the classic aperitivo that blends lightly sparkling red Brachetto wine with citrus and a touch of bitterness. To pair, the kitchen serves housemade focaccia — golden, soft, and fragrant with olive oil — alongside a garlic conserva and mix of marinated olives. The result is simple but deeply satisfying: bright, herbal, and balanced flavors that wake up your palate for what’s to come. As your guide shares the story of Tavernetta’s James Beard Award–winning team, you’ll experience why this stop embodies the best of Denver’s elevated yet unpretentious dining scene — timeless hospitality with a local touch.
Our first stop is Tavernetta, one of Denver’s most celebrated Italian restaurants and the perfect pl…
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Lodo District Inc.
Lower Downtown, commonly called LoDo, contains one of Denver’s largest concentrations of historic commercial buildings and warehouses. Its development was closely connected to Union Station and the railroad, which allowed businesses to receive and distribute products throughout the Rocky Mountain region. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, the neighborhood was filled with warehouses, hotels, saloons, wholesale companies and rail-related businesses. After World War II, many companies left downtown, passenger rail traffic declined and numerous buildings became vacant or deteriorated. Concern about demolition led Denver to establish the Lower Downtown Historic District in 1988. Historic designation encouraged property owners to preserve brick façades, heavy timber structures and other original features while converting buildings into restaurants, hotels, offices and homes.
Lower Downtown, commonly called LoDo, contains one of Denver’s largest concentrations of historic co…
3
5 minutes · Admission Ticket Free
The Oxford Hotel
Our second stop brings us inside the Oxford Hotel, Denver’s oldest continuously operating hotel and a living piece of the city’s history. Opened in 1891, just a few years before the Brown Palace, the Oxford has hosted cowboys, railroad tycoons, and even the occasional movie star. As we step through its doors, your guide shares stories of the city’s early days — when Union Station had just opened across the street and this hotel was the height of frontier luxury.
The lobby feels like a step back in time: rich wood paneling, art deco details, and century-old tilework that’s been carefully restored. Your guide paints the scene of 19th-century Denver — a booming, dusty town on the edge of the Rockies where whiskey and railroads shaped fortunes. This stop isn’t just about the drinks to come; it’s a chance to see how Denver’s cocktail culture began, in the same building where travelers once swapped stories over glasses of bourbon more than a hundred years ago.
Our second stop brings us inside the Oxford Hotel, Denver’s oldest continuously operating hotel and…
4
20 minutes · Admission Ticket Free
Urban Farmer Denver
Our next stop is Urban Farmer, a modern steakhouse that reimagines farm-to-table dining in the heart of downtown Denver. Sleek yet welcoming, its bar feels both polished and relaxed — the perfect backdrop for our featured cocktail: the Butter Pecan Old Fashioned. This house favorite starts with bourbon infused with toasted pecans and browned butter, then stirred with demerara syrup and bitters to create a smooth, nutty twist on the classic. It’s rich but balanced, with a touch of warmth that fits perfectly in any season.
As you sip, your guide explains how the Old Fashioned remains one of America’s most enduring cocktails — simple, adaptable, and deeply tied to craftsmanship. The drink reflects everything Urban Farmer stands for: respect for tradition with a modern, local sensibility. It’s a moment to slow down, taste the layers of flavor, and appreciate how Denver’s cocktail scene blends creativity with classic roots.
Our next stop is Urban Farmer, a modern steakhouse that reimagines farm-to-table dining in the heart…
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Cruise Room Bar
Located inside the Oxford Hotel, the Cruise Room is one of Denver’s best-known historic cocktail bars. The narrow, red-lit room is decorated with Art Deco panels depicting international destinations and was designed to evoke the glamorous lounges of early-20th-century ocean liners. The bar opened the day after Prohibition ended in December 1933, giving it a particularly memorable place in Denver drinking history. Its streamlined design, indirect lighting and travel imagery reflect the optimism and fascination with modern transportation that characterized the Art Deco era. Although the space has undergone restoration, its distinctive appearance has been preserved. The Cruise Room also complements the Oxford Hotel’s connection to Union Station: both places evoke a period when long-distance travel was treated as an elegant experience rather than simply a way to reach a destination.
Located inside the Oxford Hotel, the Cruise Room is one of Denver’s best-known historic cocktail bar…
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Wazee Street
Wazee Street developed as an important warehouse and commercial corridor because of its proximity to Union Station and Denver’s railroad network. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the surrounding buildings stored and distributed food, machinery, household products and other goods arriving by rail. Many structures were built from brick with heavy timber framing, large windows and loading areas designed for carts, wagons and freight deliveries. As trucking replaced rail distribution and businesses moved away from downtown, numerous warehouses became underused. Preservation and redevelopment eventually gave them new purposes as restaurants, shops, offices, hotels and apartments. Walking from the Oxford Hotel toward Dairy Block, visitors can still see the repetitive windows, masonry façades and broad interior spaces that identify these buildings as former warehouses.
Wazee Street developed as an important warehouse and commercial corridor because of its proximity to…
5
5 minutes · Admission Ticket Free
The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block
Our next stop is inside The Maven Hotel, a sleek, art-filled boutique property that anchors the Dairy Block. The Maven isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a celebration of Denver’s creative spirit. As we step into the lobby, surrounded by bold murals, reclaimed wood, and sculptures from local artists, your guide shares how this building helped redefine the city’s downtown hospitality scene. The name “Maven” itself means an expert or connoisseur — a fitting stop on a cocktail tour built around craftsmanship and connection.
The hotel’s airy lobby opens into a network of bars and eateries that highlight Denver’s collaborative culture. You’ll hear stories of the artists, chefs, and bartenders who helped shape the block into the lively destination it is today. The Maven perfectly bridges the city’s past and present — industrial roots polished with modern creativity. It’s a brief stop to soak in the energy, design, and personality that make this part of Denver so unique.
Our next stop is inside The Maven Hotel, a sleek, art-filled boutique property that anchors the Dair…
6
15 minutes · Admission Ticket Free
Dairy Block
From the Oxford Hotel, we make our way to the Dairy Block — one of downtown Denver’s most vibrant destinations for food, drink, and art. Once home to the Windsor Dairy, this historic block has been transformed into a modern micro-district filled with cocktail bars, restaurants, and local shops, all connected by a lively alleyway strung with lights and murals. As we walk, your guide shares how this redevelopment helped spark the city’s transformation into a culinary hub while honoring its industrial past.
Inside the block, every detail tells a story — from the preserved brick walls and iron beams to the artisan stalls serving small-batch goods. It’s a place where locals gather after work, travelers discover hidden bars, and chefs experiment with flavor and form. The Dairy Block perfectly captures the spirit of the tour: old Denver bones with new Denver flavor. Here, we’ll pause to explore a few favorite spots and enjoy the next stop on our cocktail journey.
From the Oxford Hotel, we make our way to the Dairy Block — one of downtown Denver’s most vibrant de…
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Windsor Farm Dairy Building
The Windsor Farm Dairy Building is the historic structure that gave Dairy Block its name. The building was designed by the Denver architectural firm Fisher and Fisher and constructed in 1916. Windsor Farm Dairy had been founded by H. Brown Cannon and grew into one of Denver’s largest dairy businesses, reportedly serving thousands of households with milk delivered by horse-drawn wagons. Its downtown location allowed the company to process and distribute dairy products near Denver’s railroad and commercial networks. In 1928, the operation was acquired by Meadow Gold’s parent company, Beatrice Foods, which continued dairy production at the site. As industrial activity moved away from LoDo, the building eventually lost its original function. The structure was later incorporated into the modern Dairy Block development, preserving its brick exterior and commercial character.
The Windsor Farm Dairy Building is the historic structure that gave Dairy Block its name. The buildi…
7
25 minutes · Admission Ticket Free
Poka Lola Social Club
We end our Denver Cocktails Tour at Poka Lola Social Club, a vintage-inspired bar tucked inside The Maven Hotel. With its marble bar, patterned tile, and playful nods to soda fountains of the past, Poka Lola feels both classic and modern — a place where craftsmanship meets fun. Here, the bartenders curate two craft cocktails exclusively for our group, each one reflecting the season and showcasing the creativity that defines Denver’s mixology scene. No two visits are quite the same; the menu evolves with local ingredients, trends, and inspiration.
We end our Denver Cocktails Tour at Poka Lola Social Club, a vintage-inspired bar tucked inside The…
Meeting Point
1701 Wynkoop St, Wynkoop Street, Denver County Colorado, United States, US, 80202
Open in Google MapsTours meet near the Crawford Hotel check in desk inside Union Station. Guides wear an orange "Delicious Denver Food Tours" button.
End Point
The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block, Wazee Street, Denver County Colorado, United States, US, 80202
Open in Google MapsThe tour will end inside the Maven Hotel on the Dairy Block. This is just 2 blocks from the starting location, and tour guides are happy to provide directions back to the start.
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 1 day before for a full refund.
No refund within 1 day of the experience or no-shows.
4.9
132 reviews
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+60 photos132 reviews
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Yaneth_CJuly 2026 • Viator
Barry was an excellent...
Barry was an excellent guide and had some solid suggestions on where to get the best food and drinks! The old fashioned was very delicious and the variation of drinks was fun! I would gladly recommend this cocktail tour to a friend!
V
Response from ViatorJuly 05, 2026
We’re thrilled you enjoyed the cocktail tour, especially that delicious old-fashioned! Barry loves sharing his favorite local spots, so we hope his recommendations treat you well during the rest of your stay.
D
Don_BJune 2026 • Viator
Exceptional Denver Cocktail Tour
Barry was an outstanding tour guide. He was very knowledgeable about cocktails and Denver history. He was also very knowledgeable of the Denver restaurant scene.
V
Response from ViatorJune 20, 2026
Barry is a walking encyclopedia of spirits, so matching his historic Denver lore with master-level mixology is his natural element. Navigating our thriving central restaurant scene with a curated drink in hand is the definitive way to see modern Denver shine.
D
Dawn_MJune 2026 • Viator
Great drinks and conversation
My husband and I had a wonderful time! Barry was a great guide. We learned a great deal about the Denver restaurant scene while enjoying 4 cocktails. Be careful with those last couple. They hit hard. I definitely recommend not planning to drive after the tour.
V
Response from ViatorJune 08, 2026
Thanks for the great review and the excellent advice, Dawn! Barry loves mixing local history with great drinks. We appreciate the honest tip for future guests—our cocktail pairings definitely don't skimp on quality or strength! Hope to host you and your husband again soon
BR
Betsy RMay 2026 • TripAdvisor
Awesome cocktail tour, but the fun, interesting facts, and history were big bonuses! Also lots of local restaurant recommendati
This tour exceeded my expectations. Not only were the cocktails excellent, the information and history about the restaurants and hotels we visited were interesting and helpful. I have learned a lot that will help me in my visit here in Denver. I have been here many times but learned so much more in this tour!
V
Response from ViatorMay 29, 2026
It’s the ultimate compliment when a Denver veteran walks away learning something new! We are so glad the history of our local hotels and restaurants added that extra "bonus" to your cocktail experience. We hope those local recommendations lead you to even more hidden gems during the rest of your visit. Cheers to being a lifelong learner of the Mile High City!
byFood’s Choice
4.9 (166)
Denver Food Tour with Food Tastings in Historic Lower Downtown
Denver
3 hours
Private Experience
US$103.91
