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Perhaps its most intricate feature is the large panels adorning the walls carved by Alley Henson. The panels have been preserved throughout the decades and commemorate toasting traditions from different corners of the world. If you’re in Denver looking for an interesting historic spot, then the Cruise Room is definitely a great contender.
Superior Classic
After bringing the doorbell, a host behind a door labeled “Stair 3” will help you to your table. Reservations are highly recommended and can only be made by texting the number listed below. B&GC is probably the most authentic speakeasy in Denver, given its exclusivity and hidden locale.
Denver Speakeasies & Hidden Bars

When the bartender goes to check on him, they find the beer bottle is still full. Interestingly, the Oxford Hotel has gained a reputation for being haunted. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of paranormal activity within the hotel’s premises. At one end of the bar, an enticing jukebox awaits, though regrettably, it was out of service during my visit. Nevertheless, the air was alive with melodies as they continued to fill the bar. From the legendary Buckhorn Exchange, hailed as the city’s oldest dining establishment, to the venerable Four Mile House, a sentinel of history standing proud as Denver’s oldest enduring structure.
History and Design
The Cruise Room's celebratory spirit continues - Thirst Colorado
The Cruise Room's celebratory spirit continues.
Posted: Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
According to Rubald, some of the bar’s original details that you can still spot include its marble floor, vintage jukebox and hand-carved panels on the walls, which depict different ways to say “cheers” worldwide. Set behind a bookstore facade, Williams & Graham is a true prohibition-style speakeasy. It’s the most well-known one in the Mile High City, featuring an intimate atmosphere and bookshelf entrance. Serving handcrafted cocktails, small plates, and desserts, there are only 60 seats in the establishment.
Essential Denver Bars
The Cruise Room The 100 Best Denver Bars We Can't Live Without Westword - Westword
The Cruise Room The 100 Best Denver Bars We Can't Live Without Westword.
Posted: Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
It’s rumored that Stephen King was inspired by this moody deco landmark when he wrote about the hotel bar in The Shining. The Cruise Room in the historic Oxford Hotel is an authentic post-Prohibition bar with its original chrome and neon, drenching the walls with a stirring pink hue. Score a booth, select a Louis Armstrong tune on the free jukebox that actually plays records, order a dirty martini, or three, or four.
Found at the intersection of timeless elegance and modern luxury, The Oxford Hotel stands today as an iconic Denver landmark, rooted in its unique history and groundbreaking beginnings of 1891. In the bustling heart of downtown, guests step through our doors and feel taken back to a simpler, more quaint point in time. Illuminated by red lights inside the Oxford Hotel, The Cruise Room was opened in 1933 and is Denver’s longest-running bar. Featuring an art deco ambiance, jazzy soundtrack, and signature, martinis, this landmark location brings the prohibition era to modern times. Born the day after the repeal in 1933, The Cruise Room is Denver’s longest-running bar, and has remained open since its founding. Drawing inspiration from the RMS Queen Mary, the space’s décor showcases a wide array of unique vintage design features, including a distinctly retro Art Deco design and wine bottle-shaped layout.
Frozen Matter boasts the freezer door that unlocks this authentic speakeasy. Fancy cocktails reign here, along with a few small plates to accompany them. Boasting Denver’s largest collection of rare whiskey, this prohibition-style speakeasy is open from 5 pm – 10 pm Sunday to Thursday and 5 pm – 12 am on Friday and Saturday. Craft cocktails have flourished in Denver over the last few years, and there’s no better place to sip on one than a dimly lit speakeasy.
Similar Bars
The Cruise Room is one of our go-to places for fresh oysters on the half shell ($4.5 each), served with a refreshing lemon mignonette. If you’re looking for something to share, try the cheese and charcuterie board ($24) which features an artisanal selection of charcuterie, both local and old-world cheese selections paired with pickled vegetables and grilled bread. Whether you go for a savory or sweet bite, you won’t regret ordering anything off the menu to satisfy your tastebuds. If you're looking for an intimate evening with friends or someone special, The Cruise Room has the atmosphere you're looking for. Located in the historical Oxford Hotel and accented with deep red lighting, The Cruise Room offers an intimate feel, a great Martini selection, and friendly staff. Plan the wedding of your dreams in the heart of downtown Denver in our charming and elegant venues.

Inside, guests will discover the perfect spot to while the night away while sipping on one of our delicious cocktails, or sampling our enticing menu of small plates. We’d never dare insinuate that it’s the best in town, but thankfully we don’t have to — as many others have done so on our behalf. The Cruise Room swiftly established its presence as the first bar to open in Denver after the repeal of the Prohibition in 1933. Several decades later, the bones of the bar still stand firm as it boasts an array of history from its Prohibition roots. As you step through the doors of this time capsule, the glowing red walls and vintage accents swallow you in an art deco ambiance similar to its original decor from the 1930s.
Buried in the basement of the Halcyon Hotel, it can be difficult to garner access to. Open from 5 pm – 10 pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 5 pm – 11 pm on Friday and Saturday, small plates are also offered. Set the stage for a dazzling social event or productive business meeting in our meeting and event venues. Whether you need to impress an important client or wow your friends and family, our venues offer unmatched style and luxury for any occasion. Because everybody has to see this place for themselves at least once, there’s no telling who will be here on any given night—the crowd is all over the map.
You could be forgiven for wishing there were a dress code from time to time, if only to prolong the spell cast by the decor, so here’s hoping you catch it at the right time when the adults have the floor. Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC.
His design for this bar was a tribute to the very essence of the Queen Mary itself. Within its historic walls, an evocative ambiance reminiscent of the 1930s awaits. Recently, I embarked on my own visit to the Cruise Room, and here’s how the experience went. You won’t need to pay for access to the aquarium to soak in some of its scenery via The Dive Lounge. Boasting a happy hour Monday to Friday, on-site there is a full restaurant and a 50,000-gallon centerpiece aquarium, ensuring you’ll have a memorable time. Retrograde gets props for the best undercover entrance, concealed in the back of an ice cream shop in Uptown.
Simple bar snacks do the trick—raw oysters, sliders, or cheese and charcuterie samplers. (Caviar in custom tins will also soon be available for pairing with those bottles of bubbly.) If you like what you try and want more, the full menu awaits at Urban Farmer, the hotel’s snazzy contemporary steakhouse. As for food, it’s limited to small plates, such as oysters, olives, and cheese and charcuterie samplers. If you’re looking for a full meal, you can head to the hotel’s attached restaurant, Urban Farmer. It’s the only clue to an otherwise unmarked bar, besides seeing individuals oddly lounging in a functioning ice cream parlor without ordering ice cream. The atmosphere is a less rustic speakeasy, and more club feel with an astronomy vibe, keeping it true to its name Retrograde.
The spacious Premium Classic room features Victorian-era décor and bright natural light. The luxurious bathroom includes thoughtful touches like a clawfoot soaking tub, pedestal sinks, and a glass shower. With each room offering a unique design, our Superior Classic rooms include Art Deco or Victorian details paired with modern amenities. With more than 100 years under our belt, we are your key to refined comfort as we continue to set the standard for loyal and exceptional service. As the most historic hotel in Denver, The Oxford Hotel has been a part of the city since the beginning, and always will be. Its design and decor take inspiration from the Observation Bar, a lounge that once served travelers aboard the Queen Mary.
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