The best bars & nightlife in Thornton

60 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 60 places · showing the latest additions first

Convivial taproom & brewery featuring flagship & specialty draft beers, plus a patio.

5535 W 56th Ave #107 (Arvada)

Convivial taproom & brewery featuring flagship & specialty draft beers, plus a patio.

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Mellow brewpub serving an array of handcrafted beers in warm digs that once housed a fire station.

7045 E 38th Ave (Denver)

Mellow brewpub serving an array of handcrafted beers in warm digs that once housed a fire station.

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Funky brewery inside an old aviation plant turned marketplace, pouring Latin & European-style beers.

2501 Dallas St #148 (Aurora)

Funky brewery inside an old aviation plant turned marketplace, pouring Latin & European-style beers.

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Microbrewery serving its unique & bold housemade beers in a relaxed & modern tap room.

4342 Tennyson St (Denver)

Microbrewery serving its unique & bold housemade beers in a relaxed & modern tap room.

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Fort Greene

Nightlife

American classics & cocktails crafted with local spirits presented in a warm, bygone atmosphere.

321 E 45th Ave (Denver)

American classics & cocktails crafted with local spirits presented in a warm, bygone atmosphere.

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The Tatarian

Nightlife

Elegant, creative seasonal cocktails star at this compact, contemporary bar & lounge.

4024 Tennyson St (Denver)

Elegant, creative seasonal cocktails star at this compact, contemporary bar & lounge.

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Hotel sports bar showing local teams on its 75-ft. screen, with an American menu & beer on tap.

6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd (Aurora)

Hotel sports bar showing local teams on its 75-ft. screen, with an American menu & beer on tap.

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Casual destination for shareable plates like bruschetta alongside wine and craft beer.

145 Broadway (Denver)

Casual destination for shareable plates like bruschetta alongside wine and craft beer.

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Chef-driven and seasonally curated, The Velvet Cellar keeps the menu fresh so every visit feels like discovering a new favorite. Perfect…

1500 Wynkoop St #101 (Denver)

Chef-driven and seasonally curated, The Velvet Cellar keeps the menu fresh so every visit feels like discovering a new favorite. Perfect for a midweek pick-me-up or date-night reset, it’s the kind of spot you revisit just to see what the chef is dreaming up.

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Whether you're easing into the day with coffee or toasting the evening with a fresh house pour, Second Dawn Brewing Co. keeps things lively…

2302 Dayton St (Aurora)

Whether you're easing into the day with coffee or toasting the evening with a fresh house pour, Second Dawn Brewing Co. keeps things lively with a welcoming taproom, rotating events, and clubs. Got a gathering on the horizon?

From the Centennial newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Skip the grocery aisle vino and spend some time at Bigsby's Folly Craft Winery & Restaurant, where you can taste through Folly-5 flights,…

3563 Wazee St (Denver)

Skip the grocery aisle vino and spend some time at Bigsby's Folly Craft Winery & Restaurant, where you can taste through Folly-5 flights, snack on chef-crafted bites, then geek out in a custom blending session to mix, bottle, and label your own one-of-a-kind blend.

From the Denver newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Hoffbrau

Nightlife

Hoffbrau is your reliable neighborhood play when you want the big game on 50+ TVs, a full menu that actually satisfies, and live bands…

9110 Wadsworth Pkwy (Westminster)

Hoffbrau is your reliable neighborhood play when you want the big game on 50+ TVs, a full menu that actually satisfies, and live bands every Thursday through Saturday. Add weekly poker, trivia, and karaoke, plus weekend brunch, and you’ve got an easy win for the whole crew.

From the Westminster newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Method & Muse Spirits is an Olde Town Arvada craft distillery and lounge crafting botanical gins, amari, and barrel-aged sippers, fresh off…

7513 Grandview Ave (Arvada)

Method & Muse Spirits is an Olde Town Arvada craft distillery and lounge crafting botanical gins, amari, and barrel-aged sippers, fresh off international medals including Best in Show for Innovation. Swing by this week for a dialed-in cocktail or latte, and ask about custom wedding or event bottles.

From the Arvada newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Funky, lively microbrewery specializing in offbeat craft beers served in a rocket-themed taproom.

884 S Buckley Rd (Aurora)

Funky, lively microbrewery specializing in offbeat craft beers served in a rocket-themed taproom.

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Dive bar at the heart of RiNo Art District with an Eagles theme, burgers, putt-putt, and a patio.

3763 Wynkoop St (Denver)

Dive bar at the heart of RiNo Art District with an Eagles theme, burgers, putt-putt, and a patio.

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Craft cocktails, beer, wine & creative bites served in a hip space inspired by a Swedish ski cabin.

5151 Leetsdale Dr (Denver)

Craft cocktails, beer, wine & creative bites served in a hip space inspired by a Swedish ski cabin.

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Coyote Ugly

Nightlife

Outpost of a festive saloon chain with female bartenders, bartop dancing & body shots.

Pavilions, 500 16th St Mall #350 (Denver)

Outpost of a festive saloon chain with female bartenders, bartop dancing & body shots.

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Equal parts cocktail joint, snack bar, beauty salon & massage parlor in funky, vintage-toned digs.

2034 Larimer St (Denver)

Equal parts cocktail joint, snack bar, beauty salon & massage parlor in funky, vintage-toned digs.

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Modern oyster bar featuring raw bar picks and small plates, plus cocktails and wines.

2501 Dallas St Ste 311 (Aurora)

Modern oyster bar featuring raw bar picks and small plates, plus cocktails and wines.

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Denver Improv

Nightlife

Top acts in comedy & improv perform on stage while pub grub & drinks are served.

8246 E Northfield Blvd Unit 1400 (Denver)

Top acts in comedy & improv perform on stage while pub grub & drinks are served.

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On the 20th-floor roof of Le Méridien hotel, this open-air lounge offers panoramas & fire pits.

1475 California St (Denver)

On the 20th-floor roof of Le Méridien hotel, this open-air lounge offers panoramas & fire pits.

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Cana Wine Bar

Nightlife

Quaint spot with a patio for wines by the glass, bottle or flight, plus choice spirits & light fare.

2554 S Broadway (Denver)

Quaint spot with a patio for wines by the glass, bottle or flight, plus choice spirits & light fare.

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Industrial haunt supplying locally sourced pub grub & craft beers, plus weekend brunch.

12708 Lowell Blvd (Broomfield)

Industrial haunt supplying locally sourced pub grub & craft beers, plus weekend brunch.

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Burgers and beer, plus live bands and a patio, at this laid-back hangout.

5980 N Lamar St (Arvada)

Burgers and beer, plus live bands and a patio, at this laid-back hangout.

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Old Man Bar

Nightlife

Comfy, no-frills hangout for burgers & BBQ, beer & booze with TV sports plus an outdoor patio.

4381 W 120th Ave (Broomfield)

Comfy, no-frills hangout for burgers & BBQ, beer & booze with TV sports plus an outdoor patio.

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Many global wines by the flight, glass or bottle plus tapas in a stylish 1870s cottage with a patio.

7714 Grandview Ave (Arvada)

Many global wines by the flight, glass or bottle plus tapas in a stylish 1870s cottage with a patio.

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Relaxed, family-run watering hole offering karaoke nights & comfort grub like burgers & green chili.

1535 S Havana St a (Aurora)

Relaxed, family-run watering hole offering karaoke nights & comfort grub like burgers & green chili.

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Typical pub grub rounds out a full roster of football on multiple TVs, live music, karaoke & poker.

15350 E Smoky Hill Rd (Aurora)

Typical pub grub rounds out a full roster of football on multiple TVs, live music, karaoke & poker.

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Rare Bird

Nightlife

Rooftop hangout offering craft beer, cocktails, and light fare, plus pool and city views.

245 Columbine St Rooftop (Denver)

Rooftop hangout offering craft beer, cocktails, and light fare, plus pool and city views.

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Comfy Irish pub with rooftop patio, serving snacks, burgers & local beer, plus weekend brunch.

846 Broadway (Denver)

Comfy Irish pub with rooftop patio, serving snacks, burgers & local beer, plus weekend brunch.

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Thane's Table

Nightlife

Local restaurant and bar offering food and cocktails, plus a variety of games.

7655 W 88th Ave (Arvada)

Local restaurant and bar offering food and cocktails, plus a variety of games.

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Improvisational comedy and sketch show venue featuring regular classes and live shows for all skill levels.

70 S Broadway (Denver)

Improvisational comedy and sketch show venue featuring regular classes and live shows for all skill levels.

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B&GC

Nightlife

Upscale, reservations-only speakeasy serving custom cocktails, beer, and wine in a cozy space.

249 Columbine St (Denver)

Upscale, reservations-only speakeasy serving custom cocktails, beer, and wine in a cozy space.

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Breakfast to dinner American fare served in a cozy, locally focused restaurant and bar.

13025 E Montview Blvd (Aurora)

Breakfast to dinner American fare served in a cozy, locally focused restaurant and bar.

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Craft beer & modern, bistro-style fare offered in an airy, urbane two-story setting with a terrace.

2298 Clay St (Denver)

Craft beer & modern, bistro-style fare offered in an airy, urbane two-story setting with a terrace.

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Cozy nook with artisanal charcuterie & cheese plates, plus international & local wines by the glass.

2202 Kearney St (Denver)

Cozy nook with artisanal charcuterie & cheese plates, plus international & local wines by the glass.

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Industrial brewpub featuring house beers & ciders with appetizers, pizza & other brick-oven fare.

12910 Zuni St #1300 (Westminster)

Industrial brewpub featuring house beers & ciders with appetizers, pizza & other brick-oven fare.

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Casual pub offering Mexican & American eats (including breakfast), sports on TV & an ample deck.

13698 E Alameda Ave (Aurora)

Casual pub offering Mexican & American eats (including breakfast), sports on TV & an ample deck.

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Hockey-themed haunt at a rink serving up diverse bar bites & tons of games to play or watch on TV.

10710 Westminster Blvd (Westminster)

Hockey-themed haunt at a rink serving up diverse bar bites & tons of games to play or watch on TV.

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Cool bar serving 19th-century-inspired craft cocktails in a glam, Prohibition-era environs.

1543 Champa St (Denver)

Cool bar serving 19th-century-inspired craft cocktails in a glam, Prohibition-era environs.

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Relaxed eatery for wings, burgers & more served amid framed sports memorabilia & multiple TVs.

1450 W 104th Ave (Northglenn)

Relaxed eatery for wings, burgers & more served amid framed sports memorabilia & multiple TVs.

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Coffee, wine, and snacks in a laid-back setting offering live music.

7190 W 38th Ave (Wheat Ridge)

Coffee, wine, and snacks in a laid-back setting offering live music.

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Comedy Works

Nightlife

Stand-up bastion presents famed comedians along with up-and-comers in an intimate basement space.

1226 15th St (Denver)

Stand-up bastion presents famed comedians along with up-and-comers in an intimate basement space.

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Tapas Sky Bar

Nightlife

Lively airport watering hole turning out wine, cocktails, Colorado beers & a small tapas menu.

8500 Peña Blvd (Denver) · ✓ checked Aug 4

Lively airport watering hole turning out wine, cocktails, Colorado beers & a small tapas menu.

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Bar/club featuring dozens of classic arcade games & pinball machines, plus diverse live music acts.

717 E Colfax Ave (Denver)

Bar/club featuring dozens of classic arcade games & pinball machines, plus diverse live music acts.

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Neighborhood cafe with exposed beams serving innovative American fare for dinner & weekend brunch.

5560 W 29th Ave (Wheat Ridge)

Neighborhood cafe with exposed beams serving innovative American fare for dinner & weekend brunch.

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Cozy, relaxed place offering an ample wine list & Mediterranean-inspired small plates & desserts.

3434 E 12th Ave (Denver)

Cozy, relaxed place offering an ample wine list & Mediterranean-inspired small plates & desserts.

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Craft beers & cocktails are on the menu at this Japanese-themed venue with vintage arcade games.

8901 N Harlan St (Westminster)

Craft beers & cocktails are on the menu at this Japanese-themed venue with vintage arcade games.

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Cozy, modern spot serving wine flights, cocktails, and beer, plus cheese plates, at a bar and comfy chairs that look out onto the street.

3282 Tejon St (Denver)

Cozy, modern spot serving wine flights, cocktails, and beer, plus cheese plates, at a bar and comfy chairs that look out onto the street.

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Wood-floored wine bar with an outdoor patio and a cozy atmosphere, known for craft beer and charcuterie, plus wine education.

4412 Yates St (Denver)

Wood-floored wine bar with an outdoor patio and a cozy atmosphere, known for craft beer and charcuterie, plus wine education.

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Kicking spot for country music concerts, line dancing, beers & a mechanical bull. Age limits vary.

5450 Lincoln St (Denver)

Kicking spot for country music concerts, line dancing, beers & a mechanical bull. Age limits vary.

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Improv shows, stand-up acts, cabaret & karaoke nights in a nightclub that also hosts comedy classes.

1260 22nd St (Denver)

Improv shows, stand-up acts, cabaret & karaoke nights in a nightclub that also hosts comedy classes.

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Venue beneath the D&F Tower for shows such as comedy, music & burlesque, plus a full bar & menu.

1601 Arapahoe St (Denver)

Venue beneath the D&F Tower for shows such as comedy, music & burlesque, plus a full bar & menu.

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Casual, but stylish, cocktail lounge boasting a patio, as well as a gift shop and friendly service.

Alley Entrance, 5665 Olde Wadsworth Blvd (Arvada)

Casual, but stylish, cocktail lounge boasting a patio, as well as a gift shop and friendly service.

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Beer-keg urinals lend a playful vibe to this airy strip-mall venue for televised sports & grub.

1885 W 120th Ave #1300 (Westminster)

Beer-keg urinals lend a playful vibe to this airy strip-mall venue for televised sports & grub.

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Chill brew room specializing in 75+ Colorado craft beers on tap & some local wines, plus TV sports.

8001 Arista Pl Ste 110 (Broomfield)

Chill brew room specializing in 75+ Colorado craft beers on tap & some local wines, plus TV sports.

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Folksy hangout with a fireplace & leather armchairs featuring classic British pub fare & live music.

9009 Metro Airport Ave (Broomfield)

Folksy hangout with a fireplace & leather armchairs featuring classic British pub fare & live music.

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Cruise Room

Nightlife

Cozy venue specializing in cocktails at a historic bar inspired by the Queen Mary.

1600 17th St CO (Denver)

Cozy venue specializing in cocktails at a historic bar inspired by the Queen Mary.

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Cozy wine bar serving snacks, charcuterie and some homemade specialties.

846 Santa Fe Dr (Denver)

Cozy wine bar serving snacks, charcuterie and some homemade specialties.

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Casual spot offering a variety of housemade ales, plus sandwiches, salads, pizza & local wines.

8931 N Harlan St (Westminster)

Casual spot offering a variety of housemade ales, plus sandwiches, salads, pizza & local wines.

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