This October the Denver culinary scene embraces its sinister side with ghoulish Halloween pop-ups galore. Toast blood-red concoctions, terrifying tiki creations, and more boo-zy beverages in the most decorated haunts around town.
For those who dare visit, this list also includes what ghost-hunters deem to be true paranormal sites. Events round out the month of mayhem and of course, costumes are always encouraged. Sink your teeth into feasts and frights with this ultimate guide to Halloween in Denver.
Halloween Pop-Ups
Boys & Ghouls Club at B&GC
Echoes of the former Cherry Creek post office linger in this clandestine speakeasy, which lies hidden below the Halcyon hotel. Through the month of October, B&GC summons all ghouls to its swanky bar serving classic and custom cocktails. For a sinfully sumptuous evening, order the $2,500 martini alongside elevated bites. 249 Columbine St., Denver, bandgcdenver.com
The Upside Down Bar Presented by The Devil’s Drink
Fans of Stranger Things will be thrilled by this pop-up presented by The Devil’s Drink, which recently relocated to LoHi. But every Thursday through Sunday this month, its original space is a parallel dimension into ‘80s nostalgia. Sip a themed cocktail while watching Halloween flicks on VHS and reserve your spot for $7. 3330 Mariposa St., Denver, eventbrite.com
Poka Luna at Poka Lola Social Club
Toast to mischief and magic at Poka Luna, the Halloween edition of Poka Lola Social Club at the Maven Hotel. Seventeen seasonal cocktails, mocktails, and shots appear on the menu, like the tequila-based La Llorona featuring brown butter-charred corn, hatch green chile, and mole bitters ($16). Events including a butterfly coffin workshop on October 12 add to the festivity. 1850 Wazee St., Denver, pokaloladenver.com
Witch Please at Wonderyard Garden + Table
Through November 2, this downtown eatery will offer a wickedly wonderful menu with options like the Basic Witch, a chai-infused espresso martini; and the Witch Please made with vodka, green apple liqueur, and caramel syrup (each $15). Attend a pumpkin painting party on October 23 and Halloween pop culture trivia on October 29. 2200 Larimer St., Denver, wonderyard.com
Nightmare in Paradise at Adrift
Escape to Nightmare in Paradise, a spooky tiki takeover at Adrift. Available through November 1, all Creepy Cocktails are priced at $17. Specials include its Poison Apple featuring Jamaican rum, apple brandy, and spiced pear; along with the pumpkin-spiced Trick-or-Chi Chi. The latter will be discounted to $10 on October 10, with all proceeds benefiting the South Broadway Halloween Parade happening on October 25. 218 S. Broadway, Denver, adriftbar.com
Casa BOOnita
Don your best Black Bart costume when visiting Casa BOOnita. Through November 2, the iconic Mexican restaurant and entertainment venue will feature festive installations, special menu items, and more spine-tingling surprises in honor of Halloween and Día de Los Muertos. Book weekday lunch reservations for $29.99 or dinner and weekend seating for $39.99. 6715 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood, casabonitadenver.com
Black Lagoon at Lady Jane
A cult favorite with pop-ups nationwide, Black Lagoon has slithered into Denver and will dwell within Lady Jane through November 1. Six signature drinks make up the menu, including the rye-based Creature’s Curse featuring roasted sweet potato and figgy bitters; along with Midnight Forever, a glittering concoction with black sesame-infused vodka. Haunted house-inspired decor adds to the experience. 2021 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, blacklagoonpopup.com
The Netherworld at Milepost Zero
It’s time to step into the Netherworld, a strange and unusual pop-up at Milepost Zero. Happy hour happens every Sunday and Monday from 3 to 6 p.m., granting $2 off draft beers and Halloween cocktail specials. These include the tequila-based Sandworm and the Haunted Houndstooth whiskey tonic. Graveyard Grooves with live DJ sets start at 8:30 p.m. every Friday night through October. 1601 19th St., Denver, milepostzero.com
13th Floor Haunted House
Discover frights and delights at 13th Floor, a monstrous attraction with three themed haunts and an equal number of drinking dens. Take a shot in the arcade bar, have your tarot cards read in the Shriekeasy, and imbibe in some liquid courage while hiding in the Attic of this haunted house. Including one cocktail, all bar experiences can be pre-purchased online for $10 to $15. 3400 E. 52nd Ave., Denver, 13thfloorhauntedhouse.com
Call to Arms Brewing Company
One of the best local breweries recently gave us all some dreaded news: Call to Arms is closing in a couple of months. This year is your last chance to embrace its eerie Halloween pop-up, set to begin on October 16. Creep over to bid this Berkeley favorite a spirited farewell. 4526 Tennyson St., Denver, calltoarmsbrewing.com
Coffin Club at Honor Farm, Haunted Spirit House
Believed to be haunted by several lost souls, this former brothel embraces the macabre year-round. Expect skeleton decor and drinks with sinister themes, like the Deathamphetamine espresso martini ($16) and, perhaps most horrifying: Malört on tap. Through October, Honor Farm will turn up the terror with its Coffin Club pop-up featuring more ghastly drink specials. 1526 Blake St., Denver, honorfarmdenver.com
Sharoonnn!!! at Hell or High Water Tiki Bar
Located on the mezzanine level of Honor Farm, this tiki-centric sister concept will host an Osbournes-themed pop-up through October 12. Toast to the late prince of darkness with a menu of mayhem starring rum-based cocktails. Street food bites from Samosa Shop complement the satanic atmosphere. 1526 Blake St., Denver, honorfarmdenver.com
Little Bar of Horrors at The Electric Cure
From the same owners as Honor Farm and Hell or High Water, this unhinged tiki bar completes the unholy trinity. Through the month of October, visit the Electric Cure for an extra dose of chaos. Its Little Bar of Horrors pop-up promises tropical cocktails from beyond the grave, plus creature feature movie screenings every Friday and Saturday starting at midnight. 5350 W. 25th Ave., Edgewater, theelectriccure.com
Spooky Bars and Restaurants
Cruise Room
While ranked among the most beautiful bars in Denver, this landmark within the Oxford Hotel is allegedly haunted by a mailman of the past. Through the crimson glow, you may see him whispering quietly to himself at the bar before disappearing into the shadows. With a history dating back to the Prohibition era, perhaps even more spirits linger in the Cruise Room. After all, the martini has enough spirits to raise the dead. 1600 17th St., Denver, theoxfordhotel.com
Dearly Departed
This moody, new speakeasy drips with elegance, but a fresh coat of paint doesn’t change its eerie location. Dearly Departed lies hidden in the basement of the old Olinger Mortuary, where countless deceased have passed through, or, so the living hope. Watch for shifting shadows as you sip on craft cocktails and savor a tapas menu featuring patatas bravas ($12), Kobe meatballs ($16), and tuna crudo ($19). 1575 Boulder St., Denver, dearlydepartedlounge.com
12 Spirits Tavern
The Patterson Inn is notorious for creeping sounds and paranormal encounters. Those too fearful to stay the night can get a glimpse of its haunted history within 12 Spirits Tavern, a snug spot to sip signature bourbon-based cocktails. Each priced at $12, these include the Cap Hill Carrot and Coffee Old Fashioned, which will keep you even more on your toes. 420 E. 11th Ave., Denver, 12spiritstavern.com
Bar Red
Like Honor Farm, the space housing Bar Red once was a seedy brothel that bucked the laws surrounding Prohibition. Though now barricaded, a tunnel from the era lies in the basement, as does a door that leads to nowhere. Fortunately, guests to this Italian restaurant never have to venture to that eerie level. Seated near a sunny window, enjoy a bottle of wine alongside grilled salmon risotto ($27) and tiramisu ($10) for dessert. 437 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, no website
The Crypt
It’s easy to come by live music at local restaurants, but few places have a playlist like the Crypt. Punk and heavy metal reverberate through the bar, which is decked in skulls and classic horror movie posters year-round. Order plant-based bites alongside $10 signature cocktails like its Death on the Beach and Satánico Pandemonium made with tequila and smoked jalapeño liqueur. 1618 E. 17th Ave., Denver, thecryptdenver.com
Linger
This upstairs neighbor to Dearly Departed also resides within the former funeral home. Take a seat near the garage doors once used by casket-carrying hearses or head to the rooftop where the historic “Olinger Mortuaries” sign now spells Linger Eatuaries. The menu offers craft cocktails and global street foods like steamed bao buns ($15), a selection of kebabs and skewers ($15-$18), and several plant-based options. 2030 W. 30th Ave., Denver, ediblebeats.com
Halloween Events
Through November 3: Autumn in the Atrium at The Brown Palace
Afternoon tea at the Brown Palace is a beloved tradition and this autumn, the landmark hotel will offer four weeks of themed services. These include Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz through October 12, a gothic garden of elegant dark florals from October 13 to 19, and a spirited witches’ tea from October 20 to November 3. Seating starts at $65 per person. 321 17th St., Denver, brownpalace.com
October 14, 17, and 24: Pumpkin Carve at Stoney’s
Stoney’s is one of the most well-known Denver sports bars with three metro area locations. Visit its Capitol Hill bar and grill on October 14, the Sloans Lake location on October 17, or the Uptown outpost on October 24 for its annual pumpkin carving events. A stein hoisting contest, pumpkin beers, and classic pub fare will add to the experience, which is priced at $12 per person. Multiple locations, stoneysbarandgrill.com
October 24: Masquerade Ball at The Fort
Nevermind the adobe walls of this historic restaurant. On Friday, October 24 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Fort will set the stage for the Billionaires’ Club Annual Masquerade Ball. Arrive in evening attire and don a mask for this adults-only murder mystery dinner. Priced at $99, the menu features a six-ounce buffalo filet with chimichurri, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, and no-bake cheesecake for dessert. 19192 CO-8, Morrison, thefort.com
October 25: The 13th Floor at Clayton Hotel & Members Club
Though often reserved for members and overnight guests, the Clayton Hotel will open its doors to the public for this wickedly posh event happening on Saturday, October 25 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Be spellbound by DJ sets, captivating performances, tarot card readings, and a costume contest alongside indulgent cocktails and bites. Entry to the evening cost $199. 233 Clayton St., Denver, claytondenver.com
October 25: Spirits & Spirits at Four Mile Historic Park
Savor the night at this adults-only celebration featuring spirited tastings, food truck fare, and eerie entertainment. Those who dare step inside Four Mile House will discover a Victorian mourning ceremony and a séance sure to send chills down every spine. Outside, shop for curiosities within the metaphysical marketplace, see a costumed drag performance, or even ink your love for Halloween with a spooky flash tattoo. Starting at $30, the event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. 715 S. Forest St., Denver, fourmilepark.org
October 25: Homo Halloween at Champagne Tiger
On Saturday, October 25 from 12 to 5 p.m., the most important restaurant of the year will host Homo Halloween, a costumed celebration with a queer artists’ market, pumpkin painting, tarot readings, and live DJ beats. During the free event, Champagne Tiger will be serving its brunch menu through 3:30 p.m., followed by dinner favorites. Order the roasted mustard chicken ($31) or steak n’ fries ($32) with a glass of bubbles. 601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, eventbrite.com
October 26: Bloody Mary Festival
Wise individuals won’t say her name three times into a mirror, but there’s no harm in raising a glass at the Bloody Mary Festival. Free-flowing samples of these devilishly good cocktails will be served by local eateries on Sunday, October 26 from 12:15 to 2:30 p.m. ($58.26 for general admission). For $77.93, VIP ticket holders will gain access at 11:30 a.m. Get even more into the spirit by wearing your best costume to the event. 1399 35th St., Denver, thebloodymaryfest.com
October 29: Bird Dog Happy Hour at Rare Bird
Eat, drink, and be ghoulishly giddy with your dog at this happy hour event hosted at Rare Bird. On Wednesday, October 29 from 4 to 7 p.m., four-legged friends will gather in spooky costumes and enjoy a menu of puppy poke bowls ($14) and housemade peanut butter dog treats ($7). Craft cocktails and wood-fired pizzas will be available to their human companions. 245 Columbine St., Denver, halcyonhotelcherrycreek.com
October 29: Spooky Spirits Cocktail Class at Deviation Distilling
Seeking inspiration for your Halloween party? On Wednesday, October 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Deviation Distilling will host a spooky cocktail class featuring dark spirits and ghastly garnishes. Tickets are priced at $78 and include recipes, ingredients, and instructions on how to make three bewitching beverages. 1821 Blake St., Denver, deviationdistilling.com
October 31: Gothic Dinner Party at Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar
Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar will host a candlelit gothic dinner party with a darkly decadent, four-course menu. Leave the bones behind on ginger-glazed chicken drumsticks and lock forks over a midnight salad drizzled with blackberry vinaigrette. Squid ink pasta with scallops in a red pepper sauce will be served as the main, followed by poached pears and Day of the Dead cookies for dessert. Hosted on Halloween from 6 to 9 p.m., the evening is priced at $305 per pair. 8171 S. Chester St., Centennial, uncorkedkitchen.com
October 31: Halloween Spooktacular at Nocturne
Few romantic restaurants put on a spooktacular soirée like Nocturne. On Friday, October 31 from 6 to 10:30 p.m., Adam Bodine and his band will perform two sets of Halloween tunes at this bi-level jazz club. Reserve bar seats for $38 per guest or opt for dinner and show tickets for $115 per person. 1330 27th St., Denver, nocturnejazz.com
October 31: Voodoo House Party at Viewhouse
If you haven’t already started on your Halloween costume, get to work. From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Halloween night, Viewhouse will be offering $7,500 in cash and prizes to those with the most frightfully fabulous fits. Themed cocktails, drink specials, and classic bar eats will also be available at its Ballpark, Centennial, Littleton, and Colorado Springs outposts. Multiple locations, viewhouse.com
October 31 and November 1: Monster Mash DJ Brunch at The Original
On Halloween and Saturday, November 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., this McGregor Square mainstay hosts a Monster Mash DJ Brunch. Order à la carte from a special menu featuring a boozy Drunken Pumpkin Cold Brew ($13), Franken-Fries smothered in pork green chile ($14), and the Monster Cristo sandwich finished with a blood-red melba sauce ($18). 1600 20th St., Denver, theogdenver.com
