Let’s set the mood. Imagine a dimly lit room, the soft hum of music, and your beloved nestled next to you. Sit close enough to be brushing shoulders and stealing kisses in between sips of something sweet. This is the romantic vibe we’re aiming for this Valentine’s Day.
There are plenty of date night options around Denver, but we’ve scoured the scene for the sultriest spots sure to make your sweetheart swoon. From candlelit fine dining to breathtaking rooftops to hidden speakeasies, we’re certain you’ll find a bit of romance at these seductive haunts.
In the Mood For Love and a View at Sorry Gorgeous
Take the elevator up to the 12th floor of the Novel RiNo building to access this chic rooftop lounge. Sorry Gorgeous is a sophisticated date with floor to ceiling windows, a sprawling patio, and sweeping views of the city. Get cozy in one of the green velvet booths surrounded by lush plants and gold accents. Or, grab a seat at the marble-top bar with a martini and a bump of caviar in hand. Other light bites such as chips and dips or charcuterie pair well with the bar’s varied selection of beverages.
If you work up an appetite, head downstairs to Magna Kainan, which serves authentic Filipino fare in earthy yet elegant digs on the first floor of the Novel. Both are owned by Culinary Creative, though each feel like a different world. At Magna Kainan a special Valentine’s Day menu will be available, as well as a karaoke themed to “Woo Your Boo” starting at 9 p.m. Make a reservation at Sorry Gorgeous here, and Magna Kainan here. 1350 40th St. (entrance on Walnut St.), Denver, magnadenver.com and sorrygorgeousrooftop.com
Speakeasy Style Date at B&GC
The adventure in finding this clandestine speakeasy is a romantic rendezvous in itself. Make your way around the back of the Halcyon Hotel and through the alley. At one of the doors you’ll find a gold doorbell, which you should absolutely ring. Once inside, the hostess will lead you to the Art Deco influenced bar housed in the former Cherry Creek Post Office. From there, peruse the menu featuring meticulously crafted cocktails.
Feeling frisky? Try the “Dealer’s Choice.” All it takes is a few questions from the bartender and then they will make a drink catered to your preference. There are also several small plates available, think oysters and tuna tartare, plus desserts. Text 720-925-8598 to make a reservation. 249 Columbine St., Denver, bandgcdenver.com
Dream-Like Dating at Noisette Restaurant & Bakery
Clad in shades of pastel pinks and soft earth tones, this quaint LoHi eatery exudes a certain je ne sais quoi. Patterned tiles, gold accents, and white marble tabletops transport diners to a Parisian cafe, with a menu to match.
The restaurant’s Valentine’s Day specials start with an amuse-bouche followed by Scallop Quenelle with Beurre Blanc, topped with caviar; a Veal Blanquette entree; and Gâteau Opéra (opera cake) served with a scoop of white coffee ice cream. A vegetarian menu will also be available. Dinner starts at $135 per person, with optional wine pairings for $65 per person.
For a still charming but more casual night, try sitting inside Noisette’s adjoining wine bar and bakery, which has a selection of wines by the glass and thoughtfully crafted small plates like skate frite and shrimp toast. 3254 Navajo St., Denver, noisettedenver.com
ESP HiFi Let’s You Listen Closely With Your Love
Music lovers need to check out this moody hi-fi listening bar in the heart of the Santa Fe Art District. ESP takes inspiration from Japanese kissa (cafes that play analog jazz on high fidelity sound systems), making the music the centerpiece at this comfy listening lounge. Sip on some natural wine and immerse yourselves in the curated tunes, which range from experimental to classical in the afternoons, and from jazz to synth pop in the evenings.
Start your Valentine celebrations a day early at the bar’s upcoming kaedama ramen pop-up on Feb. 13 from 4 to 10 p.m. where guest DJs will spin shoegaze, dream-pop, and psych beats, which, while we’re not entirely sure what those genres are, they sure sound dreamy. 1029 Santa Fe Dr., Denver, esphifi.co
Romantic Coziness at Mezcaleria Alma
Mezcaleria Alma, chef Johnny Curiel’s recently opened mezcal bar neighboring his Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina, is a local LoHi gem. Curiel’s team has expertly conveyed the spirit of Mexico City through a convivial atmosphere and melting pot of offerings. Embroidered art adorns the walls as wood tones, woven chairs and warm light fill the intimate space. Spend some time at the gorgeous bar or grab a table for two as you fantasize about running away to CDMX together.
The beverage menu is one to behold with a large selection of smoky mezcals, global spirits, innovative cocktails like the corn sour with elote mezcal, wines, and beers. Order a few small plates like the unforgettable burrata con huitlacoche (made with succotash, green tomatoes, salsa verde, and candied pecans), carne apache (NY strip with olive vinaigrette and dried chile salsa), and crudo de atun. 2550 15th St., Denver, mezcaleriaalma.com
Lost In a Romantic Forest at La Forêt
This whimsical eatery on South Broadway is the closest thing you’ll find to an enchanted forest in the middle of the city. Real aspen trunks shoot out of the floors and a canopy of plants drapes along the ceiling, shrouding you and your lover in a magical woodland atmosphere.
On Feb. 14, La Forêt will offer a limited menu of French small plates like Escargot au Champagne, Frog Legs, and Beignets. Featured specials include Taro Pavè, Venison Tartare, and Scallop Meunière. Top off the evening with Chocolate Mousse or Crème Brûlée. No reservations, walk-ins only. 38 S Broadway, Denver, laforetdenver.com
Carne Gets to the Meat of Romance
The sexiest table in Denver is upstairs at chef Dana Rodriguez’s Carne. Grab a reservation at the James Beard Award nominee’s stylish steakhouse and savor its global dishes like Argentinian Bife de Chorizo, Italian Beal Osso Bucco, French Duck Confit, and Brazilian Picanha. Hail down the Martini Trolley for tableside pours for two before indulging in housemade Baked Alaska for dessert. If you need a little jolt of energy before heading home to bed, hint hint, opt for the Espresso Martini on tap. 2601 Larimer St., Denver, carne-rino.com
Sharing is Caring at The Greenwich
This Italian joint in the heart of RiNo has all the sleek, mid-century modern vibes. Sit on the first floor or perched on the mezzanine overlooking the other lovebirds as you sample the eatery’s extensive wine list and New York-style Italian bites. Piccolini (starters), salads, handmade pasta, sourdough pizzas, large plates like Jersey Ernie’s Meatballs, and housemade desserts such as The Greenwich Cheesecake round out the menu.
The restaurant will also be hosting a special Valentine’s Day Bubbly Class on Feb. 15, led by Greenwich founder, owner, and sommelier Delores Tronco. Sign up here. 3258 Larimer St., Denver, thegreenwichdenver.com
Hop Alley Brings the Spice to the Table
Hop Alley, whose beverage program recently made the short list for the 2025 James Beard Awards, takes Chinese food to the next level with a selection of regional bites and a high-end beverage program. The quaint-yet-elevated space features dark gray walls against white chairs and wood tables, with an intimate back room bar.
In addition to the regular offerings, Hop Alley also provides vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menus, so you can dine with your sweetie regardless of any culinary quirks. Heat up the night both in the romantic way and taste way with spicy Sichuan selections such as La Zi Ji (battered chicken thigh with dried Sichuan chili) and Grilled Bavette (sirloin flap steak prepared with green Sichuan peppercorn). You also can’t go wrong with a plate of Fried Wontons. 3500 Larimer St., Denver, hopalleydenver.com
Have a Romantic Date Night at Jacques
Anchored by a beautiful marble bar, this charming brasserie in the heart of LoHi sets the tone for a romantic evening with dimmed lighting, modern French colonial interiors, and classic French fare. Toast to your love with a caviar bump, followed by mussels with creme fraiche and the half chicken in Vadouvan curry, all over a bottle of French wine. Close out the night with mini Espresso Martinis and the malted chocolate tart dessert, which will have your sweetheart swooning. 3200 Tejon St., Denver, jacqueslohi.com
