Union Lodge No. 1

Nestled in downtown Denver on Champa Street, Union Lodge No. 1 is more than a cocktail bar — it is a homage to America’s bartending heritage. Open nightly from 5 pm, the bar channels the spirit of the late 19th / early 20th century, serving drinks inspired by that era but refined with modern sensibilities. Walking in, you’ll feel the ambiance shift: warm lighting, exposed brickwork, vintage touches, and bar tools that echo days when bartenders experimented freely. While not literally from the Prohibition era, its aesthetic and drink philosophy aim to recreate the elegance of that age. The menu is richly curated. You’ll find categories like Slings & Fancy Drinks, Juleps & Smashes, Punches, Sours & Fizzes, Cups, Cobblers, Swizzles & Coolers, House Tonics, plus a robust Whiskey List. The bar also crafts seasonal specials, showing a skillful balance of tradition and innovation. Whiskey lovers will find depth: the whiskey list includes bottles from around the world — e.g. Hibiki Harmony (Japan), Red Breast 12 (Ireland), Nikka From the Barrel, etc. The cocktails also lean into classic styles — you’ll see Old Fashioned, Sazerac, Manhattan, Martinez — executed with reverence and finesse. Though cozy in size, the bar draws a diverse crowd: date nights, serious cocktail enthusiasts, locals wanting a polished late-evening drink, and visitors hunting for Denver’s standout cocktail experiences. Reviews often point to its ambiance as “feeling historic, but never stuffy.” It’s not a place for loud crowds — the focus is on the drink, the craft, and the conversation. Bartenders take care to explain the story behind each drink. In short: Union Lodge No. 1 is a refined retreat in Denver’s bar scene, one that invites you to slow down, sip beautifully, and connect with the legacy of cocktail craft.