The best gay bars in Denver Stories > Food & Drink > The best gay bars in Denver Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Ian PackhamThe state capital of Colorado, and by far the largest city in the region, Denver has long been a haven for the LGBT+ community. As such, there is no longer a need for a specific gay neighbourhood in Denver, host of the biggest Pride festival in the Rocky Mountains area, as there continues to be in other American cities. As a result, you can find gay-friendly drinking spots in many of the city’s 80 neighbourhoods, although the majority of gay bars in Denver can be found either around East Colfax Avenue or South Broadway. Being generally amicable and laid back come-as-you-are affairs, there’s really very little reason not to check out gay Denver while visiting the Mile High City. Tailor Made JourneyLet Us Plan Your Perfect VacationMr Hudson designs unique and luxurious vacations for sophisticated travelers who prioritize beauty and style. BOOK WITH US Denver | Photo: Cassie GallegosWhen it comes to Denver gay bars, a great place to start, if you can find it squeezed as it is between restaurants and auto parts stores, is Gladys: the Nosy Neighbour. Located on Santa Fe Drive just south of the Santa Fe Art’s District area of the city, Gladys is a deliberately inclusive space intended to be welcoming to every member of the LGBT+ community. Here the drinks flow whatever the day of the week, largely in preparation for the nightly stage performances and karaoke evenings that have already made this newish spot a beloved part of local nightlife and gay clubs in Denver. Trade works hard to be a convivial space for anyone who considers themselves belonging to the ‘+’ of the LGBT+ tagNot far away you’ll find Trade. Although this space may not be everyone’s cup of tea given its raison d’être as a place where bears and the kinkier members of the community are able to relax and let it all hang out (almost literally, pitch up on a Thursday night for the Underwear Night called Skivvy Strip Down), Trade also works hard to be a convivial space for anyone who considers themselves belonging in some way to the ‘+’ of the LGBT+ tag. The well-stocked bar is bathed in natural light by day and atmospheric illumination by night, while the bar staff are both knowledgeable and warm to newcomers. Photo: Pieter Van De Sande Photo: Sunrise PhotosOccupying a corner plot on South Broadway a few blocks away, Li’l Devils Lounge is just that, a laid back lounge space where its perfectly possible to while away an afternoon or evening without even realising it (not least thanks to its long happy ‘hour’ from three till seven each day). Somewhere to grab a beer with friends old or new, this unprepossessing spot has a drinks menu that includes hand-crafted cocktails made to order, and no less than eight beers on tap, including some from the local small-time craft breweries Denver, has developed a name for (alongside its partial legalisation of cannabis). Come when the weather’s good to make the most of the outdoor patio and barbeque area, while whatever the weather you can be sure of a warm welcome inside, and the chance to catch a drag act or live band. Photo: Nathan Dumlao X-bar combines the sleekest of bars with a quirky collation of chandeliers, live plants, and kaleidoscopic disco lightsLi’l Devils Lounge isn’t the only place in Denver that is able to offer its patrons either drag performances or an outdoor patio, with X-bar offering both these attractions and a lot more besides. The spacious warehouse-like yet atmospheric interior combines the sleekest of bars with a quirky collation of chandeliers, live plants, and kaleidoscopic disco lights over two floors. Street-level is the place to linger for a chance to call house during drag queen bingo or hang around for Sunday night’s wet underwear shower competition, while downstairs you’ll find the dance floor. Outside you’ll find an enclosed patio space bedecked with shared seating and more than a few Stars and Stripes. This is a great place if you’re looking for gay clubs Denver. Photo: Tatiana Rodriguez Photo: Robson Hatsukami MorganA large space in which to check out LGBT Denver, its rather plain brick and glass exterior ringed by outdoor seating (more for smokers than anything else) hides a homely and modern bar space that wears its heart (lightly) on its sleeve. Its ‘everyone welcome’ ethos, choice of light bites, and cocktail list (of which Silk Knickers must be the tastiest when it comes to both taste and name) means it’s a popular spot to meet up with friends whatever their sexual orientation. Going to Colorado? The same team that brings you the content you love designs your perfect tripPerhaps the newest, and most glamourous of gay bars in Denver is Triangle Denver, ideally situated in the historic Triangle Lounge building in the Downtown area. While you might want to avoid the coffee (its from Starbucks), there are still more than enough reasons to stick a mental pin in the map by Triangle Denver while exploring the city’s heart. More in keeping with the sophisticated air is the farm to table food menu, produced locally and sustainably wherever possible (along with its cocktails), which can be enjoyed in semi-private high-backed banquettes. If that’s not enough for you, Triangle Denver also aims to host live entertainment on a nightly basis. Photo: Tobias Nii Kwatei QuarteyWant to simplify luxury travel planning?Whether you want a resort vacation, wildlife safari, city break, luxury cruise, wellness retreat, honeymoon, once-in-a-lifetime adventure or weekend escape, the trip curation experts at Mr Hudson make travel planning a breeze. Find out how we can handle the finer details of vacationing in style.share Photo: Mark Hessling Photo: Adam Jaime Photo: Vine Ramazani Photo: Faith D Photo: Joel Herzog Photo: Jacob Rank Photo: Brooke CagleDid you enjoy this article? Then sign up for our newsletterDid you enjoy this article? The same team that curates our content designs your perfect trip Explore more 4 reasons why planning a trip is good for your mental healthIf you tend to be a more spontaneous traveller rather than a meticulous planner, you may be interested in finding out that being the latter is significantly better for your overall mental health. Read story > The favourite places of Carlos MeliaLuxury travel curator, travel agent and blogger, servicing, the leisure, corporate and fashion segments, with emphasis on mainstream bespoke travel, destination weddings, event planning and luxury gay travel. Read story > Design Hotels™ - stepping into a realm of infinite experienceDesign Hotels™ represents and markets a hand-selected collection of privately owned and operated hotels in hundreds of destinations around the globe. Mr Hudson speaks to Peter Cole, CEO, about trends in travel, the Design Hotels™ brand, his priorities, and some of his favourite places. Read story >