Speakeasies: the Hidden Cocktail Scene

Incognito near gate 38 in the A Concourse of Denver International Airport is Williams & Graham, a speakeasy disguised as a bookstore with a secret door (see inset photo) in the bookcase that leads to the bar.

Speakeasies arrived on the scene with the ban of alcohol during the Prohibition period,1920-1933. Originally created as secret and often underground places to buy illicit alcohol and socialize on the sly, people whispered or spoke softly to keep things quiet, hence the name. Speakeasies may be nearly impossible to find or merely hiding in plain sight, but all of them offer a variety of specialty and hand-crafted cocktails. Here are a few in Denver to explore:

B&GC is a drinking spot revived from the historic ruins of the former Cherry Creek post office, located at 249 Columbine Street. Head down the alley between Second and Third Avenues and you will come to staircase number three where you will see the B&GC logo and a doorbell. High-end appetizers are available, including oysters, caviar and chicken liver mousse. Reservations are required. Visit bandgcdenver.com.

Run for the Roses is located under the Dairy Block in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood, 1801 Blake Street, Suite 10. Once you find the sign for the bar, you will take an elevator down to the basement floor, walk down a hallway and hang a left. Each cocktail choice is printed on decks of cards; the speakeasy offers 99% drinks, so plan to grab a meal before your visit. For more information, visit rftrbar.com.

The Arvada Tavern, just west of Denver, is in the heart of Olde Town Arvada, 5707 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. Dating all the way back to 1933, this speakeasy was granted the first tavern license after prohibition had ended. In addition to cocktails, there is a menu of tavern-type foods: burgers, chicken wings and Rocky Mountain oysters. For reservations, visit arvadatavern.com.

William & Graham (W&G) has two locations: 3160 Tejon Street and a newer location at Denver International Airport. Both make it appear like you have arrived at a corner bookstore. As you go deeper behind the bar, there is a bookstore vibe but instead of books, you will find more than 500 different spirits from all over the world.

Menu choices include French onion soup, foie gras and mac and cheese with bacon jam. The airport’s speakeasy has one-way glass looking out onto the terminal—great for people watching. Find out more at williamsandgraham.com.