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If you’re in the mood for something on the classic side, we agree with Rubald—you can never go wrong with the traditional whiskey sour ($16). If you’re looking to wine and dine where the walls have a story to tell, take a cruise through time at Denver’s longest-running bar, The Cruise Room. This iconic bar is located in the historic Oxford Hotel in LoDo and offers a renowned getaway in the heart of the city.
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The Oxford Hotel Celebrating Dana Crawford with New 'Saving the Soul of Denver' Display Window - Mile High CRE
The Oxford Hotel Celebrating Dana Crawford with New 'Saving the Soul of Denver' Display Window.
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On that very day, the curtains were drawn on the era of Prohibition, the nationwide ban on the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages.
History and Design
Between its fascinating history, chic décor, delectable cocktails and delicious small plates, we’ll give you a glimpse into this Denver gem that will entice you to make this your next go-to spot. A hidden gem preserved in the chic glamour of the Prohibition-era, The Cruise Room is an iconic local landmark and among the best bars in Denver. Sleek and inviting, The Cruise Room showcases a wide array of unique design features, including a distinct Art Deco design and wine bottle-shaped layout. So, for Anthony Magliano, founder and executive creative director of Quixotic, it made sense to bring Sensatia to Denver. Link in bio to read more about Quixotic’s Sebastian Denver Cirque’s Cabaret!
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Its unique blend of Prohibition-era nostalgia, speakeasy heritage, and the vibrant spirit of post-repeal revelry make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Denver’s rich past while savoring the present. Something else that is special about the history of the bar is that it’s located in the historic Oxford Hotel, which holds the distinction of being the oldest operating hotel in Denver. Places all over metro Denver are hosting events of all kinds, whether line dancing or a comedy gong show, while also pouring energy into their bar offerings. Although beer-and-shot combos are the new standard, even at some upscale joints, bartenders are getting creative, adding everything from glitter to Cracker Jack and bouillon to cocktails. And the espresso martini is the most popular libation of the moment, as people once again embrace the allure of late nights.
Join The Phoenix at their Denver location on Champa Street on June 24 for a Pride party featuring live music, mocktails, and surprises on the dance floor. As a staple in Denver’s cocktail scene, this lounge never ceases to deliver a chic ambiance with a twist of history. Its inviting atmosphere is welcoming for any crowd seeking to enjoy a drink or a tasty bite. So, when cocktail hour calls this weekend, take a trip to The Cruise Room and experience an unforgettable time in the Mile High City. After changing hands of several owners and enduring many facelifts over the years, the soul of The Cruise Room still shines with its speakeasy appeal and historical details.
City Park
This space continued to serve throughout Prohibition as a speakeasy, building its reputation as an exclusive yet inviting drinking destination. The Cruise Room officially opened its doors the day after Prohibition was repealed and has successfully retained its vibe of formerly forbidden fun. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. Gazing upon the walls, your attention might be drawn to the intricately carved panels adorned with succinct expressions.
Recently, I embarked on my own visit to the Cruise Room, and here’s how the experience went. The Cruise Room is a revered local landmark, and among the most beloved of Denver bars. Sleek and inviting, this icon of Denver nightlife is a hidden gem; one that embodies the chic glamour (not to mention the undercover debauchery) of the Prohibition era.
Order a Red Widow -- peach vodka, champagne, St. Germain, and jalapeño -- and be sure to ask your bartender about the hotel’s infamous ghost stories. Though the Cruise Room’s food menu is limited, guests can snack on a selection of savory small plates, including caviar, kafta, oysters, and calamari. For those with a larger appetite, the Oxford Hotel’s attached restaurant, Urban Farmer is just around the corner and offers a full dinner menu. This well-hidden cocktail lounge is the perfect pre or post-dinner stop, within walking distance of some of the greatest restaurants in LoDo. The comprehensive drink menu offers a long list of vintage-inspired cocktails, wine, beer, and a full liquor selection. Don’t miss out on trying one of their famous martinis that has been mastered throughout the last century.
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On top of its appealing offerings and distinct decor, The Cruise Room also boasts a unique flair you may not find at any other bar in Denver. The tales of ghost stories are plentiful, and if you’re anything like us, we love a good ghost story thrill to go with our cocktails. “Over the decades, many guests have reported seeing a gentleman in a postman uniform visit The Cruise Room,” Rubald said. According to Rubald, he comes in, sits at the bar and orders a beer while muttering words about delivering gifts. We have yet to spot this elusive ghost during our visits but keep an eye out when you venture in because you might get lucky to witness this blast from the past.
Frank E. Edbrooke, recognized for his considerable contributions to the architecture of Downtown Denver, was behind the Oxford’s original design. It featured a bar that in the following decades would be transformed into the illustrious Cruise Room. Established in 1891, the Oxford Hotel has a rich and storied past that is deeply intertwined with the city’s history. This iconic establishment has retained much of its original charm and architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into Denver’s past.
It’s rumored that Stephen King was inspired by this moody deco landmark when he wrote about the hotel bar in The Shining. The Cruise Room in the historic Oxford Hotel is an authentic post-Prohibition bar with its original chrome and neon, drenching the walls with a stirring pink hue. Score a booth, select a Louis Armstrong tune on the free jukebox that actually plays records, order a dirty martini, or three, or four. Its design and decor take inspiration from the Observation Bar, a lounge that once served travelers aboard the Queen Mary. Perhaps its most intricate feature is the large panels adorning the walls carved by Alley Henson. The panels have been preserved throughout the decades and commemorate toasting traditions from different corners of the world.
“The Cruise Room was designed in a similar fashion to the bar on the RMS Queen Mary, with a wine bottle-shaped layout,” said Charlotte Rubald, bar lead at The Cruise Room. Born the day after the repeal in 1933, The Cruise Room is Denver’s longest-running bar, and has remained open since its founding. Drawing inspiration from the RMS Queen Mary, the space’s décor showcases a wide array of unique vintage design features, including a distinctly retro Art Deco design and wine bottle-shaped layout. Inside, guests will discover the perfect spot to while the night away while sipping on one of our delicious cocktails, or sampling our enticing menu of small plates.
According to Rubald, some of the bar’s original details that you can still spot include its marble floor, vintage jukebox and hand-carved panels on the walls, which depict different ways to say “cheers” worldwide. Perhaps the most well-known is that of the Cruise Room’s most regular customer, a peculiar postman reported by multiple workers who guzzles down his beer at the bar while the bottle remains full. Legend has it, in the 1930s the poor soul set out to deliver Christmas gifts to the children of Central City but succumbed to the harsh weather conditions before completing his mission. If you’re in the mood for a bite, be sure to check out their delicious menu featuring small plates and sweets, which change seasonally. The Cruise Room is one of our go-to places for fresh oysters on the half shell ($4.5 each), served with a refreshing lemon mignonette.
The Cruise Room swiftly established its presence as the first bar to open in Denver after the repeal of the Prohibition in 1933. Several decades later, the bones of the bar still stand firm as it boasts an array of history from its Prohibition roots. As you step through the doors of this time capsule, the glowing red walls and vintage accents swallow you in an art deco ambiance similar to its original decor from the 1930s.
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