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The working-hard and the hardly-working can agree: happy hour may just be the best reward at the end of a day. Here, we explore some of the Mile High City’s best happy hours for you to unwind.
Zengo
That's only $1 per issue!
At this Asian-Mexican fusion hotspot (pictured above), the international influence of the regular menu carries over to happy hour. That means you don’t have to choose between a mojito and sake, or Pacífico and Kirin. Bonus: The Riverfront restaurant’s tasty food makes for perfect, two-bite bar snacks. 1610 Little Raven St., richardsandoval.com/zengodenver
Old Major
Usually, it’s the food that garners the glory at chef Justin Brunson’s acclaimed Highland eatery. But happy hour—which kicks off nice and early at 3 p.m., seven days a week—is not to be missed. Head to the rustic-chic bar side for expertly executed $5 cocktails, like an old fashioned, that pack a punch. 3316 Tejon St., oldmajordenver.com
Caveau Wine Bar
This cozy, dimly lit spot is ideal for assuaging the afternoon blues. The lengthy wine list is good on its own right, but the deal is just as delicious: glasses $13 and over are half-off, and those $12 and under are $6. And while the vino is the star, Caveau is all about the Uptown scene. You’re sure to run into political players and business professionals loosening their ties. 450 E. 17th Ave. #110, caveauwinebar.com
City O’ City
The inventive cocktails, all discounted during happy hour, keep us coming back to this eternally hip vegetarian hub. Be sure to time your visit right: City O’ City will inevitably be packed around dinner hours, but that makes happy hour’s second wind—starting at 11 p.m.—all the more tempting. 206 E. 13th Ave., cityocitydenver.com
Illegal Pete’s
Working late? Don’t rule out happy hour just yet. Illegal Pete’s, the perennially packed burrito joint, has you covered until 8 p.m., meaning even those who stick around the office a few extra hours can still hit up the bar. Those amply sized $4 margaritas don’t have to go lonely: Drinkers get free chips and salsa. Multiple locations, illegalpetes.com
—Image courtesy of Adam Larkey