Bars & Drinks in Highlands
Occidental
One of 22 bars & drinks we've tracked near Highlands.
Things to Know
Occidental is a sophisticated cocktail bar and kitchen in Denver known for creative, custom-crafted drinks and elevated bar food, located in a neighborhood spot that punches well above dive-bar appearances.
Bartenders here excel at intuitive hospitality—they'll craft custom drinks tailored to your taste and notice details like your cheese preferences, making every visit feel personally curated.
- ✓Bartenders create custom cocktails based on your flavor preferences and spirit of choice, not just pour standard recipes
- ✓Kitchen delivers restaurant-quality food for a bar setting, including crispy tots, chicken tenders, tacos, and mac and cheese
- ✓Effortless, sexy atmosphere that belies its casual appearance—far more polished than it first seems
- ✓Open all day, making it accessible for afternoon drinks or evening hangouts
- ⚠Service can be slow during busy periods, with waits of 40+ minutes for food during peak times, possibly due to staffing gaps
Based on Google reviews · AI summarized
Hours
Monday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thursday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
People Order
- —crispy tots
- —chicken tenders
- —tacos
- —mac and cheese
- —custom tequila-based cocktail with beet juice
Things To Do Nearby
What Visitors Say
Paige Small
2 months ago
Chill spot depending on the night. Been here twice, but my man recalls a great time. Second time, i asked for my tots crispy and they delivered. They also gave me a free tequila shot because idk why, but im grateful. chicken tenders dank and also the cocktails. Watching the Pats game (although it’s a NY bar).
Emily Baughman
a month ago
Came in on a random Sunday and immediately loved that they’re open all day. I couldn’t decide what I wanted, so Jason asked what alcohol and flavors I like and then casually crafted the perfect drink for me. A bright pink, tequila-based cocktail with beet juice that somehow matched my hair, felt light, healthy, and honestly unlike anything I’ve had before. People think this place is a dive, but it couldn’t be further from that. It’s sexy, cool, and easily one of the best cocktail bars in Denver. Effortless vibes, top-tier drinks, no notes. 🍸✨ xoxo em
K Morguen
5 months ago
The food is amazing, the atmosphere is fun, the service is wonderful, and the drinks are delicious. It’s one of our new favorite must stop spots in Denver! Fun for a quick drink, date night, or any afternoon/evening outing.
Mallory Gallegos
3 weeks ago
This bar has really dropped off. I suspect major staffing issues. Takes a good 40 min anymore to get food. We still like to go, just hope ownership would staff properly in foh and boh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Occidental worth it in Highlands?
Bartenders here excel at intuitive hospitality—they'll craft custom drinks tailored to your taste and notice details like your cheese preferences, making every visit feel personally curated. Known for: craft cocktails and killer bar food.
What should I order at Occidental?
Popular choices at Occidental include crispy tots, chicken tenders, tacos, mac and cheese, custom tequila-based cocktail with beet juice.
What do visitors love about Occidental?
Bartenders create custom cocktails based on your flavor preferences and spirit of choice, not just pour standard recipes Kitchen delivers restaurant-quality food for a bar setting, including crispy tots, chicken tenders, tacos, and mac and cheese Effortless, sexy atmosphere that belies its casual appearance—far more polished than it first seems Open all day, making it accessible for afternoon drinks or evening hangouts
Is there anything to know before visiting Occidental?
Service can be slow during busy periods, with waits of 40+ minutes for food during peak times, possibly due to staffing gaps
How expensive is Occidental?
Occidental is moderately priced, with a 4.2-star rating from 510 Google reviews.
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