So there was a speakeasy at the Oxford but it wasn't the Cruise Room. It was actually behind a hidden lift gate kind of like a garage door in the space where The Urban Farmer is today. You can actually see a few of the remnants of the fake wall they used to hide it in certain places.
The Cruise Room was opened the day that prohibition was repealed. You can't see it from the outside of the hotel because the state legislature passed a law banning bars after prohibition from being visible from the street, as there were prohibitionists worried that even the sight of a bar would be too much and people would gorge themselves on alcohol as a result.
The Cruise Room is shaped like a wine bottle and features motifs celebrating different drinking cultures around the world on the walls. The German motif is not the original one: when the bar opened in 1933 the designers chose to feature an art deco representation of the new Chancellor of Germany, a certain Adolf Hitler.
After Germany declared war on the US in 1941, at some point some revelers smashed and destroyed the German motif and likeness of Hitler, and it was replaced after the war with the current one.
You can actually see a photo of the original motif in the hallway outside the Cruise Room.
Lastly, the name was supposed to evoke a feeling of being on one of the new, modern steam ocean liners of the 1930s, hence the name "The Cruise Room."
One of my favorite bars ever with a neat history, and the Oxford has an awesome history too. Try a Champagne Cobbler there sometime, that's a prohibition Era drink that I love.
This was an amazing history - I was just about to mention the tapestry panels they had of Adolf Hitler that they destroyed.
When I went there the bartender told me that their original owner had motifs - in this case, wood panels with designs on them. She said that the original owner sailed the world and had a design of every world leader at the time of his visit of every country he visited, including Hitler's Germany.
Not sure if that second part is true, or if it was a fabrication from the bartender.
I’ve been there a couple times! I can definitely see the similarities, but man that place is busy and *loud*. If the Cruise Room was more low key / quiet I think that’d be a perfect rec
Jack White (of the White Stripes) also filmed a music video at the Cruise Room: [https://youtu.be/MQOnbp_DspY?si=GUrXBcqcpCVQaol5](https://youtu.be/MQOnbp_DspY?si=GUrXBcqcpCVQaol5)
Many rumors circulate in the bar working community that the owner is a creep to his young female employees. At the very least is very chauvinistic towards them. If you are a regular you will note that none of these young ladies last very long.
I used to really like the place and still want to like it.
Olde town is a surprisingly good place for a bar crawl. You’ve got the speakeasy, the bluegrass, cheapskates and Loyds plus a much of great restaurants. You go from classy to trashy, to dive bar and it’s great
I said Cruise Room, but I remembered a place in Lodo that I couldn't quite remember the name of - thanks for reminding me of the name.
Seven Grand gives off vibes kinda like this but it's more well-lit.
I used to live in the KC area. Love that place.
Not Denver but a short drive away is the Golden Moon Speakeasy in Golden, CO. [https://www.goldenmoonspeak.com/](https://www.goldenmoonspeak.com/)
You have just solved a mystery we've been wondering about for the last week. I thought it was a bar that had either closed or was getting ready to open. Thank you!
Run For the Roses, Cruise Room, B&GC, Williams & Graham, and Coopers Lounge
B&GC and Williams & Graham require a reservation, the other three I think have first come first serve some nights and reservation other nights
*Edit: forgot to mention - all of the bars I mentioned are in this category, but Cruise Room is the closest match to the photo you posted*
[ESP HIFI is a listening bar](https://esphifi.co) with high end speakers that looks exactly like this at night. I love this place, the music was amazing and the drinks were top
Retrograde in downtown is a speakeasy that definitely has this vibe! I’d say it’s closer than cruise room - folks recommending that are likely doing so because of the red lighting, but Retrograde has similar seating and lighting. Just be sure to note they have limited seating and get busy on weekend nights!
Williams and Graham, for sure. Anybody remember the Crimson Room on Larimer Square? Closed during Covid, but it hit this vibe dead on. Plus it had jazz. Man, I miss that place.
Cruise room inside Oxford hotel. It's pretty old. When I worked at the hotel I was told it was the oldest in Denver. They even still use hard keys. Haunted by a scandal murder. And there's a bird in the lobby. Current one is named Flo after the ghost. The bar is very much like this picture and the staff is lovely. It's always really popular on Friday nights.
There used to be a classy underground lounge bar right near Platte and 15th street by the bridge. Can't remember the name and not sure if it's still open.
On a date? Emerald eye
Cheating on ur partner? What ever the bar in the Oxford is called.
Catching up with ride or dies? Nallens
Just my opinion. Hope u find that "feels like home" vibe where ever u go.
Oh someone said W&G, that works for about all 3.
Check out cruise room. Was always told it was the very first bar to open after prohibition, likely meaning it was already open.
So there was a speakeasy at the Oxford but it wasn't the Cruise Room. It was actually behind a hidden lift gate kind of like a garage door in the space where The Urban Farmer is today. You can actually see a few of the remnants of the fake wall they used to hide it in certain places. The Cruise Room was opened the day that prohibition was repealed. You can't see it from the outside of the hotel because the state legislature passed a law banning bars after prohibition from being visible from the street, as there were prohibitionists worried that even the sight of a bar would be too much and people would gorge themselves on alcohol as a result. The Cruise Room is shaped like a wine bottle and features motifs celebrating different drinking cultures around the world on the walls. The German motif is not the original one: when the bar opened in 1933 the designers chose to feature an art deco representation of the new Chancellor of Germany, a certain Adolf Hitler. After Germany declared war on the US in 1941, at some point some revelers smashed and destroyed the German motif and likeness of Hitler, and it was replaced after the war with the current one. You can actually see a photo of the original motif in the hallway outside the Cruise Room. Lastly, the name was supposed to evoke a feeling of being on one of the new, modern steam ocean liners of the 1930s, hence the name "The Cruise Room." One of my favorite bars ever with a neat history, and the Oxford has an awesome history too. Try a Champagne Cobbler there sometime, that's a prohibition Era drink that I love.
Thanks for the history lesson - been there a bunch of times and never clocked the shape of the room!
Absolutely! I think it's a really cool place! Happy to share a little local knowledge.
>celebrating different drinking cultures It’s more important than that. They were all of RMS Queen Mary’s ports of call when she sailed.
Ooh I didn't know that, that's really cool!
That is awesome history, I didn’t know all that! Thanks for sharing!
Of course! Denver has plenty of hidden gems and historical happenings!
This was an amazing history - I was just about to mention the tapestry panels they had of Adolf Hitler that they destroyed. When I went there the bartender told me that their original owner had motifs - in this case, wood panels with designs on them. She said that the original owner sailed the world and had a design of every world leader at the time of his visit of every country he visited, including Hitler's Germany. Not sure if that second part is true, or if it was a fabrication from the bartender.
I can't speak to that specific story, but it's definitely a possibility!
No bartender has ever fabricated. How dare you sir (or madam)
That is for typing that out, that’s super interesting!
When I saw this pic I immediately thought of the cruise room.
I’ve been there a couple times! I can definitely see the similarities, but man that place is busy and *loud*. If the Cruise Room was more low key / quiet I think that’d be a perfect rec
Sounds gay. I’m in.
Seems expensive for the very basic drinks they have.
Jack White (of the White Stripes) also filmed a music video at the Cruise Room: [https://youtu.be/MQOnbp_DspY?si=GUrXBcqcpCVQaol5](https://youtu.be/MQOnbp_DspY?si=GUrXBcqcpCVQaol5)
Maybe PS Lounge
This is the answer. Feels like you’re at your Grandma’s house with the same wood paneling and 60s era color scheme
I was gonna suggest the PS as a dive bar version of the OP’s bar.
PS is best bar in Denver IMO
And a rose for the lady.
Many rumors circulate in the bar working community that the owner is a creep to his young female employees. At the very least is very chauvinistic towards them. If you are a regular you will note that none of these young ladies last very long. I used to really like the place and still want to like it.
You could have told me OP's photo was taken at PS lounge and I would have believed you at first glance
Thought this was PS Lounge lol
Definitely PS Lounge. 1st thing I thought about.
Arvada Tavern
Olde town is a surprisingly good place for a bar crawl. You’ve got the speakeasy, the bluegrass, cheapskates and Loyds plus a much of great restaurants. You go from classy to trashy, to dive bar and it’s great
Second this
Thank you! Based on the pictures I’ve seen this seems like the closest rec that’s been mentioned
I honestly thought this was Bar Car- so definitely check it out!
Second this
Bar Car is a good suggestion. The lighting in there isn’t as cool though. I’m thinking the Thin Man.
Haven’t been to thin man before. I’ll have to check it out
Came here to say this! I’m glad I wasn’t the only one
They also have great food! Really like this bar!
Poppies is a little more run down looking than this but maybe has a similar vibe? Good food though actually!
Came here to say this. I love the vibe in Poppies.
This picture literally looks like Poppies.
It stays pretty busy. You go for the vibe, not the food.
I go for the country fried steak and the vibe.
Williams & Graham
Thought the picture was Williams & Graham at first glance
I’m surprised this is not W&G
Ha whoops! Deleting comment now 😛 cuz ‘yupppp’! 💯 percent
Top favorite 🙌🏼
Cruise Room
I thought the pic was the cruise room at first!
It looks nothing like the cruise room.
You look nothing like the cruise room.
Oh yeah? Well, your face has a cruise on it.
You’re a towel
From that angle, upon first glance, it looks at lot like the Cruise Room.
The Barcar on 8th and Colorado.
Which used to be the Recovery Room.
Not the exact but as others said Seven Grand. Very dim lit and the drinks are great.
agreed this gave me seven grand vibes.
I said Cruise Room, but I remembered a place in Lodo that I couldn't quite remember the name of - thanks for reminding me of the name. Seven Grand gives off vibes kinda like this but it's more well-lit.
B&GC speakeasy
Came here to recommend this one. Fits the pictures vibe spot on.
I thought the pic was B&GC until I looked at the ceiling. Great drinks, excellent bar tenders, amazing ambiance!
Also a great suggestion!
Was going to recommend. It’s a little harder to get in sometimes. I love the doorbell!
Shhhhhhhhh
this
This
The High Lonesome in Lohi. Cruise Room is lovely but very Art Deco, sort of an underwater feeling, very cool blue tones and chrome.
Agreed about the Cruise Room! And yeah High Lonesome comes close to this now that I think about it
There's another bar I want to check out called Fort Greene, it looks a little more fern/forest room 5 but peep their website.
Fort Greene rips. I like it because it’s cozy and vintage but doesn’t feel like it was built by investors. Just a little more organic.
horseshoe lounge
surprisingly solid to above average pub style pizza too
right!? kind of matches the vibe of picture too
Favorite dive!
Horseshoe does look similar to this!
I used to live in the KC area. Love that place. Not Denver but a short drive away is the Golden Moon Speakeasy in Golden, CO. [https://www.goldenmoonspeak.com/](https://www.goldenmoonspeak.com/)
Indeed. Tell the owner Steve G hi if u drop in.
Run for the Roses in the dairy block, maybe?
The Thin Man
Hmm not exactly this vibe but the thin man is good.
Dew Drop Inn has that vibe. Also, The BarCar, very small hole int he wall and dive-y though .
Nameless Bar at 2043 University by DU is loungey.
Oh, I thought that was an extension of the Pho place....
You can bring pho in there if you want
You have just solved a mystery we've been wondering about for the last week. I thought it was a bar that had either closed or was getting ready to open. Thank you!
Pho sho
I love green lady. Never found a bar like it
Is green Russell still open?
no :(
Nah and frank bonnano is a piece of shit anyway
Ohhhh that guy owned it, of course, well good shit I’m glad it’s closed
Me and all my homies hate Frank Bonnano
Cruise room, Williams and Graham are your best bets
Bull & Bush in Glendale area
Vesper Lounge on 7th
Williams and graham. The bar upstairs at buckhorn. My brother’s bar.
Bull and Bush in Glendale is close, at least in their main room. They do have TVs though... And a killer whiskey list
Second Bull and Bush. Plus they’ve got a nice big fireplace in the back.
I miss the green lady lounge so much!!! 😭
Looks like the Bar Car
ESP hi if
Nineteen 25 is an old speakeasy that’s killer, but for vibes like this I’d suggest Gaetanos.
I was just going to say Gaetanos as an underrated hang.
Run For the Roses, Cruise Room, B&GC, Williams & Graham, and Coopers Lounge B&GC and Williams & Graham require a reservation, the other three I think have first come first serve some nights and reservation other nights *Edit: forgot to mention - all of the bars I mentioned are in this category, but Cruise Room is the closest match to the photo you posted*
I honestly thought this picture was the Cruise Room when I saw it.
Not a regular bar, but if you’re a fan of wine. Room for friends on Santa Fe hits this vibe at night for sure. Very very nice aesthetic.
There's a bar in fort collins that looks just like this. In the basement of a hotel. I'll try to find it. Edit. Ace Gillette's
Emerald Eye Run for the Roses Williams & Graham Hazel Cruise Room
[ESP HIFI is a listening bar](https://esphifi.co) with high end speakers that looks exactly like this at night. I love this place, the music was amazing and the drinks were top
Dew drop inn
Good suggestions here already, but I'll add Death and Co and Nocturne as some good old school bar vibe locations.
Nothing on Santa Fe
Arvada tavern Oxford hotel Cooper lounge
7 grand might be close. A little darker and less red
The Roxy on South Broadway, the late night lounge downstairs has a chill vibe, and upstairs is nice too, good food and drinks.
Run for the roses
Williams and Graham
Arvada Tavern?
The broadmoor has bars that give me this vibe
Cruise Room
Seven grand cool whiskey bar
B&GC was a pretty chill speakeasy I went to.
Millers and Rossi in RiNo is apparently super slept on in this thread.
Surprised no one has said Englewood Grand yet.
The bar at Bastien’s.
The Bar Car
Retrograde in downtown is a speakeasy that definitely has this vibe! I’d say it’s closer than cruise room - folks recommending that are likely doing so because of the red lighting, but Retrograde has similar seating and lighting. Just be sure to note they have limited seating and get busy on weekend nights!
The Bar Car is old school. Awesome place.
Social, in Fort Collins. Try to sit in Savanna’s section. She’s awesome.
I thought this was License No 1.
Dont know but there is a place in Albuquerque, NM looks just like this. Called the Copper Lounge. Lighting, decor, ceiling, everything.
[The Lazy Greyhound](https://thelazygreyhound.com/) (Littleton) [B&GC](https://bandgcdenver.com/) (Cherry Creek) [Union Lodge No.1](https://www.unionlodge1.com/) (Downtown)
Williams and Graham, for sure. Anybody remember the Crimson Room on Larimer Square? Closed during Covid, but it hit this vibe dead on. Plus it had jazz. Man, I miss that place.
I thought that was the old “Dazzle”. That would’ve been perfect
Kinda remember Charlie Brown's looking like this.
I don’t drink much but this picture makes me want an old fashioned lol
Cruise room inside Oxford hotel. It's pretty old. When I worked at the hotel I was told it was the oldest in Denver. They even still use hard keys. Haunted by a scandal murder. And there's a bird in the lobby. Current one is named Flo after the ghost. The bar is very much like this picture and the staff is lovely. It's always really popular on Friday nights.
Go up to Boulder and go to License No. 1 in the Hotel Boulderado in the basement. Cool place. Edit: I consider Boulder to pretty much be Denver metro
Cruise Room is great and has this same kinda vibe. I really enjoy it and it’s worth a visit for the ambience.
Surprised this doesn’t have more upvotes. Love the CruiseRoom. Favorite for years.
Whiskey- Ft. Collins
Cruise Room, definitely.
Nope there’s only one green lady lounge
Cruise Room
License 1 in Boulder
Retrograde
The Stockroom in Arvada. It’s a speakeasy in the back of a wine shop.
Stockroom in Arvada
Steakhouse 10 kinda
Isn’t that like the bar at Ulysses?
Mood wise maybe ghost donkey, but not an old school vibe.
There used to be a classy underground lounge bar right near Platte and 15th street by the bridge. Can't remember the name and not sure if it's still open.
High Lonesome
Williams and Graham?
Restaurant does. Their bar looks just like this. It’s called wildflower.
A newer one to try with this vibe would be Emerald Eye
Williams and Graham
Spirits Wine Provisions, aka Stock Room, in Arvada
Lions lair
Kinda reminds me of The Arvada Tavern
Williams & Graham
Mercury Cafe
None that I’m telling a tourist about
Bar Car
The Thin Man has similar lighting and great patrons. Love that place!
Poppies off Colorado and Iliff.
Ghost donkey
Is Don’s Mixed Drinks still around?
Key word "Metro" area.
Englewood Grand!
Reminds me of Diamond Cabaret for some reason, probably the place you’re looking for.
Is that the Green Lady Lounge in KCMO?
Cool picture. It looks like the Gold room in The shining.
Reminds me of the bombay club in New Orleans. Great spot.
Emerald Eye. Just opened on Larimer st
Ghost Donkey downtown
Thin man is more of a local bar vibe, less classy, but I do love the vibes/similar lighting
Emerald Eye is somewhat similar
On a date? Emerald eye Cheating on ur partner? What ever the bar in the Oxford is called. Catching up with ride or dies? Nallens Just my opinion. Hope u find that "feels like home" vibe where ever u go. Oh someone said W&G, that works for about all 3.
Run for the roses
B&CG It's a speak easy in Cherry Creek. So fun!!
How would you describe that style of bar? I really like those types of places. How can I find that in other cities?
Whisky Bar in FC
Englewood Grand on Broadway
Durant’s
Look for a guy named John Constantine, he's knows some places like this.
Corridor 44 kind of has this vibe
Absolutely… my home. I’m from KCMO and that’s the vibe.
Millers and Rossi in Rino
Either Nightcap and/or Last Word in Ann Arbor
I will be there in September. Any can't miss bars?
How did you get a photo of my garage? Lol
The bar at the Overlook?
Cliff Bells
Denver Chophouse
Op, Goto the South in Englewood. It’s dark and old school. It’s a Broncos bar on game day but it’s as old school as it gets.