Retrograde

Retrograde hides behind the walk in cooler door at the back of an Uptown ice cream shop at 530 East 19th Avenue. Flip the light switch beside the door and a host walks you through the refrigerator into a retro future cocktail room.

303 Magazine covered the opening back when the shop ran as Frozen Matter, and Conde Nast Traveler and Eater have both filed it since. The science fiction theme runs through seasonal menus that rewrite the list several times a year.

Who would hate it? Anyone who finds themed bars silly or small rooms tight. Everyone else gets one of Denver's best reveals.

A horseshoe bar lit by back shelving that cycles red, green, purple, and yellow, with booths tucked along the walls. The room seats few, so weekend waits happen. Ice cream before or after is structurally encouraged.

The menu changes seasonally around a science fiction theme, and the craft runs more serious than the costume suggests. Yelp reviewers (n=409) repeat one verdict: the drinks taste as good as they look.

Expect Denver speakeasy pricing in the mid teens per cocktail.

Date couples, birthday parties that planned ahead, and Uptown locals walking out of towners through the door trick. Midweek early evenings get the calm version.

What regulars say:

• Uncover Colorado ranks it among Denver's best speakeasies.
• 303 Magazine documented the freezer door reveal at opening.
• Conde Nast Traveler and Eater mentions keep the out of town pilgrims coming.

Who it is for:

• A date that needs a reveal moment
• Cocktail drinkers who forgive a theme
• Avoid if waiting for seats ruins the night

Getting there: 530 East 19th Avenue in Uptown; RTD buses on 18th and 19th run a block away.

Timing: Evenings from 5pm; check the bar's channels for seasonal hours.

Cost: Cocktails in the mid teens; no cover.