Our Take
Larimer Square's Best-Kept Secret
Descend below street level on Larimer Square and you enter one of Denver's most quietly exceptional cocktail bars. The Green Russell occupies a basement that feels lifted from another era, a low-ceilinged space of dark wood, candlelit tables, and a bar programme that takes its craft with absolute seriousness. This is where Denver's bartenders come on their nights off.
The cocktail list changes seasonally, anchored by a core of house classics that have earned cult status among regulars. The bar team works with housemade bitters, clarified juices, and spirits sourced from Colorado's thriving craft distillery scene. Every drink is built with care rather than speed. We recommend ordering off-menu if you know what you want: the bartenders here have the range to accommodate.
The room is deliberately intimate. About 50 seats, no standing room, no sports screens, no DJ. Just conversation, outstanding drinks, and the particular pleasure of a space that has decided exactly what it is and refuses to be anything else. For date nights, serious cocktail sessions, or impressing a guest who thinks they have already seen Denver, The Green Russell delivers.
What to Order
Larimer Smash
The signature: Colorado whiskey, house-preserved lemon, fresh mint, and a touch of yellow Chartreuse. Refreshing without being obvious.
Russell's Old Fashioned
Barrel-aged bourbon, single-origin cacao bitters, and a house-candied orange peel. The definitive version of the format.
Colorado Sour
Peach brandy from Palisade, egg white, lemon, and smoked honey syrup. Captures the state in a glass.
Paper Plane (House Build)
Equal parts Aperol, Amaro Nonino, lemon, and Breckenridge bourbon. The bar's riff on the modern classic is sharper and drier.
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday to Thursday evenings are the sweet spot: the bartenders have more time, the room is less crowded, and you can linger. Friday and Saturday fill quickly after 8pm. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends. The bar opens at 5pm and the cocktail list is in full swing from the first seating.
Who It's For
Serious cocktail drinkers who want craft without pretension. Couples on a date night who want ambiance built on quality rather than gimmick. Anyone who wants to see what Denver's drinks scene is actually capable of when it is at its best. The Green Russell is also a fine choice for hidden gem bar explorers, and pairs well with a walk through Denver's wider cocktail bar scene.
