Came in on a Friday night after having dinner in the area and scored a booth right away. The booths have wait staff but we waited for nearly a half hour before someone came by. When the waitress took our order, someone started talking to her from a different table and she walked away as I was still talking to her and never came back to confirm she'd heard what I said or see if there was more to our order. Another 20 minutes later, our drinks arrived. Aside from this unpleasantness... My friend and I enjoyed the vibe and talked through the downtime (although it could have been better with a buzz!). The bar itself is super cool and the drinks were delicious, unique, and cheap. But do yourself a favor and order from the bar even if it looks packed! read more

The whole place is red art deco. It will stimulate your appetite for dinner at McCormick's, or you can have McCormick's meals brought to you (see review of the lump blue crab cake). There are an endless number of martini choices. I went with a traditional martini that was carefully, and correctly, made with gin and a twist of lemon, and poured into the glass in front of me. All done with style. read more

Heather and her staff are the best. Martinis are amazing and the old speakeasy atmosphere is very cool. A must do if you visit Lodo. Get there early it fills up fast. read more

I love the Cruise Room. It is not a place that I would go on a regular basis, but just every once in a while. It's a special place within the Oxford Hotel where you can sip on red wine or a fancy cocktail. The soft pink and red lights take you back to a time (to Prohibition and just afterwards, if you read the history of the bar) and it feels so... fresh. It's small, romantic, intimate, and haunted. Yes, I did say haunted. I love supernatural stories, and the entire Oxford Hotel is a hotbed for ghosts and hauntings. My favorite story (although sad) is a tale of a post office worker in the 1930's who ordered a beer, but left abruptly because he had to deliver presents to the children at Christmastime. He was headed up to Central City, but never arrived. Days or weeks later, they found a body of a mailman between Denver and Central City, dead. He never made it, but he apparently likes to "stop in" and sit at his old seat. He orders a beer and then leaves. Spooky. Hearsay? Maybe. But I love stuff like that. The bartenders and servers are very nice. Nothing to complain about there. It is a little pricey, but all of the drinks are elaborate and beautiful. The restrooms (which I believe are shared with the other Oxford facilities) are downstairs in the haunted basement. You may get a little bit spooked as you head around the corner, and you may see those two little girls from the Shining standing there, staring at you while you do your business or when you are done. No big deal. It's a bit small, so be sure to grab a seat early, either at the bar or one of the small booths in the back. It's definitely worth a visit here every once in a while to experience the ambiance of Old Denver. read more

Not what it used to be! It used to be a great martini bar but since ownership changed it is just not the same. It was bad enough that McCormick's was replaced by a very overpriced steakhouse but they supposedly took the Martini recipes with them? At least that's what my server said. The server politely told me served "classic" cocktails not the flavored stuff they used to... very insulting! Another Denver iconic spot ruined by someone with a better idea. read more

"And inch by inch we get closer and closer. To every little part of each other. Ooh baby, yeah." The Cruise Room is just as jazzy as a Gwenyth + Huey duet. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you're too young to appreciate it! One of Denver's oldest and coolest cocktail joints, hands down. I love everything they have going on - pink lights, vinyl booths, old timey jukebox, cheeseburgers, champagne cocktails and great people watching. This is my utopia. Get there early if you want a seat. It's first come, first serve. But most patrons are there for a round or two, then skedaddle somewhere else. Which means the turnover works quickly and there's just about enough room for everyone. If you dig bubbly, get the signature Cruise Room drink. Or two, in my case. What a way to whet your whistle if you know what I mean... read more

An absolute must for any & all occasions! A constant in a world of rapid change; a glorious step back in time....

Stopped in with some friends this past weekend for a night cap after dinner. We managed to snag a large booth, which was awesome, but I was a bit bummed by the drink selection. Admittedly, it's been ages, but the last time I was there it was a martini bar. I was ever so fond of the La La. The waitress informed me ownership changed and the only specialty cocktails were the ones on the menu. No huge deal, but a bit disappointing. Went with a Manhattan. It was good. No rants, but no raves either. It's worth checking out - the vibe, decor and history of the place are all pretty cool. read more

First time coming here and I wasn't impressed. We stopped in after dinner to have a couple drinks. Price was expensive but that didn't bother us as much. What was really bad was my wife and I's drink. She had the daiquiri, and I got the millionaire. Hers wasn't sweet at all, more sour and some other weird taste. Mine was super sour. Every sip I took, I felt in my jaws. It was like drinking lime juice straight from lime fruit's teets! But I still finished my drink! Only because I was baffled on how each sip was just as sour as the last, sometimes even more sour! The place was crowded and small. And the longer we stayed, it got even more crowded. Not sure if I would want to come back here again. read more

The vibe here is how I want to live my life. Cool music, cozy booths, and strong ass cocktails. I met up with friends for a pre-dinner drink, and The Cruise Room was a perfect spot. I love vintage modeled bars. The all booth seating and killer jukebox playing records dating back to the early 1900s, sealed the deal for me. I'm not a huge cruise fan, but they say this is modeled after the Queen Mary bar, so clearly, that is the style of cruise I need to go on in the future! Or I needed to live in a totally different era! Our server was prompt and helpful with recommendations. My dirty martini was quite good. I look forward to another visit to try more cocktails and enjoy more of the music at The Cruise Room! read more

The first night I touched down in Denver for my week-long solo travels, I decided to visit The Cruise Room for a quick drink. I had the Bourbon Potation, which was perfectly balanced in terms of sweetness and bitterness. Drinks were a little on the pricey side ($12-14). The atmosphere is intimate and dim, with several booths and a vintage-style bar on one side. Despite it being a Monday night, the place was packed. read more

Cruise Room - Yum - Lounges Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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This place is great. Come early to grab a seat however the environment and drinks are really worth the wait!

Yep came here and it was quite orgasmic. Very high end which I like. A great place to take me if you get the hint guys. Service is great. Variety is good. Made me very much want to get a little naughty after leaving! read more

Excellent for vintage cocktails while on business... this magic door to the old school is at your fingertips within the very deco Oxford Hotel. Good Times. Yummy everything. Great Lighting. ;) read more

Cruise Room - Great Interior. - Lounges Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Place fucks. Suuuuuper solid old fashioned. Got pretty blasted here a couple months back. Can't stop thinking about that ooze touching my tongue. Couldn't recommend more. read more

You've read it all already. This place makes delicious martinis and has old-school charm. Two things I really liked were the old-fashioned jukebox and the St, Germain martini. It's made with champagne of course. A few other tips that I'd offer is they don't have a happy hour and if you want food it's coming from McCormick & Schmidt's. So, if you don't like seafood you should probably eat before you go. Other than that, it's a lovely place for a cocktail as long as you go during the weekdays or early in the night so you can get a seat. read more

There was a time when people dressed to go out. They would put on the finest they had, and go live a little in elegant rooms, like the Cruise. Styled after the Queen Mary, this room is from that lost era. A finer time I wish I'd been alive to experience. It used to be that people still dressed to come here. It was a hideaway for those who didn't wear ball caps to the dinner table, who still tucked in their shirts. Unfortunately that time is over. A memory falling away into mediocrity or oblivion. I have been here several times recently, and not had a good one. Not like the class this room used to exude from the very woodwork. Raised voices over seating? No Host/ess? An actual fight? Wow, where am I? Lodo's or something? Sad... read more

We full heartedly agreed that this WAS the place to get a cocktail. It WAS reminiscent of "Classic Cocktails" created by knowledgeable bartenders. We have been to this (formerly) wonderful 1920's style classic art deco speak easy style martini bar on numerous occasions, usually to see it standing room only due to it's popularity. We went 3/13 for our daughter's 26th birthday at her request (as she and we have been many times previously) and we were excited to go but only to be deeply disappointed. The bar has recently been "revamped" to include wait and bar staff in "flapper" / g'man style costumes and a completely redone cocktail menu. The flapper told us it was no longer a martini bar but that the bartender could still make the classics - not true. The classic martinis have been replaced along with the bar staff that wore the simple/elegant black pants/vest/tie with white shirt and were knowlegeable and friendly and treated you as if you were their best customer. They knew their stuff. This new bar staff had to go to the restaurant next door to get some of the liquors to make the drinks. The one female bartender spent her time showing off her looks while chatting to one customer at the bar the entire time we were there. The new specialty drinks were not worth the premium money charged - 4 drinks - $52! Stop in to look at the classic art deco decor / lighting of the bar but don't bother with a drink unless you want to over pay for liquor brands you have never heard of at the premium prices of the very best brands that you know you would enjoy at any price. Its never been an inexpensive place but now it feels like a tourist spot. Won't be recommending the bar to anyone anymore. read more

This is the type of place that could be the setting for a great noir. The walls are red and so is the lipstick on the the waitresses. The bartenders dress in vests and you can have a smart conversation about the proper amount of vermouth in a martini (none) or why they should always be stirred (shaking breaks off pieces of ice, which dilute the drink). They did a bit of a remodel at some point in the (three?) years since I've been here. They got rid of the electrified metal railing that gave you a little thrill if your bare thigh brushed against it. That's too bad. It still is class and charm and apparently the management stays out of the way enough so it'll keep. Out of all the gin joints, you should come into this one. read more

4/1/13. We just got home from a pre-birthday celebration for my husband with one of our best friends. This was my favorite bar in all of Denver. I love a good martini and this place HAD it. But no longer :( That has all changed now. No longer is it a martini bar, but a mixologist's (gag me) concoction of cocktails. They don't even have their old classic martinis on any menu at all. The staff doesn't even know the old drinks!! The bartender just kind of half-assed made my favorite old martini and it was not nearly the same. They were terribly watered down and not nearly as flavorful and all for $14/drink!!!!!! A total let down. I used to be completely finished after 2 martinis at the Cruise Room, and now after 2 I am barely buzzed and kinda bored. LAME!! My husband and I have been going to the Cruise Room for years. Anytime we had family or friends in town, that was the place to take them to enjoy the ambience and amazing drinks. I went there for my bachelorette party, birthdays, after weddings, or just a fun night out. My husband's favorite was the 007 and mine was the pear martini. The best part was they actually gave you your own icy cold shaker that your specific drink was shaken in with the remnants of the extra martini still inside, so basically a martini and a half. It still has the coolest look for a bar with it's 1920's style and red lighting. The weekends are probably still packed to the brim, but I will no longer be bringing any friends and family their way again. This was totally disappointing. BRING BACK THE OLD MENU & THE RELAXED VIBE FROM THE OLD CRUISE ROOM!!!!!! Sorry, new management, or whoever you are that destroyed the best bar in Denver... You lost quite a bit of business from us. read more

Hey ladies, Want to know how to meet a (smart - cool) guy in Denver. Bring your copy of "The Garden of Eden" to The Cruise Room. Order a scotch and soda and sip it slowly. When a guy approaches to ask about the size of the book, simply ignore him. Keep reading. When a second guy offers to buy you a drink, politely decline. Go back to your book and keep sipping that scotch. When a third guy in a hip flannel shirt wearing tennis shoes asks what you thought of David Bourne and his glamorous wife, Catherine, and the dangerous, erotic game they play when they fall in love with the same woman, and what were Hemingway's ideas of sexual transferenceuse?Use a napkin as a bookmark, invite him out for falafel in the park, and make plans to watch Fellini films as soon as possible. Good luck ladies, Don't forget to tip the bartender. read more

I always knew it: history can be sexy. The Cruise Room opened its doors the very day after Amendment 21, a/k/a Prohibition, was repealed, becoming the very first legit bar in Denver. The Art Deco style, modeled after a lounge on the ocean liner Queen Mary, the red lighting giving everything a soft, hazy glow, and the expertly crafted cocktails make this bar a must do for Denver locals and tourists alike. It's equally perfect for a date night or a fun night on the town with a few close friends. Our first (of what I hope will be many) visit was after our anniversary dinner. I had a Campaign Cobbler or two and Mr. P enjoyed a couple of Stranahan's based cocktails. We sat at the bar, sipping our exquisite drinks, and chatted with our neighbors and our friendly bartender. If you are a music fan, you may know that Jack White filmed a video at The Cruise Room prior to his legendary concert at Red Rocks last year (at which it poured rain the entire show, but I digress). Despite prior casting arrangements, one of the Cruise Room bartenders was recast as the bartender in the video because they liked her look. Our lovely bartender also told us about the time Robert Plant came in for a quick drink. The place was packed so he and his companions ordered at the bar and ended up standing in the hotel lobby to enjoy their libations. I can only imagine what other famous - or infamous - people have bellied up to that bar in 82+ years. Kinda makes me go weak in the knees. I know that there are other fancy and award-winning cocktail lounges in Denver but, in my humble opinion, you absolutely can't beat this gorgeous classic. Cheers! read more

Cruise Room - Beautiful & boozy! - Lounges Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I expect reasonably higher prices at a historic downtown hotel bar. I wasn't expecting downright insulting price gouging, followed by a lecture on vendor costs of commonplace scotches from the manager. He even told me I should just stay at home to drink when I questioned the insanely priced lagavulin on our bill. I expect some snobbery from a bar like this, but this place is boldfaced happy to rip you off. I know I'm outspoken here, and I see lots of glowing reviews. But there's a sucker born every minute. Sad to learn a historic Denver staple has fallen from grace. read more

Gorgeous decor, great staff, cool atmosphere - I just wasn't wowed by the drinks, unfortunately! A group of us came here for a drink of an evening, and we had a fun time checking out the scene. The wall art is super cool and original - ask the staff about the history of the place, it's really cool! My drink was ok, and I don't think too many of us were wowed by ours, which was a shame! I'd come back for the decor, and maybe get a simple drink in the future. read more

Finally i got to play with the cool kids!!! We popped in there after an networking event. Loved the red lighting - gotta bring hubby here, that's what he replaced the internal lights in his car with, red! Makes reading maps oh so easy - but i digress... For hanging out in the evening - fabulous lighting! We were able to grab a table right quick. FYI -the ladies room is across the lobby and down the stairs The waitress was FABULOUS! She gave us good advice on drinks and kept up with our water intake! I got the muscles - mmmmm! And the koolaid martini! Mmmm!!! (of course i did since i usually get the jello martinni at dazzle!) My co-horts got some stuffed mushrooms and wine. They liked their choices. (FYI - food is from McCormick - not same extensive menu, but you get the idea) Presentation was fabulous. Drinks kept you happy! The juke box was off and we were gabbing up a storm, so it felt loud, (probably the others in the bar felt it was louder!) But the waitress said - no worries, it's the cruise room, gab away, anything goes at the cruise room! Love that! I love this place - i'll be visiting again! read more

A friend and I were there before an art opening. It was packedddddd...... There was one waitress for the room and the bartender had the two tables in the front. We ordered drinks at the bar and then swooped on an open table. We waited 20 minutes to order our appetizers. Once the bartender did come around though she was pretty prompt and brought the sour dough bread and whipped butter quickly. We ordered the escargot and Rhode Island Fried Calamari with Three Dipping Sauces. The escargot were served in a little plate already out of their shells - bummer. I think they committed suicide by diving into a salt bath. Way too salty and I am a fan of the stuff. The calamari was OK, there were three dipping sauces: 1. Traditional cocktail sauce, hard to mess up 2. I-think-it-was-pink-no-taste-sauce 3. Something that seemed to have a hint of marmalade *shudder* - it was sort of clear with stuff in it 4. If you shook the calamari the fourth "sauce" could have been salt. My friend had been going there for years and said it was better before they lightened and brightened it up and some of the clientele began wearing flip-flops and backwards baseball caps. No offense fellow Yelpers, I am just repeating his opinion. We went back after the opening (not my idea) and sat in the bar. Another friend ordered a vodka rocks with three olives and was given gin, not once but three times and the waitress did not give a rats-%ss. He wasn't thrilled to say the least. We ordered the fried shrimp and it was overly battered and fried within an inch of its life. I think there was shrimp in there, I couldn't taste any shellfish in all the batter. Did mention that it was also salted to beat the band? Maybe it was just because it was busy..... read more

The Cruise Room is an absolute MUST while visiting Denver. Upon entering the lobby of The Oxford Hotel a gentleman opens a door just to the left of the entrance and you are immediately teleported to a prohibition-era speakeasy faithfully maintained in Art Decco style awash with red light. The lounge is long and narrow with barely standing room for one person between the bar stools and the booths, all of which were full on this particular Saturday night. Expert mixologists dressed in classic tuxes mixed martinis and other sumptuous cocktails to a range of patrons from the "last weekend before school" college kids to well-to-do middle aged couples. I rubbed elbows with a bachelorette party who were celebrating one lucky girl's last night of freedom. The drinks took a while but it was fascinating to watch the bartenders render their alcoholic works of art with amazing precision and skill. Weekends look like they're probably always crowded so I personally would rather be here on a quieter night sipping a cocktail in the sexy red light since this place is on the small side. Classy classy classy! read more

This place is so cool...very Twin Peaks/David Lynch-esque...it's located in an old hotel and features 1920s art deco panels, a vintage juke box that plays 45s, a great happy hour menu, excellent service, comfy booths, and one of the best cocktails ever: The Red Widow. The entire bar was drenched in a cool red light and I could easily imagine Audrey Horne hanging out by the jukebox...dreamy. read more

Cruise Room - The vintage 45 jukebox in The Cruise Room. - Lounges Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Fantastic bartenders. The drinks have class. The ambiance of this place is excellent. Definitely a place I'm looking forward to becoming a regular. Those two lines pretty much sum it up, but I think I should add a few more words. I went here with a friend. It's a great if you'd like to have an intimate night. There are these lovely booths making everyone's experience an intimate one. The bartenders were very quick! We walked straight up to bar and were served less than five minutes later. The cocktails were wonderful. The drinks were sweet, but not so much so that it drowned out the other flavors. The bathrooms downstairs are clean and large, but it's very cold down there in the middle of winter. They are also pretty far away. You have to go two flights of stairs to get there. read more

We've wanted to try the Cruise Room during our recent Downtown visits, and have had a hard time lining up our attempts with hours that they're open. We were lucky on Thanksgiving though and finally got to give it a try. It's definitely not a big room and most comfortably sits groups of 2. I loved the music and the decor definitely fits the art deco theme. There are two menus and they offer delicious sounding appetizers. We were just there to sample their cocktails this round. Our server was very friendly and quick to make suggestions. Their ingredients are very unique which made it easy to pick several options that I would be stoked to try. Upon recommendation, I went for the California Fresh! and couldn't have been happier. I love rhubarb and so that was a huge selling point. My husband had the White Lady as he's a gin fan and he loved his as well. Sure, the cocktails are $13+ but they are stroooong and two would do you for the night. If you pop in and they happen to be open, I would strongly recommend this as a Downtown must-try. read more

Wow, this place is a great bar. The bartenders are funny, professional and make great drinks. I'm not much for Lodo but this is a small place and can be a little crowded but I would say it's worth it. Don't think of it as small, think of it as intimate. Yes, it does feel like the bar from the Shining a little bit, and I know for a fact that the bartenders have heard all your jokes relating to it, but they were good natured about it and above all gave great service. "Your credit is always good here sir." said one of the bartenders. Funny. You just went from 4 stars to 5. I recommend the Key Lime but it you gotta work up to it. Start with the 007. And really, what could be cooler than drinking on a corner that Tom Waits mentions in a song? "Maybe you're standing on the corner of 17th and Wazee Streets, out in front of the Terminal Bar, there's a Thunderbird moving in a Muscatel sky" (Nighthawk postcards, 1975) read more

Old fashioned proper, she was modeled in 1933 after prohibition based on a bar off the Queen Mary... you ain't old school stay out! read more

Cruise Room - Old fashioned proper! - Lounges Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Chilled but nice bar to go to for some apps and quality drinks. They know how to make everything although when they do they're very strong. Almost a bit overwhelming. We had some appetizers also and they were very nice. We had the shrimp wrapped in bacon and fried shrimp with dipping sauce. Overall nice setting, great drinks and nice apps. Enjoy read more

What a throwback. This was such a neat place to visit. I'm so glad I did! read more

Cruise Room - Hanging out at the Cruise Room in Denver! - Lounges Near Me - Denver, Colorado

This is one of the most amazing places I've been to in quite a while. The art deco panels were incredibly unique. The creative drink menu was very reasonably priced. Most about $9. I've paid more than twice that much for a bev of less quality! Throw in the fact that much of the fruit juice was replaced with fresh, hand muddled fruit and I'm in cocktail heaven! This certainly isn't a place I'd come to throw back a few brews but rather sip big, sexy drinks with good friends or as part of a fun date. Then there was the service. The two guys behind the bar certainly knew how to do their jobs. The guy we had was fun, friendly, outgoing and informative. Definitely a master of his craft. We stayed for 2 cocktails and were on our way but I have every intention of making this a regular stop off whenever I'm in Denver. Unique spots always hold a special place in my heart! read more

A Denver Classic. From what I understand its the oldest bar in Denver. Great date spot too! The drinks are incredible, though pricey! I would determinately recommend the Cruise Room for Pre-Dinner drinks, or a date. There is no happy hour. Bummer. read more

More than a few years ago, I had my first martini here. My friends and I would sink down into one of the swanky booths feeling glamourous and hip long before hip was fashionable. This little bar on the bad side of town was, for those in-the-know, THE trés chic spot to go. 22 years later, on a recent trip to home, I wanted to see if this little gem still had the 'cool factor' I remembered. It did. Lo-do is no longer "the bad side of town" and there is a lot of competition in the area now, but still... when I walked in and the walls still glowed a-red and Frank Sinatra was still crooning "I left my heart in San Francisco," I knew my heart still belonged to The Cruise Room. read more

I've only just had the pleasure of visiting the cruise room. Obviously there are many reviews but let me say my piece :) Christmas! Oh yeah! The oxford hotel has put up their decorations so that is reason enough to visit alone! The cruise room itself is like an art deco time capsule! Luxurious surroundings perfect fro bringing friends and sharing a cocktail. Be warned though it can get quite busy on the weekends (That and the room itself is quite small) The hungry kitten says: The history here is a great, and if you like to surround yourself with some sexy history while drinking then this is the place for you! read more

If you're looking for a classic martini bar - this is it. The place has dim red lighting, art deco design, and a long list of tasty drinks. The cozy booths are excellent seating if you're with a group but the small tables or up at the bar is the best place to hang out if you want to mingle with strangers. It's a small space, but we went on a weeknight and it was not terribly packed or too loud. They do have a beer menu for those not interested in martinis. read more

Stopped in last night on a date - I haven't been here in years. It's so nice - it was quiet on a Monday night and I appreciated the bartender's attentiveness (without the overbearing arrogance that you sometimes get) - he sold me on the Red Widow, which had earlier caught my eye during a quick perusal of the menu. Date got ...something. Maybe it's because I'm getting old now but I really appreciate a quiet(er) bar. Plus, the music was just super on point. I was really feeling the oldies and it made for a really pleasant evening. Note: this place could definitely use hooks for purses/coats under the bar. In a nearly empty bar, a woman put my purse and coat on the floor so she could sit down, without saying anything. I would have gladly moved it for her! read more