Retrograde was out of this world! Took a friend from the UK and we both found it to be a really fascinating experience. They really stuck to the retro sci fi theme. Staff were polite and helpful and went out of their way to match us to a drink. I wish I could recall the name of my flaming drink because it was delightful. Also tried a drink with absinthe which felt decadent. Wonderful presentation of the drinks. Two caveats: bring your ID because a pic of your passport won't cut it here! And they have no food on the menu, although they brought us a bowl of kettle corn when we asked. read more

Retrograde - My "more traditional" absinthe drink - delicious cherry garnish, not your typical maraschino. Top marks for that! - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Retrograde is a great concept. I love the freezer door and the decor inside. It took over 45 mins to get 5 drinks though. We were never presented with a cocktail menu, and it was as cold as a freezer in there. The drinks were well balanced and flavorful, but our server who took our order was behind the bar polishing glasses instead of making our drinks. One of our friends gave up and left. Speed it up! There was a line outside to get in. If drinks were made in a timely fashion you would get a lot more business! It would have been nice to see a menu to try something unique as well. read more

While I understand the concept of a "speakeasy", Retrograde had the worst, most inefficient customer service for a bar ever. We were a party of 14 visiting from Southern CA, excited to experience the cocktails here altogether. We patiently waited 30 mins for 4 of us to get in; 20 mins later, 2 of us; then another 20 mins for 6 of us to get in. At this point, there was available seating for 10 people and they would still not let the last 2 people in our party in... with no line out the door by this time. While it was a cool vibe and concept, the discrimination and customer service was a big turnoff. With so many other speakeasies in the city, we won't be visiting this again. read more

I definitely should've taken more photos! I stopped in on a whim with friends. Customer service was great. The drinks were good. Overall experience 7/10. read more

Retrograde - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Still a solid five stars. Unique. Classy. Seasonal options. Intimate. Memorable. Fun. All describe this experience. Located in the freezer of an ice cream shop, stepping into Retrograde feels good. Tonight they had Godzilla playing on the screen which was entertaining. Service is impeccable and I prefer sitting at the bar. read more

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Stumbled upon this place while getting ice cream- such a good find. The place is charmingly quirky with a space atmosphere and odd movies playing in the background. Super intimate and a great place for a quiet drink. Bartenders were super friendly. Only complaint is the drinks were a bit expensive, but they were delish and they lit mine on fire so not too pressed about it! read more

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Fun little speakeasy off of 19th and Penn. Look for the ice cream shop and Retrograde is hidden there. Retrograde is really fun take on a traditional speakeasy. Its theme is films from the 1950s and 1960s. They have specialty cocktails for the films and the season. The move playing was the 1955 hidden treasure "September Storm". It was awfully bad, but made for great conversation. We split the drink, Massacre in Dinosaur Valley. It's got lots of rum and fermented pineapple with two mini beers to top it off. The drink was ok and less fruity as anticipated. Service was great from start to finish. Can't wait for MST3K gets put back on the screen here. IYKYK :) read more

Retrograde - Massacre at Dinosaur Valley. Drink for 2. - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I really wanted to be in a secret club and going to Retrograde fulfilled my dream! There's such sneaky little way to get inside through the freezer door... I want it to keep it exclusive for myself but it's too good to not share! Plus, it's more fun to be with friends and make new ones than to sit alone. I'm having a real delima to share all the information because figuring it out yourself is half the fun! So look them up, show up, and maybe even dress up a bit so you feel the part! Love this environment of an exclusive hidden gem! When you arrive inside you'll love the dim lighting, awesome drinks and beautiful atmosphere that will take you back in time! Staff is friendly and welcoming! Great for a group of friends, date night or even sitting at the bar on an evening alone to find a new friend! read more

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I saw this place on a list of bars that had a holiday pop-up. We decided to come by after going to the Christmas market nearby, one person in our group had already been before and mentioned it was a speakeasy behind an ice cream shop, which sounded so cool. It was exactly that! There was absolutely nobody at the ice cream shop except the girl working there, so we almost thought it was closed or something, but when we inquired, the girl said no problem and helped us arrange a table in the back at the bar. We walked through the freezer to get there Which was so interesting, and then the bar had a sci-fi theme going that was also decked out with hanging holiday decor very cute And the bartender Nick was also our server and gave us the rundown of the menu, he was very helpful, constantly refilling our waters as well. He mentioned the ability to do a bartender's choice for the drinks, if none of what we saw was super appealing to us, but when I mentioned what I was thinking to get, he steered me towards doing the Bubba hotep drink. This one actually wasn't on the menu anymore, but I gave it a shot. Unfortunately, it wasn't much like what I described wanting at all, more reminiscent of an old-fashioned in the end, but Nick was super sweet and replaced it for me with a Mezcal sour. The rest of my group tried the holiday cocktails, the cranberry one with yogurt in it was a hit, but the snickerdoodle eggnog and the raspberry were not. My friend told the bartender he wanted a highball, and he steered him toward that raspberry drink, which was nothing like a highball and really, my friend didn't drink it didn't say anything since we had already sent back one drink. Same with the egg nog drink. The regular menu however, had a lot of interesting options and I would definitely try another one of those and come back in the future. The vibe was great. read more

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Stopped in for a cocktail after dinner in the area. It was early, so we didn't have to wait long. By the time we left, the line was out the door! Be sure you have your ID ready to make it easier and faster for staff to seat you. Retrograde has a rotating menu of specialty cocktails with various themes to match the space decor and old movies playing on one of the walls. (We were treated to the 1960s 3-D feature, "September Storm.") I shared an interesting cocktail with a friend--Massacre in Dinosaur Valley. It was served in a ceramic punch bowl for two with a mini flaming volcano in the middle. It definitely packed a punch with the pasilla pepper-infused 3 Star Rum. Two overturned Modelorita bottles poured more liquid into the punch bowl and added to the flavor of the agave, lime, and tepache made from pineapple rinds and other spices. Fun time! read more

Retrograde - Bar area and decor - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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A very vibey speakeasy in the back of an ice cream shop. We waited about 40 minutes at 9:30pm on a Saturday night for space for two. The bar is intimate with projections of moons, stars, and cheesy SciFi movies (with subtitles thank you!). The drink names are also SciFi themed, a nice touch. My friend and I don't love our drink tastes, but I think we struck out and chose badly. Sometimes explore yields low rewards. I appreciate the inventiveness and variety on the menu! Logistics: - indoor seating only, hidden in the back of the ice cream shop - expect a long wait at peak times - I don't recommend groups larger than 4 as seating is tight read more

Retrograde - Cocktail - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Visited retrograde during the holiday season so it was fully immersed in Christmas decor, but still had the typical outer space theme. Located through the freezer door at sweet action, this is a super cool speakeasy idea. Definitely recommend for a unique experience! read more

Hidden inside an ice cream parlor, you will find this cute speakeasy. I saw on TikTok that it was decorated for the holidays so my friends and I just had to check it out. They do not take reservations, so it is first come first serve. Street parking is available. Inside the ice cream parlor, there is a door that looks like it would go to a freezer, but there's a door doorbell next to it. Ring the doorbell, and the bar host will seat you. We were seated at the bar and then handed a holiday menu. There was not a lot of non-alcoholic beverage options available. So we asked our bartender if he could make something up. He gave us all each different nonalcoholic beverages, which I thought was so fun and creative. Mine was a fruity nonalcoholic beverage. I believe he mentioned strawberry and lemonade. I thought it tasted wonderful. He did a great job of mixing flavors. It's definitely a cool place to check out and I'm glad I went when it was decorated for the holidays. I'm not a big drinker, so I don't know if I would go back. But if you wanna check it out, I highly suggest it! read more

Retrograde - Nonalcoholic fruity beverage. - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Shhh.... it's a secret B Movie Sci-Fi themed speakeasy in the back of an ice cream shop...and we LOVED it. Be sure to follow proper speakeasy protocol and enjoy! Josh took amazing care of us and the drinks were on brand and delicious. The theme really carried through the space and there were B-C Sci-Fi movies playing on one wall. Lighting is perfect, seats were comfy. We ended up staying to chat up the servers and it was so fun! We will definitely return when we are in Denver again. read more

Been here two or three times now and I really wanna take my out of town friends and family! Such a fun speakeasy that actually feels a little secret. I can't remember the drinks names and I believe that they change the menu seasonally. The ambience is great though with low light and a muted movie playing in the background. I think it's so fun to enter through a freezer door and find a whole different vibe on the other side. All the drinks I've had here so far have been amazing and the bartenders are always so nice. read more

Retrograde - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Who doesn't like a cool speakeasy? Well, some might not but that's besides the point. I have been to a few speakeasies and I have to say that Retrograde is one of my favorites for a couple reasons. First off, the drinks here are delicious with a good range of different kinds of drinks to appeal to all. I have had a few different ones here and they were all great and it was obvious the thought that went into each drink. Secondly, the service I've had here was always top-notch. Each time I've been here, I never felt like I was being rushed when ordering a drink or if I had questions regarding drinks or trying to get a recommendation. I have always had great conversations with the bartenders and other employees there too. Last time I went, I had an hour long conversation about drinks and the best omakase in Denver. Last but not least, I really like how Retrograde actually feels like a speakeasy. I feel like a lot of speakeasies I've been to call themselves a speakeasy but does not feel like one, if you know what I mean. Retrograde has the ambiance down with the quiet, dark, and moody atmosphere. I can't wait to go back! read more

Retrograde - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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This spot is a must-visit! Had my first date here and was impressed by the Ice Creamery's endless options. The best part? Sampling five flavors before buying - genius! And, stumbling upon the secret bar behind the cooler was the cherry on top. Great drinks, modern ambiance... perfection! read more

Fantastic cocktails, beautiful space, and seriously great date night energy. The hidden speakeasy reveal is a fun surprise, and the bartender was excellent. Stylish, relaxed, and absolutely worth a visit. I'll definitely be back. read more

Such a cool place! If you can find, you need to go! The bartender/mixologist creates the best drinks. The vibe is very cool with the retro sci-fi going. read more

Retrograde - Cocktail creations! - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Retrograde is hands down one of the coolest spots in town--and probably the only legit speakeasy around. Hidden behind a regular ice cream parlor, the entrance is as fun as the drinks. You'll find a metal fridge door, flip the switch, and like magic, someone will come open the door and welcome you into a whole different vibe. Once inside, it's cozy, stylish, and full of character. The cocktails? Awesome. Thoughtfully crafted and super tasty. The staff is friendly and laid-back, and Mo, the bartender, really stood out--knowledgeable, personable, and clearly passionate about what he does. If you're looking for a unique night out with great drinks and a bit of mystery, Retrograde is the place to be. read more

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I've lived in the area for a while and had a few experiences here. The entrance is a unique walk-in cooler of Sweet Action, love the ice cream. Unfortunately the quality does not match up with the sleek aesthetic. I adore the "speakeasy" vibe, but drinks here are just not that good. They feel like they have a bit too many things going on in the drinks. I've ordered a few drinks and they taste all similar. Interesting drink concepts, but they end up a little short for me. For one, I had a drink with popping "boba" and the flavors were less than desirable. Though, I haven't been here in a while, they may have changed and worked on that aspect. In that case, I may need to stop by! I will say the bartenders are nice! read more

Amazing vibe and very creative and friendly craft cocktail professionals! Will definitely be back! read more

Retrograde - Smoked OF and some crazy concoction my wife asked for! - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Such a cool, immersive experience! Denver has a ton of fun hidden spots, and Retrograde is one of my absolute favorites on that list. From delicious cocktails to the amazing hospitality of the team, it's a go-to spot for when I'm in the mood for something vibey and when I have anyone in town visiting. read more

Retrograde is one of those rare spots that just gets it. The vibe is intimate, moody, and effortlessly cool - it feels like a hidden gem the moment you walk in. The cocktails are the star of the show and they absolutely deliver. Creative, beautifully balanced, and clearly crafted by people who take their craft seriously. Every drink feels intentional, not gimmicky, and the menu strikes that perfect balance between inventive and approachable. Service is friendly, knowledgeable, and dialed in without being overbearing. Retrograde is ideal for a date night, a pre- or post-dinner stop, or impressing out-of-town guests with something uniquely Denver. Easily one of the best cocktail bars in the city - a must-visit. read more

This place is great. Flies under the radar. Been twice and great experience both times.

We had the best time. Mo was our server and they gave us tons of recs on local places to check out and made 3 DELICIOUS cocktails from the quirky, unique, exciting menu. Highly recommend. Ordered the Apple, the bubba Ho-Tep, and the Tales of the Onion Witch read more

Retrograde - Bar with a movie about a sea monster in the background - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I love speakeasies because of how secretive their locations seem! This one was located behind a door in an ice cream shop. The bar is outer space/alien themed which was so fun, and all their drinks modeled that too! The location was a lot smaller than I thought, but my friends and I were able to get seated very quickly. If none of the cocktails speak to you, you're able to get custom cocktails made for you which I loved! I had the bartender make me a kiwi daiquiri (they didn't have mint for a mojito) and thought it tasted great. Just the alcohol needed, and I thought the kiwi flavor was unique. read more

Retrograde - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Significantly better experience this go around as they were busy but it still felt quiet and intimate. Our bartender was pleasant and fun to watch. read more

Retrograde - Entry into Retrograde - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Went here with my family (my kids are all in their 20's) to start off our celebration night. Everything was perfect. We snuck in through the freezer door of the ice cream shop. The drinks were delicious and the bartenders were super helpful with making sure we had the right drinks from an eclectic and cool drink menu. We then went to dinner and we kept talking about this place. read more

Retrograde - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I love a good speakeasy, and then there's Retrograde which takes it to a whole new level because... are you ready? It's inside an ice cream shop that stays open late. So you can slip behind a cooler door for a drink, and then grab some ice cream on your way out. What I really enjoy about them is that it's always consistent since the music is always on point, there's a weird movie playing on the projector, and all the specialty cocktails are the same price (except the bowl). It's a perfect spot to check out before or after dinner. What I ordered: Track of the Moon Beast (bowl), Demon Predator, Mandroid, Alienator, Reptisaurus, and The Beast of Yucca Flats (hopefully I didn't mix up any names!). Best sip: Mandroid was a standout--it was refreshing, funky, and balanced. Could be better: We didn't love the Moon Beast bowl. It tasted way too strong for our taste. Luckily, they swapped it out for two other drinks, which were much better! read more

Went to Retrograde late early June 2025 and it didn't disappoint. Wakeen was the mixologist and walked me through the drink. I'm no expert so I can't remember any of the technical terms but he did a really good. As you can see from the picture not only do you get good service but a free show as they mix your drink. The ambiance of retrograde radiated speakeasy! I will be coming back. read more

Retrograde - Gin cocktail (sorry I forgot) - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Cute ambience. We did have to wait a minute to get in, but the whole bar was empty. Cocktails were superb. Ambience is quirky, and I'll definitely be back. Bartender was very attentive, polite, and made amazing drinks with great care. read more

Retrograde - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Cool vibes. Went during Christmas time and everything was decorated really nice. Got some seasonal cocktails that were super tasty

One my fave ambiance speak easy vibe bars. With one my fave bartenders and people. Mauriah is the coolest and makes the best drinks!!!

This place is nuts! Ice cream, secret passages, retro Sci fi, tasty cocktails!? What's not to love??

Give the secret "ask" and find yourself in Sweet Action's ice cream parlor's freezer which opens into one of Denver's best hidden gems. This quaint speakeasy has signature drinks, an edgy vibe and a cool Cosmic Love Alter for the month of February. Well done, Retrograde, you are one of my favs. read more

Awesome drinks, amazing decor, great date vibes. Bartender was also top-notch! Will be returning.

LOVE this place. So unique, amazing cocktails, great service and just such a great experience in Denver's Uptown neighborhood. Ice cream on the way in or on the way out is a huge bonus! read more

Retrograde is a fun and quirky speakeasy that's located within an ice cream shop. It's convenient because when you're waiting for a table, you can grab a scoop of ice cream. The place is on the smaller side so the tables are a bit close to one another. The drinks are fun and some come with a presentation zhuzh which adds to the ambiance. The menu had about 12 specialty cocktails on top of traditional cocktails. You have the option of letting the bartender go wild with their imaginations and create a drink for you. Overall, it's a fun plcae. read more

Retrograde - Land of Doom & Doomsday Machine - Speakeasies Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Fantastic little secret in Denver. My wife and I came here for a nightcap after dinner on the recommendation of a friend. We've been in Denver almost four years and had somehow never heard of Retrograde. The intimate atmosphere was amazing and the drinks were some of the most unique concoctions we'd ever seen on a cocktail menu. We can't wait to come back. read more