Get Away From It All at These Denver Bars

Need a vacation, but you don't have enough in your bank account to get you to Jamaica? Take a trip without buying an expensive airline ticket by heading to these Denver bars and restaurants. You don’t need to be near water and sand to have an umbrella drink.

Adrift Bar (218 S. Broadway; 303-778-8454)
Tiki bars are alive and well in Denver at Adrift. Salute the best of tiki bar culture with classic cocktails like the Banana Daiquiri, Mai Tai and the Rum Runner. Our favorite, Hemmingway Daiquiri, is made just the way the man himself made them. With or without a little umbrella, get away from it all on Adrift’s Gilligan's Island patio.

The Cruise Room (1600 17th St.; 303-825-1107)
This bar inside the Oxford Hotel will transport you in time as well as space. The room’s décor is modeled after a lounge aboard the Queen Mary. With original chrome and neon, be transported to the days just after Prohibition while drinking a classic Cruise Room Martini.

El Noa Noa (722 Sante Fe Dr.; 303-623-9968)
To spend an afternoon South of border, sit on the patio at El Noa Noa. For over 30 years, guests have enjoyed mini-Mexican vacations in the restaurant’s huge back patio complete with water fall. Mariachi bands play on the patio every summer weekend. Enjoy imported beers such as Bohemia, Carta Blanca, and Modelo and a variety of premium tequilas.

Limón (1618 E. 17th Ave.; 303-322-0898)
The drink menu alone at this Latin American bistro will propel you to the southern hemisphere. Enjoy Pisco Sours from Peru, Caipirinhas from Brazil and Tortugas from Columbia as well as a selection of wines from Chile and Argentina.

Linger (2030 W. 30th Ave.; 303-993-3120)
Travel around the world while enjoying the famous view at this popular Highlands establishment. The menu is divided into cuisine by continent. Want Spanish tapas? Seared Diver Scallops. Prefer South Asian street food? Pho-Real Spring Rolls to the rescue. Travel the world using a glass with some Sangria Rojo (house-made), Stella Artois or Chateau de Paraza.

Max Gill & Grill (1052 S. Gaylord St.; 303-722-7456)
Originally called Hemmingway’s (until the author’s estate sent a cease and desist letter, which guests can read on the wall of the tavern) this place near Wash Park still retains its Key West charm. The fine seafood dining is up front while the tiki bar and koi pond are out back. Along with $3.25 glasses of wine, enjoy $0.99 select oysters during happy hour.

Photo: Flickr user flowizm