Run For The Roses

"Subterranean, swanky, and splurge-worthy: That’s Steven Waters’ throwback sanctuary beneath Dairy Block in a nutshell. Seasonal cocktails show forethought and flair — take the Snapdragon with rhubarb-infused rye gin, rosé vermouth, hibiscus, and pink peppercorn. But the lengthy list of classics is not to be denied. Charmingly printed on a deck of cards, it includes drinks whose prices reflect the rare, decades-old spirits that go into them, from 1960s-era Bénédictine to vintage Bacardi. (Pro tip: Opt for a table when possible, as the handsome barstools can be a tight squeeze.)" - Ruth Tobias

"At Run for the Roses, you’ll be presented with a list of seasonal and large-format cocktails; a reserve list of about 12 drinks showcasing rare and vintage spirits; a several-page wine list; and a deck of cards, each of which is printed with a classic cocktail—52 in all, of course. (Whew.) That said, the simple answer is to start with one of the seasonal offerings: Maybe you’ll go for a sweet-and-sour sensation like the Good Magic starring vodka, vermouth, and sage-infused melon liqueur, maybe a punch-packer like the Atswhatimtalkingabout, combining two types of Scotch, artichoke amaro, and peppered pineapple puree. Once you’re confident of their abilities, you might take a deep breath and blow anywhere from $50 to nearly $100 on a single trophy cocktail, such as a Zombie featuring rums from the 1960s and 1970s. Or you might switch to a bottle of wine—the selection here is no afterthought. The level of the drinks along with the fact that Run for the Roses is open Thursday through Sunday nights underscores a larger point here: This is not a place you just casually drop by." - Ruth Tobias

"Run For the Roses, an underground cocktail lounge named for the Kentucky Derby, offers old-time cocktails with a modern twist in a historically chic setting. It features a sociable environment with roses climbing the walls, cozy jewel-toned chairs, and vintage mirrors. The lounge includes the Garland Room for private events, equipped with a record player and curated records." - Susan Stapleton

"Enlisting the help of Run for the Roses, a new bar coming this spring to Dairy Block, two extravagant travel menus were created using a mix of the lounge car’s offerings and some of Denver’s own for the morning and evening trips." - Josie Sexton

"Run For The Roses is the creation of White Lies co-founder Steven Waters. Vintage on the spirits and mirrors, roses behind the bar climbing a wall fresco, and oxblood and navy across the tufted leather seating — Waters calls it baroque meets brutalist. The cocktails will mostly be classic and the food will be upscale-easy from deviled eggs to pickles, preserves, and tinned seafood. One menu item is sure to be a late-night craver: read spam and egg and potato bun breakfast sandwich. After an elevator ride down and a long hallway lined with living greenery, the entrance to RFTR will be a ticket booth, the menu will be on playing cards, and private lockers will store event passes and giveaways." - Josie Sexton