About Mile High Spirits
Mile High Spirits is Denver’s pioneering craft distillery and lively cocktail bar, often called “the OG of urban distilling.” Established in 2011 by a group of local whiskey enthusiasts, it originally opened on Upper Larimer in LoDo and moved to its current, expanded location at 2201 Lawrence Street (in Five Points) in 2014. The venue seamlessly blends a working distillery, a tasting room, and a full-time event space. Inside the large industrial warehouse, a massive 5,000-square-foot bar and music floor opens onto a 6,500-square-foot patio. Visitors immediately notice the funky décor: old whiskey barrels hang from the ceiling as acoustic dampeners, a vintage forklift propped with whiskey cases, vibrant neon signs (“Drink Up!”), and even a giant photo booth. Mile High Spirits boldly lives its motto: “We take our spirits seriously, but not ourselves.” It highlights Colorado’s distilling heritage with modern flair – for example, it’s one of the only distilleries in the world using an all-glass still for distillation, plus high-tech German copper stills. Patrons often enjoy watching the distillers at work through a window behind the performance stage. The result is a unique atmosphere—a true Denver original—where craft cocktails, premium spirits and live entertainment come together in a historic neighborhood setting.
Events and Programming
Mile High Spirits isn’t just a distillery – it’s also a nightclub and live-show venue. Every week they host a mix of activities: educational distillery tours and cocktail classes, plus high-energy music and dance events. Friday through Sunday the distillery runs “boozy crash course” tours (Friday evenings from 6–9 pm, Saturday afternoons/evenings 2–7 pm, and Sunday evenings 5–8 pm) that include a guided backstage look at how their whiskey and vodka are crafted, plus generous tastings. Cocktail-making classes are held periodically where local bartenders teach guests to mix drinks using Mile High’s spirits. After dark, the tasting room transforms into a dance floor. On weekend nights you’ll frequently find DJs spinning funky live sets and even a recurring silent disco party (historically on Friday/Saturday at 10 pm for about $25, including drink tickets). The venue’s stage is set up for amplified live music, so local bands – from jazz and blues to rock and electronic – often play intimate shows. In fact, Mile High has hosted dozens of Denver-area bands and touring indie acts, making it a favorite spot for live local music. Regular happy hours offer drink specials most weeknights (for example, $3 canned cocktails and $4 shots in recent specials). Mile High Spirits also throws pop-up events for holidays, new whiskey launches and community fundraisers. With up to 400–800 people on a bustling night, it’s a hotspot of Five Points nightlife. Ticket prices vary: distillery tours and classes are modestly priced, while cover charges for major dance parties or concerts can range from free (for no-cover DJ jams) to around $20–$30 for bigger events. In general, popular shows sell out quickly, so it’s wise to reserve or arrive early when dates are announced.
Tickets and Booking
Most events at Mile High Spirits use advance tickets or reservations. Distillery tours and cocktail classes require online booking via the Mile High Spirits website – they often fill up days in advance, especially on weekends. Tour tickets might run around $15–$20 (including multiple whiskey samples) and cocktail classes are typically a bit more. Live music nights and DJ parties usually have tickets on sale through third-party outlets or the venue’s own online box office. Silent disco events and similar parties are often listed on Eventbrite with a set cover ($25 “all-you-can-drink” in the past, for example). For those, it’s best to buy ahead since space is limited. Smaller gigs or happy-hour dance parties sometimes have no cover or sell tickets at the door only. In any case, check Mile High Spirits’ official site or social media for up-to-date event listings and ticket links. There is no traditional box office or phone number for tickets – everything goes through the website or event page. For popular shows, presale tickets appear to sell out fast, so plan ahead and grab seats (or standing spots) early. Generally, tickets are tiered by time (early entry vs. general admission), but VIP tables or bottle service are not a typical public option at this venue. All bartender-led programs are capped (often under 20 people per session), so advance booking is strongly recommended to secure a spot.
Seating and Layout
The Mile High Spirits tasting room is essentially open-floor, festival-style seating. There are no reserved or numbered seats; instead, patrons roam a large 5,000-square-foot hall with occasional high-top tables and benches. The stage sits on one side of the room, and the bar is located off to the other side. Best “views” of the music come from standing in front of the stage, but that area can get crowded on big nights. If you prefer a table or some breathing room, you can grab one of the scattered seating areas along the edges or in the middle of the floor. For quieter conversation, the long old wooden barrel benches along the perimeter are popular. Behind the stage, a large viewing window exposes the distillery still, so you can watch the whiskey instruments when a band is playing – that’s a unique vantage point. There is an upstairs mezzanine or seating — no; all action is on one level. The outside patio (next to the tasting room) provides extra space in good weather, though performances are usually inside. Don’t expect any plush recliners – this is a party space, so most of the audience stands or sits on barstools. Visually, the goal is a warehouse rave/vintage speakeasy mashup. Also note: because of the metal vehicles and hard walls, sound can be loud. The venue intentionally uses empty barrels overhead for noise control. Plan to move your spot if the volume gets too high – though it’s generally well-mixed by live event standards. In short, keep it casual: grab a spot near who or what interests you most – whether that’s the DJ booth, a window by the still, a corner table or the front of the dance floor.
Getting There and Parking
Mile High Spirits sits at 2201 Lawrence Street in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood – a block south of Coors Field and a couple blocks east of Heritage Square. If you’re driving, use Lawrence Street as the access road. Street parking is available along Lawrence and nearby side streets, but meters are enforced and spots fill up on busy nights. You’ll see paid lots and garages in this area: for example, 1900 Lawrence (garage) or 17th/18th Street lots are a few blocks away (roughly $2–3 per hour typical downtown rates). If you prefer to reserve parking, apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz list hourly spaces near 2201 Lawrence. There is no official “Mile High Spirits lot,” so guests either use street meters or nearby garages. Rideshares and taxis are quite common in Five Points. The building’s entrance is along Lawrence, so instruct drop-offs right in front if possible. For public transit, multiple RTD bus lines stop close by (routes 0, 10, 15L, 20 and 38 all run along nearby 20th Street or Welton Street). The free MallRide circulator bus also stops just a few blocks north. Denver’s light rail isn’t directly at this corner, but Union Station (0.8 mile west) has multiple train lines and the W-Line at 17th & Stout is a 10-minute walk. The SkyLine bus is another free one from Union Station to 20th & Lawrence in Five Points. In short, both car and transit are viable: downtown is dense, so consider parking once and using a quick Uber/Lyft for nightlife, or use any of the downtown buses which have stops within three blocks of the distillery (check the RTD maps for your route).
Inside the Venue
Step through the “party door” and you enter an action-packed tasting room. Expect ID checks – it’s strictly 21 and up, so have a valid driver’s license or ID. Once inside, the atmosphere is lively: modern industrial meets dive bar. The massive central bar serves all the Mile High Spirits creations – no beer or outside liquor is sold. The cocktail menu features original house cocktails (often with names referencing Denver and Five Points) and flights of their whiskies, vodka and rum. In many evenings the bartenders are mixing their own specialty drinks in tall mixer pitchers. Happy hours are advertised on the walls and specials pop up on chalkboards (recently they’ve offered things like $3 canned cocktails and $8 double pours). The vibe is casual – you’ll see local rock tees and jeans alongside jackets and boots. As for amenities: there are restrooms on-site (likely single-stall or multi-stall, all accessible), a self-service water station, and even free Wi-Fi (the venue often provides it for guests). At the sound booth guests can plug their phone in or shout requests to the DJ. You’ll also find small souvenir items and bottles for sale (in-house spirits packaged to take home). There’s no coat check or locker room – bring only what you need. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the distillers on the production floor through the viewing window behind the stage. The crowd is typically friendly and energetic – bartenders and staff are known for being outgoing and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask questions about the spirits or the event schedule.
Nearby Amenities
Planning a night out? Mile High Spirits is in a vibrant part of town with plenty around. For restaurants before or after your visit, the Union Station area is a few blocks away with dozens of choices (from quick bites to upscale dining). Closer by, several neighborhood spots stand out: the Lobby American Grill inside the Holiday Inn City Center (2191 Arapahoe) is right next door, Marco’s Coal-Fired Pizza (2109 Larimer) offers easy hand-tossed wood-fired pizzas, and upscale Uchi Denver (sushi, 2500 Lawrence) is just a few blocks north. Other nearby eateries include the Italian and Mexican restaurants along Larimer Street, and the huge Grand Atrium at the historic Brown Palace (about 10 minutes’ walk). For late-night food, Denver’s famed Larimer Street and Coors Field area have food halls and street vendors too. Bars and breweries are plentiful: the Great Divide brewery complex is adjacent (check out their taproom), and the craft beer bar Crooked Stave Taproom is nearby. If you need to stay overnight, downtown hotels like the Hyatt Centric, Maven (Dairy Block), Marriott City Center or boutique Oxford Hotel are all within a 0.5-mile walk. If you arrive early, explore local attractions: Coors Field (home of the Rockies) is two blocks north; the Five Points Jazz District on Welton has a few jazz clubs and vintage shops a short stroll away. After the show, both Union Station and Broadway are lined with 24-hour bowling alleys, late-open diners and cab stands – helping you wrap up the night safe and sound.
What Makes This Venue Special
Mile High Spirits stands out because it merges Denver’s rich whiskey culture with a friendly downtown party vibe. It’s one of the very few places where distilling equipment shares space with a dance floor. Since launching, the distillery has earned a reputation for creativity: they famously sent a Fireside Bourbon barrel into near space (in 2021/2024) to create “Strato Whiskey,” a unique space-aged bourbon that became a limited release. It also introduced one of Colorado’s early craft vodka distillations (Elevate Vodka) and even makes a canned cocktail (Punching Mule Moscow Mule). Architecturally, the building itself is characterful – a refurbished warehouse with an “industrial chic” look, exposed brick and steel, yet it feels surprisingly intimate with warm lighting and quirky décor (like the nicknamed stills “Walter” and fermenters “Snap, Crackle, Pop”). Historically, it helped revitalize Five Points by bringing nightlife back in the mid-2010s. Culturally, it’s become a gathering spot for locals as much as for visitors: artists love to play there, craft-spirits aficionados love the tours, and night owls love the dance parties. In short, Mile High Spirits is special because it’s authentically “Denver” – a bit irreverent, always fun, and rooted in local spirit-making. Whether it’s your first distillery tour or your tenth concert, the community vibe and little surprises (like dancing with bartenders or catching live distilling demos) make it a memorable stop in the Mile High City.
Visitor Tips and Information
Plan ahead for the best experience. The venue is 21+, so bring valid ID (they have strict checks). Tickets for popular events – especially tours and weekend parties – can sell out, so reserve early. Arrive a little before your showtime; doors often open at 9–10 pm for late-night events. If you come for a distillery tour, note that tours run only Fri–Sun and must be pre-booked on the website. There’s no formal coat check or storage, so pack light – purses and small backpacks are okay, but leave large bags at home. Cash isn’t always needed (cards are accepted at the bar), but it’s handy for tips. Noise levels can get high with live music and DJs, so bring earplugs if you’re sensitive – but everyone else will probably dance through the bass. Dress is completely casual (jeans, sneakers, boots – anything goes). Photo-taking is fine for personal use, though professional lighting kits may need staff approval. If you plan to dine first, do it before arriving; the distillery itself doesn’t serve full meals (just cocktails and sampling pours), though food trucks or concessions sometimes appear outside on event nights. If you have mobility needs, you’ll find the entry and main floor accessible, but give staff a heads-up about any special assistance. Finally, remember that Five Points is an urban neighborhood – traffic and parking can be tight on Friday/Saturday nights. Lyft/Uber or a cab might actually drop you off faster than circling for a spot. With these tips in mind, you’re all set to enjoy the fun, friendly ambiance that makes Mile High Spirits such a beloved Denver destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can Mile High Spirits hold (capacity)?
Mile High Spirits is more of a wide-open bar/dance hall than a seated theater. The distillery’s indoor floor is roughly 5,000 square feet and can accommodate several hundred guests at once (on big weekend nights 500–1,000 people cycle through throughout the night). There is also a large patio outside that adds capacity. There’s no fixed seating or tickets by seat, so think general admission standing-room: most people mingle, dance or grab a stool at the bar.
What is the address of Mile High Spirits, and where exactly is it located?
Mile High Spirits is located at 2201 Lawrence Street in Denver, Colorado, in the Five Points neighborhood just south of Coors Field (Rockies stadium). It’s at the corner of 22nd Street and Lawrence Street. On a map, you can consider it roughly one mile northeast of downtown’s 16th Street Mall. Look for a large brick industrial-looking building with flashing neon signs at the Lawrence Street address.
How do I purchase tickets for tours and events at Mile High Spirits?
Tickets and reservations are mostly done online. For distillery tours and cocktail classes, you must reserve a spot in advance on the official Mile High Spirits website (these sell out quickly on weekends). For live music or DJ parties, check their site or social media for ticket links; many events use online platforms like Eventbrite. There is no walk-up ticket booth – you buy via the web or through partner listings. For big parties (like a silent disco), it’s smart to get e-tickets early, as door sales may not be available.
Are tickets sold at the door, or do I need to buy in advance?
It depends on the event. For specialty classes and tours you cannot get in without a prior reservation. For ticketed concerts or parties, smaller shows often require pre-sale tickets and may not have seats at the door if they sell out. Some events do allow door tickets (cash or card) if space remains, but it’s risky. To be safe, buy tickets online ahead of time whenever possible. General free-entry nights (like some happy-hour DJ sets) simply operate on a first-come basis with no cover charge.
Is there an age requirement to enter Mile High Spirits?
Yes. Mile High Spirits is strictly 21+ only. It’s a liquor-licensed distillery and bar, so all guests (including for tours or events) must be at least 21. You will need a valid, government-issued photo ID at the door. Staff check IDs carefully and will not admit minors. This applies even during daytime weekday tours – only adults are allowed inside at any time.
Are children or pets allowed at Mile High Spirits?
No. Because the venue is 21+ only, neither children nor pets (service animals aside) are permitted. The policy is firm: no under-21s inside at any time. This means no strollers, pets on leashes, or baby carriers. Plan accordingly; childcare or pet care should be arranged if you want to visit. The only exception is trained service animals, which are allowed by law.
What kinds of drinks and food are available at Mile High Spirits?
Mile High Spirits is primarily a bar, not a full restaurant. All beverages are made from their in-house distilled spirits. They serve craft cocktails (using their whiskeys, vodkas, rums, etc.), signature drinks (like a Moscow Mule in a can called Punching Mule), and samples of their spirits. They often have happy hour specials (e.g. discounted cocktails, shots). There is no kitchen, so food options are limited to occasion-based food trucks or snacks. In general, expect cocktails and tastings – if you need a meal, plan to dine at a restaurant before coming or grab food nearby after.
Can I bring outside food or drinks into Mile High Spirits?
No. Outside alcohol, food and beverages are not allowed inside Mile High Spirits. You must purchase your drinks from the venue. (Unlike some bars, they don’t allow BYOB or outside snacks.) The only exception is special events that feature a specific food truck or catering; even then, any liquids or alcohol aside from what the distillery provides must stay out. In short: drink what’s served and eat beforehand or at adjacent eateries if needed.
Where can I park when visiting Mile High Spirits?
Parking near Mile High Spirits is a mix of street metered spots and nearby paid lots. Metered street parking is found on Lawrence Street and side streets; watch the time limits and enforcement hours. There are public parking garages a few blocks away (for example, a parking garage at 1900 Lawrence and others around 18th/20th) that cost roughly $2–3 per hour. You can also book a spot via parking apps (SpotHero, ParkWhiz). On busy nights, lots fill up fast, so allow extra time if you drive. Drop-offs by Uber/Lyft are common and easy—just pull in front on Lawrence Street. Coors Field events or neighborhood sports games can also affect parking availability, so plan accordingly.
How do I reach Mile High Spirits by public transit or rideshare?
Several RTD buses stop within a block or two of Mile High Spirits (routes 0, 10, 15L, 20, 38 on 20th/18th streets). The free MallRide downtown circulator also stops near Welton/20th, just west of the distillery. There isn’t a light rail stop at Five Points, but Denver Union Station (a hub for all light rail lines) is about a 15-minute walk (or a one-stop MallRide) away. Rideshare is very popular: just request a drop-off at 2201 Lawrence St. There’s a curb space on Lawrence St. for quick passenger drop-off or pick-up. If you plan to take an Uber or Lyft, nearby pickup spots include the corner of Lawrence & 22nd (right at the door).
Is Mile High Spirits wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue is on a single level with no steps at the main entrance, so wheelchair users can roll in from street level. Inside, the main floor is open and flat. Accessible restrooms are provided. Staff are accustomed to accommodating guests with mobility needs, so if you have any questions or need assistance (for example, an escort to a specific area), just ask. Side entrances or patio ramps may be available as well. In general, visitors with disabilities will find Mile High Spirits navigable, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead if you have specific requirements.
What are the operating hours for tours and events at Mile High Spirits?
The distillery hosts tours and tastings on a limited schedule: tours run Friday 6–9pm, Saturday 2–7pm, and Sunday 5–8pm (Booking required). Cocktail classes can happen mid-week by appointment. The tasting room and bar are generally open Wednesday through Saturday (hours can vary, often around 4pm–12am on Wed/Thu and earlier on Fri/Sat). Special events (concerts, DJs) often start at 9–10pm and run into the night, with closing times set by Denver laws (often around 1–2am). Always check the latest schedule online; hours may change for holidays or private events.
How early should I arrive for a scheduled event or distillery tour?
For distillery tours, arrive a few minutes before your booked time to check in (they usually start on the hour). You must have reserved in advance to join the tour at all. For live shows or dance events, the doors often open about 30–60 minutes before showtime (for example, a 10pm DJ party might open at 9pm). It’s wise to come early if you want a prime spot near the stage or bar. If you arrive very late, entry may be harder or sold out. In general, get there 15–30 minutes ahead of kickoff to settle in and beat the rush.
Does Mile High Spirits have Wi-Fi and restroom facilities?
Yes, you’ll find restroom facilities inside (likely gender-specific or unisex stalls) and they are well-maintained. Mile High Spirits also offers free guest Wi-Fi when you’re inside. (Ask a bartender or check for a sign on how to connect.) This can be handy if you need to use your phone to find an Uber or RSVP to events. Both cell phone service and Wi-Fi generally work fine in the open tasting room, so you can stream music or message friends without issue.
Can I rent Mile High Spirits for a private party or event?
Yes, the distillery offers private event rentals. They have a separate barrel room and tasting hall that can host parties and corporate events (capacity around 5–45 people in the barrel room space, more if the main area is included). You can get private bartender service, custom menus, and even exclusive use of the facilities. Contact their events team through the website’s “Plan A Private Event” page for details and pricing. Note that private events may have different policies (minimum spends, food catering rules, advance planning required).
What is Strato Whiskey and can I try it at Mile High Spirits?
Strato Whiskey is a special release from Mile High Spirits. In partnership with World View, the distillery sent a barrel of their Fireside Bourbon to near-space on a high-altitude balloon campaign. The barrel spent many days at the edge of the atmosphere, then returned and the whiskey was bottled with the “Strato” name. It has unique caramel and citrus notes said to come from the high-altitude aging. This limited-edition space-aged bourbon has periodically been available to sample or buy at the distillery tasting room. If you visit, ask the bartenders if Strato Whiskey or a sample of it is on the menu – it often comes up as a special tasting flight.
