The Height Report: Halo Is Now Denver's Highest Rooftop Bar

While researching the best rooftop bars in Denver, we got the lowdown: 54thirty, on top of Le Méridien Hotel at 1475 California Street, is no longer the highest outdoor bar in the city.

Located on top of the twenty-story hotel — a position that puts it at 5,430 feet and inspired its name — 54thirty was the highest rooftop bar in Denver when it debuted in 2017, and it held that position for years. but the loftiest bar within city limits is now the Halo Rooftop Bar, which opened last year on top of the new Kimpton Claret at 6985 East Chenango Avenue. While that hotel is only nineteen stories, its Denver Tech Center location gives it a height headstart over other spots in the Mile High City, earning the Halo bragging rights at 5,817 feet.

As if it needs them. This is an expansive deck with a fire pit, cozy secluded booths, a walkup bar and a 180-degree view of the Rockies, all draws for visitors and denizens of south Denver alike. At sunset, people flock to the west side of Halo to get a selfie or beg a nearby imbiber to take their picture, as though this were the southernmost point of Key West — except with the mountains rather than the ocean as the backdrop.

And a visit here on July 10 should be particularly choice. Not only does the bar offer live music from local artists every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., but this particular Thursday will boast a full moon that will peak right before the bar opens.  The buck moon, to be precise. (And to be honest, you're going to drop a few bucks when you're up here.)

Along with the outdoor tables, there's an inside lounge area that may look "a little bougie" upon first glance, admits chef Christian Graves, who also handles Saverina on the first floor. But it's "pretty casual," he told Molly Martin when she visited. "The idea is to have a party." And maybe a few of his sophisticated plates.

While Denver has other great outdoor bars — some grounded on the pavement outside local eateries, others in secluded gardens that earn points for privacy even if they lack views — none will keep your spirits as high as the Halo. Especially on the night of a full moon.