Occidental, Highlands
11 people recommendvia r/denverfood, r/Denver, X14 comments cited below
What people say, in short
Reactions lean positive, with several people describing Occidental as having a dive-bar feel and a couple praising its cocktails. A couple praise the food, though one is unsure about the burger. One visitor found the crowd too upscale for a punk bar, and one says it leans punk rather than metal.
Address
Occidental, 1950 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
At a glance
- Best for
- Cocktails, Food
- Opinions divided
- Yes
- Known for
- Cocktails
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/New-Establishment768 in r/denverfood · Sep 2024service
Lists this among bars whose staff care about spirits and bartending, in a short recommendation list.
- Recommendsu/SugarHouse666 in r/denverfood · Feb 2026
Says it's the closest they've come to a dive in Highlands.
- Recommendsu/whoareyouwhowho22 in r/Denver · Jan 2026
Likes it as a low-key dive option.
- Mixedu/PoisonStrip in r/denverfood · May 2026variety
Suggests it, though it leans punk rather than metal.
- Recommendsu/LSDeeznutz419 in r/denverfood · May 2026
Says they love the bar.
- Context@ohstringerbell on X · Jun 2026
Named in a closing list of bars; no opinion stated.
- Recommendsu/nonillogical in r/denverfood · Feb 2025
Says they enjoyed this place, while noting quality and vibe vary across the list.
- Recommendsu/spfoster in r/denverfood · Nov 2024
Gives it as a bare suggestion for the evening.
Show all 14 cited comments
- Recommendsu/hannahpancakes in r/denverfood · Feb 2026taste
The Sacrament there is maybe their favorite cocktail of the year.
- Recommendsu/Mysterious-Stand-413 in r/Denver · Nov 2025taste
Praises its cocktails and burger and calls it dive-like.
- Recommendsu/Silver-Skin-8554 in r/Denver · Jun 2026
Suggests Occidental for the request.
- Recommendsu/NoTale6281 in r/Denver · Nov 2025ambience
Suggests it for anyone wanting a genuinely dive-bar feel.
- Recommendsu/chipbod in r/Denver · Nov 2025taste
Says the food and drinks are good for a bar with a dive feel, but is unsure about the burger.
- Mixedu/FaithlessnessOver238 in r/Denver · May 2024ambience
Used to read there alone and enjoyed it, though the crowd felt too upscale for a punk bar.
More maps in Denver, United States
Did this page answer your question?
Freshness
Details last checked 14 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.