Behind an ice cream shop's freezer door, Denver's science fiction speakeasy pours seasonal menus to a lucky few.
Retrograde hides behind the walk in cooler door at the back of an Uptown ice cream shop at 530 East 19th Avenue. Flip the light switch beside the door and a host walks you through the refrigerator into a retro future cocktail room.
303 Magazine covered the opening back when the shop ran as Frozen Matter, and Conde Nast Traveler and Eater have both filed it since. The science fiction theme runs through seasonal menus that rewrite the list several times a year.
Who would hate it? Anyone who finds themed bars silly or small rooms tight. Everyone else gets one of Denver's best reveals.
A horseshoe bar lit by back shelving that cycles red, green, purple, and yellow, with booths tucked along the walls. The room seats few, so weekend waits happen. Ice cream before or after is structurally encouraged.
The menu changes seasonally around a science fiction theme, and the craft runs more serious than the costume suggests. Yelp reviewers (n=409) repeat one verdict: the drinks taste as good as they look.
Date couples, birthday parties that planned ahead, and Uptown locals walking out of towners through the door trick. Midweek early evenings get the calm version.