Rose & Thorn: Rooftop Cocktail Bar and Pool Club Ushers in a New Era for RiNo

Photo by UP Marketing

RiNo is changing, with luxury apartment buildings going up left and right to accompany venues like Mission Ballroom and the National Western Complex that draw large crowds for year-round events. The neighborhood is positioned east of the South Platte River and was once industrial. Now, rooftop bars that feel like an LA-style club are popping up in the massive new apartment buildings, with 360-degree mountain and city views and the convenience of luxury just an elevator ride away.

Rose & Thorn is the newest spot giving RiNo it’s new identity at The Penrose, just steps away from The Source Hotel, Bigsby’s Folly and now Clever Girl, a food hall and bar previously known as Zeppelin Station. Rose, an upscale rooftop bar with a reservation-only pool lounge, opened on July 12 then Thorn, a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, will open this summer.

With 4,000 square feet, a food and beverage program featuring summer-style bites and sips, and both indoor and outdoor dining areas, Rose exudes cool. Between the views and the poolside reservation system, it serves as a meeting spot for girls’ night, a work happy hour, a pregame, a date and everything in between.

“With Rose, we’ve created a space that feels like a true escape in the heart of RiNo,” said Logan Campbell, general manager of Rose & Thorn. “The views, the pool and our menu make it a place where people can relax, connect and enjoy themselves over delicious food and drinks.”

“The Rose Petal” is a two-bedroom high-end Airbnb on the penthouse level of The Penrose. Guests get VIP access to the pool lounge and rooftop amenities. “Whether stopping in for happy hour with clients or spending a weekend with friends at The Rose Petal, both offer unique ways to experience the rooftop and take in everything this location has to offer,” added Campbell.

Take the dedicated elevator up, soak up the view that is unlike any in Denver (trust me, even as a Denver native, it was disorienting), and don’t forget to try the Mr. Blonde, a fat-washed reposado tequila espresso martini with matcha foam.

Follow Rose & Thorn on Instagram to keep up with news and updates, including the official opening of Thorn.