Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profilePony Up
Denver, CO · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Pony Up pairs a creative cocktail program with an extensive spirits list and a compact happy hour. Cocktails like the Boulevardier and Chinga La Migra show range, while the spirit list spans over 200 bottles. Wine and local beer round out the offerings, and a dedicated non-alcoholic option ensures inclusivity. Guests praise the skilled bartenders and well-rounded drink menu.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Boulevardier, made with Rittenhouse rye, Campari, and sweet vermouth. For a signature, the Chinga La Migra with Real del Valle tequila and guava agua fresca is a standout. If you prefer something lighter, the Classic Daiquiri is well-executed. The Pinkity Drinkity offers a vodka-based twist.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts and spirit collectors will appreciate the deep selection, from agave to world whiskey. Those seeking a casual happy hour with affordable drinks and local beer will also feel at home. The non-alcoholic option makes it accessible to designated drivers and non-drinkers.
- When should I go?
- It's an ideal spot for an early evening drink or a pre-dinner stop.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Happy hour cocktails are $10, wines $9, drafts $5, and the non-alcoholic cocktail $10. The Bartender's Special is $12. Spirit prices are not listed, but the extensive selection suggests a range from moderate to premium.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The spirit list is a major draw, featuring over 200 bottles across agave, whiskey, gin, and more. The happy hour offers a thoughtful selection of cocktails, including a charitable component: a portion of Chinga La Migra sales goes to Casa de Paz. The bar also offers a dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail, a rarity in many cocktail bars.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative cocktail menu with classics and signatures. Happy hour offers a well-priced selection, including a Boulevardier with Rittenhouse rye and a tequila-based Chinga La Migra. Guests praise the creativity and bartender skill.
Menu strengths
- — Classic and signature cocktails show range and thought.
- — Happy hour pricing is aggressive at $10 per cocktail.
- — Charitable component with Chinga La Migra supports Casa de Paz.
Standout selections
- — Boulevardier: Rittenhouse rye, Campari, sweet vermouth
- — Chinga La Migra: Real del Valle tequila, guava agua fresca
Pricing: Happy hour cocktails $10; Bartender's Special $12
Wine
Happy hour wine list includes five styles, from sparkling to orange wine and pinot noir. A reviewer notes the list is respectable, but full list not verified.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of styles including orange wine, a less common offering.
- — All happy hour wines priced uniformly at $9.
Pricing: Happy hour wines $9 per glass
Beer
Local beers are mentioned in reviews, and draft beer is $5 during happy hour. Specific beers not listed, but the price point is attractive.
Menu strengths
- — Affordable draft beer at $5 during happy hour.
Pricing: Happy hour draft beer $5
Nonalcoholic
Offers a dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail, GirlPopp N/A, with Seedlip Notas de Agave and coconut passionfruit shrub. Shows commitment to inclusivity, though only one option found.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail with premium ingredients.; Priced same as regular cocktails, indicating effort.
Standout selections
- — GirlPopp N/A: Seedlip Notas de Agave, coconut passionfruit shrub, soda
Pricing: Non-alcoholic cocktail $10
Spirits
Extensive spirit list with over 200 bottles across agave, American whiskey, world whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, brandy, and more. Includes sought-after bottles like Fortaleza Blanco and Lagavulin 16yr.
Menu strengths
- — Over 200 spirits across multiple categories.; Includes premium and sought-after labels.
Standout selections
- — Fortaleza Blanco tequila; High West Midwinter Dram Rye
How it sits with the food
While food is not the focus, the happy hour includes discounted food items like elote dip and blue cheese olives. These bar snacks pair well with the cocktails and draft beer. The guava-forward Chinga La Migra could complement the elote dip's creamy, spicy notes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
No community reviews yet. Be the first to write one.