A Hidden Gem in the Heart of an Airport
Most travelers rushing through Denver International Airport focus on gate numbers and departure times. Few realize that America’s most beautiful speakeasy sits hidden behind a bookstore facade near Gate A38. This unique bar offers an experience that transports visitors back to the 1920s, blending the charm of Prohibition-era elegance with modern airport convenience.
The Speakeasy That Defies Expectations
Williams & Graham at Denver International Airport serves as perhaps the only true speakeasy hidden within a major airport terminal. Walking past what appears to be an ordinary bookstore facade, travelers encounter the same theatrical magic that made the original Highland location famous. No one ever suspects that, hidden behind the facade of a bookstore, lies America’s most beautiful speakeasy, hidden right out of sight.
The space itself captures the essence of Prohibition-era elegance while adapting to modern airport needs. Behind the working bookstore facade, travelers discover rich wood paneling, intimate lighting, and carefully arranged spirits that create an atmosphere that’s worlds apart from typical gateside dining. The design reflects meticulous attention to detail, from vintage-inspired fixtures to the curated selection of bottles that line the bar, transforming a simple layover into an experience worth savoring.
Why This Speakeasy Stands Out
If anyone were to be trapped in an airport for 18 years, they’d hope it was Denver International Airport, primarily because of this speakeasy. But why is it here? The story of Williams & Graham begins with understanding why a sophisticated speakeasy in Denver feels so unexpected.
During America’s Prohibition era, from 1920 to 1933, speakeasies flourished in major urban centers, particularly on the East Coast, where population density and organized crime created perfect conditions for clandestine drinking establishments. New York City alone boasted an estimated 20,000 to 100,000 speakeasies, while Chicago became synonymous with gangster-controlled operations under figures like Al Capone.
Denver presented a different story entirely. Colorado implemented statewide prohibition in 1916, four years before federal Prohibition took effect, making it one of the earliest dry states in the nation. Unlike the sophisticated speakeasy culture that developed in New York, Western cities developed more modest underground drinking scenes.
The Significance of a Unique Location
The significance of Williams & Graham’s airport location extends far beyond novelty. This represents a fundamental shift in how Americans experience travel, reflecting broader changes in both airport dining and cocktail culture that have been decades in the making.
Recognition That Transcends Geography
Williams & Graham earned its reputation as America’s most beautiful speakeasy through a collection of industry honors that few establishments achieve. The bar was named one of the world’s 50 best bars by Drinks International, ranking at number 50 on a list typically dominated by coastal establishments.
The entrance remains true to speakeasy tradition: look for the bookstore facade near Gate A38 in Concourse A, where staff will guide visitors through the hidden entrance. Allow extra time beyond typical airport dining, as this experience rewards those who can savor the craft skills of the artisans.
At the 2015 Spirited Awards, Williams & Graham was named Best American Cocktail Bar, while founder Sean Kenyon received the American Bartender of the Year award. The establishment also won Cocktail Bar of the Year from Nightclub & Bar Media Group in 2013. It was named a James Beard Award semi-finalist in the Outstanding Bar Program category.
These accolades matter because they established Denver as a legitimate destination for serious cocktail enthusiasts, breaking the traditional dominance of New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles in national bar awards.
A Reflection of Changing Travel Experiences
The presence of America’s most beautiful speakeasy in an airport reflects a dramatic transformation in travel dining. Denver International Airport was named one of the top ten airports for food and drink by Food & Wine magazine in 2025, part of a broader trend where airports are increasingly featuring local restaurants rather than generic chains. More than thirty new eateries debuted at DIA in 2025 alone, with many representing Denver’s culinary identity.
A Better Layover Experience
For those who have an extended stay between flights at Denver International Airport, it would be a lot more boring if there weren’t something like this to look forward to. With world-renowned drinks and a menu that’ll keep a visitor asking for seconds, it’s no surprise that this restaurant attracts so many people.
Stepping through the doors transports a visitor back to the roaring 20s, where pianos belted out show tunes and people dressed in their best kept their voices low so that the authorities wouldn’t suspect. While Prohibition is long gone, the soul of the 1920s lives on in places like America’s most beautiful speakeasy.
