Every rose has its thorn, but a new Vegas-inspired concept in Denver’s River North (RiNo) neighborhood is letting guests pick their poison.

The recently opened twin-bar concept, Rose & Thorn, juxtaposes rooftop luxury with underground edge, offering guests a choice between sun-soaked cocktails by the pool or moody, late-night lounging in a basement speakeasy. With craft drinks, shareable plates and a service-forward approach, the venue looks to reimagine nightlife in the Mile High City, according to a news release.

Located at 1740 36th St., Rose & Thorn spans the rooftop and lower level of the Penrose, a residential apartment complex in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood. The venue’s first phase, Rose, opened July 12 and features a 4,000-square-foot rooftop with panoramic views of the city and mountains, velvet seating, sculptural lighting, floral wallpaper and a reservation-only pool designed for high-end, resort-style lounging.

The decision to open the twin bars in an apartment building rather than a hotel reflects developer Ósta Holdings‘ long-term investment in RiNo as a residential hub.

Real estate director Willie Hunt of Ósta Holdings said the project was made possible after the city updated its zoning ordinances, which allowed for more dense, mixed-use development in areas that previously saw little beyond Coors Field.

“Now RiNo has exploded with housing and nightlife,” Hunt said. “There’s a real demand for entertainment that meets that growth.”

General Manager Logan James Campbell, a nightlife veteran who previously worked with Tao Group Hospitality in Las Vegas, said the concept aspires to rival those found in cities known for immersive, all-day hospitality.

“It’s kind of like a supper club you’d find in Vegas or New York, combined with bottle service and a speakeasy vibe,” Campbell said. “We wanted something dynamic that adapts to the mood of the night.”

Chef Nathan Morando, an Arvada native, leads the kitchen with a menu featuring bold, shareable plates, including crab guacamole, ahi tuna tataki, sliders and street corn riblets. Once construction on the kitchen downstairs is complete later this summer, the offerings will expand to include sushi rolls, seafood towers, and coastal-inspired bowls and salads.

“That’s kind of the second reveal. Phase one is what’s open now, but once we finish the downstairs kitchen, you’ll see a much bigger culinary experience,” Campbell said.

Rose’s cocktail menu leans into cinematic storytelling. The True Romance arrives on a black napkin labeled with “You’re so cool” in silver ink, a nod to the 1993 cult film.

The Mr. Blonde, inspired by the film “Reservoir Dogs,” uses blonde espresso and a matcha bone garnish.

The Penthouse, named after the venue’s adjacent luxury Airbnb suite, features a vanilla-forward base with a Prosecco sidecar.

“It’s like having a salty snack with something sweet. That balance makes the flavors pop,” Campbell said.

The venue’s second phase, Thorn, is expected to open by September. The subterranean speakeasy will feature live DJ sets, spirit-forward drinks and a more intimate setting designed for late-night lounging.

“We’ll be open until 2 a.m., and that’s rare in this city,” Campbell said. “There’s a whole crowd of people — service industry, creatives, night owls — who want a beautiful setting, a thoughtful cocktail, and maybe a bacon-wrapped date or some oysters at 1 a.m. We’re bringing that back.”

Campbell said he hopes to do his part in raising the bar for hospitality across Denver.

“I’ve worked with some of the best operators in the business,” he said. “I’m trying to bring that level of detail and hospitality here. Denver deserves it.”

Rose & Thorn is open Monday through Wednesday from 3 to 10 p.m., Thursday and Friday from noon to midnight, and weekends from 10 a.m. to midnight. Weekday happy hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Poolside seating is available by reservation.

For more information or to book a table, visit roseandthorndenver.com or follow @roseandthorndenver on Instagram.