Why The Constellation Might Be the Best New Cocktail Lounge in the Rockies ✨🍸

KCStark
May 25
4 min read

Discover The Constellation, Westcliffe CO’s latest cocktail lounge serving handcrafted drinks, small plates & speakeasy charm in the Rockies.

BONUS Videos: I dare ya to read till the end. ;)

By KC Stark

That's a big statement, right? I've never been wealthy, but I have been able to travel the world as a self-employed webmaster since 1994. Pretty easy, really. I've lived and wandered from Berlin to Brazil and Aruba to Alaska.

I've seen my fair share of lounges and owned a Prohibition Lounge in 2013 - with a twist. Sold it in 2015. What an epic ride!

I dedicate this 'howl' to the local entrepreneurs that keep this town a'rockin' reeling and whiskey dealing. A very special thanks to Bianca a.k.a. the Raven for walking in the rain with me to make this video lol

The Constellation Lounge - Tuned down to E Flat as a tire.

Tucked beneath the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Westcliffe, Colorado, there’s a place that’s quietly redefining what a cocktail lounge in the Rockies can be. It’s called The Constellation, and if you haven’t been yet—well, let me be the first to say: you’re missing out on one of Colorado’s latest secrets.

I’d like to thank the owners and the staff for a wonderful wander back into the age of Prohibition…and that signature drink!

The Constellation: Cocktail Lounge Westcliffe CO. Signature drink! My new fav!

A Lounge Experience in a Town Known for Stargazing 🌌🏔️

Westcliffe is already famous for being one of the few International Dark Sky Communities in the world. Folks come from all over to witness the Milky Way, meteor showers, and mountain moonrises that leave you speechless.

Now? We’ve got a lounge to match the view.

The Constellation isn’t just a bar—it’s a full-on ✨ throwback to the prohibition era ✨ with handcrafted cocktails, vintage lighting, and a vibe that says: slow down, sip, and savor.

Open Thursday to Sunday – Let the Evenings Begin 🍷

Hours:

Thursday–Sunday: 4:00 PM to 10:00/11:00 PM
Walk-ins welcome
Located in the heart of downtown Westcliffe, just off Main Street

Signature Cocktails with Real Craftsmanship🍸👨‍🍳

In a world of shortcuts, The Constellation brings back the art of bartending. Each drink is made with fresh ingredients, old-school skill, and a little flair.

One standout? A vodka cocktail that was—no exaggeration—the best blackberry blended vodka I’ve ever had. Smooth, balanced, and finished with the vivid scents of blackberries.

Menu favorites include:

🥃 Old Fashioneds
🍊 Negronis
🍸 House-infused vodka creations
🍷 Wines by the glass & bottle
🥂 Craft mocktails for non-drinkers

Small Plates, Big Flavor 🧀🥖

The Constellation serves up a growing menu of light fare, including:

🧀 Charcuterie boards
🍕 Flatbreads
🥪 Finger sandwiches

Coming soon: Tapas-style plates and eventually full dinner service. So whether you’re in for a pre-dinner drink or planning a whole night out—you’re covered.

Why It Deserves the Title: Best New Cocktail Lounge in the Rockies for 2025 🏆🍹

If your idea of the 'best lounge' includes long lines, fancy cars, hard to find parking, bouncers that pat you down - this is NOT that. ;)

✅ Atmosphere

✅ Craftsmanship

✅ Hospitality

✅ Local flavor

✅ Unique experience

The Constellation hits every mark! Check check check. No fancy cars. No long lines. I didn't see a bouncer - but note - they do also own a gun shop. ;)

You won’t find velvet ropes or overpriced gimmicks here. Just great drinks, great people, and a warm welcome—every time.

The Vibe? Warm, Welcoming, and a Little Mysterious 🕯️🎶

The lighting is low, the playlists are vintage, and the energy feels like you stepped into another time. Whether you’re chatting with friends or sitting solo with a glass in hand—this place wraps around you like a good story.

I met one of my favorite local coffee baristas, Cheri, her boyfriend owns the Antelrs liquir store. I shop there too. We talked about the chemistry behind bartending and coffee. That's Westcliffe! Gotta love it.

It’s part speakeasy, part stargazer’s retreat—and 100% unforgettable.

Perfect for Locals, Travelers & Weekend Getaways 🚗🌲

Live in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Pueblo? Westcliffe makes for the perfect mountain escape. Now, with The Constellation, there’s even more reason to make the trip.

Come for the views. Stay for the vibe. And leave with a new favorite cocktail. ✋🍸

If you’re searching for the best cocktail lounge in the Rockies for 2025, you might not expect to find it in a town of 500 people. But trust me—this is the one!

“How is this not already famous?” Oh, that's right...they just opened.

Come see for yourself. Thursday through Sunday, 4 PM to close. The Constellation. The stars outside are just the beginning. ✨ Thanks bartender! I'll have another.