Husband-and-wife duo Sam Wood, a veteran bartender, and creative partner Laura Wood have opened Adventure Time Bar in Denver’s Baker neighborhood (101 S. Broadway St., Suite #9), introducing the market’s first rotating-themed cocktail concept. The 90-minute immersive experience is designed to drive repeat visitation through changing environments anchored by high-end cocktail programs, beginning with NEON CITY—a cyberpunk-inspired theme featuring glowing plasma walls, neon-trimmed holograms, and electric-blue highballs.
“Adventure Time Bar is about creating a true escape,” says co-owner Sam Wood. “Every theme is a brand-new adventure. That sense of wonder extends to every detail, from the music and design to what’s in your glass. The cocktails don’t just complement the world, they’re central to the story.”
Together, Sam and Laura bring a rare mix of expertise that defines Adventure Time Bar. Sam’s nearly two decades behind the bar, from launching LA’s 80s arcade-themed The One Up to leading award-winning cocktail programs nationwide, give him the technical mastery and storytelling instincts to craft drinks that complement each experience. Laura, a Colorado native with a decade in the entertainment industry, has built a career on creating spaces where imagination thrives and stories come to life. Their combined backgrounds in hospitality, entertainment, and world-building shape Adventure Time Bar into more than just a cocktail destination: it’s an adventure.
The debut theme, NEON CITY, immerses guests in a cyberpunk vision of the future through a neon-lit, sensory-driven experience. Drawing inspiration from iconic works such as Blade Runner, Akira, and The Matrix, the environment unfolds through striking details. Interactive elements invite exploration and discovery, encouraging guests to step fully into this imagined future. Further deepening the atmosphere, the Adventure Time team curates a custom playlist to match the energy and tone of the space, evolving alongside each new theme throughout the year. To bring the set to life, the Woods partnered with Pro Vibes Construction, owned by Laura’s brother and sister-in-law, making the creation of NEON CITY a true family collaboration.
The cocktail program matches the setting’s ambition, balancing playful nostalgia and cutting-edge techniques. Centrifugal clarifications, forced carbonation, and molecular manipulation combine new and familiar flavors, while extravagant garnishes, layered textures, and creative presentation make every drink part of the adventure. Highlights include the Tinfoil Unicorn (a tropical, boozy riff on halo halo), Liquid Lace (a crystal clear interpretation of the espresso martini), and Edge Rummer (a macadamia nut and curry painkiller). And for those choosing not to imbibe, for Dry January and beyond, the bar offers a convertible cocktail menu, with many items available non-alcoholic, using zero-proof alternatives like functional botanicals.
“Every drink is meant to spark joy and surprise,” adds co-owner Laura Wood. “We love playing around with nostalgia, those familiar flavors and memories, but presenting them in a way that feels brand new.”
Tickets are required for entry, with each reservation including a welcome cocktail, souvenir, and 90 minutes of uninterrupted immersion in the space. The format ensures every guest becomes the “main character” of their own adventure, with new themes revealed throughout the year to keep the experience ever-changing.
The Adventure Time Bar is open at 101 Broadway, Suite #9, on Thursday through Saturday, offering 6 and 8 p.m. seatings on Thursday, with an additional 10 p.m. seating on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are available through OpenTable. Each theme will run for a short time before being replaced with the next, entirely different world.
