Nestled beneath Hearth Restaurant and Pub in downtown Windsor, Twin Staves Cocktail Lounge feels less like a new addition to a growing community and more like a hidden nook discovered in a timeless city where warm craftsmanship, historic character, and conversation have always belonged.
Even the name, Twin Staves, tells the story. A “stave” is a narrow length of wood used to construct a barrel, connecting the name to the whiskey that inspires the space. But “Twin” represents something deeper: people sharing an identical idea, vision, and dream—and watching that shared vision take shape. Together, the words represent individual elements coming together to create something greater than could be created alone.
That philosophy is reflected throughout the lounge. Just as individual staves form a barrel, whiskey, craftsmanship, history, design, and hospitality come together to create one cohesive experience. The vision was brought to life by owners Hunter Hoshiko, Dave Goldschmidt, Joe Berlin, Jordan Lockner, and Ryan “Spilly” Spilborghs, whose shared passion extends to the two whiskey brands at the heart of the concept: Larado Whiskey and Ridge River Whiskey.
Twin Staves was never intended to compete with Windsor’s restaurants, breweries, and gathering places, but to complement them. The result is a distinct and refined cocktail experience that feels elevated without being pretentious.
The lounge’s design brings that vision to life. With two architects among the ownership group, the space was inspired by memorable cocktail lounges around the country while creating an identity uniquely its own. A barrel stave ceiling and two large, single-piece steel bands stretching across the walls and ceiling create the sensation of sitting inside a whiskey barrel. The charred bar and custom seating reinforce the theme while encouraging intimate conversation.
Yet the space reaches beyond whiskey. Historic details create an old-world charm reminiscent of a classic lounge in a timeless city. A honeycomb-patterned feature pays homage to the Beehive Salon, which once occupied the building, while a historic 1912 photograph of the owners’ family onion-processing warehouse in Greeley connects the lounge to Northern Colorado’s past.
Together, these details give Twin Staves the feeling of a place with stories accumulated over generations, even though its story is just beginning.
The cocktail program keeps that story evolving. Four times a year, the bartending team creates a fresh collection of seasonal cocktails, drawing inspiration from fresh ingredients, classic techniques, and emerging trends. Owners, bartenders, and family members gather to taste, refine, and select each final lineup.
The partnership with Hearth Restaurant and Pub adds another dimension. Guests can enjoy Hearth’s menu without leaving the lounge, pairing dishes such as steak bites and charcuterie with handcrafted cocktails or an Old Fashioned.
Located at 201 4th Street, Twin Staves welcomes guests Tuesday through Saturday. Explore the signature menu at twinstaves.com or call 970-657-6761 for more information.
“Twin Staves offers a distinct and refined cocktail experience that feels elevated without being pretentious.” The Twin Staves Team