• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Mile High Happy Hour Logo

Denver Area Bar & Restaurant Specials

  • Home
  • Arvada
  • Aurora
  • Broomfield
  • Cap Hill
  • Central Downtown
  • Cherry Creek
  • DTC
  • E. Colfax
  • Five Points
  • Golden
  • Highlands
  • HR
  • Lakewood
  • Littleton
  • Lodo
  • North Denver
  • Northfield
  • Parker
  • Santa Fe
  • S. Broadway
  • Thornton
  • University
  • Uptown
  • Wash Park
  • West Denver
  • Westminster
  • Wheat Ridge
  • Search
  • Home
  • Arvada
  • Aurora
  • Broomfield
  • Cap Hill
  • Central Downtown
  • Cherry Creek
  • DTC
  • E. Colfax
  • Five Points
  • Golden
  • Highlands
  • HR
  • Lakewood
  • Littleton
  • Lodo
  • North Denver
  • Northfield
  • Parker
  • Santa Fe
  • S. Broadway
  • Thornton
  • University
  • Uptown
  • Wash Park
  • West Denver
  • Westminster
  • Wheat Ridge
  • Search
buckhorn exchange denver
Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, Colo.

Denver’s Most Historic Bars

May 9, 2020 By //  by Jessica Hughes

With Denver’s recent surge in new developments wiping out some of the city’s oldest bars, there are still a few classics still standing today. What remains of Denver’s historic bar scene is all thanks to those who have stepped in to save these historic establishments.

Each of these watering holes brings a piece of Denver history, along with a good time and a good drink. So, raise your glass to these historic and bars in Denver.

the cruise room denver
Inside the Cruise Room. Photo by The Cruise Room Facebook.

Charlie Brown’s Bar & Grill

Where: 980 Grant St.

As one of Colorado’s first millionaires, Judge Earnest Colburn built his mansion in the late 1800s at the corner of 10th and Logan and began setting roots in Denver. The high-end Colburn Hotel was built in 1925. Rife with history, Charlie Brown’s Bar & Grill offers a good drink, dining options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a large outdoor patio. The hotel turned apartment building, still houses the bar and grill on the first floor.

Happy Hour – 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Bastien’s

Where: 3503 E. Colfax Ave.

As the original site of the Moon Drive Inn, Bastien’s was built in its place in 1958. Designed by Mr. Bastien himself, the restaurant and bar have kept its historic charm with no real modern updates. Bastien’s is still one of the best places to enjoy a taste of old Denver and a good steak. Home of the Sugar Steak, Bastien’s is known for their meat selection along with their hefty bar.

The Cruise Room

Where: 1600 17th St.

Opening the day after Prohibition was repealed, The Cruise Room is the longest-running bar in Denver. Located inside the Oxford Hotel, the bar still preserves the chic glamour of the Prohibition-era and provides a plethora of design features that make this one of the most unique bars in Denver. Like what you had there? Find their drink recipes online to make at home. Try one of their famous martinis or draw from the Prohibition-era with a classic Manhattan.

Don’s Club Tavern

Where: 723 E. 6th Ave.

With the utmost certainty, Don’s Club Tavern claims Jack Kerouac threw back drinks there during his Denver stretch when writing “On the Road.” Seemingly unchanged from its beginning in 1947, Don’s Club Tavern is an iconic Denver bar and one of the best dive bars in town. Also, enjoy games and the digital jukebox for one fun night.

Happy Hour – Don’s offers daily specials on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays.

El Chapultepec

Where: 1962 Market St.

As Denver’s oldest Jazz and Blues club, El Chapultepec has stood as an iconic landmark since 1933. Coupled with good drinks, patrons can enjoy live music every night. El Chapultepec is also another known gathering place for the famous Jack Kerouac and his crew during the 1950s. Try the Chapultepec shot made of dehydrated edible grasshopper with a shot of silver tequila and a dash of crème de mint.

Lion’s Lair

Where: 2022 E. Colfax Ave.

The true definition of a dive bar, Lion’s Lair is a Denver institution. The bar got its start in the 1930s when it was the Playboy Club and hosted jazz talent. Then in 1967, it was transformed into the Lion’s Lair that now plays local punk, rock, and grunge on their intimate stage. Patrons not only love the music scene at this hole-in-the-wall on Colfax, but it’s also a favorite for cheap drafts and good company.

Happy Hour – every day from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

My Brother’s Bar

Where: 2376 15th St. (15th & Platte)

The oldest bar in Denver, My Brother’s Bar has been a favorite of the Mile High City since 1873. While the name has changed over the last 145 years, the designation, “Brother’s,” has remained since 1970. The name Brother’s comes from when the bar was originally owned by two men. It is said that when vendors would come by to collect a payment, a common response was, “don’t look at me, it’s my brother’s bar.” My Brother’s Bar is also another spot Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassidy, and Allen Ginsberg all hung out at. Beyond its historical lure, the bar offers a decent menu of delicious burgers and sandwiches. The bar features a full selection of liquor, wine, and a rotating selection of draft beers.

Ship Tavern

Where: 321 17th St.

Located inside the glamorous Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, the Ship Tavern is a vintage bar that opened back in 1934 after the repeal of prohibition. As the oldest bar in the hotel, the interior design includes a unique collection of an old ship’s clock, Jamaican rum barrels, maps of the ocean, a mast and crow’s nest, plus sailing ship models. Patrons will enjoy a wide selection of beers, wine, and crafty cocktails. Pair with their famous prime rib, burger, or seafood foods. Enjoy live music Wednesday through Saturday.

Buckhorn Exchange

Where: 1000 Osage Street

Listed as a National Historic Landmark, The Buckhorn Exchange is one of Denver’s most iconic historic bars. Opening in 1893, The Buckhorn Exchange was the first establishment to receive the state’s first liquor license for a mere $25. Part of its claim to fame is its past visitors such as Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, and John F. Kennedy, who all ate here. Beyond its historic features, the restaurant and bar are also known for its unusual menu items such as the Rocky Mountain Oysters and quail.

Happy hour: Monday – Friday 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Jessica Hughes

About Jessica Hughes

Jessica is a writer and photographer based in Denver, CO. She spends her time traveling the world and exploring this beautiful state. She has a passion for well-written stories, gorgeous photography, and bringing these two together. When she is not working in the city you can find her in the mountains hiking, backpacking, or biking. Connect with her on Instagram @jlhindesign or @small_town_stops

Previous Post: «Saint Patrick's Day Event Lower Downtown Denver CO Denver Bars & Events for St Patty’s Day
Next Post: The Best Denver Bars & Breweries with Outdoor Patios denver beer company»

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • 10 Best Restaurants In The Highlands Denver To Try Next
  • 10 Best Capitol Hill Restaurants
  • The 7 Best Restaurants in Aurora
  • The Best Bars in Breckenridge
  • 13 Best Irish Pubs around the Mile High City

Footer

Mile High Happy Hour


Cheers! Thank you for visiting our site. Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to add a Denver, Colorado area happy hour.

Disclosure: We make no guarantee that the specials listed are valid, but we strive to keep them up-to-date. Please let us know if you a see a wrong happy hour or a bar has closed. Thank you!

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Mile High Happy Hour - Denver Bars | Sitemap