Denver - Summer 2022 (Part 2)
Here are a few bars that we tried on this trip.
My Brother’s Bar (Oldest Bar in Denver)
My new thing is trying to hit the oldest bar in every city. Although the sign says the bar was established in 1970 - the structure has been there since the 1870’s. When you sit on the rickety bench seats, you will believe that it is that old. Located in an unassuming brick building without so much as a sign, they are known for their JCB, which is the jalapeno cream cheese burger pictured above. I also like how they have the condiment tray with pickles, relish, onions, and peppers so you can dress your own burger.
Matchbox (dog friendly)
One of the true dog friendly bars in Denver. Located in the RINO district, this feels like a biker bar with 80’s big hair bands blaring on the radio and carefree attitude. They have a great happy hour with beer and a shot specials. Locals bring their dogs to hang out in the open space and they have a nice big front window for people watching. They also have a back patio.
Denver Beer Company (dog friendly)
The other completely dog friendly bar we found in Denver and is also in the RINO district. Great beers can be found here and it seems like a very popular location. Even mid-day, it was filled with people “working” on their laptops. The bar has a nice open layout with the outside patio flowing into the inside bar area.
Retro Room
Probably the best happy hour deal in Denver with the $7 beer and burger special. Located not far from the baseball stadium, this place offers a good bargain with a lot of character. There is a barber shop attached and they have beer and haircut specials on Wednesdays. I can see myself hanging out here if I lived in Denver. Small patio in front as well so you can bring your pup.
Only a few whiskeys available but it’s not intended to be that kind of higher end joint anyway.
Churchill’s (cigar bar)
I realize that a cigar bar might not be everyone’s thing. For what it’s worth, they do have some pretty decent air purifiers running in the bar to help keep the air clear.
One very good reason for going here is that it is located in the historic Brown Palace Hotel. The place is over 100 years old and they still do afternoon tea in the atrium. The cigar bar is located in the back of the atrium through a small lobby where on one side is their formal restaurant and the other side is the cigar bar.
It is a bit pricey here but that is to be expected at a place like this. At least there is no cutting fee which is nice so you can bring your own stick and save a few bucks there.
Green Russell
Located in Larimar Square, Green Russell is a speakeasy although they have an arrow to tell you where it is so it’s not that hard to find. It is next to the Russell’s BBQ restaurant and the hostess will guide you through what looks like a service door to enter.
Inside is an upscale cocktail bar with excellent drinks and snacks. We got a flaming drink, their house old fashion and some bacon wrapped treats.
It’s not that big inside so it might not be easy to get a seat on a busy night. No TV’s in the speakeasy but do be careful not to over tip as there is an auto 22% service fee that they tack onto the bill.
Seven Grand
Like I mentioned in a previous post, a lot of bars from different cities are opening up a location in Denver since it is such a growing city. Seven Grand is one of them. The Seven Grand in Los Angeles is probably my favorite LA bar.
Whiskey centric with great happy deals, the place checks all the boxes to be a great whiskey bar with a great selection, decent prices, and an up-to-date whiskey list.
They are decorated like the place in LA with all the taxidermy and the “Whiskey for the People” sign says it all.
Union Lodge No. 1
Excellent cocktail bar located just off of the 16th Street mall. It’s a welcome addition to this part of town that is dominated by souvenir shops and retail chains.
Great drinks as you would expect of a place like this and knowledgeable bartenders that care about the craft. I like the old world decor they use to give it the throwback vibe.
Pony Up
Great bar to hit up when you also need a snack. Their thing here is having different French dip sandwich offerings. The one we tried here was their banh mi version. Quite a fun place with a good whiskey selection as well.
First Draft
We ducked into this place because we were hungry and also some rain was on the way. We waited out the rain in this place in the RINO district. They have the taps where you are issued a card and you pay for what you pour. It allows you to try a bunch of different beers if you are in the mood for that. There is a pop-up style kitchen in the back that you order from separately from the beer. The place isn’t dog friendly inside but you can kind of sit just inside from the patio to duck out of the rain, otherwise they do have regular outside seating.
Whiskey Bar
So of course I had to hit a place that was named the “Whiskey Bar.” The place was ok. Had a decent selection but not too much of the harder to find stuff. They also didn’t have a whiskey menu so it doesn’t check off that mandatory box for me to be called a great whiskey bar. There is a small seating area outside so we were at least able to enjoy a drink with the pup.