If you’re not from around Denver and find yourself trying to locate My Brother’s Bar, you should probably know that there is no sign out front to lure you in for a cold beer. The reasoning is simple. When the bar was opened under this name over forty years ago, the owners simply couldn’t afford a sign. Even though they could put a sign up now, they don’t need one. My Brother’s Bar is Denver’s oldest bar and is a well-known Mile High City landmark with an interesting history that dates back to the 1870’s.
The building itself, located on the corner of 15th and Platte Streets, has been a home to different drinking establishments with a variety of names over the years.
My Brother's Bar, which to this day is still filled with the sound of classical music playing in the background, was once a favorite hangout for Neal Cassady and his pal Jack Kerouac (during Kerouac's "On the Road" days.)
The mouth-watering hamburgers are still wrapped in wax paper and served with their signature condiment tray. You'll want to try the Johnny Burger with grilled onions and three kinds of cheese. And, if you happen to get a hankering for Girl Scout Cookies in the wee hours of the morning, you know you can always depend on My Brother's Bar to have some in stock (it's another unique and long-standing tradition).
In a rapidly changing city like Denver, a historical gem like My Brother's Bar is priceless.
A couple years ago when Jim Karagas (who had been running the bar) was getting ready to retire, he was handed a big offer that would have most likely led to My Brother's Bar being demolished and a shiny new building put in its place.
Thankfully, this little piece of Denver's past was preserved when a long-time waitress and her family purchased the bar and vowed to keep the many beloved traditions alive.
They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. and are, as always, closed on Sundays.
Do you have any fond memories of visiting My Brother’s Bar in the past? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
Thankfully, people can still visit My Brother’s Bar, but some local favorites from the past aren’t around anymore. Bring back memories by reading about these 8 Long Gone Places Every Denverite Misses.
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