Patio of the Day: My Brother's Bar

Not to be confused with the raucous (and world's different) downtown Brother's Bar and Grill, this Highland watering hole was dubbed My Brother's Bar after two brothers bought it in 1970. But that wasn't the beginning for his spot. Drinks first started pouring here in 1873 when the bar was...

By Samantha Alviani

September 9, 2013

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Not to be confused with the raucous (and world's different) downtown Brother's Bar and Grill, this Highland watering hole was dubbed My Brother's Bar after two brothers bought it in 1970. But that wasn't the beginning for his spot. Drinks first started pouring here in 1873 when the bar was called Highland House before moving through several evolutions -- making the address the longest running bar in Denver.

And My Brother's Bar is just as trusty as ever to patrons (who have included such characters as On The Road's Neal Cassady) over the last hundred years.

Part of that is the atmosphere, which has remained the same, even as times changed. The click of old, manual cash registers and the be-vested barkeeps contribute to this, along with saloon-style rustic tables and aged (and sometimes rickety) wood floors. The menu showcases grilled-to-order burgers and sandwiches--like heavenly patty melts and reubens -- which are served up with a condiment caddy. The knowledgeable bar staff can whip up an impeccable cocktail or something from the top-shelf beer menu.

Outside is a whole different story, channeling Denver's obsession with plentiful outdoor seating. My Brother's Bar has a secluded beer garden out back, a serene idyll that's easy to miss but a delight to be discovered.

As our warm days ebb, post-work relaxation can be enjoyed during their happy hour, which runs Monday through Friday, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. Specials include $1 off all first round drinks (which are poured as doubles.)

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