In an era when horseback riders roamed Colorado’s streets and gunslingers made their mark on various mountain towns, locals were no stranger to liquid libations. The 1800s marked a time of major development of Colorado and with that came plenty of bars – a few of which have stuck around into the 21st century.

Here’s a list of 11 bars with roots in the 1800s that you’ll still find around Colorado:

1. Buffalo Rose (1859, Golden)

A sprawling collection of historic buildings that each come with their own distinct history, the first bar located in the property at 1119 Washington Avenue was The International Bowling Saloon, which first opened its doors in 1859. It was then a two-story building, but renovated in the 1880s to be one story due to ceiling height demands for a large grand orchestrion organ that was said to help bring female customers to the establishment.

The Buffalo Rose Saloon remains a facet of the Golden community today, known for its food, live music, and more.

2. The Mint Steakhouse (1862, Silverthorne)

Housed in the “oldest building in Summit County,” The Mint Steakhouse’s 1862 roots date back to the construction of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad and the boom it brought to the local area. It got its start as James “Jimmy” Ryan’s Saloon and eventually adopted the name “The Mint.” It’s been a popular place to gather ever since and over the decades, it survived numerous fires and snow blockades that shut down travel to the area. There’s a catch with this one though – the building has been dismantled and moved multiple times, with its move significant move being in the 1960s from Old Dillon to Silverthorne when the decision to dam the Blue River meant the destruction of its long-time home.

3. My Brother’s Bar (1873, Denver)

Considered to be the oldest continually operated bar space in Denver, My Brother’s Bar is still considered one of the best bars in the Mile High City. It started out as ‘Whitey’s,’ but transition to its new name when two brothers took over as owners about 50 years ago. The “My Brother’s Bar” name comes from a tale than involves each brother claiming the other one owned the bar when vendors came through to collect payments: “Don’t look at me, it’s my brother’s bar.”

4. Gold Pan Saloon (1879, Breckenridge)

This Breckenridge favorite dates back to 1861, which would make it the second-oldest ‘bar’ on this list – but at that time, it was just a tented ‘watering hole’ structure called Long’s Saloon. The permanent building was constructed in 1879 and “in one form or another,” it’s been serving drinks ever since. It remains one of the most popular spots on Breckenridge’s Main Street today.

5. Silver Dollar Saloon (1879 or 1883, Leadville)

It’s hard to visit Leadville without stopping by the Silver Dollar Saloon, too. This one is another spot where its roots date back to before its ‘official’ start, with 315 Harrison Avenue first occupied by the Board of Trade in 1879. The building was totally rebuilt in 1883, though, and that’s when the space now known as the Silver Dollar Saloon opened to the public. This spot is known for retaining its original look and feel, family-owned since 1943.

6. Kochevar’s Saloon (1886, Crested Butte)

While many of the bars and saloons on this list have gone by different names over the years, the namesake of founder Jacob Kochevar has stuck with this one since 1886. A local’s favorite spot with live music and some games, this Crested Butte spot lives up to the vibes you’d expect in a place often referred to as ‘America’s last great ski town.’

7. J-Bar (Hotel Jerome) (1889, Aspen)

Described on its website as a place where “cowboys and miners once rode their horses through its doors,” there’s plenty of history to be found at J-Bar and Hotel Jerome. Don’t expect some sort of divey experience at this spot though. It’s a bar that’s grown with Aspen as the Pitkin County town made its transition from mining town to luxurious stop. Don’t skip out on trying something from the food menu either.

8. Creede Hotel & Restaurant (1892, Creede)

Want to talk ‘Wild West’ vibes? Creede is the definition of historic small town Colorado – and the Creede Hotel & Restaurant has been serving this community since a major silver boom in 1892. Around that time, the area went from a sparse population to 10,000. That didn’t last for long, though, and the crowds moved out within a few decades. Today, the town is home to about 250 residents and this spot has managed to stick around, offering local dining and of course, a bar – open seasonally.

9. Buckhorn Exchange (1893, Denver)

Billing itself as ‘Denver’s original steakhouse,’ Buckhorn Exchange has been serving up food in Denver’s oldest neighborhood since 1893. Find options like bison, elk, Cornish game hen, and alligator on the menu – oh, and of course there are Rocky Mountain Oysters, too. This spot is also known for its ‘Big Steak,’ which is carved table side for multiple guests and can weigh up to four pounds.

10. Hotel Colorado (1893, Glenwood Springs)

A place that’s been visited by presidents and countless Coloradans, alike, Hotel Colorado is steeped in historic moments. It’s said that “no expense was spared” during the construction of the hotel, and over the years, its Wild West elegance has stuck around. Drinking and dining options here have been tweaked and revamped over the years, but when you’re sipping a glass of whiskey at this spot, know that you’re doing so in historically hallowed halls.

11. New Sheridan Bar (1895, Telluride)

Still with original interiors that date back to 1895, stepping into the New Sheridan feels like a step back in time. See original lead glass divider panels, mahogany wood paneling, and filigree light fixtures. This spot also has a great drink deal – especially in a spot like Telluride where prices tend to get a bit lofty. Per the company’s website, Jack Daniel’s can be purchased for $5, all day, every day.

Here are a few other spots to check out that have origins dating back to the early 1900s:

1. Minturn Saloon (1901, Minturn)
2. 740 Front (1904, Louisville/Fort Collins)
3. The Town Pump (1909, Fort Collins)
4. Rapids Lodge & Restaurant (1915, Grand Lake)

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