My Brother’s Bar turns 150

By Jay McKinney

Since 1873, a corner bar on the edge of the Highlands has been pouring drinks for thirsty customers under one name or another. And 150 years later, the family friendly joint - My Brother’s Bar - has established its reputation for delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere where TVs are absent and conversation is encouraged.

Over its history the bar has operated under different owners and multiple names, but the current name comes from the Karagas brothers who purchased it in 1970, when it was called Paul’s Place. The name is derived from their early ownership and the running joke that when vendors would stop by to collect payments, both brothers took turns dodging them by saying, “don’t look at me, it’s my brother’s bar.”

It’s been six decades since Neal Cassady, Jack Kerouac and others hung out at the downtown haunt between their adventures, as chronicled in Kerouac’s “On the Road.”

With tall windows offering a view onto the ever-bustling 15th Street, the bar is lined with old wood and bricks that appear to be original issue. Unlike an Amazon purchase of distressed jeans or a cap, this frontier-like decor is distressed from long smokey nights and lunchtime burger grease. In fact, one might wonder if the front doors have ever been locked.

Presently, the bar is owned and operated by the Newman family, who took over in January 2017. Paula Newman has been working at the bar since the 1980s, primarily as a server before becoming manager. One day, she was called into Jim Karagas’ office and informed that the bar would be sold to an outside developer and closed.

Newman was initially heartbroken, but she asked if she could call her son, Danny. Since he was 12 years old, Danny had always dreamed of owning the bar that his mother worked at for so many years. It just so happened that he had also recently sold a successful tech company that he founded, and he was open to a new investment. Upon hearing the news from his mother, Danny made a few phone calls. A week or so later they were under contract.

The Newmans’ acquisition of My Brother’s Bar is fitting given their historic ties. They recognize the importance of preserving this Denver landmark and hopefully it will be around for another 150 years.

“As a family business, we are all on the same page regarding keeping the traditions of My Brother's Bar alive,” says Danny’s father and co-owner, David Newman. “As we continue to see Denver change and become more homogenized so it looks like any other city, it is extremely important for us to keep this iconic bar the unique place it is, something that can only be found here in Denver.”

In a city that’s seen so much growth in recent years, it’s important to protect the family-owned places with a past like my Brother’s Bar. Stop by for a burger and a drink and see why it’s been popular for more than a century.