These 11 Amazing Colorado Restaurants Are Loaded With Local History

Established in 1904, this "American Dining Saloon" is not only one of Colorado’s two oldest bars, it also holds the oldest ongoing tavern license in the state. The establishment has seen a lot over the last 100+ years, including illegal alcohol sales during the prohibition era, as well as a supposed brothel operation in the back of the building. (Legend has it that "Samantha," one of the brothel's working girls, was stabbed to death in the basement of the 740 and continues to haunt the establishment to this day...)

Please note, The Broker Restaurant is no longer in business.

Any guesses as to what The Broker Restaurant used to be? Noooo, not an old-time swimming pool... it's the historic Denver National Bank. How often can you say that you have dined inside a 100+ year-old bank vault?

This elegant, award-winning hotel and restaurant was built in 1873 and has welcomed such distinguished guests as President Theodore Roosevelt, Clark Gable and Thomas Edison.

Built in 1892, The Red Onion's distinct three-story-tall red brick Italianate building has served not only as a restaurant and saloon, but an alleged brothel as well. (Are you noticing a pattern here?) Originally called the New Brick Saloon, the restaurant earned the nickname Red Onion for its distinct color.

What began as separate homesteads in the late 19th-century is now a stunning 1450s Scottish-style Castle that serves as an environmental education center, special events venue and even as a tea room!

The historic mortuary that was once home to the remains of Buffalo Bill Cody is now "Denver's finest Eatuary," serving meals atop cased-glass metal conveyor belts and water from formaldehyde bottles.

The dignified Victorian-style restaurant and special events venue was built in 1876 by Manitou Springs's founder, Dr. William Bell. Thanks to the social status of the Bell family, the home once welcomed the likes of President Grant, President (Teddy) Roosevelt and Oscar Wilde. After a devastating fire destroyed most of the family's belongings, they went home to England, only to return the following year to rebuild the grand Manor that stands today.