Nestled at 2201 Larimer St., in the historic Ballpark Neighborhood, the Whiskey Bar finds its home in one of Denver’s oldest and most storied districts. This charming street bears the name of General William H. Larimer, who, in the year 1858, guided a band of intrepid pioneers from Kansas to Denver, weaving a tapestry of adventure and history that still lingers in the air today.

In those days, a tapestry of cities dotted both banks of the South Platte River, each one vying for the promise of prosperity. Major General Larimer, recognizing that fortune could be found in more than just gold claims, staked out the land on the eastern shore and envisioned a city, naming it in honor of the esteemed territorial governor, James Denver. Yet, amidst the burgeoning ambitions of rival towns, a spirited debate arose over the rightful name of this new settlement. As legend goes, a fateful pact was forged—sealed with the price of a barrel of whiskey—transforming Denver into the name that would echo through history, forever entwined with the spirit of the frontier.

Whiskey Bar occupies the first floor of the illustrious Thorndyke/Burlington Hotel Building. The story of the Thorndyke begins with a building permit dating back to 1890. By 1901, the building was reborn as the Burlington Hotel. Designed by Frank Edbrooke, Denver’s second licensed architect, this architectural gem stands alongside his celebrated works, the iconic Oxford Hotel and the majestic Brown Palace Hotel.

Like many historic areas, the Ballpark Neighborhood and its flagship hotel, the Burlington, saw their share of hard times. After subsisting as a convenience store, pharmacy and flop house in what was once considered a “shady part of town,” the hotel sat empty and neglected for many years. In the 1990s the building was purchased and so began its revitalization.

In the heart of this significant neighborhood, Thorndykes Coffee Shop—named after the Burlington’s original moniker—opened its doors in 1999, gracing what is now the main bar room of the Whiskey Bar. You’ll notice an antique coffee cup sign hangs like a cherished memory, a remnant from a former coffee shop on Larimer St, forever a symbol of nostalgia and delight (and alas, it is not for sale). The upper floors of the Burlington were transformed into apartments, while Red Shift framing thrived below, and Gallery Rouge filled the main floor.

In 2003, a new chapter began as Thorndykes was lovingly acquired, sparking its metamorphosis into the the Whiskey Bar we know today. As Red Shift and Gallery Rouge found new homes nearby, Whiskey Bar embraced the entire space, blossoming into a sanctuary of warmth and camaraderie that invites all to revel in its timeless charm.