One of Denver’s oldest dive-bars is calling it quits.
El Charrito, opened in 1962 by Pat de la Torre, has been a local dive-bar staple since it served its first drink. With a dependable menu, a legitimate tequila list, late-night kitchen and legendary Karaoke, the space became a local casual go-to. And in 1995, when Coors Field opened just down the street, the formerly rough part of town that El Charrito occupied began to clean up. Since, the self-proclaimed “five-star-dive-bar” has gained a reputation for cheap drinks, a casual atmosphere and simple Mexican food. Now, after nearly 57 years in business, El Charrito is closing.
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“Hey friends, we have some news for you,” stated El Charrito in a Facebook post. “Sunday, December 23 will be our last day of business… over the last nine years, we have had many cool and fun events in the bar. We’ve had comedy, burlesque, punk rock, metal, weekly jazz, wedding parties, birthday parties, graduation parties, science, improv, bartender events, community meetings, tequila food food pairings, bingo, fundraisers, election night gatherings, and of course Karaoke… don’t be too sad, but rather think of the good times you might have had with us, and will have with us these next seven weeks. [We’re] sorry if this bums you out.”
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The building is being sold, according to Westword. And this is not a surprise. The part of town that El Charrito occupies used to be home to a plethora of Denver dive-bars, but as real estate has begun to increase, that stretch has turned into prime territory for new restaurants and bars opening in Denver. Once El Charrito closes, its neighbor Star Bar, which opened in 1959, will have to hold down the corner. But if your heart aches for El Charrito you have seven more weeks to enjoy this classic spot before it closes.
El Charrito, located at 2100 Larimer Street, will officially close December 23. For more information on its hours and menu, go here.