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1900s
1909: License No. 1
Booze illegally flowed at this saloon (formerly called Catacombs Bar and Grill) until 1969, when it received the first liquor license in Boulder County. Hotel Boulderado, 2115 13th St., Boulder, 303-443-0486
1910s
1919: Blue Parrot (RIP)
If you’re missing this now-closed Louisville restaurant’s beloved thick spaghetti, you’re not entirely out of luck: Jars of its porky marinara sauce are still sold at area grocers.
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1920s
1927: Sam’s No. 3
Five words to live by at this longtime locals’ lair: Put green chile on it. Multiple locations
1930s
1934: Bonnie Brae Tavern
Pizza was added to the menu after World War II, and area residents still count it as some of the best around. 740 S. University Blvd., 303-777-2262
1940s
1947: Gaetano’s
This Sunnyside restaurant’s reputation for housing illicit activities—it was founded by a member of the Smaldone mob family—is a thing of the past, though its delicious Italian fare is not. 3760 Tejon St., 303-455-9852
1950s
1954: Flagstaff House
This landmark fine-dining spot boasts breathtaking Boulder views and a wine cellar that’s 18,000 bottles deep. 1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder, 303-442-4640
1960s
1961: Columbine Steak House
Here, you can still, in 2018, get a complete New York strip steak dinner—with Texas toast, a baked potato, and a small salad—for less than 14 bucks. 300 Federal Blvd., 303-936-9110
1970s
1976: Campus Lounge
Dan Landes (of City O’ City) took over the Lounge in 2016, but he kept much of the lo-fi, party-ready vibe the same while, thankfully, updating the menu. 701 S. University Blvd., 720-535-7021
1980s
1983: New Saigon
As the Mile High City’s second Vietnamese restaurant—the first, T-Wa Inn, closed in 2014—this South Federal spot is where countless Denverites first sampled pho. 630 S. Federal Blvd., 303-936-4954
1990s
1997: Potager
Chef-owner Teri Rippeto has run one of Denver’s original farm-to-table restaurants for more than 20 years. 1109 Ogden St., 303-832-5788
2000s
2006: CoraFaye’s Cafe
This homey restaurant may have moved to Aurora in 2016, but the fried chicken is as comforting as ever. 16251 E. Colfax Ave., Suite 210, Aurora, 303-333-5551
2010s
2010: Green Russell
Frank Bonanno ushered in Denver’s craft cocktail movement with this still-hip subterranean speakeasy. 1422 Larimer St., 303-893-6505