Denver's Bonnie Brae Tavern, which opened back in 1934, was demolished yesterday, three years after it closed its doors after 88 years in business, as seen in the photograph on the left. The developers who purchased the property are now moving forward with a 3-story apartment project, with ground floor retail, called "akin Bonnie Brae." The owners of the well-loved tavern had mixed feelings about selling, but were facing the daunting, and expensive, task of bringing the 88-year-old building up to code, especially the 88-year-old plumbing and electrical. That, combined with the difficulties of running a restaurant in Denver these days, convinced them to take the money and run. And I can't say I blame them.
I have very fond memories of the Bonnie Brae Tavern. For years, a group of us former University of Denver Bookstore employees, as well as a few current DU staff, would get together there every so often to talk about the good old days at DU and find out what everyone was up to. And I must say, the place certainly evoked its origins - I don't believe it was ever remodeled since opening back in 1934. But that was part of its charm. And the pizza was still excellent, so what the hell. I'll miss it.
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