In a city like Denver, where new restaurants open constantly, only a few last as long as Brewery Bar II on Kalamath Street. Famous for its bold green chili and massive burritos, it’s been a local favorite since 1974. This isn’t a trendy place with tiny portions or unusual dishes, it’s authentic and straightforward. People come for the food, not for social media snaps, and they leave full and satisfied.
Brewery Bar II didn’t even start in its current location. The original one opened back in 1954 inside an old Schlitz Brewery downtown. It was just this chill bar where people went for drinks, but they started serving food, and people lost their minds. When downtown started changing in the ’70s, they moved to Kalamath Street and became Brewery Bar II. Even with the new spot, they kept the old-school vibe. Now it’s just one of those places everyone seems to know about. Some people even ship their famous green chili across the country, which is wild.
“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid,” said John Martinez, a regular who’s at the bar. “The green chili is hands down the best in Denver. There’s nothing else like it.”
When you step into Brewery Bar II, you immediately notice how relaxed it feels. There’s no flashy decor just wooden tables, comfy booths, and walls lined with old photos that add a nostalgic touch. It’s the kind of place where you can show up in a hoodie, and no one bats an eye. The atmosphere is always lively, with people laughing, chatting at the bar, and digging into their burritos at the tables.
“It’s not about how the place looks—it’s about the food,” said Sarah Lopez, a Denver local who’s been eating at Brewery Bar II for over 20 years. “The portions are huge, and everything is packed with flavor.”
Let’s be real the food is the reason everyone keeps coming back. The menu is full of Mexican comfort food, but the star is the green chili. If you’ve never had green chili, it’s basically a thick, spicy sauce made with green chilies, tender pork, and some kind of secret seasoning. They pour it over everything burritos, enchiladas, fries and it’s ridiculous. You can order it mild, hot, or extra hot, but even the mild has some heat.
One dish you have to try is the Mexican Hamburger. It’s not like a regular burger. It’s two beef patties wrapped in a tortilla, smothered in green chili, and topped with lettuce and cheese. It’s messy, but totally worth it. The chile rellenos are also insane—crispy on the outside, stuffed with melty cheese, and, of course, covered in green chili. Then there are the burritos, which are the size of your arm. Seriously, they’re massive, stuffed with meat, beans, and cheese, and then drenched in green chili until you can barely see the burrito.
The tacos are simple but perfect. You can get them crispy or soft, filled with juicy flavorful meat and fresh toppings. Many people dipped their tacos in green chili, and I’m pretty sure that’s how tacos were meant to be eaten. If you’re indecisive, you can get a combo plate that gives you a little bit of everything a taco, a chile relleno, and a tostada on one plate. It’s the best way to sample all the goodness.
And don’t sleep on the drinks. Brewery Bar II has some of the best margaritas around sweet, tangy, and just strong enough. Their house margarita is a fan favorite, especially during happy hour, which runs from Tuesday to Friday, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. You can get half-priced appetizers and drink specials, which is pretty nice if you’re on a budget.
Brewery Bar II isn’t like the trendy spots downtown with neon signs and tiny tacos. It’s authentic and real, and you can tell the owners care about what they’re doing. “It’s not trying to be trendy or fancy,” said Mark Hernandez, a Denver food blogger. “It’s just really good food, served by people who care about what they’re making. That’s why people keep coming back.”
Another reason Brewery Bar II is so popular is that the food is always consistent. The recipes haven’t changed much over the years, and that’s a good thing. When something works, you don’t mess with it. All the regulars I asked said that the green chili still tastes the same as it did decades ago, and that’s exactly what people want.
If it’s your first time going, here are a few tips: Come hungry. The portions are huge, and you’ll want to try a little bit of everything. Go for the green chili don’t be scared of the spice, even if you usually avoid it. You can always start with mild. Also, bring friends. This place is way more fun with a group, and you can order a bunch of dishes to share.
At the end of the day, Brewery Bar II is more than just a restaurant. It’s a piece of Denver history, the kind of place that’s been around forever for a reason. Whether you’re craving a giant burrito smothered in green chili or just want to hang out with friends over some chips and salsa, you can’t go wrong. As John Martinez put it, “Brewery Bar II is more than just a restaurant it’s home.”
Final Review: 4.5 stars
