El Chapultepec

1962 Market Street

El Chapultepec is one of Denver’s greatest treasures. Opened in December of 1933, right after prohibition was repealed, “The ‘Pec” began as mexican cantina, but found new life after the founder’s son in law took it over in 1958. His name was Jerry Krantz, and he had a deep passion for jazz. Under Jerry’s reign, “The ‘Pec” became a hotspot for the country’s hottest jazz musicians, housing performances by big names such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and more. The nationally recognized jazz club was also a favorite hangout spot for famous beat writer Jack Kerouac, and is still open today.

Written by Jonina Diele

Digital Archive

Market Street view of El Chapultepec, a bar restaurant located at 1962 Market Street, in the Downtown Historic District (LoDo), Union Station neighborhood, Denver, Colorado. Housed in an altered commercial style building, a sign with an electric cactus is over the entrance and reads "Cantina Café Bar." Letters painted on the wall read: "Hot Burritos and Cool Jazz Nightly." A banner on the building reads: "El Chapultepec World Famous Jazz Club Proudly Serving Coors for Over 70 Years." A "Mizpah" sign marking the 20th Street edge of Lower Downtown Historic district is nearby.

Thomas J. Noel Thomas J. Noel

Image Source: El Chapultepec

Photograph

2004

Outside of "The 'Pec".

Flickr user Travis Gray

Image Source: Flickr

Photograph

2006