The Denver Post, October 2006

The Highlands neighborhood has a new nightlife option as of this weekend. The owners of The Highland Tavern (3400 Navajo St., 303-433-1990) will roll up the glass garage doors for their official grand opening tonight.

Business partners Brian Sommatino and Kris Baehre envisioned a classy yet comfy neighborhood bar that would fit right in with the quirky, up-and-coming vibe of the east Highlands area north of downtown.

"It's just a really nice neighborhood bar," said Sommatino, who already plans an expansion. "Over the winter we'll open our patio and we'll have a great view of downtown, and next year we'll add an upscale grill."

It seems the area is ready to welcome the new hangout. Earlier this week while the finishing touches were being added, curious locals trickled in to check out the changes. The space was formerly a neighborhood dive called the Coors Tavern, but the building has a long history of serving suds: According to Sommatino, the spot first opened in 1901 as the original pub for the Coors
brewery. Now, the dusty old watering hole has a fresh outlook.
The interior - with its warm, sunset-colored walls, high ceilings, single pool table, and open floor plan - reflects Sommatino's other bar, the Red Room, and his previous involvement in the Goosetown Tavern. Baehre carefully selected jukebox tunes to reflect tastes of the crowd they expect to see. "We have everything from the Clash to Cash, and the Buzzcocks to Chet Baker," he said.

For tonight's grand opening bash, they'll host a rare live band and a special art opening as part of the First Friday Art Walks. Starting at 8 p.m., the Scattered Arts Collective will celebrate several local artists whose work will be on display, and at 10 p.m., catch the rock and rockabilly stylings of local band Jett Black.

Saturday night, the party will continue with a video premier party for Never Summer Snowboards' "Put Me in Coach" video. Showings run at 10 p.m. and midnight, with DJ Klaw keeping the beats and sponsor SKA Brewing offering up beer specials all night long.