Après ski takes on a whole new meaning in May. But even though the mountain is closed and they no longer will be skiing the backcountry line known as the “Minturn Mile” down to the door, fans of the raucous Minturn Saloon just west of Vail can still get their fajita and margarita fix right here in Denver. Opened in 2004, the Denver version of the Minturn Saloon doesn’t close down for mud season like its high-country counterpart. Instead, the equally unpretentious Mile High adaptation of the Vail Valley landmark kicks into gear come spring, when the weather is best suited to sipping its signature margs on the rooftop deck. A standard Tex-Mex menu of burritos and enchiladas buried in your choice of green or red chile is complemented with offerings of duck, steak, seafood and more. The Minturn Saloon in Denver has yet to develop the tradition of the original eatery, but that’s only because the mountain version has a 30-year head start – although both carry the snappy slogan: “If John Wayne didn’t drink it, we don’t serve it.” Just keep that in mind before you order yourself up a strawberry daiquiri, pilgrim.
Get there — 846 Broadway, near Gart Sports downtown. 303-831-4034.
