Check your ego at the door. Interstate 70 on a weekend afternoon doesn’t give a darn what your top go-kart lap time is.
Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon during ski season, I-70 eastbound turns into a parking lot as Front Range skiers return from a day on the slopes.
Stand around the base of just about any mountain resort just after lunch and the crowds are asking themselves the same two questions: 1) Should I take another run and enjoy the day? 2) Or should I head back now and try to beat the traffic?
But it doesn’t have to be like that.
Really.
Instead, while everyone else sits behind the wheel cursing the engineer who decided to make brake lights red, you can take an hour or two and chill out at one of these establishments. There might be a crowd, but a full stomach on the way home will make inching along more bearable — that is if you hit any traffic at all. And p.s. — don’t forget to designate a driver if you imbibe.
West of Vail Pass
Almost right off the lift: It might not be the best karma in the world, but who doesn’t want to end a killer day of skiing Vail’s Back Bowls by standing deckside drinking a margarita and watching people wipe out on Pepi’s run? Even though it might not be the cheapest place in town, (don’t worry, it’s still not that bad), Los Amigos is just a hop, skip and a jump from the Vista Bahn lift and a great place to grab a plate of nachos before heading back over the pass. But if it’s busy or your car is parked by Lionshead, check out Garfinkel’s — known as Garfs to the locals — and enjoy some good Mexican food while swapping a few no-kidding-there-I-was stories.
Los Amigos, 400 Bridge St., Vail, 970-476-5847; Garfinkel’s, 539 E. Lionshead Circle, Vail, 970-476-3789,
West of Dillon
The everyman’s bar: A little rough around the edges, but oh-so-good, the Moose Jaw, occupying a small, unassuming, one-story wood building that’s easy to miss, is an everyman’s bar in the truest of senses. Word on the street is the burgers are the best in Summit County, but don’t expect them to come fast — the kitchen has room for only eight burgers at a time, and orders can pile up. So instead of griping, grab a $2.50 PBR and play a few 50 cent games of pool. If pool isn’t your thing, a foosball table, pinball machine and tabletops covered with postcards from around the world will keep you busy. The bar picks up around 4 p.m., so plan on staying a while to soak up the atmosphere, which won’t disappoint.
Moose Jaw, 208 Main St., Frisco, 970-668-3931
Forget food; just stick with whiskey: On any given night less than a 10-minute walk from the base of Breckenridge’s Peak Eight gondola, two pool tables lean to one side and balls stray with a mind of their own. But don’t blame the bartenders for the tables’ wayward ways — they level the tables several times a week. Instead blame the building; it’s not one iota close to being considered level. Known for having the longest continuous liquor license this side of the Mississippi, the Gold Pan Saloon is a true Wild West joint, complete with a large woodstove, a long, weathered bar and a plethora of locals shooting the bar’s most popular whiskey, Jameson (at $4 a shot, much less than some Denver bars). The trick to this joint, however, is to bring cash if you’re spending less than $10, because they won’t run cards for less. Of course, there is an ATM in the back, but it’s $2.50 to take out cash — which we all know is much better spent on another beer.
Gold Pan Saloon, 103 N. Main St., Breckenridge, 970-453-5499
Dillon
The Dam Bar is full — now what? Pull off I-70 on any given weekend in Dillon, and it’s not uncommon to find a line out the door at Dillon Dam Brewery. The award-winning beer and rich pub food have made it a popular post-ski destination. But instead of turning around in defeat, continue 1.1 miles up U.S. 6 to Pug Ryan’s Steakhouse & Brewery. On Sundays the bar provides a make-your-own Bloody Mary station and happy hour goes until 6 p.m. every night. Plan on spending around $20 for an entree and be sure to grab a six-pack of their fresh-brewed beer to go. Better yet, if you’re on a schedule call in and order carryout — that way the drive back will be filled with the sweet smell of steak.
Pug Ryan’s Steakhouse & Brewery, 104 Village Place, Dillon, 970-468-2145, pug ; Dillon Dam Brewery, 100 Little Dam St., Dillon, 866-326-6196, dambrewery
Idaho Springs
Family-friendly, or a bite with a brew: Idaho Springs poses an interesting problem: Pull over and eat, or drive the rest of the way home on an empty stomach? The good news is Idaho Springs offers up several restaurants just off the freeway, including Beau Jo’s Pizza and Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub. Although both establishments are popular, Beau Jo’s typically tends to fill up quickly as families flock to enjoy their deep dish Colorado-style pizza. But don’t fret; if it’s packed — or you happen to be a wing lover — check out Tommyknocker just a block to the west. Lots of tables and a large bar provide adequate seating, and check out the mesquite wings. The sauce is excellent, and that full stomach we promised comes at a reasonable price.
Beau Jo’s Pizza, 1517 Miner St., Idaho Springs, 303-567-4376, ; Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub, 1401 Miner St., Idaho Springs, 303-567-2688, tommy
