The Blue Moose Tavern
10530 Ute Pass Ave, Green Mountain Falls
facebook.com/thebluemoosetavern or 719-418-3384
The Blue Moose serves up some of the best brews Colorado has to offer, along with mountain-style pizza, a selection of wraps, wings, salads, entrees and more. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available.
Outdoor seating offers views of the gazebo and lake. Karaoke, pool and live music keep things hopping in this locals’ favorite tavern, plus special events like Chile Cook-Off, Tostada Tuesdays, Halloween Costume Contest, a Moosegiving Potluck night and special viewing nights on five TVs during game time!
Opens at 11 a.m. every day; closes at midnight Sundays-Thursdays and 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Fern’s Diner & Drinkery
fernsdiner.com or 719-424-7667
Fern’s is a 100 percent vegan diner and gathering spot with a full bar and specialty drinks showcasing what it looks like to plunk down a classic diner in a forest at the base of Pikes Peak. Fern’s features an incredible outdoor-seating area during good weather.
Whether inside or outside, Fern’s provides a harmonious space to eat, drink and share experiences, a place that consciously embraces happiness, nature and comfort in the food, drink, service and environment. Enjoy a full Irish Breakfast Special the whole weekend of St. Patrick’s Day, the completely vegan way!
Open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Black Bear Distillery
10375 Ute Pass Ave., Green Mountain Falls
blackbeardistillery.com or 719-684-9648
The Black Bear Distillery is a family-owned craft distillery at 7,800 feet claiming to produce some of the world’s most creative and unique spirits. It was founded in 2014 on St. Patrick’s Day, honoring the family’s Irish heritage, and has been approved to use the term “Irish Style.”
The flagship offering is the rich, sherry-finished Irish Style Bourbon. So, as you might imagine, celebrating St. Paddy’s Day Weekend is their jam! Expect tours, tastings, Irish food and lots of the newly released Irish Style Whiskey 2-7 p.m. Saturday, March 16., and continuing on Saturdays the same hours.
Wines of Colorado
winesofcolorado.com or 719-684-0900
This creekside restaurant serves unique Colorado-style food in a casual atmosphere.
Wines of Colorado intends to leave your senses on overload with mouth-watering dishes the chef prepares with special wine and whiskey pairings. The restaurant has beautiful creekside dining available when the weather permits, amazing food, great staff, splendid service and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
St. Patrick’s Day specials include corned beef and cabbage, Reuben egg rolls, Irish burgers and mash, shepherd’s pie and bread pudding dessert with whiskey sauce. The extensive menu includes seafood, pastas, soups and salads, burgers, house favorites and a kids’ menu. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. every day.
The Pantry
6980 Lake Street (beside the Gazebo), Green Mountain Falls
thepantryingreenmtnfallsco.com or 719-684-9018
For more than 60 years, The Pantry has welcomed locals and tourists alike to this historic, traditional eatery with its well-loved breakfast and lunch menus. In the summer, the fun begins with a creekside Cowboy Breakfast Buffet and dining in The Pantry’s backyard gardens, with music by Ted Newman, who toured with Johnny Cash.
Expect a corned beef and hash special to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Open 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. every day.
The Mad Hatter Saloon
themadhattersaloon.com or 844-444-4243
Built in the 1950s, this historic building in the “almost” town of Bust, Colorado (fulfilling the legendary saying “Pikes Peak or Bust”), has been home to The Magnetic House (a “fun house” with those crazy mirrors), a gas station and a Skinny Tacos place. Presently, Dennis Dankert is owner and founder of the first licensed restaurant and tavern in the location.
The Mad Hatter features an extensive menu, including barbecue pulled pork and brisket, hushpuppy fried gator, Rocky Mountain oysters (bull testicles, in case you’re wondering), half-pound burgers and much more, complemented by 12 local taps, a full bar and special famous Bloody Marys. The Saloon is family-friendly with darts, pool, arcade, punching bag, cornhole and a large outdoor seating area.
Expect green beer, a wings special (75 cents every weekend), special mixed drinks and a Reuben sandwich special to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Weekend. Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays; and 8 a.m.-9 Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Wednesdays.
Crystola Roadhouse
20918 E. U.S. Highway 24, Woodland Park
crystolaroadhouse.bar or 719-687-8302
Crystola Roadhouse is a family-friendly place with live music 7-11 p.m. Fridays and karaoke nights on occasional Wednesdays. The menu is traditional roadhouse fare with burgers, fries, onion rings, cole slaw, chicken dishes, quesadillas, chili, salads and more. A full bar is available. Watch for special events.
Editor’s note: The Mucky Duck, 10530 Ute Pass Ave. in Green Mountain Falls, appears to be permanently closed at the time of this writing. I have not been able to confirm this with the owners, but all signs point to closure.
Send news and/or photos to judypiazza@gmail.com.