As savvy road trippers know, happy auto adventures begin with inspired playlists that evoke the local scene. When your playlist complements memorable dining adventures along the way, even better.
Here are seven songs for seven road trip dining adventures in Grand County, Colorado. My drive followed I-70 from Denver International Airport to Route 40 North, winding through small-town communities like Winter Park and Granby. It continued onto 34 East into Grand Lake at the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. I hope it sparks your own adventures on the road.
Winter Park
From its beginnings as a stagecoach stop in the early 1900s to its present-day reinvention as a family-run restaurant, Deno’s Mountain Bistro has been a steadfast roadside attraction. On this trip, its warm and welcoming vibe proved just the right spot for a bite and brew after a long day of travel.
One step inside, and I could already feel “I Like It Here,” Derrell Syria from the ambiance alone. Beyond its low-lit coziness, the bistro has garnered several awards. Sky-Hi News 2023 named it “Best Restaurant, Grand County,” Best Happy Hour,” and “Best Wings,” affirming the eatery as a local favorite.
In the spirit of “I’ll be the judge of that,” I kicked off my Deno’s Happy Hour with a smooth and bold espresso martini cocktail. An order of seared filet tips came in a surprising blend of horseradish cream sauce with balsamic glaze, giving the dish a hot and slightly tangy taste. From the featured dining menu of seafood, steak, and pasta dishes, I opted for grilled (moist and tender) Chicken Scallopini with spinach & lemon orzo, green olives, and roasted pepper. My delightfully flavorful meal left no room for dessert. Sadly, Baklava a la Mode and Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée with peach preserves will have to wait for another visit.
Sweet Chimney Cones at Rollin’ Street Bakery © Nancy Mueller Photos.
Rollin’ Street Bakery
Entering Rollin’ Street Bakery with the earworm “Theme from Rawhide”, The Blues Brothers dancing in my head (and now yours), I soon realized the soundtrack “Prague (The Old Town Square),” John McGuiness might be a better choice. That’s because the bakery’s signature chimney-shaped pastries spring from the owners’ Czech heritage.
Enjoyed throughout the markets of Eastern Europe, these tasty rolled pastries originated in Transylvania before popping up with variations in Hungary and The Czech Republic. As a sweet treat, the dough is wrapped around a conically shaped cooking tool (dowel). It’s then rolled in cinnamon sugar. You can enjoy the buttery, flaky pastry as is or with an added spread. Request apple butter, or honey, or it can be filled and even topped with ice cream and pecans.
Breakfast lovers can order bacon (or ham), egg, and Havarti chimneys, or a veggie version. If a savory bite is more to your liking, go for a chimney rolled in herbs and cheese. Add a cream cheese spread. Or as the menu suggests, stuff it with one of several possible options: smoked mozzarella, pesto, turkey, avocado, and more.
Grand Lake
Pulled Pork Sandwich and Sweet Potato Fries, Sagebrush Bar & Grill
© Nancy Mueller Photos.
Sagebrush BBQ & Grill
The song “Sagebrush,” Jeremy Sherman is just the music to lead you into an award-winning, family-friendly restaurant conveniently located on Grand Avenue in downtown Grand Lake. Take a seat in the dining area of Sagebrush BBQ & Grill or around the cantina bar. Sure, you can find familiar breakfast items like Classic Egg Benedict and Huevos Rancheros on the menu.
But why not elevate your culinary flavors with the Wild Game Combo? It features buffalo (light and tender), boar (pork-like taste but darker in color), elk sausage (not too gamey), farm-fresh eggs, and chuck wagon potatoes.
If none of that whets your appetite, look ahead to lunch and dinner, and ask for the daily special. Start with the Trail Ridge Sampler for spicy pork sausage, brisket, succulent pulled pork, and two pork ribs. Then try a cup of the flavorful Sagebrush house-made red chili with ground buffalo meat. Chicken wings and sweet potato fries are among other favorites as are specialty burgers, BBQs, and sandwiches.
Sagebrush also boasts a notable bar menu. Specialty cocktails include the Colorado Bulldog (vodka, Kalua, and cream topped with coke) and Sage Paloma (Espolon Tequila, grapefruit juice, strawberry puree, Sprite, juice, tahine spiced lime). There are also draft beers like the Juicy Goodness IPA and an extensive wine list.
Breakfast Huevos Rancheros, Grand Lake Huntington House Tavern
© Nancy Mueller Photos.
Grand Lake Lodge Huntington House Tavern
Grand Lake Lodge Huntington House Tavern is aptly named for its magnificent mountain lodge style capped with vaulted ceilings and stellar views of Grand Lake and the surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park. Soak up the “Peaceful Place,” Leon Bridges ambiance from the bar, expansive outdoor deck, or the restaurant.
Our breakfast starters included a classic hunger-filling Grand Breakfast, with two eggs, home-style potatoes, sourdough toast, and a choice of bacon or sausage. The restaurant’s Bourbon French Toast was another winning option, topped with poached peaches, mixed berries, and bourbon maple syrup.
Lunch and dinner menus at Huntington House Tavern feature the tasty Lodge Classic Salad of mixed greens, candied pecans, dried cherries, cherry tomatoes, and goat cheese topped with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Entrees range from the Pan-Seared Crispy Salmon in a smoky ginger carrot puree and red pepper coulis to tender Grilled Elk Chops with a sweet potato mask, crispy kale, brown sage butter, and cherry cab gastrique, along with burgers and sandwiches.
When it’s time for Happy Hour, cocktail lovers can’t go wrong with the Huckleberry (Vodka) Lemonade or the Nectarine Sour, (Vodka, pomegranate, Peychaud’s bitters, Luxardo cherry).
Delectable Cheesecake Dessert, The Historic Rapids Restaurant
© Nancy Mueller Photos.
Historic Rapids Restaurant & Lodging
Tucked away from the fray at the northern edge of town, The Historic Rapids Restaurant & Lodging was an unexpected find. It was one of those “Walk Into the Light,” Matt Brown nights. The restaurant overlooks the flowing waters of the Tonahutu in a casually elegant, intimate dining setting. I would make it my first choice for a date night, and any night when celebrating a special occasion or vacation in Grand County.
Book reservations early to enjoy the restaurant’s upscale dining, superb service, and restful riverside views inside or from the patio seasonally. Lunch and dinner are available from Memorial Day Weekend until early October while dinner reservations are available year-round.
Try the crispy Duck Drumettes with a sweet Thai-chili sauce or Burrata cheese with tomato chutney to start. When in Colorado, Elk Medallions, Grilled Lamb, and Beef Rib-Eye Steaks are showstoppers. However, don’t pass over the Mango Flounder or Honey-Smoked Salmon atop Gnocchi in a basil pesto cream sauce with pine nuts. Pair your meal with a selection from the house’s extensive domestic and imported wine list.
Coconut Rum Chicken, One Love Rum Kitchen © Nancy Mueller Photos.
One Love Rum Kitchen
One Love Rum Kitchen had us at their tagline: “Everything’s gonna be alright. ” In other words, “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” The Island Caribbean Steel Drum Band. Vibrant Caribbean-inspired decor and food flavors to match provide a fun, relaxing vibe right in the heart of Grand Avenue. Boat drinks like Rum Punch, a blend of white and dark rum, orange, lime, and pineapple juice served over ice, is on the cocktail menu. The Bahama Mama features coconut rum and pineapple-infused silver rum, and more.
Order a helping of the Spicy Caribbean Poke, a delectable starter of spicy chili garlic tuna with jalapeño, cilantro, and mango, or Calypso Bam Bam Shrimp to start. Follow with a Jerk Chicken or Blackened Mahi Mahi Sandwich. They’re both topped with melted cheese, served on a brioche bun, with curry fries or slaw.
Carry the upbeat mood with you out the door when you purchase a One Love Rum Kitchen bucket hat, cuffed beanie, or t-shirt from the shop.
Granby
I couldn’t leave Granby, “Colorado,” Daniel Rodriguez off the list when Java Lava Café & Coffee Lounge welcomed us bright and early on a crisp Fall morning near the end of our road trip. Mama’s Breakfast Burrito, a stuffing of scrambled eggs, hash browns, pork green chili, and cheese in a flour tortilla, was more than enough food fuel for the return journey. That didn’t stop us from packing away a few cookies for a sweet treat later on the road.
End on a High Note
Our final getaway song while munching those cookies on our way back to the airport? John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High,” of course.
Visit Grand County sponsored our drive, lodging, and some of our dining adventures.
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Read more about Nancy’s wellness travels at TravMedia.
