If you’ve been following HeidiTown for any length of time, you know I’m a big sports fan – especially football and futbol. My husband and I never miss a Bronco game, even when we’re on the road. Whether we’re in Oregon visiting my folks, on vacation in Mexico or just on the road in Colorado, we will find a place to watch the game. So in honor of Superbowl Sunday coming up on February 5, I’m going to share a few of our favorites that we’ve found over the years.
Lonigans Saloon, Estes Park, Colorado
My husband grew up in Colorado, but we met when he was living in Washington State. While visiting Colorado for Christmas with his family, we spent a weekend in Estes Park, just the two of us. On Sunday, we needed to find a place to watch the game and stumbled into Lonigans.
This is the type of bar where everyone knows your name, no one, however, knew our names, and thankfully, that didn’t seem matter. We cozied up to the bar with a group of happy drinks that may or may not have been there since Friday at 5 p.m. All decked out in Bronco gear, we were soon just one of the regulars. It was definitely a fun Sunday football experience that neither of us has ever forgotten.
Pancho & Lefty’s, Grand Lake, Colorado
A couple years ago, we spent my birthday in Grand Lake, and despite rainy weather (it was October, after all) we had a rather grand time. In our quest to find a spot to watch the Bronco game several locals recommended Pancho & Lefty’s. This restaurant/bar has a lake view, big flat screen televisions and good drinks and food specials. We would most definitely go back to Pancho & Lefty’s to watch a game, or just grab a beer.
Stagestop Saloon, Jefferson, Colorado
Eight years ago, my in-laws built a home in the Indian Peaks area just outside of Jefferson, Colorado, so we frequent a bar in the area called Stagestop Saloon. It underwent a major remodel directed by the new owner who has really polished up the place. He even added a wood burning stove, so the bar is extra cozy during the winter months.
The Stagestop Saloon is way off the beaten path, located about 20 minutes from Tarryall Reservoir on CR23/Tarryall Road. To my shock, it now has a snazzy website and even a Facebook page. It appears the new ownership wants to put his bar on the map, and it deserves to be. It’s a great little find and we’re willing to share. In addition to fishing on Tarryall this area is excellent for hiking and snowshoeing.
The Princeton Club Bar inside Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Nathrop, Colorado
We spent my birthday at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs last October. This wasn’t our first experience at this resort, or at the small bar located at one end of The Princeton Club restaurant inside the main building.
This resort has the nicest bartenders on the face of the earth, and I’m not exaggerating. On both visits we were blown away by the friendliness and attentiveness of all the staff here, but the two bartenders are the very best. The food and drinks here are amazing and it’s worth taking a break from soaking in the springs to indulge in the bar’s sweet happy hour.
Most of these bars have something special planned for the Superbowl game this year, so if you happen to find yourself in any of these place this weekend – or any other time for that matter – stop in and wet your whistle. It will be worth it.