Georgetown is a hidden town with hidden gems. For years, it ran under the radar as it was tucked under Interstate 70. The latter was what helped keep it a secret, despite being just 45 minutes west of Denver. It’s not a secret anymore and these three restaurants definitely shouldn’t be a secret either.
Ryan, my plus one on most HeidiTown trips, couldn’t make it up until Saturday, so on the first night in town, I was on my own. I don’t really enjoy traveling alone, but my first stop was dinner at a brand new brewery in town, and the bright side of being a solo traveler is that I could eat the entire pizza I ordered. More on that later!
I was booked at the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham, and it is one reason people are “seeing” Georgetown for the first time. This hotel, next to Cabin Creek Brewing and Georgetown Lake, is on the north side of town, and therefore people passing in cars on the freeway can see it.
This was the view from my hotel room. Now that’s a Colorado view.
These two businesses opened during the summer of a pandemic, not the most optimal time. However, business seemed good while I was there. The location near Georgetown Lake doesn’t hurt. Fishermen come in the summer and Jeeps take to the ice in the winter.
At the brewery, I ordered Thai Chili Pizza, a half house salad, and the Trail Tag Hazy IPA. The Trail Tag and pizza are two of patrons’ favorite things on the menu, and I can see why. While I didn’t finish the entire pizza, it was outstanding, and the half house salad was huge.
The Trail Tag gets its name from a game locals used to play which involves racing down Saxon Mountain in their jeeps and tagging each other by bumping the vehicle in front of them (kids don’t try this at home). I enjoy a good New England hazy IPA and this one was right in my wheelhouse. I also got to sneak a pint of the Blood Moon Blonde that was about to be released. It would be my go-to beer every day of the week if I lived in Georgetown.
RELATED: Eat All The Things in Crested Butte, Colorado
By the way, the beds and pillows at Microtel are quite comfortable and I slept well. It was nice to save a few pennies on the free continental breakfast in the morning. It’s a good one and the coffee is always hot and plentiful.
Ryan joined me the next day and I am so glad that he got to experience Coopers on the Creek. Put this place on your restaurant bucket list right now. Not only is it an ideal setting with a patio overlooking Clear Creek, but the food is outstanding. Their happy hour is great, by the way. If I were a local, I would definitely partake.
We started with blistered shishito peppers (on the happy hour menu) and then moved on to the stars of the evening. The Demi-Gorgon Burger for me and the Blue Crab Mac and Cheese for Ryan. First of all, Ryan can’t pass up fancy mac and cheese. However, he is often disappointed, but not on this occasion. He couldn’t stop raving about his meal, and I believe it will be a long time until a mac and cheese dish lives up to this one.
For my part, this was the best burger I’ve eaten in Colorado. Of course, Ryan makes a delicious burger, but this is by far the best restaurant burger I’ve ever eaten (inside or outside of Colorado). Not only was it cooked perfectly, medium/rare, but the blend of creamy Gorgonzola with sauteed mushrooms, veal demi-glace, and black aioli was heavenly. Definitely the best.
This burger was messy, and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as a first-date food, but honestly, if you are in the vicinity, go! It’s really that good. Of course, it helped that hummingbirds were flying back and forth across the creek and our local microbrewery’s beer was on tap, but honestly, we are trying to figure out how and when we can make it back to Coopers on the Creek.
I saved our best deal for last. The best deal in Georgetown is at Lil Annie’s Cafe. Our lunch on our final day in town consisted of two sandwiches, a bag of chips, and two drinks, and cost $17.09. Believe me, this is the deal of the century in a Colorado mountain town, and those sandwiches were delicious. They also serve pastries, snacks and bubble tea.
Subscribe to HeidiTown for more on Georgetown including where to find late-night fun in this Wild West town.
Thank you to Visit Clear Creek County for hosting my stay in beautiful Georgetown, Colorado.
Permalink
It sounds like this has to go on my bucket list!!