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Denver Post names Minturn Saloon as one of Colorado’s 10 most iconic and historic restaurants

Bar area at the Minturn Saloon.
Chris Dillmann | cdillmann@vaildaily.com

The Denver Post says, “We can call them old, we can call them restaurants of a certain age, but no matter the semantics, these are spots that have stood the test of time.”

The Denver Post gave this honor to just 10 restaurants with only three located outside of Denver. The iconic restaurant in the Vail area named to the list is the Minturn Saloon.

Saloon co-owner, Andy Kaufman, was truly honored that the Minturn Saloon was named to the exclusive list. “When we took it over in 1986, we knew then we had a responsibility to preserve the history of both the building and the business,” Kaufman said. “It really feels like a validation of our efforts over these many years. I contend, however, that this award is…really the result of our staff’s great attitudes and professionalism. Our kitchen continues to improve our menu and our emphasis on local sourcing has been a gratifying effort.”



The history of the Minturn Saloon is full of colorful characters. The walls have many pictures of Bob Cherry, a former Yankee baseball player, who operated the restaurant from 1976 – 1986 and is credited with creating much of the menu and atmosphere of the Minturn Saloon. Looking over the memorabilia on the walls is truly like strolling through a museum as you see the famous, near-famous, and local heroes who have frequented the Minturn Saloon over the years. “Presidents have dined here, while ski bums whet their whistles,” said co-owner Steve Campbell. “It is truly a place for everyone.”

The Minturn Saloon has received other honors as well. The restaurant has been named by Men’s Journal as one of the “Best Après-ski Bars in the World” and Esquire Magazine has included the Minturn Saloon in their “Best Bars in America” list every year since 2007. When Outside Magazine created their “Ultimate Winter Bucket List”, they listed coming down the Minturn Mile to the Minturn Saloon as one of their “32 must do items.”


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