Restaurant Spotlight: Minturn Saloon, Minturn

There are certain establishments throughout the Vail Valley that have stayed true to the area’s legacy, and the Minturn Saloon is no doubt at the top of that list.

minturn saloon

Photos by Donovan Sornig

Established in 1901, The Saloon is one of the oldest buildings in Minturn. Originally named McKinney & Reeves Saloon, it has served as a restaurant, bar and gathering spot through the years, even hosting pool games, boxing matches and gambling in its past. A back bar from the 1830s, brought from Missouri, adds to its charm. Jeff Taylor, a former sparring partner of Jack Dempsey, ran the restaurant from 1938, making it a favorite for locals and workers building Vail. It became “The Saloon” under Bob Cherry in 1976, known for its Tex-Mex cuisine and the famous “Minturn Mile.”

In 2021, local restauranteurs Connie and Anthony Mazza set out to restore and revitalize this historic spot in what they called a “renaissance project” — a complete restoration from the floors to the wiring.

“All with a passion and deep sense of obligation to preserve the nostalgic feel of the beloved restaurant, while bringing it into the future to thrive for another 120 years,” shares Connie Mazza. “We reopened Saloon 2.0 about a year ago. We are proud that it still feels like The Saloon, just with added comfort, charm and now an ingredient-driven menu.”

“Last year everyone was super excited because it had been closed for two years, so that was huge,” adds Brian Rhodes, general manager. “We had a lot of people that just came in in awe. We have had a ton of great response about the food, the experience, and just being back in The Saloon again.”

Just to step into the beautifully refurbished building is notable, certainly, and we definitely recommend bellying up at the bar for a drink and a snack, or settling in for a full meal. Standout menu items include Petra’s Poppers, bacon-wrapped with Hatch green chili shmear and poblano crema, the posole (make it meaty by adding the pork cheek), and the Saloon Caesar with kale, romaine, cotija, red pepper and pepitas.minturn saloon

 

One of The Saloon’s signature dishes, Birria tacos, is a reflection of Anthony Mazza’s taste and talent as a well-established chef in the Valley. This mouthwatering entree is made with short rib and asadero cheese, drizzled with crema. Every bite is meant to be dipped in the savory consomé for that extra swoon.

And what to drink? Connie Mazza’s refined palate for the perfect margarita was solidified years ago when she was a bartender at Sweet Basil in Vail Village, and she’s brought that perfection to The Saloon.

Prix-Fixe Chef’s Dinner at Minturn Saloon

Join Minturn Saloon and the community for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience, featuring an exquisite four-course dinner crafted by our talented Chef Anthony, live music, and an east coast ball drop Billecart-Salmon champagne toast.

Learn more at minturnsaloon.com/groups-events

“This winter, visitors can look forward to skiing the infamous out-of-bonds run, the ‘Minturn Mile’ — from the top of Vail Mountain down to the charming town of Minturn — straight to our front door for a carafe of margs and a platter of short rib nachos and jalapeño poppers while they warm up around the fire in their ski boots,” says Connie Mazza.

“We’ve always loved The Saloon and have the best memories over the years,” she adds. “We agreed that someone had to protect its legacy and revitalize its bones because it holds a special place in the community and in the hearts of every lifelong returning customer like us.”

Keep an eye out throughout the season for The Saloon’s live music and special events schedule.

 

minturnsaloon.com