Restaurants come and go in ski towns. In the past few years we have mourned the loss of Antares, The Yacht Club, Giovannis and The Old West Steak House. But our heavy hearts welcome restauranteurs and their new ventures. Sweetwater Grill, for example, opened in place of the Yacht Club in early 2011, completely renovated and now truly taking advantage of the glorious location right on the Yampa River!
Our days are still littered with crummy economy reports. In Steamboat, however, you would be forgiven for thinking things aren’t too bad. For example, sales tax reports have been positive:
For the seventh month in a row and the eighth time in 2011, Steamboat’s sales tax collections increased from the same month in 2010, according to a preliminary report released Tuesday by the city.
The city collected $1,034,030 in November, up from $984,127 in November 2010, a nearly 5.1 percent increase. That brings year-to-date collections to $14,982,251, up from $14,379,537 through November last year. That’s nearly a nearly 4.2 percent increase.
Better yet, several new restaurants have opened their doors in recent months – even days!

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The Laundry
Located next to Creekside on 11th St in downtown Steamboat: As described on OpenTable.com: Laundry is the latest endeavor from creative chef/entrepreneur Rex Brice. Located in the historic Soda Creek building, the home of the Steamboat Laundry from 1910- 1977, Laundry will feature Executive Chef Vicki Connacher’s award-winning food. Laundry’s delightful blend of Western charm and contemporary urban atmosphere are complimented by an eclectic beer and wine selection. The Americana themed bar features whiskeys, tequilas, and many tantalizing house infused vodkas. Gather your friends for creative food, handcrafted cocktails, and lively conversation.
- McKnights Irish Pub
Located at the Wildhorse Marketplace: With lively atmosphere, billiards, darts and authentic Irish dishes, McKnight’s Irish Pub & Loft is the latest addition to Steamboat Springs’ après ski and nightlife scene! Visit us for your favorite drink, enjoy our delicious meals and socialize with friends both old and new. It’s an “authentic Irish pub,” from the stone treatment to the menu that will include shepherd’s pie and Guinness. - Rusted Porch
Located at the Wildhorse Marketplace:Conveniently located between town and the mountain in the Wildhorse Marketplace, The Rusted Porch specializes in American comfort food and is a wonderful new restaurant for families and friends. From signature burgers and unexpected bacon delights, to healthy salads and a great kids menu, this is the Western Socialhouse with it all.
- Cruisers Sub Shop
Located at the Wildhorse Marketplace: Steamboat’s newest, locally owned and operated, sub-shop is a perfect pit-stop for famished skiers, mountain bikers and even yogis!
- Carl’s Tavern
Located on 7th and Yampa in Downtown Steamboat:I’d like to take a snippet directly from the Carl’s Tavern website as it says it all! “A place with plenty of good food to enjoy and good times to be had. A place where school teachers, cattle ranchers, bikers and boarders can all feel at home. And a place where a guy known for flying down a mountain with wooden planks strapped to his feet—while snappily dressed in a shirt and tie, mind you—can serve as our collective inspiration to grab life by the horns, try new things, make new friends, and just be ourselves.And then there’s the food. You’re gonna like the food. It’s comforting. It’s familiar. It’s made-from-scratch. And it’s every bit as genuine as our hospitality. And the drinks? Trust us, you’re gonna like those, too.”
A Few More Restaurants You May Have Missed:
- Bellas Wine Bar
- Sweetpea Restaurant and Cafe
- Sweetwater Grill
- Truffle Pig
- Paramount
- Chocolate Soup Creperie
- Milk Run Donut Cafe
- Mountain Brew Coffee Shop (Best cupcakes ever!)
- Sposta’s Sushi
A Re-Cap of Downtown Steamboat Springs Changes
Tracey Barnett of Main Street Steamboat Springs published a fantastic re-cap of ALL the changes in downtown Steamboat Springs in 2011. Including:
Despite the down economy, downtown Steamboat was able to hold it’s own with respect to vacancies While we are sorry to say goodbye to Cowgirls and Angels, Rustique Home and Garden, Ghost Ranch Saloon, Old West Steakhouse and Goody 2 Shoes, we are happy to welcome Carl’s Tavern, Om Gallery, Branches – An Inspired Collection, Calamity Pass Trading Co, Milk Run Donuts, Fixins Kitchen, Steamboat Home Consignment, Mountain Brew Coffee Shop, Acqua Spa, Steamboat Hat Company, Robin’s Nest, Rina’s Tea Haven, Spostas World Sushi, Sambi and ART Works Functional Art Gallery.
Things Are Lookin’ Up in Steamboat! So Let’s Look At Real Estate…
Start your search on our Steamboat Springs map now, or contact me to help you pinpoint your dream home!










