Clark & Co's Distilling — Local services in Four Corners States

A recently opened (approx a year) distillery that also offers American fare. It has a strong sports bar vibe more than a distillery because of the inside set up. Two massive (loud) TVs and mixture of high top, regular tables, and smaller bar. We went in the winter so I can’t give first hand knowledge of the outside patio but it looked like a great place to hang out and had a nice view of the river. Our server (a man, I forgot his name was attentive and friendly). But OMG please turn down the AC in the winter! It was a high of about 32 and the AC was blasting! It was so cold it was incredibly uncomfortable and distracting. Even my husband was cold and that never happens.

As far as the food it was ok. I ordered the goat cheese burger and the patty itself was incredibly thin. The goat cheese and spread were fresh but no ruffage at all. I added the arugula from my pickled beet side which helped. The fried onions as a topping were also really sparse. The taste was good, cherry compote went well, and no complaints about the freshness or flavor (minus no ruffage). But, if it was a bigger meat portion, it would be great! The brioche bun was perfectly toasted. The pickled beet side was nice but so lightly pickled it was hard to taste. It was a good side pairing with the goat cheese burger.

My husband had the avocado bacon burger, he said it tasted good. The same critique was the meat potion itself. Very thin and no type of lettuce/arugula ruffage for texture. He had the fries which were perfectly done and the chipotle mayo was a good option aside from boring ole’ ketchup. Highly recommend!

With this whisky recommendation, I do my best not to disparage newer distillers because making whisky isn’t for the light-hearted and I understand most isn’t made onsite initially. We had the bourbon whisky. It tasted more like a single malt rather than a bourbon and pretty rough on the palate. It’s possible because it’s bottled (not distilled) and hasn’t had time to age. Not my favorite but will try it again when they’ve aged and distilled it onsite. I’m not a big moonshine person but if you are it’s a go-to for it. I can’t talk on the quality since I didn’t have any but there is no shortage of options and some sounded pretty delicious with local items (peach and pear etc.)

Overall, good if you’re into a sports bar vibe and not quite distillery style, would like a meal, or a fan of flavored clear spirits. It’s not my cup of tea but I love seeing new local places to support and hope...

There is simply no better vibe or atmosphere in a Western Colorado distillery than at Clark & Co's. It is an embodiment of everything that makes this agricultural community so great. Here a generations old family fruit orchard is distilling farm to bottle spirits from fruit grown right next to the distillery, along with grains from neighboring farms. It is served by overwhelmingly friendly and genuine people in a working distillery and restaurant that offers unmatched Colorado River views from its patio.

The service here since their opening week to now has actually been some of the best the town of Palisade has ever provided, and even at their busiest these kind folks get $h!t done with precision and ease. The food is mostly all bar basics but done very well. Cocktails are at their best here when being adventurous and using their delectable fruit and other interesting moonshines to flavor the drinks instead of traditional mixes and sweeteners.

They are distilling more "serious" alcohol as well and seem to being having a blast doing so. If you're a fine whiskey drinker however, keep in mind this is still a young distillery and you won't find a plethora of barrel finishes, bonded stamps and big age statements. The bourbon shows promise but isn't quite there yet, but with so much other distilling prowess on display here it's safe to say it's only a matter of time.

This is a 4 instead of 5 star review only because of the high amount of single use plastic being used. From straws, to-go containers, ramekins and more; there is a lot of waste on display here and all within sight of the beautiful Colorado River. There is a better way to do business while being better stewards to this beautiful agricultural paradise. That extra star would be added in a heartbeat if meaningful change was implemented, because this is truly one of the Grand Valley's very best facilities to enjoy distilled...

Long post alert!!

Last night we were craving a good burger. We went in intending to share one of Clark & Co.’s Distilling signature, giant juicy double burgers.

Let me preface that we were fans from Day 1! We’ve been at least 5-6 times since opening.

We went there when they first opened, amazing food, service wasn’t great but they just opened and were working through kinks. So no problem. I wrote a “review” and said “DON’T CHANGE YOUR FRIES!” Then, a few weeks later, we go back. They changed from regular natural fries to beer battered. I really am not a fan. If I wanted battered fries, I would’ve went to 357 and paid less because they do a good burger. We still went back because the drinks are on point and burgers are amazing! Two weeks ago, we went there for a snack and drink. Got a charcuterie plate for $20, that included crustini croutons, bomb bleu cheese, some other cheese, salami and prosciutto and small blobs of dipping sauces. No veggies, no nuts, no chocolates, that’s it.

Last night, we sat outside, ordered an Avocado bacon cheese burger to share with sweet potato fries. What we got was a single thin patty burger. We left hungry, discouraged and spent. 2 drinks, 1 burger for almost 50 bucks and we left hungry! What happened to your amazing juicy double burger? Why did you change your fries? You are charging the SAME $15 price for less of a burger. I always want to support local. We live just down the street from you so it’s easy to get yummy food and drinks and get home safely. Not anymore. I agree with adding more options to your menu but don’t change a good thing like a good burger and good fries.

Stepping off my disappointing...