Hungry Moose Caboose — Restaurant in Blue River

The story begins on a crisp September morning in Alabama. The date was Friday the 13th. Not the kind of day one assumes to be wrought with luck. I took a plane north west from Birmingham, a place I had once held dear, in hopes to escape my gloomy mood. Denver was my destination. But upon arrival, the gloom of city still hung heavy on my soul. I prayed to the heavens, “please God! Lift my weary plight.” I drove south, my desperation mounting. As I drove I saw a light in the distance. A narrow beam that shown on a small shack. I rubbed my eyes thinking it to be a mirage. But the light still shown on the quaint shack. As I drew closer small bead a sweat breached the corner of my brow. Could it be? Could it actually be the salvation I yearned for? “The Hungry Moose’s Caboose” was emblazoned on a small wooden sign and the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen sat astride a small bench outside. But I paid her no attention. My senses were going wild. The smell of grass fed beef wafted toward my yearning nostrils. My pace quickened toward the counter, my mouth starting to salivate. I waited at the small window for a minute. Nay, a few seconds prior to being greeted by a polite man in a conductor’s cap. “What’ll ya have?” He said, the corners of his mouth turning upward. “Please sir, heal my woeful lot,” I begged. “The Trainwreck” he called out sharply to the cook, in a knowing tone. Then Something welled up within me, “This is what I’ve been waiting for,” I cried, tears pooling in the corners of my eyes. He retuned my gaze earnestly, then turned on a dime and hurried away from the counter. He emerged a few minutes later from the side door. “Your wait is over, my son.” In his right hand he wielded a bag who’s contents I cannot fully describe in written word. I could go on to tell the story of the meal. To describe the ecstasy of my dining experience. But the story will end here, to leave you, the reader, in wonder, excitement and a desire to taste the rich abundance of “The Hungry...

The first time I visited, I would have raved about it being the best burger in Colorado. However, my second experience was just good. What changed between the two visits? During my first visit, the service was remarkable, provided by the male owner (I mention genders since I don’t know their names). The donuts were fresh and priced at $5 each.

Unfortunately, the donuts were stale during my second visit, and the buns of the fantastic burger I had the first time were left untoasted. This time, the female owner provided less-than-ideal service.

Despite this, I plan to stop by whenever I'm driving by and they're open, as I'm fortunate to be a local (although their hours are not very flexible for working local families). I value local ingredients and appreciate the locally sourced meat from Eagle Rock Ranch in Jefferson, though it is sold in Fairplay, where my family buys beef. For other proteins, I highly recommend Scanga Meat Company in Salida.

The food was delicious during my first visit, but I would appreciate consistency. Spending $20 on four donuts should guarantee perfection (needless to say, I wouldnt recommend buying donuts from here againuntil confirmed fresh). Customer tip: A toasted bun makes a...

What an amazing place to eat. I could sit here and write this review all about their food, on how fresh it was, how it is made to order, or even how I would venture to say it was the best burger I believe I have ever had. BUT, something stood out to us even more than the amazing food. That would be the owners who made the food and experience happen. Great people, especially with us being “outsiders” or “tourist”, they did not even bat an eye. We spoke to both of them about all kinds of things outside of just the food. Again, don’t get me wrong, amazing food, but it is very humbling to know that great people still exist in this world. They opened up their knowledge, and experiences with us, explained how the Hungry Moose Caboose became, and even gave us tips/ advice on what we should check out or see. We will be back before we leave, no doubt. Best local restaurant in Colorado, and it happens to be in a town you can see from one side...