Snowpack Taproom — Restaurant in Colorado

Oh, Snowpack Taproom, where do I even begin? My experience here was nothing short of transcendent! Nestled amidst the majestic Colorado Rockies, this gem of a taproom is like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.

From the moment I set foot inside, I was transported to a world of unparalleled beer excellence. The ambiance, oh my goodness, the ambiance! It's as if they captured the very essence of Colorado's natural beauty and distilled it into an atmosphere that exudes warmth and rustic charm.

The beer selection is like a symphony of flavors, each brew a masterpiece in its own right. Whether you're a hophead, a malt enthusiast, or anything in between, Snowpack Taproom has something to tickle your taste buds and elevate your palate to new heights. Their expertly curated craft beer offerings are nothing short of a liquid journey through the artistry of brewing.

And let's not forget the staff – the true champions of this establishment! The team at Snowpack Taproom embodies hospitality at its finest. They are not mere servers; they are passionate guides on your beer adventure, ready to recommend the perfect brew to suit your mood or craving.

The food offerings are equally impressive. The menu is a delightful fusion of gourmet pub fare and local Colorado flavors, elevating the entire dining experience. Each dish is crafted with care and precision, making every bite a revelation.

But what truly sets Snowpack Taproom apart is their commitment to community and sustainability. It's evident that they care deeply about both their patrons and the environment. They champion local breweries and use eco-friendly practices, making it a feel-good experience on all fronts.

In conclusion, Snowpack Taproom is not just a taproom; it's a destination for beer enthusiasts, foodies, and anyone seeking an unforgettable, enchanting experience. If you haven't been here yet, you're missing out on one of Colorado's best-kept secrets. Snowpack Taproom is the epitome of perfection in the craft beer world – a place where beer dreams come...

Great atmosphere, terrible food. I came here on a Friday night (9/20) after a day in the mountains. It was about 8pm and the place was pretty hoppin, band was playing and I was on the patio with my dog. So far great! Pretty good beer selection, and free popcorn. Overall I was thinking this would be our go-to stop back to Denver on the regular. Then I ordered the "cowboy nachos" and "margherita pizza" and my experience completely changed. Food took awhile but I don't mind waiting for good food, and the reviews and photos looked great. Instead, I got "margherita pizza" which was on a tough, premade crust (think lunchables crust) with sauce that was in no way the "fresh tomato" taste you expect from a Marg pizza. It might have been from a can. Tomatoes and cheese was passable but not great, and the basil was either predried leaves or very old. Margherita pizza is an "ingredient dish" that can only taste as good as the ingredients used, and poor ingredients were used. It could've made a passable $5 pepperoni pizza, but not a $10 margherita pizza.

"Cowboy nachos" were worse though. Queso was excellent, beans were tasty, fresh cilantro and some other sauce made for all good flavors, but wow the steak on there was just sad. There was that nice pink smoke ring that you get with smoked steak, and I could tell it was once delicious, but now it was an extremely overdone piece of meat. I mean really I can hardly overstate how overdone it was. After 4-5 little 1/2 inch cubes my jaw hurt and I started eating around the steak... What should have been my favorite part. It had to have been reheated very badly, or maybe multiple times. I left the nachos half uneaten and the steak barely touched. Only someone who doesn't give a damn about serving good food would ever let that leave the kitchen. I can understand that you can't always have freshly made steak late at night, but come out and say "sorry we're out," don't serve me terrible food.

Food was actually 1 star, but the 4-5 star ambiance...

Snowpack is routinely... fine. Nothing exceptional; nothing terrible. Just fine. If you want to bump it up to 4 stars for yourself, sit at the bar.

The bartenders are cheery and helpful and fun, but the bussers/"waitstaff" are dour and seem annoyed by the slightest request for a napkin or a fork.

Food is also fine. Nachos (a crowd fave) are passable, if routinely served lukewarm with tepid steak on top. Sandwiches cost a pretty penny for what you get... a sandwich and a bag of chips. Pizza is acceptable, but JJ's does it better and for less. Takeout has been a challenge across the 2 years of the pandemic - routinely missing small items like dipping sauces or desserts or given orders that were slightly wrong.

Music is fine, and I love the ambience it creates, but if you want to sit inside and have a conversation while there's music, you'll need to be by the bathrooms. Otherwise, you'll be screaming or missing every third word.

The exceptions from "fine" are the Cuban sandwich and the fries, which will interestingly take you in opposite directions. The Cuban is stellar. It rivals the ones I'd get at a Cuban restaurant in Southern California. Porky, salty, mustardy, pickley brilliance. Even if I was stuffed-to-bursting, I would happily eat one of these babies.

The fries, however, are literally the worst I've ever had in my 38 years on this planet. Somehow they're simultaneously overcooked and rubbery/plasticky on the outside with the occasional raw potato texture on the inside. It's as if they cook them at the completely wrong temp for the absolute wrong time. Perhaps too long at a low temp? Or wicked fast at a high temp? I don't know why I keep ordering them (definition of insanity, right?), but they've never once been enjoyable, no matter how much cheese sauce you drench them in. Avoid at all costs.

In general, I will continue to patronize Snowpack for the consistency and for bartending staff, who occasionally pour with an Irish Elbow, but food will be an afterthought...