Ski towns do a lot of things well, but one of the things they do the very best is often a really unique, lively dive bar. There are some key elements that go into an amazing dive bar for me. Great drinks and fair prices, open late, live music, cool atmosphere, outdoor patio, games/entertainment, fantastic booze soaking food, and a sense of feeling welcomed and at home are all musts for me. Many ski town bars hit at least some of these key points, but few are able to check off all of the boxes. For me, there is one that does them all, and does them all well.
The Goat Soup and Whiskey is my happy place after a long day on the slopes. Located in the heart of Summit County, Colorado, the bar is surrounded by world-class ski resorts in all directions. When you walk into “The Goat,” as locals simply call it, you are immediately greeted with mountain vibes. Laid-back bartenders who have been there for years are happy to pour you a $3 beer or a $5 shot, prices you would have seen in a ski town 25 years ago. If it’s a nice day, stroll out onto the patio and take in the stunning views of Colorado’s massive front range and crisp mountain air.
When the sun goes down, head inside for some soul-warming food at nearly 10,000 feet. Known for their rotating soups and juicy burgers, everything on the menu is truly mouthwatering. A go-to of mine is the cowboy burger, piled high with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and beer-battered onion rings paired with a side of their chicken green chili cheese-smothered fries. If you’re lucky, you’re pretty likely to get treated to some local live music. Local artists span from rock to folk and everything in between. While you’re jamming out and chatting, feel free to shoot a game of pool, throw some darts, play a little shuffleboard, or whatever other classic bar game you may be in the mood for.
By around 10 p.m., the place is usually packed with locals and tourists alike. Many ski town bars close notoriously early, as the majority of work and activities revolve around the nearby ski resorts. The Goat is the exception to this rule, staying open until the wee hours of the morning. They are often the last bar in town open, and for good reason. I used to live less than a mile from the Goat, so walking home in the crisp Colorado air, with the moon reflecting off the snow, was always a peaceful end to an otherwise rowdy evening. Every time I’m back in town, I make a stop by the Goat. Next time you’re in Summit County, I recommend you do too.
