'The District': The Finest Food and Saloon in Cripple Creek, Colorado
Tucked into the historic mountain town of Cripple Creek, Colorado, The District Kitchen & Saloon delivers the kind of dining experience that makes visitors wish they had discovered it sooner. Combining hearty, made-from-scratch comfort food with refreshing cocktails, Colorado craft beers, and genuine small-town hospitality, this locally owned gastropub has earned a loyal following among residents and travelers alike. Housed in a building that captures the spirit of Cripple Creek’s gold-mining heritage, The District offers a welcome alternative to the town’s casino dining scene. Whether you are stopping by for lunch after exploring the mountains, gathering with friends to watch the big game, or settling in for a relaxed dinner, this inviting establishment offers plenty of reasons to pull up a chair.
The menu is a celebration of familiar favorites prepared with an appreciation for flavor, generous portions, and quality ingredients. Burgers and sandwiches are among the restaurant’s standout attractions, with the much-praised Best of the West Chicken Sandwich earning particularly enthusiastic reviews. Diners describe a substantial, juicy chicken breast surrounded by exceptionally crispy, flavorful breading, creating a satisfying combination of crunch and tenderness. The BBQ bacon burger also receives high marks, particularly for its bacon and zesty barbecue sauce. Add a side of golden onion rings or another favorite accompaniment, and you have the makings of a classic American pub meal done right. For anyone who appreciates a seriously good sandwich or burger without the fuss of formal dining, The District is well worth a visit.
Chicken lovers will find plenty more to enjoy, too. Crispy buffalo chicken, chicken tenders, and chicken fried steak have all delighted guests, with reviewers praising the perfectly fried coatings and satisfying flavors. One particularly memorable meal featured crispy chicken served with white gravy and green beans, while another group raved about the restaurant’s fried chicken sandwiches and loaded tots. The fish and chips are another popular choice, with diners appreciating the beautifully battered, golden-fried fish. These dishes demonstrate the kitchen’s ability to deliver the comforting, familiar flavors people crave while maintaining the consistency that encourages repeat visits. It is the sort of food that feels right at home in a Colorado mountain town: hearty, approachable, and made for enjoying without watching the clock.
For diners looking to explore something beyond traditional pub fare, The District’s menu offers an impressive range of alternatives. The ancient grain bowls, in particular, have attracted enthusiastic praise for their generous portions and well-balanced combinations. Guests have singled out the grilled fish taco grain bowl and steak ancient grain salad as especially memorable, while the Southwest Chicken Grain Bowl has also earned rave reviews. Seafood enthusiasts can consider the Crispy Shrimp Po’ Boy, which brings a taste of Southern-inspired comfort to the mountains. The pork carnitas tacos and other taco selections provide another flavorful option, with customers noting both their quality and generous quantities. With salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, and tacos alongside the traditional favorites, the menu offers something for different appetites and dining preferences.
One dish that deserves special recognition is the green chili, which has developed a following of its own. At least one returning customer describes it as a consistent favorite, particularly when served with corn tortillas. The menu’s brisket offerings are equally compelling, with guests praising the smoked brisket for its tenderness and rich flavor. The queso brisket and brisket-topped appetizers provide additional ways to enjoy this barbecue favorite. Starters such as cheese curds, fried mushrooms, guacamole and chips, nachos, loaded tots, and the distinctive spinach-and-feta pretzel make excellent choices for sharing around the table. Some of these appetizers arrive in portions substantial enough to rival an entrée, so ordering a few for the group and sharing is a sensible strategy. With so many tempting choices, arriving hungry is highly recommended.
Of course, a good saloon needs more than excellent food, and The District delivers when it comes to beverages. For one option, consider ordering their Zero Proof BlackBerry Mint Mule. But their selection of Colorado craft beers, including dark beer on tap, provides plenty of opportunities to discover a new favorite or enjoy a familiar brew. The cocktail menu has earned equally enthusiastic praise, with the Royal Rosemary Mule and jalapeño pineapple margarita standing out among customer favorites. One guest was so impressed by the bartender’s creativity that a personalized cocktail, developed from the customer’s own ideas, became a highlight of the visit. Other patrons have praised the Tito’s lemonade and the reasonable drink prices. Whether you prefer a crisp beer after a day outdoors or a thoughtfully prepared cocktail to accompany dinner, the beverage program adds another appealing dimension to the experience.
Dessert and after-dinner treats provide yet another reason to linger. Guests visiting for special occasions have returned specifically to enjoy dinner and desserts, with one couple making multiple visits during a Valentine's Day weekend and returning again for a birthday celebration. The restaurant’s welcoming approach to celebrations, including a complimentary birthday shot for one delighted guest, illustrates the personal touches that help turn an ordinary meal into a memorable outing. Although the available customer feedback offers fewer specific details about individual dessert selections, the enthusiasm surrounding these special-occasion visits speaks to the appeal of making an evening of dining at The District. Combined with the inviting bar, satisfying entrées, and relaxed atmosphere, it is a place where a casual dinner can easily become a full evening out.
The atmosphere strikes a particularly appealing balance between historic Colorado character and modern sports-bar comfort. Inside, the restaurant embraces the authentic feel of an old gold-mining town while offering amenities such as large-screen televisions for watching the big game. The mood is laid-back, friendly, and comfortable, making it equally suitable for couples, families, groups of friends, and travelers seeking a break from the casino environment. Outside, The District offers something especially distinctive: Cripple Creek’s only outdoor patio seating, according to the business. The patio provides an opportunity to enjoy mountain-town views, fresh air, good food, and a cold drink in one sitting. Customer reviews repeatedly describe the atmosphere as enjoyable, relaxed, and welcoming, with both indoor and outdoor dining contributing to its broad appeal.
Perhaps the most impressive feature of The District Kitchen & Saloon is its hospitality.
Reviews consistently praise the friendly, attentive staff, helpful menu recommendations, efficient service, and willingness to accommodate guests even when the restaurant is busy. One especially memorable account describes the management and team preparing to welcome a group of 50 visitors attending a performance at the Butte Theater. The restaurant opened early for the group, arranged the tables in advance, and had menus, water, and place settings ready upon arrival. Other guests have highlighted servers who carefully checked gluten-free requirements with the kitchen, bartenders who crafted personalized cocktails, and staff members who remained attentive during busy service periods. These thoughtful gestures reflect a genuine commitment to making guests feel welcome. Add reasonable prices, generous portions, made-from-scratch cooking, and an appealing selection of food and drinks, and it becomes easy to understand why so many visitors promise to return. The District Kitchen & Saloon is more than a place to eat in Cripple Creek; it is a local gathering spot that captures the warmth, character, and appetite for good living that make Colorado’s mountain towns so special.
367 E Bennett Ave Cripple Creek, CO 80813
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