Bruce's Bar and Restaurant

On our way home after hiking and sightseeing in the mountains we made a short bypass and stopped at Bruce's Bar. My brother-in-law had heard some good things about the rocky mountain oysters served here and wasn't letting me go home without at least trying one. I've had rocky mountain oysters before but it was so long ago that I couldn't really remember what they tasted like. Because of that, I couldn't turn down the offer to have them on this trip.

When we pulled into the parking lot I knew it was going to be worth it after seeing their off-site trailer with the words "Bruce's Nut Hut" emblazoned on the sides. Walking in I realized this is definitely a bar more for the locals. There's nothing fancy (except for maybe the new digital jukebox) about this bar. It's very casual and low-key with plenty of seating. We found a spot near the bar and our waitress came by immediately. We ordered a couple of beers, looked over the menu and decided quickly on our food. We weren't extremely hungry so ordered appetizers, chips & salsa and onion rings for my wife and sister while my brother-in-law and I ordered a plate of rocky mountain oysters, both buffalo and beef. We were hoping to try the turkey oysters as well but they were out.

The food came out quickly and we dove in. The onion rings were flavorful and not overly crispy. The salsa was thick but not too chunky and the chips were fresh, not something I expected at a bar. The rocky mountain oysters were sliced thinly and coated just enough with a breading to enhance the flavor a bit. Of the two flavors we ordered, I preferred the beef. The buffalo is a little gamier but still tasty. If you've never had rocky mountain oysters before expect it to be dry. Cocktail sauce is provided with the meal. Tabasco sauce and ketchup are also available on the table. I tried the oysters with all three available condiments and, as surprising at it sounds, they tasted best dipped in ketchup.

My favorite part of the experience was signing a dollar bill and having it added to the wall with the others that patrons have signed over the years. Our waitress, who was on top of things from beginning to end and extremely friendly, found a good spot for mine on one of the lower posts right next to the bar. Can't wait to come back sometime and enjoy some more delicious rocky mountain oysters and cold beer.

This a great place off the beaten path with a colorful history all it's own.  I must say I do not go to Bruce"s for the notorious Rocky Mt. Oysters.  I typically enjoy a buffalo burger, beer ,onion rings or fries and leave the Oysters for the rest of the crowd.

If you ride motorcycles and like to take the back roads or highway, Bruce's is a great stop for lunch or dinner no matter how you get there....

Buffalo Oysters were tastier than the regular Rocky Mt. Oysters, the texture was better, the RMO's were a bit chewy.

And it was pretty unanimous across the table that the mashed potatos were Yuck-O ; too much canned gravy, too much salt, and the texture overall was that they were flaked.  I got a baked, I figure you can't do too much to a spud.

Prime rib  could have been a lot better. They couldn't seem to get the cooking order right: I asked for medium rare, it was more like medium. My husband's MR was more like WD, and our friend's medium was more like well-done.

Th side veggies were good, they even had yellow carrots== Pretty sophisticated for a po-townie bar.

Service was spotty. She was friendly enough, but she said she'd be back with horseradish for us...and wasn't.  She did have a few friendly suggestions when we were ordering.

But I have to say, the Texas Toast was completely Yumm-o!
The Beer Battered Onion Rings stole the show tho',  I'd come back just for those.

Heh, I started out giving this place 3 stars, but after re-reading this review, I think they deserve only 2.

I think all those other dudes giving this place 4 and 5 stars were just too impressed with themselves that they ate BALLS.