this hidden gem is well worth the drive. Not that a drive like this is anything new to anyone from Conifer/surrounding areas! The food is good, not great; a little expensive, but let's be honest you go for the atmosphere. I'd suggest going a bit earlier than you were planning to give yourself some time to explore the area around it, it's so pretty down there. bring a dollar bill for the wall!
Review Source:The super narrow, winding road that keeps the city folk away. The deck that hangs perilously like an adolescent loose tooth over the creek. The view of a tiny cabin built on a rock. The lack of any surface other than rough wood. The evidence of hippies who wanted to escape civilization. The bar stools are actually just logs standing on end and smoothed with years of use. The uneven foundation. The small space. The locals. The complete lack of pretenses. The bands that squeeze in to play blues and bluegrass. The warm glow it gives in the winter. The close proximity to swimming holes in the summer. Pine.
What's not to love?
The Buck's not a bad place to drink beer & shoot pool on a lazy afternoon. Watching tourists drink at altitude is a local sport. Unless they're your tourists. In which case, keep them hydrated. You wouldn't be the first person to hear-pull over! from the back seat. Don't get too rowdy on your way in or out, people live in the area, show respect & don't litter your trash or your mouth.
The food is what it is. I worked there years ago & can attest to the fact that storage is a loose term. It wasn't uncommon for one of us to be nominated to run down to the Green Mercantile to snag items. No delivery trucks, employees/owners do it. Seriously if you want a great dining experience, what are you doing in an old shack in Sphinx Park? That's right, you're there because it's the view from nowhere. So have a pitcher, stomp your feet to the music, stick your business card in a crack (wall I mean) and ask for the tambourine behind the bar. And don't complain too much. What do you think they use to patch the roof with...
Call me a snob if you will, but I'm not really fan of places that aren't much more than a house with tables set up inside. And a wasp catcher and a fully functional AC are always a bonus.
If it's yellow, let it mellow, if it's brown, flush it down:
It's one thing to see swear words and cell numbers carved into the table from visitors, and another to see pleasant poetry posted in the bathrooms by the staff themselves.
The gem of the restaurant:
Needs some polish. Yes, the burger was the best part of the whole experience, yes, it was edible, but maybe, just maybe, it would've been a little better had they put a little more effort into it. Or maybe pulled it off in less than an hour. But I still think it needs a bit of a touch up. Or more.
What's for lunch? Woody's.
It's pretty easy to miss your turn once you get into town so be sure you're on the lookout for a dark yellow sign near the odds and ends shop.
We live in Evergreen and I'd compare it to a litter brother version of the Little Bear.
The place is basically dive bar up the canyon and on the side of a creek. It's an odd mix of tourists and bikers but everyone was friendly enough and the staff was super cool.
What I love about this place is that you get to leave a little piece of you at the place whether you're leaving a two dollars bill on the way, carving out your name on a table or just a good old timestamp and signature. Cold beer, decent food and a good place to sit down with a group of friends.
Thanks for the memories BuckSnort ..
I don't mean to poop on the Bucksnort parade but I was not impressed. It is certainly an adventure getting there, even though we technically live close.
As far as service is concerned we waited 15 minutes just to be acknowledged and once we had our food noone came to refill our beers or even to ask if we needed anything for that matter. We waited with our empty plates for nearly a half hour and were ignored when we motioned for the check.
I thought the prices were a bit high and the quality of ingredients was sub par. The food to me tasted generic and again, not worth the price. We agreed this place may have fallen into the trap of it's own hype. I've experienced many a "rough" bars in my time and while I still see it here I think a lot of the charm is feigned to keep the Bucksnort as a tourist destination.
There's only one Bucksnort, baby - and this is it.
While many people talk about it from the tourist standpoint, I can say that we local mountain folk know that this is a gem.
It's true that the prices have gone up in the recent years. Â It's also true that the roads getting there are, ahem, interesting.... especially if you're not coming from Denver/Conifer and are making the drive through Pine Junction. Â If you're nervous about the roads coming here from Denver through Shaffer's Crossing, you're a total wuss. Â It doesn't always get the evening crowds that it used to because so many people, including locals, get a bit nervous driving those roads at night. Â
Service is friendly but laid back. Â If you're in a hurry, go to the Wendy's or Sonic in Conifer. Â We are not New York or California and that's how we like it. Â The food, while not inexpensive, is good, big and fresh. Â The chili is excellent, as are the burgers and appetizers. Â So long as you don't try to do fancy, you'll be fine and full when you're done. Â Try the Antler Ale as it always hits the spot. Â Enjoy the ambiance and Elk Creek while you're waiting for you food or when you're finishing your beer. Â
As the hours they're open (if they're open at all) change from season to season, be sure you check ahead of time before heading up. Â Also, remember that these are the mountains. Â "Hours of operation" are more like general guidelines. Â Call first even if they're supposed to be open. Â As always, if you're a flatlander, remember that the weather can suddenly change year 'round up here. Â Come prepared.
You will not find this place by accident. You do not stumble upon the Bucksnort, You will only get to the Bucksnort if you intend to go to the Bucksnort. As the back of one of their souvenir shirts says, 'If you made it here, you deserve a beer!" Â That being said, make your plans right now to go to the Bucksnort before summer fades.
It's off the boulder strewn, canyon-walled, 4WD trail that's two turns past the end of the beaten path. And honestly, it's a great drive. The last little bit is up a small road that runs right along Elk Creek and is definitely canyon-walled with fun formations and boulders to gaze at off the roadway. After a short drive up the road, you'll see a shack on the left, with a sign out front for the Bucksnort. Put on your big boy panties, because you've made it to the Bucksnort.
The building itself has been around since the late 1800s, and once served as the Post Office & Mercantile for the community. It's been operating as a Saloon since the 1970s, and they've perfected the art. It's small, it's dingy, it's kitschy, there are flies everywhere, there are dollar bills all over the walls and ceilings, but man is this place worth it. Great big greasy delicious burgers and cheap beer. The ambiance isn't so much ambiance as it is a dense fog of "I'm in a tourist trap but holy crap is this place awesome." It's incredibly unique. And not in that hipster "I'm unique...just like all of my friends" way. This is a quintessential old-fashioned mountain saloon that has perfected the art of showing you a good time. On weekends it's busier, as it's not so much a hidden gem anymore (now it's just a gem) and the prices reflect that. Burgers used to be $5. Now they're $10. A lunch with my dad (three beers, two burgers with a few add-ons each) was $39 before tip. But for the experience, and the look on my dad's face as he asked, "Where the hell are we going??" on the drive, and then again as we walked in, this place is well worth it.
It's not a weekend hangout, it's not a local dive, it's a place you take out of towners, or go to once a summer just because its a great thing to do. You won't be eating steak, you won't be eating gourmet, you won't be waffling between the clams casino or the lobster thermadore, you won't be splitting tapas, you won't be ordering wine. You're going to get a very simple menu, that they do incredibly well. Â It's simple food, and simply good.
Don't expect anything fancy, hell -- don't expect anything nice, really. It's just cool. It knows what it is, and loves it. You will too.
The Bucksnort is one of the few places in Denver that when you mention you are going there, the response is always "Ohhh, the Bucksnort!". The other one is the Little Bear, but that is for another review.
We only seem to go to the Bucksnort when we have guests in town - I don't know why, because it is worth a trip on our own. Last night we had friends from Australia who wanted to go, so after checking the phone and website to make sure they were open, we headed out. Take 285 to Shaffers Crossing, and exit to the south. You are on S Elk Creek, and all you have to do is keep going for 6 slow miles. The good news is, the road is now paved! The bad news is that it is still only about one and half lanes wide, so take it slow.
The drive is beautiful, but imagine our dismay when we arrived to find the Bucksnort closed! The windows had large signs saying closed on Tuesdays, but we all agreed that it was Wednesday! As a result, the rest of this review will have to be done from memory, but since I have fond memories of the Bucksnort, that won't be any problem.
The Bucksnort Saloon is what used to be the general store for Sphinx Park back in the days when Sphinx Park was a prime summer destination for Denverites. The building is old, old, old. There is not a single level surface in the place, but that only adds to its quirky charm. The decoration and furnishings are eclectic, to say the least. You can happily spend the time waiting for your food reading the walls, seats and tables.
The food is really good, as long as you stick to the basics. They do a fantastic burger, and the beer is always cold. No fries, but you sure wouldn't want to start a grease fire way out here!
The prices are a little high, but remember, every bite, every sip came in on the same road you did - so no big trucks, and storage is at a minimum. The supply side of this little restaurant/bar must be a real nightmare, but I have never had them tell me they were out of something.
The Bucksnort is an unspoiled gem that is well worth the drive. Just make sure you call before going - and make sure someone picks up the phone!
My friend who recently moved to Conifer, CO told me this bar was 'really close to her house.'  Being an East Coast girl I had a completely different view on what 'really close' meant and had to reaffirm that this bar even existed 15 minutes into traveling along a dirt road  to get there.
The Bucksnort was well worth the drive. Â
We went on a Tuesday night in June, so it was a quiet night, but that almost made the experience better. Â We sat out on the back deck and could hear the creek running below. Â I would like to see this place in its full splendor one night though, I'm betting it is an awesome time!
The food was fantastic, don't be put off by the price. Â The potato skins were GIANT and definitely worth the $10. Â
The bartender lives in Denver (probably an hour drive away) and comes up a few times a week simply to work at the Bucksnort, which should convince you that this place is definitely worth going out of your way to visit!
Oh man, the Bucksnort...
Just saying it makes you feel all rugged and manly.
The Bucksnort is a place that someone definitely has to introduce you to as many don't usually trail up to this part of the Rockies.
My introducer: my Harley riding, Budweiser drinking, airplane flying, what the hell do I need an iPod for? Dad.
The beer is freezing cold and the atmosphere makes you thank god that you actually found the place without getting attacked by a bear or big horned ram.
I remember the food being awesome and by the way it looks it hasn't changed.
Bucksnort I will be coming to you soon, very soon, only if my rented Hyundai from DIA is able to make the trip up to your Alpine awesomeness.
Just went to the Bucksnort a couple of weeks ago. Â I went a couple of years ago too. Â I could not wait to take my hubby. Â The food was really good, Â I had a nice big burger ( I ate all of which is very unusual) and my hubby had a bowl of chili with a baked potato. Â We had a great beer and the music was fun. Â Only thing I wish is that they served french fries but definitely not a deal breaker. Â
Definitely a fan!
This is my favorite mountain destination. I ran across it while camping a few years back and always end my camping weekend here. If my visiting friends have time, my favorite touristy thing to do is drive up to Sphinx Park and have burgers and beer at the Bucksnort. It is the single most "Colorado" thing you can do in one quick road trip. It's only about 40 minutes to and from Denver, the drive is spectacular for being so close and Sphinx Park is amazingly beautiful. The rock outcroppings, the turn of the century cabins, you really feel like you might be in Alaska, hundreds of miles from any real town. They used to be cash only but now they take cards, at least the last time I was there,. I'd probably bring both just in case because there is no place to go for cash if you need it.
I shouldn't even have reviewed this place because I like that it's somewhat of a secret but I just can't help myself.
If you go camping near Deckers and are heading back towards 285, turn at Pine and head up the amazing little canyon to Sphinx Park. You won't be disappointed. Then continue north after lunch toward 285 the back way and you will see some of the quaintest cabins with streams and ferns like a rain forest.
Slight correction on Erin's post - I live in the area & there are zero wolf's in CO.
We go to the buck snort a couple of times a year and always enjoy the food & company. Â There is a guy who comes up once a month to play his guitar and sing funny songs (forget his name). Â He makes the visit even better.
Its a true experience to have been at the Bucksnort and even more an experience of being a traveling salesman at conferences of people from afar who have visited this gem. If your looking for a good time this is your place for rustic fair and a place to say you've been because its long history has its list of celebrities yet you'll be surprised at how many people have been here although  they have only visited Denver once or twice.
Review Source:Stop. This is it. This is the end of your search for Americana. You have just found that elusive spot. That place where the burger is perfect. The beer is cold and cheap. The music is good. The crowd is irreverent. The staff is nice. The fire is warm. The pool table is still open. And you just might get killed by bobcat or a falling boulder at any moment.
             I do not lie.            I do not exaggerate.
My uncle bought a tiny tiny little cabin on the creek that runs through Sphinx Park. This is how I found the Bucksnort. And o how I wish this was my neighborhood saloon. Really it makes Zeitgeist SF tame. If you are ever in the area (hah lol, yeah right) you should make a point of stopping here. Because its just good like that.
We reached the holy grail!!
After driving 6 hours all over CO we reached our final destination - the Buck Snort. Â We were apprehensive driving up the road, especially since we saw a huge grey wolf with our very own eyes. Â We parked the car and we're deciding if we should go in or not - seriously people it was kinda scary. Once we walked in and saw the bartender with a hawaiian shirt we knew were in a safe place.
They have odd winter hours - 12-5PM through the weekdays and then they are open late on Saturday (banjo band!). Â Sunday they're doing a wings/beer special for Broncos games.
Draft beers are $3.50 which I thought was high for being in the boonies.
Definately will venture back there.
The Bucksnort is more of a commodity than a quality restaurant. Â The prices are really high for what you get, but nothing can beat the ambiance of this place. Â I took my boyfriend on the long trek to Sphinx Park one morning thinking they opened at 11 - they open at noon. Â But instead of having to entertain ourselves for an hour, the bartender noticed us pull up out front and told us she'd let us come in and drink until the kitchen was ready for our order. Â I have to admit - the whole time I was waiting, I was looking around and reading the different signs, looking at the odd pictures, and reading people's messages on dollar bills. Â All while we enjoyed some good, cold beer and waited. Â Â
I was surprised the place actually FILLED with hungry tourists for lunch. Â The burgers are good, nachos are filling, and the turkey sandwich is, well, a turkey sandwich. Â But it's tasty nonetheless. Â If you're out camping, exploring the mountains, or just want a scenic drive, check out the Bucksnort. Â It's not your average bar.
This place was on my "30th BDay Adventure" list. We split a gi-normous burger that was paired with a tiny side of beans. I decorated my dollar bill and stuck it below the Newcastle bottle. The ride up is lovely, as there are many weird shaped boulders and such on that road. The patio COULD fall into the river at any time, but at least it would be a fun ride. Not sure why I like this place so much - maybe it's the charm, or the bikers, or the view, or the bridge out back made from an old train...but everyone should make the trip out - it's a colorado diamond in the rough.
Review Source:Getting there is a lot of the allure of this bar. Â However, once you are at the location, there is a lot of charm to this ramshackle building that is on stilts by the river. Â It leans, it's knotty, and maybe even a little naughty. Â There is a selection of patrons that don't quite mesh, but they all have one thing in common. Â EVERYONE there needs a shower and a cold beer. Â Be it a long journey on a bike, a kayak trip, bicycling...whatever... the patrons stink, but in that "wow that was really awesome!" way. Â
Yes, there are different kinds of BO. Â There is the "I sleep in the park and pee in my pants" BO. Â There is the "I hate going to the dry cleaner and this is my only cool shirt for the clubs" BO. Â There is the "my cologne will cover my funk" BO. Â Then there is the "I showered this morning I SWEAR, but I just had a lot of fun!" BO. Â That's what you will find here. Â
Enough about BO. Â Get over it, and get a cold beer, because they don't have showers at Bucksnort. After a few drinks you won't care - you will revel in it. Â Then have a juicy burger and chill out a little more. Â Just hope it doesn't start raining while you are there, and you have to ride your street bike back out with slick tires on packed dirt. Â With BO.
Trucks packed to the rafters (yes, our vehicles have rafters) with coolers, camping gear, and dogs, a few friends and I decided to caravan out to the woods outside Pine, CO, to do some camping. But before pitching tents and settling in for the night, one member of our group insisted we hit the Bucksnort Saloon first.
"It's awesome," she said.
We like awesome, so we let her take the lead. We took a left turn off 285 at Schaeffer's Crossing and it all got kind of messy from there on in. Because we're the type (or rather, members of our caravan are the type) who can never get on the road until at least 3.8 hours later than our previously scheduled departure time, it was already dark as we made our way up the winding mountain path towards the Bucksnort.
About halfway in, our headlights lit on a lone figure stumbling out of the darkness. He was swaying from side to side, and even in the pitch black darkness of the mountain night, HE HAD SUNGLASSES ON. My husband and I looked at each other, like, "whoa, dude." Just where in the hell were we going?
Needless to say, we didn't stop for the guy.
About 500 yards further in, we saw a black bear loping alongsisde the road. Good luck, Sunglasses-At-Night guy. Cory Hart ain't got nothing on you.
We finally rolled into the Bucksnort Saloon's parking lot and much to our surprise, the place was jumping! Live music echoed through the pines, and friendly laughter filtered through the crumbling wooden slats of what appeared to be just another ramshackle mountain cabin.
It looks like it could crumble into the hillside at any moment, and perhaps it  just might. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that it was the high spirits of the patrons holding this place up. Everyone there seemed, and was treated like, a local (though many clearly weren't). A weathered old hippie band rocked the "stage," and it was clear from the cheers and calls they received from the crowd inside the bar that they'd done it many times before. Bikers-- of both the Harley and Mountain variety-- rub shoulders with weekend-warrior yuppies just up for the weekend. Dollar bills and napkin drawings cover the walls and ceilings, tacked up for all eternity (or until the nails holding this place together finally turn to dust). There isn't a square inch of booth or wall or table that doesn't have "Someone Was Here" carved into its surface.
All in all, it's a neighborhood bar without the neighborhood. Or rather, the whole woods as its neighborhood. Should you ever find yourself out Pine way (it's actually in Sphinx Park, but Yelp doesn't recognize that as "an official search term"), do yourself a favor and search out this cool little gem.
And if you happen to come across Sunglasses-At-Night guy, could you let him know that he's got a bear behind?
Heh heh...
Before I start I have to admit that I'm not used to drinking 8000 feet - so let's just get that out of the way. I'm gonna have to give this place 5 stars just for the experience. Getting there on a dark and cold winter night was worth a review itself (insert music from Deliverance here). I arrived armed with a group of locals on the first Saturday of the month which is apparently Wayne Faust night. Faust is a smaller, but equally bald version of Terry Bradshaw who loves to sing bald man songs and funny Christmas Carols. He's really into group participation which is how I ended up in front of a crowd of strangers singing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Raindeer" (oy!) They only serve beer and (spiced) wine and the menu is what you'd expect at a rural mountain lodge. It's NOT fancy (the floors are crooked) but it's fun and there's a deer butt hanging on the wall.
Review Source:aaahhh the bucksnort. Â If you go there for the first time, make sure you drive during the day (i mean daylight, as in, try not to fall off the road). Â I went there a few months after moving in the US, it was pretty cool. Â I brought my parents too the first time they came, and it felt like being in a movie.
They have some live music sometimes and a crooked pool table.
I totally agree with the other reviewer, the Bucksnort is an experience. It looks somewhat like a hunting camp. Located in the middle of nowhere, made of old logs. Its dirty, rough, and not for the fancy patron. Burgers are big and juicy. Limited menu, as I think this place has no dishwasher or running water. Everyone carves their name in the logs, or writes that they "were here".
Good beer here.
The Bucksnort is an experience. Â If you manage to find it, you'll be amazed (as I am everytime I go there) that it hasn't fallen into the creek. Â Rough is a bit of an understatement. It's made of logs, the floors tilt, people carve initials in the tables, the burgers are fat and juicy, and the beer is cold. Â No hipsters in sight, the crowd usually consists of locals and weary looking mtb'rs, climbers, and hikers. Â It's not unusual to find large dogs wandering in what passes for a parking lot. (Low clearance vehicles may have a bad time)
Review Source:
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