Back Country Grill

78941 US Hghwy 40
Winter Park
call: 970/726-5557
Hours: 4:30 to close everyday

Driving along route 40 after a long day of skiing in the Winter Park area I couldn't help but notice a sign for the Backcountry Grill. Just the sign could beckon every backcountry skier and rider in the door. My curiosity and appetite had me park my vehicle and enter the “Grill”. I was expecting a beer and burger joint. To my surprise I entered a rustic intimate dining room with a chef's table facing the open kitchen. I was greeted by an exceptionally friendly staff and the owner, Bob Borberg.

Later I discovered that Bob previously owned Randy's Irish Saloon which had won several awards and had been featured in Gourmet Magazine. This was obviously not another roadside attraction. We're talking creative meals featuring hand cut choice steaks, game such as elk medallions and venison, fresh seafood, excellent dinner salads, and homemade deserts. They also have an extensive wine list as well as several beers.

I started off with the an appetizer of fresh blackened scallops with lime aioli. Superb!!! The blackened blue salmon salad over mixed greens and vegetables with peach coulis was fresh and crisp. A complexity of different textures and tastes. This will be on my last meal list!!! The broadleaf elk medallions with port reduction were tender, moist, and tasty. Couple that with a glass of cabernet and I was a happy camper(and freeheeler). The fresh biscuits with peach preserves that comes with every entree was something you can only find at your great aunt Bea's farmhouse (if you have an aunt Bea and she has a farm or ranch). Bob mentioned his homemade deserts of homemade pie, hot waffle hot fudge sundae, and hot donuts with a trio of dipping sauces. I had to decline as I was filled to the gills.

After burning mega cals from cruising through the bumps at Winter Park or making fig 8's in the steeps at Berthoud Pass go to the Backcountry to refuel your tank and soul. You are guaranteed to enter hungry and leave happy!!! Also FYI Bob is a big time tele skier.