Craft Beer Bar The Jailhouse Will Open This Summer

Beer industry veteran Sarah Haughey is leaving Denver behind and heading to Buena Vista where she will launch her own business, The Jailhouse. A craft beer bar, The Jailhouse will be located on East Main Street, the town's main strip that includes Deerhammer Distillery, House Rock Kitchen, The Lariat bar (and soon-to-be music venue), among others.

The future beer joint is set inside a historic building that was once a stable turned temporary jail and confidential storage space as Buena Vista was splitting off from Lake County to join Chaffee County in the late 1800s. The building was added to the National Register of Historical Buildings in 1979.

A 1,000-square-foot space will bring antique lighting, rustic wood, a custom-made bar and patio seating. The Jailhouse will offer 10 rotating taps and a small selection of cans and bottles, plus a limited wine list. A small bite menu is also in the works.

"Denver was becoming too crazy for me so I finally made the smart decision to get out and head to the mountains," says Haughey. "I've been coming to the Ark Valley since I was little so it's always had a special place in my heart. As soon as I moved to Buena Vista, I knew it was home. And my home needs beer," she adds.

Haughey is a Colorado native who spent years working with Crooked Stave and Elevation Brewing, Haughey chose the small mountain town that less than 3,000 people call home, for its scenery and access to numerous outdoor activities.