Miners Saloon Now Serving Craft Cocktails, Eats in Golden

Just in time for Buffalo Bill Days, the Miners Saloon opens its doors today in Golden.

The new spot, owned by longtime local barman Noah Heaney, together with husband-and-wife team Dean and Aimee Valdez, will open daily for the festival this weekend starting at 4 p.m. at 1109 Miners Alley.

Customers can expect to walk into an 1800s-esque saloon with all the conveniences of a modern kitchen and bar program, says Aimee Valdez.

"Golden has a really rich mining history, and we wanted to really harken back to those mining days with a saloon that still has a lot of modern comforts, and better food than they had then," she added.

Heaney is transitioning from his 3-year role at the neighboring Golden Moon Speakeasy and Distillery. Also a former Big Red F purchasing agent, he's now devoting all of his alcohol expertise to Miners, bringing to the new bar "a very affordably priced craft cocktail program" that features two signature drinks on draft.

In addition to 20 Colorado-focused craft beers, he'll serve a 44° North Huckleberry Vodka Lemonade and the Miners Margarita made with fresh lime juice, agave, and orange liqueur, straight from the tap. One non-alcoholic pull option will be Method Roasters' cold brew coffee.

Add to that mix another 100 or so beer bottles available, and an eclectic wine list that Heaney says encourages patrons to graduate from the glass to the bottle.

As for the food, chef John Wilson met Heaney a few years back while they were both working at Colt & Gray. For Miners Saloon, Wilson has created a menu of pickles and preserves, house-made boar, elk, and bison sausages, cured meats and cheeses, as well as seasonal soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Starting next week, the bar will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until midnight on weekends.