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. read more

Bucksnort Saloon - nice creek! - American Near Me - Pine, Colorado

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What a hidden, out-of-the-way, totally-worth-the-visit dive bar! Not for the food (standard - well, I'd argue less than standard - bar food quality) but for the quirky atmosphere and genuinely awesome server. Stopped here after a long, 8+ hour day of navigation/orientation practice in nearby Deckers. As the snow was falling and we kept driving up this tiny, cliffy road covered in snow, I almost asked to turn around. We'd heard that on snowy days, the owner doesn't open the restaurant and after seeing what the (short but possibly treacherous) commute would be like? I wouldn't open either. So if it's snowy, call first (as noted on their website). This place is super quirky. It use to be Sphinx Park Mercantile 'back in the day'; now, it's the Buck Snort Saloon that serves beer and wine only (no liquor) and mediocre food. The place is adorned with dollar bills from previous patrons and I found it really fun to look at the notes from years past. If I'd had my permanent markers with me, I totally would have made a dollar to hang. It also should be noted that the server/older lady who took care of us was a delight. I'm not sure how much business this place sees normally but on a Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m., our group of 40 (in total, 4 groups of 10 over the course of 1.5 hours) didn't even throw her for a loop. She was so happy to take our orders, offer us food and take care of us. Truly, she made our experience wonderful. Would I come back for the food? No. After 9 miles of hiking, the burger I ate was good - but I know that if I wasn't ravenously hungry, I'd be disappointed. They were also out of 4 different sandwiches, potato salad and baked beans. So we could only choose from potato chips or baked potato. I get it - they're a pretty remote location so probably hard to get items refilled - but still a bit disappointing. But - would I come back for a beer and the atmosphere?! ABSOLUTELY! Will definitely be back after a hike in Deckers, Staunton State Park or Buffalo Creek. read more

RUNDOWN & NEGLECTED are two words to now describe The Bucksnort Saloon. I am giving this a 1 but would give it a zero if there was an option. What a disappointment to find this formerly well run business in such a decrepit state. If you had seen it in the 80's and 90's you would know what I was talking about. Now I find a dark, dingy place in such a state of disrepair and neglect -- very sad. The front walkway into the building has buckling boards, some so soft you could step through it. Totally unsafe. The bathroom in the hall had no soap (empty container) and I used the last paper towel for my hands. There is a sign for employees to wash their hands -- really now, with what? Now you are in the main restaurant with wall to wall dollar bills on the walls .... that means that those walls would never be cleaned. The wooden booths are so carved up that there is hardly an inch of wood visible. These carvings are a total health hazard with food and debris getting in all the carved grooves. It would be impossible to clean this surface. I can't imagine that the Health Department would not be concerned about this. Now I step out onto the deck - I push open the screen door that has a broken board hanging loose and a huge hole in the screen. The decking is all carved up as well and the boards are brittle very weathered. There are a couple of cheap plastic lawn chairs that someone tried to paint (paint peeling off) and another chair with a missing seat. Why would a conscientious owner not get rid of this broken down furniture???? The deck is a total mess and the view that everyone talks about is a few shacks across the creek. With the entire place in total disrepair I shudder to think about the stability of this deck. The waitress handed us food stained paper menus that were totally disgusting. The way the place looked, I chose not to eat but others in my party did. The flies were a turnoff as well. Food is way overpriced and inferior quality. None of the meals my party had were worth $12. Bottom line, stay away, If you want to see a historic building, go to St. Elmo. read more

This is hard review to write, because I LOVE the Buck Snort... I really do! It's on a short list of must-visit places in the near-Denver-Area. However, if you're going there for fine food and white glove service, you will be disappointed. The food is typical dive bar fare, nothing exceptional at all. But location and the building itself? Well, I wish I could break my review out and rate those two different aspects separately. It'd get a 5-star of atmosphere. Visit it at least once. read more

Great place to have a beer when a band in playing. Cant speak for the food, have not tried it, but for the experience the Bucksnort is a seriously unique gem. read more

Bucksnort Saloon - American Near Me - Pine, Colorado

Terrible service and food was lacking on many levels. Screwed up our order then said "well, there are four tickets ahead of you so you may as well just take these nachos" that were wrong. Waited an hour per beer/water refill. The rude waitress audibly huffed when we asked her for silverware, napkins, to take our order, to order another beer...really anything. We paid ~$75 for three burgers, an order of nachos a few beers and an awful belly ache after the meal. Completely not worth a dime. It's for sale so here is hoping someone who gives a shit buys it and turns it around with decent staff and better food. read more

I know we use to go here in the late 90s when first turned 21, and loved it there, owners and employees were cool, live music, drinks, food, good people. Not sure about now days, from what I hear it's under new owner and really gone down hill. Only what I've heard, not saying. I'll go have my own experience read more

To say this is a dive does not quite cover it. It's a long winding drive to get there, zero ambience, burgers that come out in a ball because they are not quite defrosted. We ordered a burger medium rare and were told that would "take longer". Don't waste your time. read more

The eats were just ok and they screwed up the order a couple times. The seating is also a bit shakey. But still, if you're in the area, it's totally worth the drive up there. Grab an Antler Ale, check out the views, and enjoy! read more

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This place is a gotta see destination bar. Standard kitchen burgers and what not. The drive to get there is stunning and the setting is incredible. This is history and you feel it when you drive into the lot. Recently remodeled do to a kitchen fire. They always have a special. Sit out on the deck and watch the stream flow. Play some pool. Kick off the jukebox and dance a little. Bring a dollar to take to the wall so you too can be a part of the history behind this place. Well worth the drive. read more

Well, a friend who went here years ago told me I have to go when I moved back to CO. Went with my friend and her son. LOVED the drive. That was the highlight of going. Before going, I learned the place has been for sale for a while. I feel like they've given up. There is hardly any service. The bartender is trying to do it all, and he seems inexperienced. So, you wait and wait at the bar. The beer taps weren't working when we arrived. We ordered hamburgers - big mistake! The menu says something like the "sloppiest, juiciest burger!" I ordered extra swiss. That's $2.00 of swiss. Problem is they use some kind of weird, fake cheese that coats your mouth with waxiness. The patty was thick and dry. I scraped off the swiss (into a disgusting cream ball) and I sliced the patty horizontally so it wasn't so thick. Still couldn't eat it. It was horrible! When the bartender came over, he saw that my plate was almost untouched, but didn't credit anything - even the $2.00 for the cheese. So that was $14 down the drain (yes, $14.00!) Oh, and the men's bathroom was out of service. Again, the drive almost made it worth it. We thought we were coming to a fun place to hang for the afternoon but we couldn't get out of there fast enough. My friend said other people told her how it had gone downhill, but she wanted me to try it anyway. Don't bother unless you just want to enjoy a scenic drive. read more

Haven't been there since the 50s, we had a summer place a mile or so down the road and then it was called "Old Petes". Owned then by a man named Pete and had music on Saturday nights. Back then I'd give it 5 stars as it was the only place in the area. Steve read more

What a special place.....if you're lucky enough to find it. We had to pay a dude on a Harley $20 to give us the hook up. LOL. Once we found it we encountered an amazing environment, excellent food, perfect music, and friendly staff. We will become regulars. Worth the $20 to the biker dude. :) read more

Stopped in Buck Snort Saloon with friends after a 14er. I love a local dive bar, however this place was just OK. For a dive bar, I thought the food was over priced. With tip, for 4 people & 1 beer each, our bill was over $80. I ordered the BBQ Sandwich, which was flavorful beef, but the side of potato salad came in the smallest cup ever, probably 3-4 small bites. I had high hopes for the patio seating, but it was too small to comfortably accommodate a group of 4 adults ordering food & drinks. Lack of a view on the patio, faces directly into a neighbors home. Not worth driving 6 miles off the highway for. read more

I would like to give a huge shout out to Lindsay wait person/bartender/cook and Traci manager/cook/wait person/bartender at the Buck Snort. They were the only 2 staff at a very busy restaurant this Father's Day afternoon. They did an extraordinary job of serving, seating, greeting, bartending and cooking in a very friendly and efficient manner. Thank you for a great afternoon!!! read more

Extreme dissapoinment!! My guy and I took a drive up to Conifer yesterday and decided to take the long road out of our way to try something local instead of heading back to Denver and this place had overall great reviews. Never again!! We sit down at a table. Place wasn't busy at all (there were only 4 other tables with people dining) and the bartender/waitress with a Russian accent (we think, don't know her name because she wasn't even decent enough to say hello to us) was too busy constantly checking on her 6 top to see if they wanted more beer. She never once said hello, I'll be right with you or anything. She looked at us and walked by several times with her nose turned up practically refusing to even wait on us. Like she was trying to give us a "hint" to leave. We waited 20 minutes and she still didn't acknowledge us even once! Another couple that was eating gave their food back to the waitress also and said they weren't going to eat it, that it was "disgusting" and they asked for their bill. The waitress didn't even apologize to them or anything and never walked back their bill either. We obviously left. Having not received any customer service whatsoever and seeing the way the other couple was treated we ourselves were in disgust! We hadn't eaten all day, we were tired and thirsty and hungry and we drove all that way to not even get a "hello!" This waitress needs to reconsider her "profession." And poor her, we tip very very well and she missed out! I'm sure good tips don't come too often in a craphole like that!! I should also note that when we were leaving the waitress had the nerve to peak around the wall and look right at us and then dip back and hide when she noticed me look at her. And then when we got into our car she came outside and stared us down! Seriously lady, WTF!! read more

Not open! For sale sign out front. Don't waste your time... but the drive to it is cool

My husband and I was in the mountains looking at property when our realtor suggested to eat at Buck Snort Saloon for lunch. We ordered the "Buck Burger" which was good but it was hard to hold and keep together. My husband ordered draft beer which was brought to him in a plastic cup for $4.95 a pop! I had a root beer to drink which was good. I don't like to throw accusations around but I think our waitress was a little tipsy. She couldn't even read our ticket when it was time to leave and then overcharged us. Needless to say it was a not so pleasant experience. Sandy D. read more

This saloon is cool but the owner and staff were very rude to my friend and me when we stopped in for a beer. They refused to serve my friend because the layout of his drivers license is vertical. He is from New Hampshire, and that is how they issue licenses when you are under 21, but unlike in CO they don't expire when you turn 21 and you're not required to get a new one until it actually expires. He is 24 and it won't expire for another 2 years! It's his valid form of ID and the owner was awful to us. I hope they look up the laws soon! Unacceptable. read more

We stopped here after a day playing off-road. The friends that convinced us to go there said the food was great. However, walking in, the energy of the place was terrible. It has a musky odor and is very run-down. One might think that means "character" but it's more like it's uncared for. The food didn't change my expectations: I had the worst burger I've ever had in a restaurant. It was nearly as bad as my mother's burgers! The meat was overcooked and tasted like it had been boiled - a meatball with no seasoning. The bun was tiny and chewy, and the side of baked beans miniscule. And they want $11 for that???!!! I'm sorry I ate it, my stomach feels queasy, sort of like eating rat poison makes a rat feel, I guess. Others at my table didn't finish their burgers, they couldn't stomach them either. I'm guessing it was griddled in the morning and then kept warm in a steam table for oh, about 8 hours :( Never going back! read more

The Bucksnort is more of a commodity than a quality restaurant. The prices are really high for what you get, but nothing can beat the ambiance of this place. I took my boyfriend on the long trek to Sphinx Park one morning thinking they opened at 11 - they open at noon. 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. 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. All while we enjoyed some good, cold beer and waited. I was surprised the place actually FILLED with hungry tourists for lunch. The burgers are good, nachos are filling, and the turkey sandwich is, well, a turkey sandwich. But it's tasty nonetheless. If you're out camping, exploring the mountains, or just want a scenic drive, check out the Bucksnort. It's not your average bar. read more

Have heard about this place for years but was never really sure where it was. My buddy and I went riding in the area and he had been here before and suggested we go. I was pretty excited to pop my Bucksnort cherry! Then, we made the turn into the narrow access road. As a reminder, I'm riding an 850 pound Harley Davidson Road King. Not the best bike for steep grades and twisty narrow roads that are best described as torn up and gravel full. No issues making the ride if your experienced like me but if your a novice rider you may want to drive. The burger was outstanding, the antler ale cold and the atmosphere as advertised. Don't go there if your looking for 5 star service as that's not what you get. It's a classic shithole biker bar that I love. If it wasn't so far from where I live I'd be a regular. If you dig a place like this, you will love it. If you like white linens and bottle service, this is not your place. read more

Bucksnort Saloon - The decor of dollar bills - American Near Me - Pine, Colorado

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!" 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. 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. read more

If you ride you gotta go. Old rickety place with a cool vibe. Awesome ride up through Deckers. Who cares about the food or beer.... they just have it and not why you go. read more

So sad that this used to be a tradition for 20+ years, but we are finally cutting it off . Down hill for years but hung in there to keep our attitude... I think they have given up. Busiest weekend of the year and only 2 employees. They seemed high and incoherent. An hour and half later, bad burgers and no beers on tap. Sorrowful but Awful. They have seen better days. read more

Worth the drive for a afternoon adventure. If you are in a hurry don't go, but for a laid back place with a senic drive for great bar food head here. read more

This is one dive bar not to miss! Great place with lots of character and funky patio!

The drive out to The Bucksnort is cool. I went with some neighbors who had read about it on Travelocity.com. After a hard day of wood cutting and brush removal, we were starving and decided to give the Bucksnort a try. You get off 285 and the road twists back and forth on a very narrow canyon road that follows a river. There are huge boulders and little cabins line the road. 'Hey, this is cool.' My neighbors said. 'Maybe we'll finally find a good place to eat at up here in the hills.' We get to the Bucksnort, a little dump of a place that looks like it could fall apart if the wind hits it just right. But hey, sometimes these places surprise you. After entering and standing at the bar for around 5 minutes with the two member waitstaff looking at us, we guessed it was 'seat yourself''. Ten minutes later, no one had bothered to come to our table so we went and got menus ourselves with a promise from a waitress that she'd 'be over shortly'. 20 minutes later she mosseyed over and finally took our order. It was a little before 5pm on a Saturday and we were starving, so we were willing to overlook this. Besides, the food smelled good and Travelocity had said this place was worth going to. It took forever to get our food. I ordered the Bucksnort Burger (9 Bucks) which, when it finally came, was pretty good. It came with chips, no fries, or you could get some other sides for people who want to eat healthy. It was not worth 9 bucks, maybe 5, but ok, whatever. The non alcoholic drinks came in little bitty sterefoam cups, the kind you give a two year old so he won't break your good glasses. Good luck getting a refill. None of us ever did. It was almost like, after we got our food, we turned invisible. This place had the worst service I had ever seen, and I've been to a lot of places. I'm guessing it's okay if you go there for the beer. Afterall beer makes everything better. But it's still no excuse for lousy service. After finishing we sat around watching more people come in. Mostly hikers and rock climbers. It got really crowded. We never got our bill and finally got disgusted, headed up to the bar and asked for it. 'Where were you sitting?' She asked. 'Where is your table?' 'The one under the TV.' My friend said. 'The one you guys ignored this whole time.' I love my neighbor. She says stuff out loud I can only dream of saying. The girl behind the counter got all huffy, then after looking around, said she couldn't find our bill. She had to call someone else over and he rerang it. My friend told him this was the worst service she'd ever gotten at a restaurant and that we wouldn't be coming back. He said 'Good'. That pretty much tells you all you need to know. The Bucksnort is the only place out there and its a novelty. They don't care about you or taking care of you, they are living off the good reviews they get from the paper and online which I'm wondering how they ever got. The reviewers must have drank lots of beer. If you do go. Drink beer. LOTS of beer. Maybe it'll help. read more

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? read more

When I lived in Colorado, this was my favorite out of the way place to go for a beer and pool.. The drive can be kinda scary though in the winter as it's a lot of narrow dirt roads and if your not careful you can get lost. read more

It's a unique place to go that's for sure. The area is beautiful, but no more so than a hundred other spots along the way. Food was not good. Burger meat was tasteless and didn't sit well after the meal and I've got an Iron stomach, I didn't get sick or anything but my body was definitely wondering what hell I had just fed it. I've had worse for sure, but it was also not cheap by any means so definitely expected better. Tables, floors, bathrooms were all dirty, very dirty, not sure I would want to know what the kitchen looks like. Wait staff was friendly but speed is not a priority. We had our two kids with us and I wouldn't recommend you bring children here. As we came in two different people said "kids are fine, keep 'em on a leash though!" And "make sure you've got them under control!" I get it, out of control kids are pain in be ass, but I'm aware of what I need to do without having some backwoods local tell me how to parent, especially since he was very drunk and missing several teeth... Needless to say, I wouldn't bring kids here, at least not young ones. The back patio people rave about does have a cool view of the river but the patio is an eclectic mix of old furniture that doesn't make sitting out there very comfortable. It's also not very big, at all. Combine that with the fact it's the smoking area as well and it's not very appeasing to the relaxing time I was looking for so we sat inside. We went on a Sunday afternoon, it would be very interesting to see what that place is like on a weekend night, safe, who knows, but probably entertaining to say the least. Overall it was a memorable experience I guess and now I can say we did it, but I will definitely not be back and wouldn't recommend anyone to go unless they also wanted to say "I did it!". Not sure what all the hype is over this place. I've had WAY better food, beer, service, and atmosphere at MANY other dive bars/restaurants in this state, and throughout the country. There are just so many other great places for food and beer that it is baffling this place is apparently such a "got to go there!" place. To each their own I suppose. read more

This place is extra delicious if you just completed a hike in the area! The atmosphere can't be beat and the food ain't bad either! I was marginally impressed with their beer selection and always have a great time when I'm here. read more

I think the 'Snort would be rocking on a Friday night. We hit 'er up at 1115 on a Sunday. Service was quick, and given the remote location - relatively speaking - the prices were high, but not unreasonable. There are dolla dolla bills y'all hanging from the ceiling, and they seem to not be fond of children (nothing against that in a restaurant). The ham and cheese was decent. read more

Bucksnort Saloon - American Near Me - Pine, Colorado

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The mountain people who live near the Bucksnort will flatten your tires and run you off the road if you are a rude Yankee or Californian. Just to let you know. read more

New owners so we thought we'd give it a try. *Sigh It started with we don't have this and we don't have that... I ordered the chicken sandwich (they were out of it so I had to get their club sandwich). What can I say, $12.99 for a sandwich?? Not worth it. No bacon, no dressing, way too much ham. Just awful. My husband got the Jalapeño Brat. Overcooked, dry, bland. The bread on both were "meh" nothing special. The cook is definitely NOT a chef. No finesse. We saw the nachos and thought, wow. Less is definitely more. I'm sure there is much waste with those since usually ordered by two people but could feed 5 or 6. The service was ok, They were understaffed, which was obvious. The manager was walking around checking up on things, but since he was drinking (yes, he was walking around with a beer), not sure how acute his attention was to detail. It makes me sad. This place has so much potential, just hasn't gotten in the right hands. I got a tummy ache, so probably won't be back. Boo! read more

Even new owners ought to be able to handle a busy Saturday afternoon. Total lack of management. Our group of 4 waited for 45 minutes, and all we got for service was two menus (there was a shortage). Restrooms not stocked (mens - no paper towels or soap, womens - no paper towels or toilet paper). Maybe it's OK on a weekday. If you can't serve your customers, you should at least let them know before they sit down. read more

A great little bar & grill. The cheese burger was excellent (5*), except has to send it back to be cooked as it was raw in the middle. The smothered burrito was cold in the middle and just average in taste (2*). Waitress was great. Music mellow. read more

Great location, dive bar decor, and food! This place is a great stop while seeing the Aspen leaves change. I got the burger and it was awesome, I also loved my baked potato. This is a wonderful place for a group of friends. read more

Not worth the drive. Everyone says "you gotta see this place!" Some people even think the food is good. I've been three times and will not go back. And I won't take out of town guests here again either. It is interesting, but that's no reason to make the trip. Average food, below average staff. If you want to try it for some reason, don't go in the winter. I know there's a safety reason for not having fries or rings, but for me it detracts from the experience. read more

This place has dramatically changed. It used to be fun with good food and friendly staff. Now it's a hole in the wall dive with terrible food, horrible prices and very rude and neglectful staff. The place was empty and we still got terrible service. Never again. read more