Carl's Tavern

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A laid-back Steamboat Springs pub offering American comfort food with a Southern spin, known for its extensive whiskey selection and vibrant bar.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow

Carl's Tavern

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A laid-back Steamboat Springs pub offering American comfort food with a Southern spin, known for its extensive whiskey selection and vibrant bar.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Every item ordered at this restaurant was absolutely delicious. You cannot go wrong here."

TIP

Make Reservations

On busy nights, securing a reservation is recommended to avoid waiting for a table.

Don't Miss Appetizers

The Crispy Brussel Sprout Leaves are highly recommended and a definite must-try for any diner.

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Quick Facts

Cuisine

American (Southern Flair)

Price

Mid-range

Address

700 Yampa St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Extensive Whiskey & Bourbon Selection

Explore a vast array of whiskeys and bourbons at one of Steamboat's best bars. Perfect for connoisseurs and curious drinkers alike.

Crispy Brussel Sprout Leaves

A must-try appetizer that reviewers rave about. Perfectly seasoned and delightfully crispy, these leaves are a standout.

Google Review+1

Southern-Influenced Comfort Food

Enjoy comforting American classics with a Southern flair, from hearty burgers to unique appetizers and substantial entrees.

Dining & Nightlife6 Unique Winter Things To Do With Kids
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Make Reservations

On busy nights, securing a reservation is recommended to avoid waiting for a table.

Don't Miss Appetizers

The Crispy Brussel Sprout Leaves are highly recommended and a definite must-try for any diner.

Happy Hour Deals

Enjoy discounted drinks, including $3 select beers and $5 house margaritas during Happy Hour.

Bourbon & Whiskey Lovers

Explore the diverse and extensive selection of bourbon and whiskey available at the bar.

Tips

from all over the internet

Make Reservations

On busy nights, securing a reservation is recommended to avoid waiting for a table.

Don't Miss Appetizers

The Crispy Brussel Sprout Leaves are highly recommended and a definite must-try for any diner.

Happy Hour Deals

Enjoy discounted drinks, including $3 select beers and $5 house margaritas during Happy Hour.

Bourbon & Whiskey Lovers

Explore the diverse and extensive selection of bourbon and whiskey available at the bar.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Carl's Tavern is celebrated for its exceptional comfort food with a Southern twist and an impressive whiskey selection. Diners consistently praise the delicious, well-prepared dishes, friendly service, and lively atmosphere. While most experiences are positive, some patrons have noted occasional seating issues and higher price points for certain items.

"5 Stars on a BUSY Saturday night. Carl's did not miss a beat. We walked in during prime time without a reservation and they graciously created a table in the way back. Our server was very attentive and came to take our drink and appetizer orders fairly quickly. Who ever is running this restaurant, the chef and whoever is responsible for ops and the team should win an award. Everyone worked together, things ran smoothly and the all the food we ordered was excellent. We started with the Crispy Brussel Sprout Leaves - MUST HAVE! We then had a Wedge salad, Adult Grilled Cheese and Hamburgers with a great Char and flavor. See pictures of the bar it is quite extensive especially if you love bourbon and whisky - so many choices. I love an old-fashioned and they had so many very interesting options to choose from. Great for families."

Mark Engel

"Went here to kill some time and get s drink before dinner. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Beer was cold and refreshing. Tried the crispy brussel sprouts which were very tasty. Atmosphere was nice and restaurant was clean and well maintained."

Jozef Watson

"Cool tavern setting. Great service at the bar. The food was delicious and it’s not your average bar food. Try the pimento and cheese and get the BLT. They’re delicious. Try a smoked old fashion for me will ya? Great bourbon selection. I’ll be back."

Candace

What People Like

Delicious and well-executed comfort food
Extensive and impressive whiskey selection
Friendly and attentive service

What People Dislike

Inconsistent seating experiences
Prices can be on the higher side

Frequently Asked Questions

Carl's Tavern serves American comfort food with a Southern flair, featuring dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and hearty entrees.

Dining & Nightlife6 Unique Winter Things To Do With KidsThe Best Happy Hours in Steamboat Springs – Updated 2023

Yes, Carl's Tavern is renowned for its extensive whiskey and bourbon selection, as well as craft cocktails and beer.

Nightlife - Ski Season 12/13Google Review+1

It is recommended to make reservations, especially on busy nights, to avoid waiting for a table.

The Best Spots for Eating & Drinking in SteamboatGoogle Review

Reviewers highly recommend the Crispy Brussel Sprout Leaves. Burgers and sandwiches are also popular choices.

The Best Spots for Eating & Drinking in SteamboatGoogle Review+1

Yes, Carl's Tavern is noted as a gluten-free friendly place, particularly for burgers and upscale American food.

Planning a Healthy Ski Vacation: Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Yes, Carl's Tavern features a daily happy hour with discounted drinks, including select beers and house margaritas.

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mail.steamboat.net

Dining & Nightlife

Carl's Tavern is named after a very classy ski jumper who continues to inspire people to try new things, grab life by the horns, make new friends and to be themselves. The food is comforting and familiar, from Maryland Blue crab cakes and cesear salad to pot roast, chicken pot pie, burgers and even more delicious entrees that are sure to remind you of home. Don't forget to check out their drink menu, you are going to like that, too.

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steamboatmagazine.com

Nightlife - Ski Season 12/13

Downtown at Carl’s Tavern, you’ll find a down-to- earth place where ranchers rub elbows with city officials and visitors become locals. With made-from-scratch comfort food, there are Colorado beers on tap and Colorado Mules served in copper mugs. At Cugino’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, unwind at the bar with a Birra Moretti draft or try one of the bartender’s delicious concoctions during a late night happy hour.

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SteamboatToday.com

Dining scene blooms on Yampa Street with addition of new restaurant Primrose

After selling Carl’s Tavern, where he was owner from 2011 to 2017, Kelley moved to Denver and worked under famed Denver Chef Troy Guard, who founded the TAG Restaurant Group. But Kelley’s affection for Steamboat brought him back last summer when he was offered the chef job at the Periodic Table. He split his time between Steamboat and Denver, where he wanted to remain close to his sons.

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Curbed

The Best Spots for Eating & Drinking in Steamboat

This popular hangout is named after the father of Steamboat's skiing scene and namesake of Howelsen Hill across the river, Carl Howelsen. The menu is heavy on comfort food, and standalone sides, like the mac and cheese or crispy Brussels sprouts, can be meals unto themselves. This place can get packed, so call ahead if you can.

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Dessert | Ice Cream | Steamboat Springs, CO

We love the warm out of the oven chocolate chip cookies paired with the ice cold pint of milk at Carl’s. Wear your milk moustache proud as you bite into chewy gooey goodness in each hot cookie bite. Or give the “drunkin'” doughnuts a try at Old Town Pub.

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FamiliesGo!

6 Unique Winter Things To Do With Kids

Several store owners directed us to Carl’s Tavern, a busy sports bar at night, but a kid-friendly restaurant at lunchtime. The homemade chicken-pot pie, grilled cheese and onion rings we ordered were tasty, hearty and definitely all made in-house.

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The Gallivanting Spoon

The Best Happy Hours in Steamboat Springs – Updated 2023

Carl’s Tavern is a casual restaurant serving up tasty American dishes with a few Southern touches. Their burgers are massive here, as well as their triple layer cakes. This a great stop for a simple meal in downtown Steamboat Springs.

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6 Pet Friendly Things To Do In Steamboat Springs

Carl’s Tavern, Salt and Lime, and Slopeside Grill are a few great options. Enjoy a Colorado bison burger or truffle fries at Back Door Grill, and maybe give your pal animal a few treats for being such a good dog today.

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Dana Monsees Nutrition

Planning a Healthy Ski Vacation: Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Great gluten-free friendly place to grab burgers or upscale American food, but it gets crowded fast, especially on game days!. The rotisserie chicken is bomb, and so are all the burgers on the menu!

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ETB Travel Photography

Top Things to Do in Steamboat Springs

Many have outdoor seating, and we took advantage of it at a handful of places including E3 Chophouse, O’Neil’s Tavern & Grill, and Carl’s Tavern.

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snowmass.com

Steamboat Springs Nightlife

Carl’s Tavern, on TK, for instance offers great eats, a fun atmosphere, creative cocktails and a great happy hour from four to six p.m.

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steamboatsprings.travel

Steamboat Springs apres-ski and winter nightlife guide

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