Last Stand Tavern
After my hike to the Lower Crater Lakes I was looking for a fun place to stop for a bite and found it at the Last Stand Tavern. If you are headed to the East Portal of the James Peak Wilderness to hike from Denver or Boulder, you will usually take the long and winding Colorado 72. The Last Stand Tavern is one of two restaurants as you get closer to top of the pass.
The Last Stand Tavern was built in 1965 and features a patio with beautiful views of the surrounding areas. It has been a few different style restaurants but is currently styled as a Pittsburgh themed sports bar, right down to the Primanti Style sandwiches.

One of the first things that I noticed when I walked in the door was the collection of classic beer cans behind the bar and around the walls. If you have ever heard of a beer, I am sure it was on display. It was pretty amazing seeing all of the old fashioned style of cans and all of the old brands that I hadn’t heard of in years.

The Food
Now for the important part…The Food! I came in on a Friday and on Friday’s the Last Stand Tavern has a fish fry special. I couldn’t pass up my favorite two words, Fry and Special, so I ordered one.
The golden, hand-battered cod was delicious and came with a side of fries and tartar sauce. The fish was really good and just what I was looking for after a long day of hiking.

The atmosphere in the Last Stand was so much fun as well. From the bartender, the owner, and the people sitting around the bar, we all sat around and talked and it was a really pleasant and enjoyable stop for lunch. They even have live music on occasions! So if you find yourself traveling Coal Creek Canyon Road, or if you are Steelers fan looking for a great place to watch a game, give the Last Stand Tavern a shot!
Finding Last Stand
The Last Stand is a bit of an enigma. It is technically in Golden, but also in Boulder County. It doesn’t really seem like it is close to either of those places but who am I to judge! The restaurant is located at 32138 Co-72 in Golden.
I have added this restaurant and all of the restaurants I have been to on my interactive map that you can find here. If you have a suggestion for a restaurant or any comments feel free to email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com or you can follow me on any of the below social media platforms. Bon Appetit!
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Unlike some other bloggers, I never ask for discounted or free meals on my site. I think it is important, especially now, to support our local restaurants and small business owners. It does get expensive though and I am just a small business myself so if you are willing to help me out by making a donation below I would greatly appreciate it and be able to continue to bring you the content you love!
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