Some of the best plates in Colorado come from places with no neon promises and no fancy menus. On a busy stretch of West Colfax in Lakewood, a humble saloon has quietly earned a reputation for onion rings that diners have called world-class.
That is a bold title for a side dish, and it comes from a spot that proudly skips the frills. The rooms are casual, the prices stay friendly, and the staff treats newcomers like old neighbors.
The menu wanders far beyond onion rings, too, with steak sandwiches, prime rib, Rocky Mountain oysters, green chili, and a Tuesday taco deal that keeps wallets happy. Keep reading to learn where this place is, why it moved, what to order, when to go, and why a plate of rings might be the best reason to pull off Colfax this week.
A Saloon on West Colfax
The address worth saving is 11810 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215, in the United States. That is the home of Denver/Lakewood Stockyard Saloon – The Yard Bar, a casual American restaurant and neighborhood bar.
West Colfax is a long, busy corridor on the western edge of the Denver metro area. The saloon sits right along it, so it is easy to reach for locals and travelers passing through Lakewood.
The place calls itself a gathering spot with hearty pub fare and a down-to-earth vibe. Nobody here is trying to impress you with white tablecloths or tiny portions.
What it offers instead is simple. There is a big bar area, a smaller dining space, a little patio, and a kitchen that sends out plates big enough to share.
Many people know it as the best kind of no-frills stop on the west side of Colfax. It earns that title by keeping things friendly, affordable, and generous.
The overall score sits at 4.5 stars across more than 700 opinions, which is a strong showing for a casual bar and grill. That number suggests the formula works for plenty of people.
So before talking about those famous onion rings, it helps to know where the story began. The saloon did not always call Lakewood home.
From the Stockyards to the Suburbs
Here is a twist many first-timers miss. The Stockyard Saloon once lived in a brick, factory-style building in an industrial part of Denver.
That old home sat near the city’s stock show grounds. The spot was famous for getting very busy during the stock show, when cowboys and cowgirls filled the room with stories.
Guests who found the original location often praised its authentic interior and humble local feel. In a city that keeps changing fast, it felt like a real piece of old Denver.
Then came the move. The saloon is no longer downtown, and the Colfax address in Lakewood is now the correct one.
Some online listings have caused confusion over the years. A few even made it look like the business had closed for good, which is not the case.
The takeaway is simple. Trust the West Colfax address and ignore any older directions pointing to the industrial area of Denver.
The name still carries the history, with Denver and Lakewood both in the title. It is a small reminder that this saloon has roots in the city’s ranching past and a fresh start in the suburbs.
The Ring Leader of the Menu
World-class is a big compliment for a side order. Yet that is exactly how diners have described the onion rings at The Yard Bar.
One pair visiting from California came for a classic Colorado dish and ended up sharing a plate of rings with a patty melt and fries. The rings stole the show, and both agreed they were world-class.
That kind of surprise is part of the fun here. You walk in for one thing and leave talking about something you ordered almost as an afterthought.
Onion rings work well as a shared starter. They also pair nicely with a burger or sandwich if you want a change from fries.
The saloon keeps its menu rooted in hearty pub fare, so the rings fit right in. They are the kind of side that turns a quick lunch into a small celebration.
If your group is ordering appetizers, put a plate of rings in the middle of the table. Odds are good they will vanish before the main course lands.
Consider this your official tip. When the server asks about sides, the answer should go around in a circle.
Steak Sandwich Superstars
Among all the dishes people talk about, the steak sandwich gets the most attention. It shows up again and again as a favorite.
The New York steak sandwich has been called outstanding. Others who skipped it admitted it looked so good they planned to come back for one.
Right behind it is the prime rib sandwich, another popular order. Both fit the saloon’s style of filling, meaty plates that do not hold back.
A Philly sandwich also earns praise as an excellent choice. That gives sandwich fans a solid lineup to work through over several visits.
Portions here tend to be large. Many guests find themselves boxing up half for later, which makes these plates good value.
Pair any of these sandwiches with those onion rings, and you have a meal worth the drive down Colfax. Homemade chips are another side option that people mention.
For first-timers who cannot decide, the steak sandwich is the safest bet on the board. It has a loyal following for good reason.
Rocky Mountain Oysters, Colorado Style
No trip to Colorado feels complete for some travelers without trying Rocky Mountain oysters. The Yard Bar is one of the places they come to check that box.
It is the most talked-about dish after the steak sandwich. Out-of-state guests often order it as a rite of passage.
Many people leave happy, praising the dish along with the generous servings and friendly service. It has been recommended alongside the steak sandwich as a winning pair.
Opinions do vary, though. Some diners found the slices thinner than they liked or wished for less breading.
That honest mix is useful to know. If you are curious, order them as a shared plate so everyone can try a bite.
The dish also ties back to the saloon’s stockyard roots. It fits the ranch-country theme better than almost anything else on the menu.
Brave eaters can treat it as a story to tell back home. Everyone else can stick with the onion rings and still enjoy a true taste of the West.
Burritos, Queso, and Green Chili
Surprise guests often notice the same thing. There are quite a few Mexican dishes on this menu, and they hold their own.
Burritos come up often, including a seasoned beef burrito and a Texas-sized version with plenty of flavor. They are filling choices for big appetites.
The chili con queso earns special love when paired with green chili. Green chili is a Colorado favorite, and here it adds extra character to the queso.
Freshly made chips round out the plate. They make the queso an easy pick for a group.
The nachos deserve a warning. One order has been described as large enough to feed four people on its own.
Bottle caps, which are fried jalapeños, also make a fun starter. They join the onion rings and cheese curds on a strong appetizer list.
For a table of friends, a spread of queso, nachos, and rings could easily become dinner. Nobody will go home hungry.
Burgers With Personality
Burger names here come with a wink to the Old West. The bacon cheeseburger is called the Doc Holiday, and first-timers have called it a winner.
Another long-time option is the Jimmy Beam burger, topped with a whiskey pepper sauce. It has been good enough that guests ask for extra sauce to dip their fries.
Size is a theme again. The double burger with homemade chips has been described as so big that half went home in a box.
The patty melt is another solid pick. It pairs naturally with fries or, better yet, those famous onion rings.
Not every burger visit is perfect, and a few guests have had cooking or seasoning issues. Most, however, leave with full stomachs and plans to return.
The value stands out. Considering the size of these plates, many people call the prices very affordable.
A burger and a side of rings might be the most classic order in the building. It is simple, filling, and right in line with the saloon’s personality.
Wings, Tenders, and Bar Bites
Some regulars swear the wings are the real headliner. They are often called famous, and the BBQ style gets strong praise.
The Ranchers Chicken Tenders are another crowd-pleaser. They fit the ranch theme and make an easy choice for picky eaters.
Cheese curds have earned good words too. So have cheese sticks, which make a simple starter for sharing.
This section of the menu is where the bar side of the saloon shines. These are bites made for game days and catch-ups with friends.
Several TVs often show sports, so a plate of wings fits right in. Soccer has been on the screens during some visits.
Desserts may be a quiet bonus as well. A well-made dessert has impressed guests who expected only bar fare.
Mixing a few of these bites with onion rings can build a fun, casual meal. It also lets a group sample more of the kitchen at once.
Taco Tuesday Math
Six dollars can still buy a real meal on West Colfax. Tuesday is the day to prove it.
The taco special includes three crispy tacos with ground beef, cheese, and refried beans. A side of beans comes along too.
That is a lot of food for a small price. It has turned Tuesday into a favorite stop for neighbors looking for a deal.
Service on taco day has been called fast and professional. That makes it a good choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prices across the menu generally land between 10 and 20 dollars per person. The taco special sits well below that, which is part of its charm.
There is also a happy hour that people talk about. Ask the staff for current times, since specials can change.
A smart move is to grab the tacos and add a shared plate of onion rings. It keeps the bill low and the table happy.
Old-Timey Saloon Looks
The decor leans into the saloon name. Inside, the space has long carried an old-timey western look that surprises people who expect a plain bar.
The bar area is big, and food service at the bar is plentiful. Solo diners can easily grab a stool and order a full meal.
The dining area is smaller. On busy nights, seating can fill up, so arriving early helps.
There is also a little patio. On nice Colorado days, it gives guests a relaxed spot to eat outside.
Several TVs keep sports fans in the loop. Music often plays as well, and at times it has been fairly loud.
Cleanliness has drawn compliments. Guests have called the restaurant very clean, which matters a lot at a casual bar.
The overall design is nothing fancy, and that is the point. It is a comfortable place to sit, eat, and stay a while.
Where Everybody Feels Like a Regular
Friendly service may be the saloon’s strongest ingredient. Guests often describe it as the kind of bar where everyone feels like a regular.
Servers get named and thanked again and again for being warm, efficient, and helpful. Travelers have called their waitress genuine and fabulous.
That welcoming spirit stretches from the front of house to the kitchen. People have cheered the whole staff for a job well done.
Not every visit is flawless. A rare guest has had a poor experience at the bar, but most stories lean strongly positive.
The crowd is a mix of neighbors, workers on lunch break, and out-of-towners. Weeknights can be quiet, with no crowd at all.
Later on weekends, the room can still be calm enough to talk without shouting. That makes it good for conversations with friends.
A little friendliness goes a long way. Here, it often turns first-timers into return guests.
A Handy Stop Before The Grizzly Rose
Country music fans have found a clever use for this saloon. It has been recommended as a pit stop before heading to The Grizzly Rose.
The Grizzly Rose is a well-known country music venue in the Denver area. A hearty meal first makes sense before a long night of dancing.
The saloon’s western name and ranch roots fit that plan nicely. It feels like a natural warm-up for a cowboy-boot kind of evening.
Live music has been mentioned by some guests too. Others have said that adding regular live music would keep the place packed.
Since offerings can change, check the website before planning around a show. That way you know what to expect.
Stock show season was a famous time at the old Denver location. Western fans may still find the spirit alive here.
Fill up on rings, wings, or a steak sandwich, then head out for the night. Your dancing feet will thank you later.
Hours, Prices, and Planning Tips
Good news for late lunch fans and night owls alike. The saloon opens at 11 AM every day of the week.
From Sunday through Thursday, it closes at 10 PM. On Friday and Saturday, it stays open until midnight.
Prices typically run between 10 and 20 dollars per person. With large portions, many diners get two meals out of one order.
Weekday visits tend to be quieter. Weekends, especially later at night, still offer a relaxed setting.
Seating in the dining area is limited. Grab a spot at the big bar if tables are full.
Remember the address mix-up some online maps have caused. Use 11810 W Colfax Ave in Lakewood and you will be in the right place.
The official website, denverstockyardsaloon.com, is a good spot to check for menu updates and specials. A quick look before you go can save time.
Worth the Detour Down Colfax
Big flavor does not need a big entrance. This little saloon proves that with every basket of onion rings it sends out.
It carries a piece of Denver’s stockyard history and a fresh home in Lakewood. It pairs that story with generous plates, fair prices, and staff who make strangers feel at home.
The steak sandwich has a loyal fan base. The wings, queso, burritos, and Tuesday tacos give everyone something to look forward to.
It is not perfect, and it does not pretend to be. A few dishes split opinions, and the dining room is on the small side.
Still, the overall picture is a friendly, affordable neighborhood stop with real character. That is hard to find on any busy road.
So the next time West Colfax is on your route, make room for a short detour. Order the onion rings first, then decide if you have space for more.
Chances are good you will be planning your next round before the last ring disappears.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.