As the gateway to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cañon City is a small town best known for its outdoor activities, infamous prisons, and its historic downtown – said to be the longest historic main street in the country. As a National Historic District, downtown Cañon City is filled with a variety of shops, restaurants, galleries, and bars, most of which are housed inside historic buildings.
Outside the main part of town, adventurers will enjoy the abundance of mountain biking, hiking, rafting, and ziplining available to them. So raise a glass to those who enjoy both a night out on the town and a good beer after a hike with these the best bars in Cañon City.
Mose Public House
Located in downtown Cañon City, Mose Public House is a bartender-run establishment where you can get craft cocktails. The name “Mose” comes from a legendary, thousand-pound grizzly that ran amok on the streets of Canon City in the 1800s and was rumored to kill hundreds of cattle and several people.
The building where Mose Public House resides was built in 1898, and it was the first post office in Cañon City, so this is a place where you can drink in some history alongside your beverage. Catch their happy hour from 3:00 – 6:00 pm on weekdays or enjoy their reasonably priced cocktail and food menus any time you stop by.
409 Main Street | 719-315-2266 | mosepub.com
Owl Cigar Store
The Owl Cigar Store may not sound like one of the best bars in Cañon City, but its name belies an over 100-year-old institution beloved by locals. It doesn’t get any divier than this. Don’t expect five-star service or fancy food, but you can bank on cheap, old-fashioned burgers and a memorable experience that feels like you’ve gone back in time. Belly up to the bar, order a beer, and try to pick your jaw up off of the floor when you see how cheap the no-frills burgers and shakes are.
Here, you can play pool, enjoy the vintage décor, or pick up some kitschy merch. The Owl Cigar Store is the type of place you can only find in small-town Colorado, and it’s a must-visit on your next trip through Cañon City. Don’t miss their happy hour that runs from 3:30 – 5:30 pm on weekdays for excellent drink specials. You’ll want to come early, though, because this place closes at 7:00 pm.
626 Main Street | 719-275-9946 | theowlwear.com
Canon City Mugs
Cañon City Mugs is a coffee café, sports bar, and grill all rolled into one place. You can come here for an early morning breakfast, or you could stop in for their happy hour from 3:00 – 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. Bring the kids to this family-friendly place and enjoy their comprehensive espresso menu and coffee that’s roasted on-site. At Cañon City Mugs, you’ll have a good view of the game and a full bar of drinks to choose from, or you could sit on the patio if that’s more your speed.
1520 Royal Gorge Boulevard | 719-276-5348 | canoncitymugs.com
Canon City Brews and Bikes
Located in another historic building, Cañon City Brews and Bikes has everything Coloradans could want; bike rentals, cold beer, occasional live music, and a sunny, dog-friendly patio to drink on. Your drink choices aren’t limited here, as they offer wine and cocktails in addition to brews.
Plus, you can grab a burger or appetizer to fuel your single-track trail adventure, and you can play cornhole in the beer garden while you wait for your order.
224 Main Street | 719-275-2472 | canoncitybrewsandbikes.com
White Water Bar and Grill
White Water Bar and Grill is the perfect place to cap off a day exploring the Royal Gorge. Connected to the Royal Gorge Rafting company, the White Water Grill is where people come after rafting the Gorge, ziplining, or hiking in the park. Often, if you buy one of their guided tours (full day tours) you receive a lunch voucher to White Water Grill. A popular package is a half-day of rafting, half-day of ziplining, and lunch at the grill.
You can find delicious barbecue here, activities galore, and plenty of cocktails, wine, and beer. They offer daily specials and events like Monday night karaoke, sand volleyball tournaments, live music Saturdays, and locals’ night.
This is a great place to spend a sunny day with your crew on their shady patio, where you’ll never be at a loss for how to pass the time between rounds. However, this place is seasonal and not open in the winter, so be sure to check their website for dates that they are available for service.
45045 Highway 50 West | 719-269-1009 | whitewaterbar.com
World’s End Brewing Company
No list of the best bars in any Colorado town is complete without a brewery, and this is true for Cañon City as well. World’s End Brewing Company offers a wide selection of beers perfect for sating any hop addict’s craving. Plus, they offer surprisingly good food that surpasses the typical idea of bar fare, like oysters on the half-shell.
Try one of their elevated wing offerings with an extensive list of customizable sauces and rubs, or grab something from their limited cocktail menu if you’re not in the mood for a draft. Sit at the bar and watch the game or enjoy the fresh air on the patio. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to enjoy the upscale offerings at this delectable brewery.
401 Main Street | 719-315-2663 | worldsendbrewingco.com
Old Mission Mexican Restaurant
This popular local’s choice for Mexican has a homey Southwestern feel. While you won’t find the most authentic Mexican food in Colorado here, you will find a decent spot for some Tex-Mex as well as super affordable drinks. You can watch the game if you sit at the bar or enjoy mountain views on their patio. Come for the quaint vibes and stay for the lengthy happy hour that runs from 2:00 – 6:00 pm daily, where you can find unbeatable drink specials.
1905 Fremont Drive | 719-275-6780 | oldmissionrestaurant.business.site
Here’s to your next outdoor adventure in historic Cañon City!
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