The Hotel Sisters was built in 1912 and is arguably the most iconic building on the town’s main drag—one of the original old West buildings that inspired an entire Western-themed town. It’s been home to the Sisters Saloon and Ranch Grill since 2016, properly restored to its vintage charm, and continues on as a favorite watering hole of locals and tourists alike.
Head to the patio on the west side of the building, a well-protected space with plenty of tables and heaters. Order an Elmer the Mule to drink—it’s the bar’s version of a Moscow Mule named for Elmer, the Rocky Mountain elk head, who, for years, has kept watch from the saloon’s wall. The local Cascade Street potato vodka gives good earthy character under the spice of the ginger beer and the sweet berry Humm Kombucha. Easy to suck down a few mules under the warm spring sun.
For food, the wonderfully crispy brussels sprouts are charred and tossed with a sharp, tangy balsamic reduction you’ll want to put on everything. Sirloin steak bites are marinated tender, grilled and served with a cool horseradish dip. And the roasted beet and goat cheese salad builds flavors and textures with rich red and golden beets, creamy goat cheese, crunchy slivered almonds and apples, and a light, sweet orange vinaigrette.
Sisters Saloon and Ranch Grill also smartly reinvented their take-out system for pandemic times. Use the app from their website to place and pay for your order (including to-go cocktails). When it’s ready, you’ll head to a new pick-up window on the east side of the building. Push the call button and they’ll hand you your food and drinks through the window. It’s not quite the same as sitting in the cool old Western bar—but it will do for now.
Elmer the Mule
1.5 oz. Cascade Street potato vodka
Splash of fruity Humm Kombucha
Ginger beer
Lime wedge
Fill a copper mug with ice. Add vodka and splash of kombucha. Fill the mug to the top with ginger beer. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
