First visit: Jan 2024
Time for our annual winter visit to Westcliffe. Mrs. RJG and I wait for what appears to be the first sunny weekend day of the year and go for a last minute trip. Seemed a little risky on this cold brisk morning, as we did get a light covering of snow last night. After our run on the soft padded snow blanket trail, we decided to make a try for it. On the State 115 route to Canon City, the road was wet with snow melt, and it seemed we may have to turn back. But it was dry once we approached Canon City, and we visited a couple of thrift shops while there. Then we took the route south to Westcliffe (Hwy 69). All these years, and we've never gone this particular way in to Westcliffe, only out of. It's a different view altogether, but no less stunning. Whereas the other route has this "ta dah" moment as you head west, this one gives you miles of beautiful snow capped mountains to gawk at. I recommend the west route (Hwy 96) for out of town guests, but both routes are stunning.
We love Westcliffe because it's a real Colorado mountain town, and it's less than two hours away. This isn't for the hundred millionaire and billionaire set. It's not touristy and it's a place only for the locals. It's too isolated from the main freeway arteries to draw interest, and there aren't ski options. In other words - it's perfect. We usually like to visit in the summer as well, but last year we had three different Colorado interior mountain itineraries that we wanted to (and did) pursue. This year we have other travel plans that should allow for a mid year visit.
Chuds is a new name for us. For our last two visits to Westcliffe we went to Bootleggers Bistro, and Chappys before that. But we're glad to add Chuds to our Westcliffe rotation. It was fairly empty when we arrived not long before noon. It's a large place, a little off the beaten path, with a slightly cold impersonal feel to it. There are TV's and a couple of windows to brighten it up. This is more of a family place than the upscale bar feel of the other two places above. Though they do have beer (bottled I think). As you can see from their logo, they have a Chicago slant to their menu, and I wanted to try everything on it.
Mrs. RJG went with the crispy chicken sandwich and I had the Chud Burger with American cheese. So we stayed American traditional anyway, though next time I want to try the thin Chicago pizza, or the Gyro Greek, or the Italian beef, or the Polish sausage, or.... They even have breakfast. For drinks we stuck with water, since we wanted dessert (Sugarlump). So how did it all come out? Perfect! I asked for my burger well done and that's exactly what I got. Great tasting meat, with lettuce, pickles, and onions. Mrs. RJG had a blast with her chicken sandwich. It was super crispy and steaming hot all the way through the meal. We each got fries, and they too were crispy and hot throughout. Mrs. RJG couldn't remember the last time she enjoyed her chicken sandwich that much. Special mention to the buns, as they were lightly toasted with butter. Excellent. Oh yea, we'll be back for sure. Next year for certain.
Oh, and two police officers arrived as we were leaving. Yep - we're in the right place!
1/6/24 (new entry)
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