Sitting on the corner of 12th and Washington, the Old Capitol Grill is a landmark feature on Golden's downtown main street. Established in 1866, this historical building is not only a part of Golden's history, but of Colorado's as well.
The building itself is named the Loveland building after its constructor, W.A.H Loveland. The Loveland building was, in fact, the original capitol building of the Colorado territory and held Colorado's first legislative sessions in 1866. A battle raged in Congress over the issue of the location of the state capitol; should it be Golden or Denver? Golden lost by a mere vote; a vote many believe was bought. Although the Loveland building lost out on the honor of becoming the capitol building, it still continued to play an important part in Golden's history.
Mines itself held sessions with Mr. Loveland as one of its first trustees. Loveland become involved in the Colorado Central Railways and used his building as a one of his central offices. Later, the building became a dry goods store and from 1941-1971 was one of the largest grocery stores in Jefferson County. In 1971, the Loveland building converted to become the Mercantile Restaurant and has remained in the restaurant business since then. Although the building has had been worked on many times in its 144 years, the most recent update gave the building its 1920's façade and the charm it has today. In 1997, the building finally become home to what we know it as, the Old Capitol Grill - a name befitting its historic past.
Apart from the building's history, there is another major part to the Old Capitol Grill - the food! With decent prices, the Grill offers great food that even a college kid can afford every now and then; the average meal is around $10. The menu offers a range of items, from Bison Burgers and "Capitol Punishment Chili" to fish tacos and pot roast. A giant BBQ pulled-pork sandwich and heaping pile of fries is a mere $9.
Aside from a delicious meal, the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. Photos detailing the history of the building surround the tables in the back. The front bar area offers sports-fans a place to watch the games.
Overall, the Old Capitol Grill is a worthwhile visit for two reason: its long-standing history in our quaint town and some great food. A couple of tips for first-timers. The Grill has some great lunch specials like BBQ ribs, rotisserie chicken, and soup and sandwich combos, and you can avoid the night-time crowds!
The building itself is named the Loveland building after its constructor, W.A.H Loveland. The Loveland building was, in fact, the original capitol building of the Colorado territory and held Colorado's first legislative sessions in 1866. A battle raged in Congress over the issue of the location of the state capitol; should it be Golden or Denver? Golden lost by a mere vote; a vote many believe was bought. Although the Loveland building lost out on the honor of becoming the capitol building, it still continued to play an important part in Golden's history.Mines itself held sessions with Mr. Loveland as one of its first trustees. Loveland become involved in the Colorado Central Railways and used his building as a one of his central offices. Later, the building became a dry goods store and from 1941-1971 was one of the largest grocery stores in Jefferson County. In 1971, the Loveland building converted to become the Mercantile Restaurant and has remained in the restaurant business since then. Although the building has had been worked on many times in its 144 years, the most recent update gave the building its 1920's façade and the charm it has today. In 1997, the building finally become home to what we know it as, the Old Capitol Grill - a name befitting its historic past.
Apart from the building's history, there is another major part to the Old Capitol Grill - the food! With decent prices, the Grill offers great food that even a college kid can afford every now and then; the average meal is around $10. The menu offers a range of items, from Bison Burgers and "Capitol Punishment Chili" to fish tacos and pot roast. A giant BBQ pulled-pork sandwich and heaping pile of fries is a mere $9.
Aside from a delicious meal, the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. Photos detailing the history of the building surround the tables in the back. The front bar area offers sports-fans a place to watch the games.
Overall, the Old Capitol Grill is a worthwhile visit for two reason: its long-standing history in our quaint town and some great food. A couple of tips for first-timers. The Grill has some great lunch specials like BBQ ribs, rotisserie chicken, and soup and sandwich combos, and you can avoid the night-time crowds!
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