Arriving at El Rancho Brewing Co
Harvest Hosts is an incredibly unique RV membership program. Through this program, members are granted access to 4356+ host locations across North America for overnight accommodations with no camping fees. To support the business, members typically make a small purchase of whatever it is that the business is offering. Locations include establishments such as farms, wineries, breweries, museums, restaurants, attractions, and more. El Rancho Brewing Company is a great example of one of our incredible hosts. Located just west of Denver, Colorado, this brewery offers prime views of the Continental Divide. Continue on to learn all about the business, its history, the operation today, and its joining of the Harvest Hosts program.
The History
El Rancho’s story begins in 1948, when the restaurant was built by the Jahnke family. The early establishment sought to fill the role of a community-oriented restaurant in Evergreen that could also draw in motorists and tourists from US-40. In 1953, the Jahnkes sold the building to Mildred and Ray Zipprich. The Zippriches were successful pie distributors from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their son-in-law, Paul McEncroe and his family operated El Rancho until 1988, and, during this time, the restaurant cemented its status as a Front Range mainstay.
The Zippriches then sold El Rancho in 1988. After this change in ownership, the restaurant then underwent a series of ownerships and closures until 2015. At this time, the Vincent family purchased and renovated the historic restaurant as a brew pub. Then, in 2020, Paul Vincent partnered with local restaurateur and managing partner Glen Fountain. Together, they renovated the restaurant and reestablished the Aspen Room downstairs from the restaurant. This massive change breathed new life into the speak-easy style bar and live entertainment venue that was first established in 1958.
The Business Today
Today, El Rancho aims to honor the restaurant’s rich history and emphasize its connection to Colorado and the Evergreen community in everything it does, providing Colorado mountain cuisine with a first-class culinary experience and service to match. Celebrating seventy-three years in 2021, this iconic Colorado restaurant features fantastic views of the Continental Divide with a seating capacity of 500+. Their offerings include a restaurant, a brewpub, and deck on the main floor. They also have a gorgeous bar and beer garden on the lower level.
Joining Harvest Hosts
El Rancho Brewing Company joined the Harvest Hosts family just this year. Since then, they have hosted so many guests at their beautiful location. There are so many ways to patronize this host, with the easiest being to visit the restaurant and bar. They also have thirty-two-ounce to-go growlers available, as well as merchandise, which includes hats, shirts, and activewear available for purchase at the front desk. Their entire menu is available to-go, and they sell box lunches as well. The restaurant closes at 9 pm, but the downstairs bar and beer garden are open until 12am each night.
The views, convenient location, and excellent food, beer, and environment make this place a fan favorite. In fact, many members have returned more than once! Keep in mind that while they do offer five pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size, guests must park in a designated parking space, as parking is limited, and the location stays busy with patrons.
El Rancho Brewing Company is an incredible Harvest Hosts location in northern Colorado. They perfectly exemplify the uniqueness of the Harvest Hosts experience. Be sure to stop by on your next trip through this gorgeous state.
Have you visited El Rancho Brewing Company? Did you enjoy your stay? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
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