Miner’s Claim celebrates 25 Years in the Town of Silt!!

Christian (owner) landed in Aspen after graduating culinary school with multiple degrees in 1995. Between trying to act like a ski bum and blowing money he was able to get his foot in the door at the legendary Pine Creek Cookhouse. This Aspen restaurant which is located deep in the mountains was a perfect hide away for celebrities from all over the world.

Christian had the pleasure of being part of evenings with countless celebrities but some of his all time favorites were Kate Hudson, Kurt Russel, Goldie Hawn, Steve Martin and Jeff Gordon, not too mention a couple crazy “drunken clouded” encounters with Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. Christian even rubbed elbows while drinking a beer with Robert Palmer and Don Henley but his all time “weak in the knees” favorite was a private lunch with Mick Jagger.

In June of 1997, Christian made an offer on a 3 bedroom 2 bath commercially zoned little cabin in downtown Silt.  That cabin is now Miner’s Claim!

In June of 1997 while sitting on a rock in the middle of the Roaring Fork River trying to recover from the prior evening’s antics,  Christian decided to make an offer on a 3-bedroom, 2-bath commercially zoned little cabin in downtown Silt.   All of his friends/co-workers thought that he was either drinking too much “Brown Koolaid” or just plain stupid. However, the offer was accepted and construction started in July of 1997.

Christian called up his father who came out for about 6 months out of the 2 years of construction to help build the vision. Christian’s Dad is truly an artistic magician, he made all of Christian’s designs come to life and actually look good. Christian locally sourced all of the wood used in the fabrication of the structure you see in the restaurant today. Together they used over 450 lbs of rusted corrugated tin, 2000 lbs of granite, 3500 lbs of solid beams and 3000 lbs of antique bricks from Aspen. The plan included a 2200 sq ft patio which is  comprised of 3 dining areas and includes a unique one of a kind granite street side fire pit.

The menu is a joint effort between Christian and the award winning head chef, Chef Oscar 

The award winning little machine of an indoor/outdoor bar in 2023 pumped out a staggering 20,957 Martinis and over 10,000 Margaritas focusing on unique, authentic recipes utilizing only hand squeezed juices. With the best Polynesian Mai Tai in the Valley and truly a surprising wine list the Miner’s Claim’s 24 page “Liquid” cocktail menu is the largest, most extensive in the state of Colorado

It has been over a 25-year project and we thank each and every one who has made it possible.

Cheers to another 25+!

Thank you… Christian & Staff