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 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,  Ivana Trump and Jeff Gordon. 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 Mic 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 evenings antics,  Christian decided to make an offer on a 3 bedroom 2 bath commercially zone 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 2200sq 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 

Since the beginning and still to this day you will find Head Chef Oscar who orchestrates the daily kitchen activities.  The menu is a joint effort between Christian and the award winning head chef.  Chef Oscar focuses on consistency and truly a unique continentally inspired menu with different price points that can accommodate any budget.  Oscar has been a major contributor to the success of the restaurant and was named “Best Chef” in the Post Independent Local’s Choice 2017.

The little machine of an indoor/outdoor bar in 2017 pumped out a staggering 16,758 Martinis focusing on unique recipes utilizing only hand squeezed juices. One of the best Margaritas in the Valley and truly a surprising wine and beer list make the Miner’s Claim’s 24 page “Liquid” drink menu one of the largest, most extensive in the state of Colorado. It has been over a 20 year project and we thank each and every one who has made it possible.

Cheers to another 20!

Thank you… Christian & Staff