When the Hollywood Bar burned down last year, the community lost a gathering spot for pool, country music and strong drink. But across town, a mother and son have teamed up to provide those life essentials at the nicely remodeled and expanded Riverfront Bar and Grill.
Sitting on an improved patio alongside the Dolores River, Sheri Schiess, and her son Tyler Schiess are clearly proud of their new venture. An menu of pizza, subs, salads and wings is available, and will soon be expanded to include burgers, fries and appetizers plus daily specials to offer something for everyone. And the wood-paneled, family-designed bar area is a welcoming oasis with happy hour specials and a jukebox.
"There is no other place to go for spirits," says Sheri. "We welcome the community to come over and check us out, but don't carve your name on the bar!" - a reference to the personalized bar top at the Hollywood.
"And no shootouts or horse riding through the bar," adds Tyler.
The restaurant and bar is spacious, and the al fresco dining on a 2,300 square foot patio is relaxing as the river flows just yards away.
A kitchen remodel in the works will free up space for a competition pool hall, which is set apart from a good-sized dance floor in the bar area. There will be regular live bands, and locals can stretch their vocal chords during karaoke on Wednesday nights. Big screen televisions will be installed for Bronco Sunday and Nuggets games. A private banquet room is also available.
"It was a whole lot of work, more than I anticipated, but the end result is really worth the effort," Sheri said.
Riverfront Bar and Grill is located at 1319 Railroad Ave. in Dolores, (970) 882-4007