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Now almost
hidden by juniper and skunk brush, this popular dining room has not changed
its menu since opening day in 1951. You will find the little red mud house
fifteen miles south of Colorado Springs on Highway 115 on part of the Parker
homestead.
On a warm summer night in 1951, Ethel Shirola
and Evelyn Ellis served a family style dinner of fried chicken and baked ham
- with all of the homemade fixings, of course - to about 30 of their invited
friends and guests as a trial run for Juniper Valley Ranch Restaurant. Since
then untold thousands of visitors and locals alike have
enjoyed the very same meal in the little mud house.
Grandma Ethel and Aunt Evelyn are the daughters of Guy and Bessie Parker.
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Reservations
Strongly Recommended |
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Spring & Fall Hours: |
March 29 - May 31
Sept 1 - December 22 |
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Fri-Sat: 5 - 8 pm |
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Sun: 1 - 7 pm |
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Summer Hours: |
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June 1 - August 31 |
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Thurs-Sat: 5 - 8 pm |
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Sun: 1 - 7 pm |
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December: |
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Open for private parties. |
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Call to book your special occasion private parties. |
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CLOSED: Jan - March 28 |
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Payment: |
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Checks or
Cash. |
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Sorry, No
Credit Cards |
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Bessie &
Guy Parker |
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Guy was one of the first babies born in Colorado Springs, and
Bessie was born in Fountain, Colorado. Guy spent some of his
early years guiding visitors via mule to the top of Pikes
Peak. Over
the years, at least 20 immediate family members have had a
hand in the business, with the rest of the help being
comprised of neighbors and friends. Today, Ethel's eldest
grandson, Greg, runs the restaurant.
Many things
have changed since 1951, but at Juniper Valley, the menu, the
atmosphere and the attitude that "you're always company at our house"
have not. |
"Some things
never change, and the only thing that ever changes at Juniper Valley Ranch
is the price, and that very slowly. The operation is family run, and has
been handed down from one generation to the next. They serve family style
dinner with a choice of ham or the best skillet-fried chicken with fixings
that you ever tasted--the same menu for nearly 45 years. This is an
as-much-as-you-wish-to-eat meal -- keep that chicken coming! They generally
shut the place down in November and don't open to the public until
springtime, except for private parties and special holiday occasions.
Gabby
says:
"Reserve well in advance or you might not get in, the place is
very popular."
Gabby Gourmet Restaurant Guide |
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"This
well hidden
eatery is a flavorful find! Even though Juniper Valley
Ranch is out in the country and does nearly no advertising,
reservations are highly recommended. The food is legendary
with locals." |
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Country Discovery Magazine |
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