Arthur DeVitalis, Nederland. The Covered Wagon Restaurant and Saloon is the new name for a long-established restaurant and saloon, located in the heart of the quaint and quirky Town of Nederland. A century of history resonates within the walls and among the antique collections of this rustic gathering place. The venue features good food, drink and friends. The restaurant is a community-oriented establishment, with a focus on a family-friendly atmosphere and inviting presence to local folk and visitors alike.
Owner Jennifer Davis is excited to be opening, grateful for her partner Martin Combel’s 20-plus years of expertise in the restaurant industry. Combel formerly managed The Black Forest. He’s worked to get the building far above par in safety and public health.
“This one seemed like the right choice for many reasons,” she said. “Moving very slowly and getting routines into place, with safety and social distancing is very important.”
Air-fried bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a sure hit, with Asian turkey meatballs covered in a sweet-savory hoisin sauce will whet the appetites of many. Buffalo wings, Texas Red Chili, the Covered Wagon Burger, are some other delectable favorites.
German Bratwurst, Chicken piccata, and homemade apple strudel are sure to leave patrons satisfied. For adult beverages, a specialty wine menu accompanies entrees and appetizers, with domestic, micro-brewed, imported and Mexican beer to follow bites. Don’t forget the classic Arnold Palmer.
For those with a taste for wine should try the Pinot Grigio, Soave, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel. All wines offered are imported as Old World Wines, with the exception of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, made domestically in California. A full cocktail bar also accompanies the other adult beverages offered.
Outdoor dining at the back patio has an updated and inviting feel. The chairs and tables are a perfect place for fresh air dining in good weather where leashed (and well-behaved) dogs are permitted. Kids love food and fun in the sun.
Indoors, the Covered Wagon offers a variety of spaces. All are socially-distanced for dining and bar. Booths are informal, while the front dining room provides a more private setting. The “green room” features a large-flat screen television and our historic bar highlights the Covered Wagon experience with limited seating available due to social-distancing.
“You’ll recognize our staff as former employees with decades of experience in the local area along with a few new faces, where service is a priority,” Owner Jennifer Davis said. “The Covered Wagon is a happy place made up of happy people, friendly, honest and hard-working. They will take good care of you!”
Staff at Covered Wagon has prioritized a clean and safe environment for the public in full compliance for COVID-19 rules and regulations. This is to protect staff and their families.
All disposable service ware and take-out packaging is recyclable and/or compostable. Plans include cardboard and recyclable material compression and baling, as well as frozen food waste for pig farms.
Covered Wagon’s sole sponsorship for 2020 is Wild Bear Nature Center for their programs in conservancy and education.
Staff includes Co-Owner/ Operations and Floor Manager Martin Combel, Chef and Kitchen Manager Dennis Quinn, and Bar Manager Larry Buoni, aka Bones.
Davis expressed additional thanks to Ron Mitchell, property owner, for all his efforts and support in making the building and parking functional for tenants, and public use.
Local senior programs will be announced soon, with menu updates continuing each week until the full menu is available. Staff, vendor and licensing obligations are a priority as well as working with local municipalities and other local business owners in a cooperative spirit.
The restaurant is located at 15 East 1st Street in Nederland, available for takeout by calling 303-258-7578. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/coveredwagonrestaurantsaloon/.
The Covered Wagon is open from 11 a.m. to close. Davis says that hours may be extended as more staff is hired and the menu expands week-to-week.
“We’re happy to be part of the community,” Davis said.
(This story has had minor corrections made from the original print story. Originally published in the June 25, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
