Omayra Acevedo, Evergreen. It’s a beautiful Rocky Mountain day and you’ve just got done golfing. Perhaps, you spent most of the game attending the flag, hitting an ace or two, or you finished your game with a birdie; in time to see the local herd of elk strolling the 5,560 yards of green you were just playing on. Now, you have to decide where you want to enjoy your hard-earned meal and drink. Well, this isn’t a hard task if you are at the Evergreen Golf Course. 

There’s a structure that’s almost 100 years old and is home to a spectacular fireplace, classic Colorado décor, a full bar, a delightful menu with weekly specials that include Colorado beef, trout, prime rib, lamb and seafood. There’s also a large patio where you can watch that local herd of elk grazing. The Nest is where you can celebrate any special occasion, including cocktail hour, and the views take your breath away. 

As I approached from the parking lot, there were already a handful of guests on the patio and each one with a huge smile on their face. At first, I speculated that they were simply enjoying being out and about. After experiencing for myself the hospitality, atmosphere and feedback from the locals, I knew that being outside wasn’t the only reason guests were having a great time. It was the service, the cleanliness of the place, the attentiveness and hospitality they all received.

I had the pleasure of speaking with the general manager, Ron, and Jim, whom I deemed worthy of the name Renaissance Man – as he has held every position available – and does his job very well! I learned quite a bit of the history: from its beginning in 1925 to the 1980s when the Broncos’ running back, John Keyworth, restored, expanded, and transformed the rustic building into the sophisticated place that it is today. If you want to learn the rest, I highly recommend that you make your reservation and experience it all for yourself, as words or photos will do it no justice.

Every now and again, you find a place that leaves you craving to go back. It’s not only the ambiance, the friendly service, the delicious food or location. It is the sum of all these things that make it special, desirable, unforgettable, and impossible to stay away. Welcome to Keys on the Green, my new favorite place!

Keys on the Green is located at 29614 Upper Bear Creek Road in Evergreen. They can be reached at 720-865-3438. For more information check out their website at https://www.keysonthegreen.net/.

(Originally published in the April 15, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)