Here's a tip for any would be restauranteurs in Boulder. Take a look a the empty former North Face space next to Southern Sun. Notice the large, raised patio area on the south side. Now, consider that at least four nights a week there is a wait list at the Southern Sun. If there was a cool bar/restaurant in that North Face space, it would have automatic overflow traffic almost every night beginning on day one. You wouldn't even have to advertise. A guy in a chicken suit with a sign saying: "Margaritas 50 feet thataway" would be sufficient. Some place that's similar to the Southern Sun, but different. A wide variety of beer rather than just the southern sun swill. An affordable but tasty margarita in a pint glass. Good, inexpensive bar food fare. Illegal Pete's meets Wahoo's fish tocos perhaps. Decorated in climber chic. Lots of flagstone and oak. Pictures of sweet rock and big peaks. The irony is that it wouldn't even hurt Southern Sun. There seems to be plenty of business to go around. I can't tell you how many times I sit there at SS wishing I was sipping on a nice margarita on the rocks with salt.
I would do it myself but I don't want to be in the restaurant business. I just want someone I know to open it. I do have venture capital to invest, and I know others that do as well. Yes, it would cost money to build a restaurant in that space. You'd have to do plumbing and venting and build a kitchen, but hey, that's exactly what they did at the SS. It was a bike shop for years before becoming a restaurant. Anybody looking for a slam dunk opportunity? Take a look at that space with a restaurant in mind. The patio on the south side has a better view than SS. I'll even give you a cool name: The Yellow Spur Saloon.

Excellent idea!

If you don't name it the Yellow Spur Saloon, you could call it Club 86 in honor of all of the people that were booted from the So Sun.

Agree, great idea. Serve 100% lime juice and strong margs. Lot's of chips and salsa! How many times have you (climbers) sucked down 2 margs and devoured 4 baskets of chips after climbing all day.

Should this idea ever evolve beyond what already sounds like a couple of margarita's talking, look me up for a plumbing bid.

Ironic: There's actually already a Mexican place directly behind the Southern Sun. I can't remember precisely but they might even be sharing parts of the same building.

Regardless, I'm sure they have chips and margaritas.

On the other hand I got terrible food poisoning there, so, well. It gave my nickname on here a whole different level of meaning!

Yes, Ajuua is the Mexican place below SS. I can't say anything bad about the place except it's not what we're looking for. It has no bar area for one. The margs are fine, the food is marginal. The ambience kind of sucks. Someone please open the Yellow Spur Saloon! You'd be doing a public service.

Yes indeed! I'm for giving Ben Faber his own table! You could have a whole
libertarian corner!

I resemble that, Russell. Check your email.

Anyone been to Chuy's in Texas. I think it could be huge in Colorado. Thin and crispy chips. Killer Salsa bar and awesome Jalepeno Ranch. The food would fit right in with the Boulderites!

Russell, I think you would look smashing in a chicken suit...

Bloody good idea too by the way..

I think it's a great idea and you can sign me on for opening night. What I'm picturing is the unholy lovechild of Ed's Cantina in Estes and Miguel's in RRG, but with more bar, better margs, and better scenery.