Crystola Roadhouse, the longtime Ute Pass hangout just off U.S. 24 near Woodland Park, is firing back up under new ownership, with Southern-style comfort food, a packed slate of weekly events, and plans to bring long-quiet cabins on the property back to life. The Ellis family says the goal is to keep the roadhouse’s rugged mountain-town vibe intact while layering in new menu items and outdoor perks for both locals and road-trippers.
The business officially changed hands after the Teller County Board of County Commissioners signed off on a liquor-license transfer, according to WhatNow. New owners Holly, Shelton and Steven Ellis plan to roll out Southern-inspired dishes drawn from their family restaurants in Mississippi, alongside weekly happenings like pool tournaments, dart competitions, cornhole, karaoke, music trivia, music bingo and live bands to keep the place busy regularly. Holly Ellis told the outlet she is “bringing lots of new food from our own restaurants down in Mississippi.”
The handoff has not been completely drama-free. Earlier this spring, a post began circulating in local Facebook groups claiming Crystola Roadhouse was “closed until further notice,” a message the new owners say did not come from them. As reported by The Teller Times, the ownership change and launch of a new official Facebook page helped calm the rumor mill and clear up confusion for regulars.
Food and live entertainment
The roadhouse’s website currently pitches regular live music and karaoke nights and features a menu of crowd-pleasing comfort dishes that the Ellis family intends to expand with more Southern specialties. The site highlights Friday night bands and a lively bar and patio scene, and it appears the new owners are happy to double down on the place’s reputation as a mountain-town gathering spot. Crystola Roadhouse’s website lays out hours, sample menu items, and upcoming entertainment.
Restoration plans and local history
The Ellis family says they will restore two cabins on the property that have sat unused for years, and they are weighing new outdoor amenities such as a volleyball court, with renovation work staggered so the bar can keep pouring drinks throughout the process. Crystola Roadhouse traces its roots to around 1884, and the Ellises say keeping that history front and center while polishing the guest experience is a core part of the plan, according to WhatNow.
The roadhouse sits at 20918 U.S. 24 in Woodland Park, a convenient pull-off for drivers heading over the pass, and local business listings back up the address and contact details. For now, the Ellis family says they will phase in menu changes and events over the summer while keeping the bar open for regular service. Chamber of Commerce and other directories list the location and phone number.
