The Wrangler Building
Step Back in Time with New, Modern Amenities.
The Wrangler Restaurant and Bar in Lake City, Colorado has a long and storied history.
The locally quarried stone building was erected in 1881 and was first opened as the A. H. Avery & Company stationery and bookstore, but soon expanded its offering to candles, confections and exotics such as fruits and nuts. The firm further expanded to include jewelry, watch and clock repair, and engraving reflecting the increasing prosperity of the community as a mining town and destination city on the Denver and Rio Grande railway.
In 1892 it was occupied as a meat market by W. S. Whinnery & Company and then gradually expanded to become a full-fledged general store.
After 1895, the building served as a grocery store, a shoe store, a law office, and a newspaper office until 1912.
The early 20th century brought the beginnings of its long bar and restaurant...
The early 20th century brought the beginnings of its long bar and restaurant history, starting as the Log Cabin Inn, owned by the Wright family, and was one of the two storied downtown bars which provided food and late-night entertainment.
In 1946 the building was sold to Jack Milner, who expanded the back of the building to create an even livelier bar and restaurant. The building was purchased by the Walker family in 1960 and became the Pinecone Saloon. Booey Bolger became the owner in the 1980s and 90s until the Hardilek's purchased it in 1997 and renamed it as the Highbridge Saloon. In the 2000s, the building was purchased by Drew Paschall and was renamed Restless Spirits.
Finally, in 2022 the building was purchased by Loren Hill, an interior designer who had the vision to return it to its original Victorian glory, circa 1881, while maintaining it rich 100-year bar and restaurant history.
Restoration work started immediately, with the installation of a new heated roof, followed by replacement of the plumbing and electrical necessary to bring the building up to current building code. Then came the painstaking restoration and or replacement of flooring, walls, and ceilings with period-correct materials, including imported Italian marble tile and antique fixtures.
Next, the basement coal chute and storage area were converted to an intimate dining area and wine cellar.
The next steps involved construction of extensions to the historic kitchen - including a pizza prep area, a wait station in the dining room, and a large upstairs prep kitchen; installation of a new heating and air conditioning unit (making it the only bar and restaurant in Lake City with air conditioning for those frequently hot summer months); installation of modern security and fire monitoring systems; and purchase and installation of many new pieces of restaurant equipment and appliances to serve the wait station, bar, kitchen and prep areas.
The doors officially opened in July of 2023, with a new name and logo. The name - The Wrangler - reflects Lake City's ranching history; and the logo - a capital W capped by antlers - reflects Lake City’s world-class hunting legacy.
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About Dan Murphy
Dan Murphy, ALC (Accredited Land Consultant), Broker, and Partner, has called the Mountain West home for his entire adult life. His extensive business experience and service on boards like the Colorado DOWs Big Game Allocation Program, Colorado Wildlife Federation, Colorado Outfitters Association, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission Advisory Board reflect a commitment to conservation and community. A founder of Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation, Dan also served as the Colorado RLI Chapter President in 20212022 and is currently the National RLI President for 2025, representing over 2,100 top land agents. Dans business journey began at 16, owning restaurants and a bakery, and later expanded to a guest resort and outfitting businesses in Colorado, Montana, Alaska, and Texas for over 20 years. His passion for the outdoors and integrity inspire his leadership at M4 Ranch Group, a nationally recognized firm specializing in ranch, hunting, and recreation properties.