The Pepper Pod

While traveling over the Rocky Mountains, there is no shortage of great restaurants available. But after traversing the monstrously craggy range and bask in the endlessly flat skies of the Great Plains – there is nothing quite like a delicious steak. And though the options available are as vast as the peaks behind you, one in particular stood out for its strong Colorado cowboy vibes paired with the kitschy cuteness of a roadside diner. Located in a small town outside of Denver called Hudson, The Pepper Pod has seen its fare share of locals and travelers from afar over its 110 years in business. Founded by the Pepper family back in 1913, the “Oasis on the Plains” once primarily served buffalo on their menu, and many of the heads decorating the walls of the restaurant came from the herd they raised behind the restaurant.

Now, beef is back on the menu and it is beyond excellent. Chef and general manager Amy (daughter of owners Beth and Dave who bought The Pepper Pod in 1977) brought her culinary mastery to the table and mixed it with classic recipes from the of the Pepper Pod. In every dish, you can taste the care, the thoughtful approach – touches of artistry while still respecting the history of the restaurant and recipes perfectly attuned to the region. And the in-house aged beef that Dave selects and cuts is beyond heavenly.

What to eat at The Pepper Pod in Hudson, CO

Amy’s Steakhouse Salad: served with either chicken or steak, this is a hefty dinner salad served with tomato, blue cheese, fried onion strips, lettuce, and bacon. A delicious combo of flavors and textures and hey, there’s lettuce so you can pretend you are being healthy! The steak was cooked just right for a salad – they ask how you want it cooked for your salad, which is very rare (the service option being available that is – the steak was medium!) Overall, this is a great option for lunch of a “light” dinner. Absolutely delicious.

New York Strip Sandwich: what was expected was a couple of slices of tender New York Strip Steak served on garlic toast. What was delivered was mind-blowing – an entire 8-ounce New York Strip Steak cooked medium rare. Paired with a choice of side (went with a baked potato) and some pickles on the side, this is the sandwich to get if you are hankering for a steak. Medium rare was ideal for the in-house aged beef, and the simple baked potato was an excellent side option.

Rocky Mountain Oysters: While I was admittedly hesitant to try this Denver area staple, these dearly departed hanger-ons from a bull-turned-steer were pounded flat, lightly breaded, and deep-fried. Served with an incredible horseradish laden cocktail sauce, the prairie oysters were a tad chewy and had a gamey flavor. They say try everything once – so grab the bull (by the horns!) and give these a try!

Buttered Noodles – a side of buttered noodles with parmesan on top.  The noodles were cooked al dente and the butter was well distributed. Simple but delicious as a side option.

Roasted Broccoli – olive oil, sea salt, black pepper. You don’t need much else when it comes to broccoli and this did all the right things. Perfect side against the richness of the steak and baked potato. Broccoli is at its best when there is just a hint of char and they did it great at the Pepper Pod.

The restaurant business is notoriously difficult to survive in, let alone thrive in. For a place to make it beyond 5 years is commendable. For owners Beth and Dave to have lasted nearly 50 years at The Pepper Pod is a testament to the love and care that they put into the restaurant. And for The Pepper Pod to still be standing with 110 years behind them is a clear sign that they’re doing something right. There’s something that is just utterly captivating about a restaurant with such a deep history; to know that tens of thousands of patrons have sat in the same seats, took in the same sights, and ate the same incredible food that you’re about to tuck into makes it even more satisfying. So whether you’re a resident of Hudson, a tourist traveling through Denver for the winter skiing or summer hiking, or just a hungry driver looking for a great bite to eat as you make your way across Great Plains, you’d be wise to take the time to stop at The Pepper Pod – a must do on any journey across the United States.