HiWay 40 Grill and Lodge

Hayden only has one restaurant, so at least it’s a good one! You won’t leave hungry, and the prices are very affordable. The Reuben is amazing, and the prime rib is great when it’s on special. Happy hour is good too, and the bartenders are nice. Great food and service.

I stayed in the two-room suite, which had plenty of space and a small but well-equipped kitchen with dishes, silverware, pots, and pans. The place was clean, neat, and pleasant, and the bar staff who helped with check-in were polite and professional. Check-in happens at the bar on the first floor. It’s about 30 minutes from Steamboat Springs, with hiking, hunting, and fishing options around the region. Wild Goose Coffee at the Granary is within walking distance, and I recommend going there for coffee Monday through Saturday instead of a local gas station. I was initially concerned about noise and the atmosphere because the room is above a bar and grill. It closes at 9 pm most nights and midnight on weekends, and during my stay I heard little, if any, noise in my room at night. The bar crowd seemed to be local working people and was generally quiet, a refreshing change from the pretentious crowds in Steamboat Springs. I didn’t eat or drink at the bar and grill, so I can’t speak to the food or drinks.

We arrived hungry and took a chance on this place. The daily special was a pulled pork sandwich with fresh homemade sauce and a perfect bun, and we also tried the wings, which came with homemade sauces too. What a surprisingly good meal. They serve excellent craft beer from a brewery next door. A great stop for a meal before or after Steamboat.

The servers are friendly and patient, and the food is great. There’s always some food or drink on special, and I’ve never been disappointed. They’ve got a good range of spirits and beers, including local brews from Yampa Valley Brewing Company and Storm Peak in Steamboat.