Rippy’s Mountain Tavern opens to summer crowds

Despite opening up at the tail-end of the summer season, Rippy’s Mountain Tavern, Winter Park Resort’s newest restaurant, has seen no shortage of customers.

General manager Troy Marshall said business has been booming since opening up on Aug. 17. He credits the summer events at Winter Park Village, the Lift buses and the Ikon Pass for maintaining strong crowds through the season.

With options such as five versions of Tavern Mac and Cheese and Nashville hot chicken, Rippy’s menu, which changes seasonally, is described by Marshall as elevated comfort food.

“We sort of bring a different spin on things and it’s been well-received,” Marshall said.

READ MORE | All about Rippy’s Mountain Tavern

The restaurant aims to use local ingredients as much as possible, including in its cocktails. Some liquors are infused in-house and, like the food menu, the drinks are seasonal.

If customers aren’t finding what they are looking for, they can ask for a bartender’s choice cocktail or turn to the waitstaff for the gluten-free menu.

Rippy’s also hopes to carve a niche for itself in the Village by expanding its late night and patio scenes. In the winter, Marshall hopes to extend the restaurant’s hours and menu.

“We want (customers) to feel comfortable, I want there to be an outdoor area where people feel comfortable to hang out,” he said. “It’s thoughts based on being a customer yourself. What would I want when I go into a place?”