I don't think this is the name of this place anymore. I think it's the Howlin' Coyote. When I grew up it was just the Cookhouse and I feel bad for anyone trying overcome the long shadow of that 80s-era legend. But this most recent iteration is really good. Back in the day--back when the Cookhouse was known as much for good food as it was for explosive domestic disputes between the owners--it was a weekend destination for people driving hours over mountain passes. I'm going to go so far to say that I think it's that good again. Is there italics on this thing? Well, imagine I used italics. I'm very reluctant to saunter out of the sunshine and into the decades of memories from the place (I worked there most of my childhood, washing dishes and witnessing some very, very grownup activity), but we were up for the Gould Ski Scramble and took the whole family. My kids had the French toast and my wife some kind of egg breakfast and the food was good enough to overcome my prattling on about how I'd pretty much grown up at the bar. And now you, too, get to suffer my nostalgia but, I'm telling ya, your reading this review and deciding to try the new Cookhouse/Drifter's Cookhouse/Howlin' Coyote is totally worth it. Gould is a beautiful area despite the growing cavalcade of RVs towing trailers with little golf cart dune buggies so vacationing city dwellers can *checks notes* leave the busy traffic of the city to create busy traffic in the country. I digress (again) and, still, it seems what I'm pretty sure is called the Howlin' Coyote is worthy part of your journey. read more

We agree with the previous review.... The prices are pretty high. I got the tomato bisque soup & grilled cheese combo. The soup was excellent! My husband got a chicken sandwich that he thought was yummie but then add on two lemonades and our bill was $32. And no refills on the lemonade :( If you don't mind dropping the coin, it's a nice place to sit outside and eat and the food was good - but NOT great and that's what I'd expect for the $$. read more

After tearing up the back country racking up some miles on the new Rubicon, the hunger pains from a missed breakfast took their toll. When you are traveling in North Park, there is only ONE PLACE in the region you will want to eat and that will bring you to The Drifter's Cookhouse. There are special hours so check out the link and phone number I will give you but here is the bottom line: This place is simply a class act with the food to back that statement. First of all, the place is clean without excuse from the tables and dinnerware to the floors and the staff is super friendly and on top of everything from the moment you walk in till you are on your way knowing you will be back. Fred Groth is Proprietor and Chef and let The Metal Chef Rocker lay it down for you, this man can cook!!! From his home made Buttermilk Ranch Dressing to his to-die-for home made fudge to his hand cut seasoned fries, even the simple things are covered with the highest level of professionalism and detail. Now I have only touched on the simple things so imagine what the entree's are like. Try anything on the menu and I assure you that your palate will simply beg you to return time and time again as I will. A rustic, mountain welcome home feel as soon as you walk in the door, this is the place even the locals eat and that speaks volumes for the outstanding heart this man's talents has put forth into his establishment. There are even a few big screens to catch the game! Friends, you that know me know I don't say this often but this is a "must stop" when you are planning your trip to North Park. The address is 55278 Highway 14 in Gould Colorado and the phone number is 1-970-723-8300. Heading west on highway 14 it will be on the left side of the road and you make sure you tell them who sent you. Plan a day trip or a get-away around eating here and you will know why The Drifter's Cookhouse with my 5 STAR Rating is Great White and Metal Chef Rocker approved............BOOM BABY!!!!!!!! Did I mention he has cabins for rent???? http://www.drifterscookhouse.com See this at The Scoop303.com read more

There is nothing like years of bad experiences to make an unexpected surprise even better. That pretty sums up our feeling about the revamped (in terms of menu and service; fortunately, not in term of the great classic décor) Drifter's Cookhouse in Gould, Northern Colorado: We love it! My family has ranched in Colorado's North Park since the 1960's, and what was then known simply as "The Cookhouse" was, like Rand's "Yacht Club"/"Liar's Lair," truly a local institution. Regrettably, over the past 20 or so years many of the follow-on incarnations of today's Drifter's Cookhouse were poorly run, offered sub-par food, and consequently worked their way out of business with considerable speed; and then the next owner took the ill-fated helm. The years of notably negative travelers' reviews are a testament to this unfortunate cycle. Stated simply, for decades good - let alone outstanding - food has been hard to come by in this remote part of Jackson County. So my wife Kate and I did not exactly have high hopes when we stopped by Drifter's under its new management. But this time the experience was drastically different. In term of the big picture, we were both extremely impressed by the service, solid beer list, and superb food! I particularly liked the reasonably-priced (and super-sized) meatloaf special with house-made mashed potatoes, as well as the pulled pork tacos with Drifter's own mango-infused salsa. We both are big fans of the home-cut fries, and Kate loved the homemade ice cream. Our server, Missy, was very knowledgeable of the menu and offered great suggestions. She could not have provided better or friendlier service. Another real plus, from our perspective, is that the menu features locally-raised elk and buffalo (though currently unfortunately only in the form of burgers) - this was a welcome surprise. Given the chef's clear talent and creativity, it undoubtedly will only be good for business if Drifters continues to expand its locally grown/raised food options (trout, for example, immediately comes to mind), and also considers diversifying its menu by adding a section for our vegetarian friends (like my wife). Indicating that our early experience was not a one-off, we have returned fairly regularly, as have ranch guests and friends visiting the area, and nobody we heard from has been disappointed. This is saying a lot, given some of the finely-tuned gastronomic sensibilities of our big city pals. It has taken decades to happen, and is long overdue, but an excellent restaurant has finally taken up residence in this part of Jackson County. Drifter's is a good choice by any standard, and it certainly is well worth slowing down and stopping for when you are on Highway 14 coming from, or going to, Fort Collins. Now let's just hope the folks running the place keep up their high standards and friendly attitudes, and further expand on their talents by beefing up their menu with a few additional innovative vegetarian and local items. read more

STAY HERE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!! As you can see I have given this place a great review in the past but due to my most recent experience in March, I have to retract what I said before. Let me start this by saying I sent the owner Fred, a certified letter expressing my concerns which has gone unanswered to this day June 25, 2012.. Back in March we stayed at the Drifter, as usual, to attend the Snowsnakes Annual Poker Run. We paid extra to bring my 8lb terrier with us since we would be there for 3 days. The very first day we got there and began to unload our truck we were "greeted" by a large, angry barking dog. This dog was very aggressive, barking loudly and clearly unfriendly. The dog was roaming the property throughout our stay, making it nearly impossible to let my little dog out to use the potty without my worrying to death if that viscious dog was around and ready to attack. The 2nd night we were there we were dining over with our friends in the next cabin over when I went to retrieve somthing from our cabin. It was dark as I headed back with an armload of things when the angry dog came barreling at me full speed, nipping at my ankles and finally putting his snout in my crotch. I almost passed out but somehow made it back to our friends cabin scared to death. Once inside our friends cabin I mentioned what had just happened; our friend shared that the dog had bit him on his thigh the first day they got there when they were unloading their truck. I was floored. How could the owners of a cabin rental allow such a vicious, unfriendly dog to roam when paying guests were staying there??? I had nightmares the last night we were there that the dog had gotten ahold of my little dog and killed him. I have to say I was a bit "put out" having to warm up our diesel and leave the property just to take my dog to the bathroom. That was definately worth paying extra! Once we returned home, I immediately sent the owners a certified letter telling them how displeased I was with the dog roaming the property and my displeasure with paying extra for my dog when I couldnt even take him outside to use the bathroom. I told them explicity in my letter that we will not be returing until they lock up or get rid of that terrifying dog.I also told them in the letter that we will make sure everyone we know will be made aware of the dangerous nipping dog. I have heard nothing from these people as they are clearly not concerned for their guests safety or concerns. STAY HERE AT YOUR OWN RISK - and if you have children, youd have to be crazy to come anywhere around this place. Good luck filling those cabins with that rapid dog on the loose. read more

We went here while camping near Walden. The prices were outragous! My husband and I shared a 1/4 lb drifter burger with fries. We asked for well done, and it was red inside. It also tasted like it had been frozen. Mc Donald patties taste way better! It cost $9.95 plus $3.00 because we were sharing it. The cheese was also $1.00 extra. In total it cost $13.95 for the crappiest burger I have ever had. The server seemed distant, and never asked how anything was. She then dropped the check and said she was the cashier, but never came back. She was lucky we had cash. Keep driving! Save your money. You can get way better at any fast food joint! read more