What makes Golden so golden? You'll hear the answer again and again: the people. These are the folks whose dreams and doings give Golden its spirit. In this series you'll get the long & short of it, a glimpse into the people who've created the places that you come to visit. 

Featuring: The Rockwater Grill & Bar

The Rockwater is possibly the most versatile venue in Golden, as you’ll soon see. Functioning as a restaurant, music venue, and cocktail patio, something new is always happening here on the banks of the Kicking Horse River. Grab a burger and enjoy the pub atmosphere, delight yourself with a summer drink on the rooftop patio, or boogie on the dancefloor.

The cornerstone of a historic building in Golden, the Rockwater Grill & Bar is an iconic spot for a night out. The vibe and menu make it the perfect rendezvous with friends after a day in the mountains, the menu is as versatile as the Rockwater’s events: burgers, “sammies”, fish & chips, beef stroganoff…you can get it all. 

Weather in Golden has a habit of clearing off beautifully in the summer evenings, and there’s no better way to enjoy these dreamy nights than on the Rockwater’s rooftop patio. The Kicking Horse River is in the Rockwater’s backyard and if you’re lucky you’ll spot paddlers going downstream while you sip a Caesar or a Spiced Apple Mule. The Purcells paint themselves orange in front of you as the sun disappears behind them to the west. 

Paddlers drift past the Rockwater's rooftop patio

Credit: Mitch Winton

Two outdoor patios and one indoor dining area give the Rockwater plenty of room to host all sorts of events, from weddings to comedy shows to film nights. First opened in 2006, the building that became the Rockwater went through various phases, but it always held its own as a legendary music spot. These days they have regular music shows featuring local artists, out-of-town musicians, jam nights, and karaoke nights. You can come here for evening activities like weekly trivia, pool & darts. 

Tip: check out the tin tiles on the sliding wall and decor behind the bar, and the walls in the upstairs bar, the tin used to be the ceiling of the Rockwater’s past selves.

A really cool feature of the Rockwater is that they have two stages, so sometimes they have back-to-back shows in one night. And film nights are aired over multiple monitors. The versatility of the Rockwater is partly what makes it such a happening scene, “you go from making sure there isn’t a stain on your white dress shirt to working a punk show the next night” says employee Kayla Carson. 

Younger folks will enjoy the late-night scene at the Rockwater, and the food & drink menu will entertain anybody. Read more on the Rockwater here.