Lobar (303 Elk Avenue, 970-349-0480), a lounge/sushi restaurant that opened in November, adds a hipster element to Crested Butte's traditionally downscale bar scene... Sink into one of the black microsuede sectional sofas and sip a Chai-tini (Bacardi, green chai tea and Godiva white chocolate liqueur, $9) ...

"When we left lobar on Elk Avenue, it was 1am, and Pajama Night was just getting started...Don't miss the LOBAR!"

BOOK-IT

"Tucked under the Company Store, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of downtown Crested Butte, this is NOT your average restaurant/bar for a ski town, LoBar is sexy, mysterious, beautiful and friendly too; everything that a Manhattan sushi bar should be, and more - plus, it's at 9000 ft! This place runs like a well-oiled machine, with daily shipments (that's DAILY!!) of fresh - never frozen - produce flown in from Hawaii. You will NOT be disappointed here, with service that rivals a 3-star restaurant, music from local and guest DJs, an extensive wine list that seems almost out-of-place in such a small town, unique and innovative food offering flavor crystals that explode in your mouth and an ambiance that would be fitting as a location in an episode of "Sex and the City". Who knows? Here, you might find yourself chatting away with Crested Butte's own Carrie, Samantha, Miranda or Charlotte!"

LOBAR is found in one of crested butte's only subterranean locations, underneath the company store building on Elk Avenue in the heart of Crested Butte. The large steel door and minimalist sign give no REAL insight into what you'll find downstairs. The entrance is dark and raw with an antique chandelier illuminating the stairs and curtains that conceal the treasures beyond. Once you've found you way inside you will be stunned by the contrast between the 'miner-kitsch' street level of Crested Butte and the strong urban vibe at LOBAR. What's more, the sushi is phenomenal! From the casually elegant hostess to the friendly sushi chefs, and bartender we couldn't have been more impressed anywhere in the US. If your determined NOT to eat sushi because you in the mountains put your fears aside at LOBAR. And if you're still hesitant they also have a terrific looking menu of sushi alternatives. They also have DJ's and dancing on the weekends. Don't miss it.

Duck into the cellar entrance of Lobar and discover the uptown side of Crested Butte. Lounge in cushy seating, sidle up to the long bar for drinks and sample sushi and tapas while DJs and live music keep you entertained. On weekends, folks come here to kick up their heels on the dance floor.

From the Crested Butte Ocean
Whether you are looking from traditional offerings or cutting edge sushi rolls, Lobar excels time and time again. Sushi grade fish in the Rocky Mountains? Yes, they do it and do it well. I am constantly amazed by the superiority of the selection and quality.

My only complaint? I wish the 'Crack Fries' ('frites' sprinkled with truffle oil) came in smaller sizes so I could order one and have an appetite for more fish. Its a monstrous portion, and the smell is enough to get you high.

SKICB

Located below deck in the historic Company Store, the Lobar is new for the winter of 2005. The Lobar is part mountain lounge / part sushi bar. Also great for the late-night martini crowd!

"...in addition to sponsoring most of the women skiers, he and Chernoff threw a racy party in the underground lounge Lobar that definitely raised the carnal vibe in the fleece-is-sexy town.

"I really think that is one of the best parties I've ever been to," said Weiner, who owns a vacation home in Crested Butte and bears a resemblance to a healthy, fit Keith Richards. "It could have been a disaster. I didn't know how controversial it would be, but it worked out really well. Next year we will take it up a notch."

Six years ago, New Yorkers Kyleena and Jeff Graceffa opened the Secret Stash pizza joint at the west end of Crested Butte, Colorado's Elk Avenue. It flourished. The lineup for a table often starts an hour before the 5 P.M. opening. Last year the Graceffas opened the Lobar, a sushi restaurant and night club just down the street at Third and Elk. The menu features such raw items as blow-torched sashimi (orders range from roughly $8-18), smartly named cocktails like the Effen Good Martini, and transliterations of cute Japanese pickup lines on the last page. Kyleena has the combination of charisma and confidence that, in a stage performer, would be called presence. “Japan? No,” she said, “But I’ve been to 72 other countries.” Pizza and sushi is just the quintessential New York combo, which she and her staff at each restaurant pull off with art and good taste.

Next up, Jeff plans to open the Hibar with lift access on the mountain. Look for it next ski season.