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City To Transform 66 Acres Into Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park

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Waukee Betterment Foundation Assisting With All-Inclusive Amenities

As the Waukee Community School District begins construction in October on its second high school, the City of Waukee has plans to turn the adjacent 66-acre property into the Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park. But, don’t let the word “youth” fool you: the new amenity will benefit community members and visitors of all ages and abilities.

Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park

Construction on Phase I of the Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park will begin in the spring of 2021. Phase I will include eight softball/baseball fields and two practice quads with batting cages. These fields will accommodate youth softball players ages 18 and under, as well as youth baseball players ages 10 and under. In Phase 2, four larger baseball fields will be added to accommodate players up to age 14. The need for a complex of this sort has been growing in recent years.

“The impact of this project will be huge,” said Waukee Recreation Supervisor Josh VandeKamp. “Right now, the City has three large fields at Centennial Park and four small fields at Warrior Park. We have 125 teams vying for field space and 40-plus Parks & Rec softball teams to accommodate annually. The construction of this new facility should alleviate Waukee’s shortage of field availability.”

VandeKamp said the investment in an amenity of this magnitude will not only benefit local athletes, but it should also catch the eye of regional tournament planners.

“We envision hosting tournaments on the weekends, which will attract teams from across Iowa, as well as teams from bordering states,” said VandeKamp. “If the weather cooperates, the City’s new complex should be busy from April through October. That could also help boost the local economy as visitors will need places to sleep, eat, shop and be entertained.”

In addition to ball fields, the City plans to construct playgrounds, a lake, trails and parking. The Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park is expected to open in 2022.

Nearly half of the project will be funded through a Public Improvement Fund set up by Apple; the remainder will be financed by revenues from the Dallas County Local Option Sales & Services Tax. These new funding sources make it possible for the City to complete this project without the use of property tax revenues.

An Eye on All-Inclusive Amenities

In partnership with the City, the Waukee Betterment Foundation recently launched a fundraising campaign for the Waukee Miracle League® Ball Field and Play Area, as well as an all-inclusive fishing pier, all to be included at the Complex. The goal is to raise $2.5 million to put toward these specialized amenities.

“The Waukee Betterment Foundation is devoted to making Waukee better,” said Foundation President Jim Miller. “This project will actually extend its reach beyond Waukee into the neighboring communities to provide a source of recreation for a surprisingly large population. Each Miracle League field can accommodate roughly 220 children in leagues. Since we know there are about 700 children in the area with disabilities, there is a real need. The adult leagues will also have a very strong demand.”

The Miracle League field will serve those with disabilities by way of its custom-designed, rubberized turf field which helps prevent injuries and provides easy access for wheelchairs and assistive devices. An all-inclusive play area with the same material and specialized equipment will also be installed near the field. It can be enjoyed by all visitors.

In addition to sports and play, new fishing opportunities will also be available. The City is constructing a 12-acre lake at the park, and the Foundation is working to ensure its fishing pier suits everyone.

“We are hearing from senior living facilities and veterans’ groups that an all-inclusive fishing pier will be a huge draw,” said Miller. “Currently, there is no place in the area to fish easily if you have mobility issues. This pier will have ample parking and restrooms nearby, as well as paved low-slope walks to the pier. Its design will allow people in wheelchairs to fish from a safe and protected area.”

The Waukee Betterment Foundation’s goal is to have the all-inclusive projects within the complex completed by 2022. To learn more about supporting this initiative, visit WaukeeBetterment.org or call Jim Miller at 515-224-5516.

To follow the progress of the Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park, as well as other park projects occurring within Waukee, visit Waukee.org/parksandrec.

 

 

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Waukee’s Central Standard Burgers

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By Kellyn Pappas

You don’t have to look far in the Des Moines metro area to find a good burger. From the classics at B-Bop’s to the slightly less conventional choices at Zombie Burger, there’s something to suit every taste. And now customers have an intriguing new option in Waukee: Central Standard Burgers.

Central Standard, located at 1222 SE University Avenue, is the second location of a restaurant that got its start in Bettendorf, Iowa, about five years ago. According to general manager Andy Crounse, the restaurant was developed as an alternative to more traditional “cookie-cutter” burger joints.

Central Standard proved enormously popular. As the restaurant, along with other eateries owned by the same group, continued to be successful, the ownership group determined the time was right to expand. Crounse said Waukee was selected for the new restaurant because Waukee is “all about family and the community—it’s the key to good living!”

According to Crounse, the menu at the Waukee location will look very similar to the one in Bettendorf, with a few differences on the features menu and in the cocktail offerings. For example, a “Warrior Lemonade” mocktail will appear as a Waukee-specific item.

Perhaps unique among burger restaurants, Central Standard bakes all of its own bread, pretzels and buns for their burgers. And these burgers are not slabs of boring beef with nothing but ketchup. Among the dozen or so burger options are the “Oh No,” with cheese curds and fried pickles, and the “Heck No,” with jalapeño poppers and ghost pepper cheese. The menu also includes other sandwiches like the PB & J (that’s pork belly and jalapeño, not the childhood favorite peanut butter and jelly), and various jazzed-up mac and cheese selections (if, like the writer, your taste preferences occasionally lean in the direction of the kids’ menu).

The restaurant takes pride in its craft beer offerings, with 24 beers on tap at any given time. These are locally sourced as much as possible. Current options include beers from Exile Brewing Company and Iowa Brewing Company. “They’re all Iowa beers at the moment,” said Crounse.

Central Standard is also well-known for its massive, creative shakes—think tall glasses rimmed with candy sprinkles and topped with baked goods. For example, the Cookie Dough shake features an actual cookie sandwich, and the s’more shake— well, you get the idea. All menu shakes can be upgraded to loaded shakes for those over 21. The restaurant also features “Will’s Feature Shake of the Month.” A portion of the proceeds from this specialty shake go to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, a partnership which has been going strong for about four years, according to Crounse, and one of which they are especially proud.

Central Standard had a soft open for family and friends the week of July 23 and officially opened for business on July 30. The restaurant currently has about 65 people on staff, and Crounse says they expect to eventually have around 100 employees total. With plenty of indoor space, plus a patio, the restaurant seats around 280 people. Customers can find their menu and hours of operation online at centralstandardburgers.com.

Crounse and his colleagues at Central Standard are excited to bring their unique take on burgers and fries to Waukee. Outside-the-box offerings are their specialty. “We don’t want to be the same old, same old,” said Crounse.

With creative burgers on homemade buns, local craft beers and shakes that provide a lot more than just a cherry on top, Central Standard stands to be an exciting new option for hungry Waukee residents.

 

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Second High School Coming To Waukee

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Waukee area students in graduating classes 2022-25 could be the first to attend the area’s second high school, which is set to open in 2021.

The fast-growing Waukee Community School District was ready to burst at the seams with Waukee High School nearing capacity. Total districtwide enrollment increased from 2,198 students in September 1999 to more than 10,000 this year with a projection of nearly 13,000 in five years.

Meanwhile, the city of Waukee had grown from 5,180 in 2000 to 20,649 last year. Its recent one-year increase of 9 percent was the highest of any city in the Des Moines area.

The Waukee City Council and the Waukee school district took action in May 2016 to deal with the influx. They approved the joint use of 160 acres of green space for a new high school and a city-owned sports complex. The yet-to-be-named 395,000-square-foot, 1,800-student capacity high school will reside just north of Hickman Road near the Waukee Family YMCA.

Most of the land will be used for the school and its amenities with the remaining space slated for 12 softball/baseball fields and a parking lot.

Voters had to approve a referendum for $117 million in general obligation bonds for the new high school in February to make the project a reality. It required 60 percent for passage. It got 90.27 percent.

Meeting Short-Term Needs

The Waukee Innovation and Learning Center—a facility for innovative partnerships between local businesses, the community and high school students—may be used to house additional Waukee High School programs until the second high school opens. Details are still being worked out.

Ten Elementary Schools by 2022

The district is also adding two elementary schools to accommodate growth. Radiant Elementary, at 5050 170th St. in Urbandale, is under construction and expected to open in the fall of 2019.

Land has been purchased for a tenth elementary school off Ashworth Road, west of Ute Avenue and Highway R22. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2020 and it’s expected to open in 2022. A name for the elementary school has not been determined.

In the meantime, Nicole Lawrence, Communications Coordinator with Waukee Community School District, said the district is closely monitoring enrollment and bringing on new teachers to ensure classrooms stay at an appropriate size.

News about the district’s progress on the elementary and high school fronts has sparked questions about the middle schools as well. The district’s website dedicated to providing information about the second high school addressed the issue by stating it will monitor updated enrollment data and then make plans for how to accommodate students at the middle level.

The New High School’s Design

The concept for the new high school was developed through a six-month immersive design process between FRK Architects & Engineers, district administration and a visioning committee comprised of parents, students, staff and community members.

“In a series of three visioning sessions, the committee learned about current standards and trends in high schools around the country, reviewed multiple layouts from newer high schools and then created building layouts to reflect district values,” said Lawrence.

Feedback from the committee was used to create the building’s three-story layout, which includes a rooftop terrace, a media center with a second-floor mezzanine, an auditorium with a second-floor balcony and orchestra pit, a commons area for students and several individual and group learning areas for students and staff.

There will also be a single, secure entrance for staff, students and visitors during school hours.

“Open, light-filled spaces that promote collaboration and student development were high priorities for the committee, with student safety being a top priority,” said David Briden, Senior Project Architect and Principal with FRK Architects & Engineers.

Incorporating a pond on to the campus was also an important and notable feature when designing the school’s layout.

“A natural drainage channel through the center of the site allowed a pond to be placed as a focal point around which the city and school district facilities could be developed,” said Briden. “Placing the building adjacent to the pond allows it to take advantage of views over the pond to the north. The natural slope of the terrain creates a structure that tucks into the hillside, helping to marry the large scale of the building with the site.”

As instructional methods and learning styles continue to evolve, Briden said each classroom space would be adaptable and future-ready for students.

The school parking lot will be ready for newly licensed drivers, too, with enough room for 1,360 stalls.

Athletic Facilities

Lawrence said that while the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union (IGHSAU) ultimately determine sports classifications, the district anticipates each high school to compete at the 4A – IHSAA and 5A – IGHSAU level.

“Both high schools will offer similar programming and opportunities to students,” she added.

The second high school’s outdoor athletic facilities will feature a football stadium with a field and track, four practice fields, 12 tennis courts, and baseball and softball competition and practice fields. Additional amenities such as concession stands and team rooms are also included in plans.

The stadium will be built in a bowl-type setting into the ground. Inside, the school will have a gymnasium seating 2,500, an auxiliary gymnasium, and a three-lane track.

Parents Embrace the Second High School

Abby Jones, a Waukee parent whose fifth-grade son could be attending the second high school said the addition was a definite need for the community.

“It’s amazing to think how this area has grown in such a short period,” said Jones. “When I attended the University of Iowa, I remember some of my classmates from the Chicago suburbs said they graduated with a class of 1,000. That seemed huge, but we’re not far behind those numbers anymore.”

“I really think so much of our growth can be attributed to the school district’s commitment to offering students a truly high-quality education,” she added.

During the 2015-2016 school year, 855 kindergarten students enrolled in the district—a sign of even larger classes to come.

 

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Disc Golf Is Alive At Waukee Centennial Park

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The spring is in full effect and it’s almost summer! That means the weather is getting warm with sunny, hot vibrant energy! The Waukee Centennial Park in the great City of Waukee has so much to offer and surely is a place you don’t want to miss. Make sure to grab your friends, bring your discs and stop by for some disc golf. In this featured video above, you will see Thomas Wiggins and his friend TJ Hendricks doing what they love to do and discin’ it up! The park contains its city’s popular 9 hole course located on the east side. Tee boxes are the round markings and the baskets are indicated by the arrows. The Waukee Centennial Park is located on the corner of Ashworth Dr. & SE Universite Ave across from the Waukee High School. This is a great opportunity for anyone to get out into the fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors! The park has an amazing atmosphere where you may enjoy picnics, kids playgrounds, sandboxes, music festivals, family events, baseball, other sports and so much more. Don’t waste your time sitting at home and wishing you could be out doing awesome things. Get out with your friends and family to Waukee Centennial Park for some outdoor fun!

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Waukee Railroad Pergola in the Shadow of the Rails

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We created this video as a quick visual tour of the brand new Waukee Railroad Pergola in the Shadow of the Rails located on the Raccoon River Valley Trail’s southeast gateway trailhead in Waukee! It was completed and open to the public on Tuesday evening, March 27, 2018. Take a look and share the good news with your friends! For best quality, watch in 1080p HD! Enjoy!

MyWaukee Magazine visited the brand new Waukee Railroad Pergola in the Shadow of the Rails today on the Raccoon River Valley Trail’s southeast gateway trailhead in Waukee! What a sight! It’s a thing of beauty and it will be an amazing spot for everyone to hang out at as the weather gets warmer, especially during the spring and summer time! It’s a great gathering place for the entire family with picnic tables and so much more. The Waukee Railroad Pergola is located on the Waukee Trailhead on the corner of Hickman Rd. & 10th St., Waukee, Iowa. What a great accomplishment for the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association and the entire City of Waukee!! Make sure to go pay a visit, you won’t be disappointed!
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About Waukee Railroad Pergola
 
“WAUKEE, Iowa, March 28, 2018 —  It’s completed and now open! Officials on Tuesday evening, March 27, cut a ceremonial ribbon and turned on the solar-powered LED lighting at the “Waukee Railroad Pergola — in the shadow of the rails.”
It’s the $1.1-million, 340-foot-long, 15-foot-high colorful gateway to the Raccoon River Valley Trail on the west side of Waukee.  It was designed by nationally-known sculptor and “transportation artist” David Dahlquist, of Des Moines and Lake Panorama, and his colleagues at RDG Planning & Design’s Dahlquist Art Studio in the capital city.
Components of this art installation will soon be going up at six other trailheads on the 89-mile trail system in west central Iowa.  The development of the art project persuaded state officials to recognize the whole trail as an “Iowa Great Place,” making some state funding available, and then individuals, businesses, corporations and foundations stepped up with donations.
You can read complete coverage of the development of the art installation right here.
Several hundred people turned out on a chilly evening Tuesday for the ceremony, but as it went on, the sun peeked through the clouds that had lingered for days.
“This blazes a new trail of cooperation on the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the other communities,” Waukee Mayor Bill Peard told the crowd. “This artwork, which is going to be a truly interactive experience for everybody, is going to be a catalyst for a new identity for this whole region.”
Jim Miller, of rural Waukee, an MVP in the planning, development and fundraising of the project, said two key words “kept coming up, again and again, when a small group of us were talking about what we wanted to do with art here on the trail. Those two words were ‘iconic’ and ‘regional’.”
Dahlquist, the artist, called the completion of the Pergola “a Herculean effort” and “one of the most collaborative projects we’ve been able to be a part of.”  He added that “an art project like this is a leap of faith, and thank you for keeping the faith.”
He glanced up and around at the artwork and said to his RDG colleagues and the rest of the crowd, “This is made with real love and affection. I hope you keep bringing people out here to see and enjoy it. And the next time I see  you out here, I hope it’s a lot warmer and you are on  your bikes!””
– Raccoon River Valley Trail
(Original source:)

Slices On The Ranch

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Have you been to the Pizza Ranch in Waukee​? If your answer is no, then where have you been!? Stop by for some slices on the ranch! This is just one of the slices of heaven our great City of Waukee​ has to offer!
Located on 448 SE University Ave, Waukee, Iowa​ 50263
Hours:
Sunday 11AM–9PM
Monday 11AM–9PM
Tuesday 11AM–9PM
Wednesday 11AM–9PM
Thursday 11AM–9PM
Friday 11AM–9PM
Saturday 11AM–9PM
Menu: pizzaranch.com
Order: pizzaranchorder.com

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Amazing Tribute Painted On A Rock To The Fallen Heroes

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In the great City of Waukee, there’s a beautiful rock painting memorial on the corner of SE LA Grant Pkwy & Booth Dr. It’s a nice piece of art around both of the sides. It’s quite the scenery. Come visit this unforgettable tribute to our fallen heroes and always remember the ones above the clouds.

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Des Moines and Waukee Haunted Houses 2017

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With the arrival of pumpkin season many of us are preparing for Halloween, which is a time to see adorable kiddos running around dressed up as Ninjago figures or a whole swarm of Elsa look-a-likes. Halloween for some is also the time to scare yourself silly with horror movies and haunted houses!

For those scream-seekers out there, we’ve compiled a list of the top haunted houses in the Des Moines area for you to visit!

Waukee Haunted House

Centennial Park Enclosed Shelter

Open: Oct. 27 & 28

Hours: 7:00-10:00 P.M.

Sponsored by the Waukee Park Board, this haunted house is an annual tradition! Come for a scare if you are brave enough!

Linn’s Haunted House

3805 6th Ave, Des Moines IA 50313

Open: Sept. 29-30, Oct. 6-7, Oct. 13-14, Oct. 20-31

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 7-10 P.M. / Fri & Sat 7-Midnight

Linn’s Haunted House is the oldest haunted house in town, which has been voted on for the top haunted houses in Des Moines!

Slaughterhouse

97 Indiana Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314

Open: Oct. 6-7, Oct. 13-15, Oct. 19-22 and Oct. 26-29

Hours: Fri/Sat: 7:00 P.M.-Midnight. Other nights: 7:00-11:00 P.M.

Slaughterhouse is a movie-style haunted house. The building was originally a real-life pig slaughter house adding to the horror!

Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park

4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50317

Open: Oct. 6-7, Oct. 13-14, Oct. 19-22, Oct. 26-29 and 31st

Hours: 6:45 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. Fri./Sat.; 8:30 P.M. Thurs./Sun.

Know as the Midwest’s largest and most elaborate Halloween Theme Park, with three haunted houses, two haunted walks, zombie paintball shoot bus ride and more!

So tell us, which haunted house had you screaming?

10 Des Moines Activities To Add To Your Summer Bucket List

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Believe it or not, school’s out in a few short weeks and it’s time to start working on that Summer Bucket List! Here is a list of our top 10 things to do in the Waukee / Des Moines area this Summer!

1. Celebrate Waukee: Unlock Yours

The second annual Celebrate Waukee festival is a family-friendly event perfect to get the Summer started right! With a movie, 5K run, inflatables, live music and fireworks, the festival is sure to please everyone in the family!

Date: June 3 – 4, 2016

2. Dallas County Fair

The Dallas County Fair is another fantastic taste of an Iowa-Summer. With 4-H shows, races, games and SO much more, the Dallas County Fair will quickly become an annual Summer-tradition!

Date: July 6 – 10, 2016

3. Living History Farms

Not just for school field trips, Living History Farms makes the perfect destination for some definite fun mixed with a little educational enrichment. The 500-acre outdoor museum tells an amazing story of how Iowans transformed the land over 300 years ago to the most productive farmland.

Hours:
Open Daily: May 1 – August 28, 2016
Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm
Sunday, Noon-4:00pm

4. Saylorville Lake

Who doesn’t dream of playing on the water in a boat during those hot summer months!? Luckily, Saylorville Lake Marina makes dreams come true. Saylorville Lake Marina is Iowa’s premier boating and recreation spot, with a full-service marina dedicated to providing safe, fun, memorable experiences on our beautiful lake.

Store Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 8:00am-7:00pm
Friday – Sunday, 8:00am-8:00pm

Shuttle Boat Service:
Monday – Thursday, 9:00am-9:00pm
Friday, 9:00am-12:00am
Saturday, 8:00am-12:00am
Sunday, 8:00am-10:00pm

5. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Explore tropical gardens and breathtaking flowers in the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Explore the world of plants, learn a few gardening skills and take in the beauty.

Hours:
Daily 10:00am — 5:00pm
Trellis Cafe 11:00am — 2:00pm (Tue-Sun)

6. Science Center of Iowa

More than just your run-of-the-mill science museum, The Science Center of Iowa brings learning to life through hands-on learning and exploration! There is also an IMAX theater for a truly one-of-a-kind moving going experience!

Summer Hours (Memorial Day – Labor Day):
Monday – Saturday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday, 12:00pm – 5:00pm

7. Clive Aquatics Center

It’s not “officially” Summer until you’ve splished and splashed in a pool. The Clive Aquatic Center has something for everyone including a kiddie pool, lazy river, lap pool, splash pad and water slide!

Hours:
Monday – Friday, 11:30am – 7:00pm
Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am – 6:00pm

8. Holiday Park Aquatics Center

No Summer Bucket List includes only ONE way to get wet! The Holiday Park Aquatics Center offers another perfect place to dip your toes with three different kinds of slides!

Regular Hours (Starting June 2nd):
Weekdays, 11:30am-7:00pm ** Holiday closes at 5:30pm due to evening swim lessons during the following date ranges: 6/13-24, 7/5-29**
Saturdays, 11:30am-6:00pm
Sundays, Noon-5:45pm

9. Brown’s Woods Forest Preserve

Perfect for the nature lovers out there, Brown’s Woods Forest Preserve Brown’s Woods, Iowa’s largest urban forest preserve, offers more than four miles of trails to explore. This 486-acre forest provides a canopy of oak and hickory trees that stretch from Brown’s Woods Drive to the Raccoon River.

Summer Hours:
Monday – Sunday, 6:30am-10:30pm

10. Adventureland

With dozens of rides, including live shows and roller coasters, Adventureland is an obvious Summer Bucket List choice. With Adventure Bay waterpark included in your price of admission and the much anticipated debut of The Monster roller coaster this June, who wouldn’t be first in line?

Visit the website for full list of hours!

Is your favorite fun-in-the-sun activity not listed? Please comment below and share what’s on your “Des Moines Summer Bucket List”!

Pinpoints of Interest: Game Day Edition

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Jethro’s BBQ ‘n Jambalaya

9350 University Ave
Enjoy slow-smoked meats and homemade Cajun creole creations at this nationally-recognized neighborhood sports bar.
www.jethrosdesmoines.com

Pizza Ranch

448 SE University Ave
Saddle up the family and head out to Pizza Ranch for lunch or dinner. The menu includes pizza, the Country’s Best Chicken® and a full buffet.
www.pizzaranch.com

Mickey’s Irish Pub

1025 Hickman Rd
Visit Mickey’s Irish Pub in Waukee for local entertainment, delicious pub grub and a fun atmosphere.
www.mickeyswaukee.com

Saints Pub + Patio 

87 NE Carefree Ln
Check out Waukee’s NEWEST pub, opening in early September. Saints boasts a made-from-scratch menu, 20 beers on tap and 17 60-70” HD TVs!
www.rileydrive.com

Rube’s Steakhouse 

3309 Ute Avenue
Award-winning steaks and friendly service have earned this “grill your own” steakhouse a nationwide following. Stop by for lunch or dinner.
www.rubessteaks.com

 

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