Tugboat memories and stories were celebrated

June 8, 2024 Shannon Lukens

By Shannon Lukens.

A large group of Tugboat Grill and Pub lovers gathered Friday afternoon, to say goodbye to the long-time Steamboat Springs bar and restaurant in Ski Time Square. The developer has indicated it will be demolished sometime this month, although he has not returned calls or emails to confirm.

Many had happy memories of time spent in the building, which was built in 1972.

Many also wore Tugboat shirts which were lively with colorful phrases.

Larry Lamb is a past owner of the Tugboat, through various partnerships. He was at the gathering with his wife, Becky. Larry explained how the name “Tugboat” came about when he and a group first purchased the building.

Jerry and Brian Thornton met at the Tugboat. Their daughter heard about the gathering on Steamboat Radio and encouraged them to go.

“I met my husband Brian here, 44 or 45 years ago and my daughter said, ‘You’ve got to go to the Tugboat!’ She said, ‘You know, I wouldn’t be, I wouldn’t have existed if you didn’t meet dad so you’ve got to go,’ so here we are.”

Mike Kortas built the fireplace in the Tugboat.

“In October of 1972, my buddy, Roger Olson and I built the fireplace in there and I spent many an afternoon and evening in here.”

T-Barr and his wife also attended, and lived in what he called the “Triangle,” also working in the building.

“Hey, I’m T-Barr. Been here since ’75. Living in the Triangle. Tugboat, Dos Amigos, Mattie Silks. Nothing like it. Party all night and all day long. It was fun.”

The parking structure behind the Tugboat has been removed. It was condemned last year.

We have tried to speak to the developer to confirm plans for the Tugboat building and when it will be demolished. We reached out three times, to also let him know that the gathering was happening. Mary Ghiglia organized the gathering and she said she reached out three times as well. Instead, we were told by Steamboat Springs Police that he called the police department and asked them to be there. And yes, Steamboat Springs Police and a Community Service officer were there to make sure all ran smoothly.

There are many pictures of the gathering on the Steamboat Radio Facebook page.