Kermitts Roadhouse is back in business, and pouring the Kermarita

Driving to the mountains, I'd passed Kermitts Roadhouse, located on exit 244 off I-70, hundreds of times. But I'd never stopped off there -- and then, after a fire broke out in the bar on New Year's Eve and shut down the place, I thought I might have missed my chance. So when Kermitts finally reopened in April, I decided I wasn't going to pass it by again.

In photos, every inch of Kermitts' walls and ceiling were covered in dollar bills -- but apparently that was money to burn, because the cash is kaput. In fact, the place looks like a college bar, with Walmart log-cabin furniture and biker paraphernalia on the walls, but no cash.

I sat down in this spare space and ordered a "Kermitts featured drink, the Kermarita ($8.75), made with Grand Marnier, Amaretto and Milagro Tequila, and when the server brought what turned out to be a strong, but run-of-the-mill, margarita, I asked about the ambiance -- or lack thereof.

She explained that the bar used to have a great feel, but after the fire they had to remove the wood stove (which most likely had started the fire), and the authorities also made them remove every single dollar bill from the walls. Despite the lack of decor, she promised that the place is still plenty of fun, especially when bands are playing on most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

I'd like to be able to believe her. Because right now, Kermitts isn't the Prince Charming of roadhouses. It's just one more frog to kiss.