Must-see restaurants in Colorado

  • El Caporal

    Southern Front Range

    This funky, family-owned diner serves up decent Mexican fare. Tuck into carne asada, grilled chicken dinners with refried beans, rice and guacamole, tasty…

  • Lolita’s Market & Deli

    Boulder

    Whether you’re on a run for late-night munchies, on an early morning hunt for trail snacks or, you know, Sunday morning bacon, this joint should be your…

  • Ski Tip Lodge

    Central Colorado

    A veritable piece of Rocky Mountain history, this delightful, 19th-century log-cabin stagecoach stop has a roaring fire inside and delectable cuisine on…

  • Lucile’s

    Boulder

    This New Orleans–style diner has perfected breakfast, and the Creole egg dishes (served over creamy spinach alongside cheesy grits or perfectly blackened…

  • Heart of Jerusalem Cafe

    Southern Front Range

    This fabulous Middle Eastern greasy-spoon haunt is exactly the kind of place you wouldn’t expect to find in Manitou Springs. It does savory shawarma and…

  • Doughworks

    Durango

    For mammoth breakfasts or diner-style lunch, this busy hub by the high school has your back. A brisk takeout business offers bagels and doughnuts, with…

  • Chautauqua Dining Hall

    Boulder

    With prime real estate in Chautauqua Park, this big farmhouse with a wraparound porch is a favorite of hikers, especially for breakfast. Service isn't…

  • Canteen Tap House

    Breckenridge

    There's nothing quite like reinventing the wheel, and the uber-popular Canteen does just that: all your favorite ski-town staples are here, from burgers …

  • Arabesque

    Boulder

    This authentic family-run enterprise hits the sweet spot with excellent, slightly smoky baba ghanoush, fresh tabbouleh and shawarma wraps made with fresh…

  • BedRock Depot

    Northern Colorado

    If you’re hungry, the best bet is a greasy bite at BedRock Depot, a nostalgic ice cream and espresso shop that serves a coy menu of dino-themed sandwiches…

  • Durango Diner

    Durango

    To watch Gary work the grill in this lovable greasy spoon is to be in the presence of greatness. Backed by a staff of button-cute waitresses, Gary’s fluid…

  • Clint’s Bakery & Coffee House

    Breckenridge

    The coolest coffeeshop in town, where brainy baristas will steam up anything from a chalkboard full of latte and mocha flavors and dozens of loose-leaf…

  • Jimmy’s

    Aspen

    Jimmy’s is a soulful tequila bar and steakhouse that attracts a very A-list crowd. Settle into a booth and check out the guest graffiti on the wall in the…

  • Kathmandu

    Colorado

    A huge restaurant decked out in red, Kathmandu is a longtime local staple offering solid Indian and Nepalese fare. The lunch buffet is a good deal but the…

  • dc's on b street

    Southeast Colorado

    This cute B St bistro (located in the old Coors Building) offers some of the best eats in town. It does a terrific Reuben on marbled rye and a Poulet…

  • Sherpa’s

    Boulder

    A friendly, fun Nepalese cafe set in a converted home at the edge of downtown. Dishes are simple, with home-style choices such as tofu aloo and a hearty…

  • Sweet Pea Market

    Steamboat Springs

    With a mission dedicated to local farmers and organic food, Sweet Pea is a welcome alternative to Steamboat’s meaty scene. It stocks tons of fresh veggies…

  • Bosq

    Aspen

    Of Aspen's new dinner destinations, Bosq is perhaps the most unique, with a playful modern menu that reflects the travels and culinary interests of chef…

  • Biker Jim's Dogs

    Denver

    Biker Jim's passion for Harleys is only outpaced by his visionary zeal for encased meat. No kidding: the man is a revolutionary. The standard hits are an…

  • Jake & Telly’s

    Colorado Springs

    One of the best choices in Old Colorado City, this Greek eatery looks and sounds slightly touristy – lots of Greek monument murals on the walls and themed…

  • Pueblo Viejo

    Northern Colorado

    Something of a Fort Collins institution, Pueblo Viejo serves a sizable chile relleno that’s better-than-average Colorado Mexican, but the place goes one…

  • Cafe Bernard

    Aspen & the Maroon Bells

    Owned by a French chef, this is one of the town’s cutest, most beloved restaurants. Set on the main drag, it's a good spot to indulge in Gallic fare…

  • Kirby Cosmo's

    Central Colorado

    This casual Carolina BBQ spot is located at the south end of town, toward Leadville. It's the best choice for a tasty affordable meal, with stalwarts like…

  • Camp Robber

    Southwest Colorado

    Fine-dining without attitude, Camp Robber's eclectic menu offers Americana tricked-up with contemporary New Mexican and Italian accents. The signature…

  • Butterhorn Bakery & Cafe

    Central Colorado

    This fun, bright and funky pastel-brushed diner is always packed for breakfast and lunch. In addition to house-baked breads, bagels and croissants, it…

  • Lonigans

    Estes Park

    This pub and grill is a place to soak up Estes Park local flavor, mostly through the sidelong glances of the good ol’ boys at the bar and boozy karaoke…

  • Endo’s Adrenaline Cafe

    Central Colorado

    A laid-back but still hard-rocking place on the main village plaza. It has kayaks dangling from the ceiling, while snowboarding stills and flat-screen TVs…

  • Golden Farmers Market

    Colorado

    On Saturdays between June and September, the city hosts the Golden Farmers Market featuring local produce and prepared foods. If you're looking to stock…

  • Fontenot’s Seafood & Grill

    Central Colorado

    This place has been bringing New Orleans’ tasty brand of seafood love to Winter Park for over 20 years. It has everything from fried okra and steamed…

  • Lucha

    Central Colorado

    The most atmospheric spot in the old downtown area, Lucha's turn-of-the-century digs were once the legendary Red Ram, frequented by the likes of Clint…

  • Stuft

    Northern Colorado

    Grab a pencil and start scribbling your dream order: the build-your-own-burger concept succeeds through a list of high-grade options like chipotle ketchup…

  • White House Tavern

    Aspen

    As American as a crispy chicken sandwich and kale salad, the White House is a premier lunch stop with a casually elegant atmosphere. Sit in booths, at the…

  • Garlic Mike’s

    Southwest Colorado

    Just north of Gunnison on the road to Crested Butte, this place has long been a town favorite. For rural Colorado, it’s a pretty authentic taste of Italy…

  • Harwigs

    Steamboat Springs

    This fine-dining option serves Asian-influenced French fare in elegant, candlelit environs. The mains won’t blow minds – rack of lamb, duck breast with…

  • The Little Diner

    Vail

    The most popular place for breakfast at the resort is the Little Diner in Lionshead. Huevos rancheros, sweet and savory crepes, biscuits and gravy – it's…

  • Kim's Food to Go

    Boulder

    Sure, this place is a bit rough around the edges and the vegetarian noodles may well come with a wayward piece of chicken, but there’s no cheaper, better…

  • Pagosa Brewing Company

    Southwest Colorado

    Brewmaster Tony Simmons is a professional beer judge, and the Poor Richard’s Ale is brewed according to historical standards – the corn and molasses mix…

  • Cafe Diva

    Steamboat Springs

    Asian flavors with French preparation combine for the most exciting dinner in the Mountain Area. ‘Colorado Never Ever Beef Tenderloin’ comes sided with…

  • Crepes à la Cart

    Breckenridge

    It's Breck's most popular snack stand: you can't miss this yellow gypsy cart on Main St – or the line snaking down the block in front of it. Sweet and…

  • The Fritz

    Central Colorado

    This fun riverside watering hole serves up clever American-style tapas: think three-cheese mac with bacon, fries and truffle aioli, seared ahi wontons,…