Must-see restaurants in Colorado

  • Molly B Restaurant

    Estes Park

    This classic American breakfast place in town is easy to find and has a burly omelet and other greasy-spoon delights served among wood paneling and vinyl…

  • Tennessee Pass Cafe

    Central Colorado

    This artsy cafe has the most inventive menu in town, with organic specials ranging from buffalo shepherd's pie and baked trout to sweet-potato gnocchi and…

  • Moe's Original BBQ

    Vail

    You'll put on some pounds at this blues-driven barbecue chain, but the unpretentious roadhouse vibe is a refreshing change from the rest of the resort…

  • Pahgre’s

    Southwest Colorado

    Serving pizzas, paninis, salads and pasta, Pahgre’s is a favorite among Montrose locals. Try the pizzas (our picks are the Motherlode or the Blue Mesa). A…

  • Nepal Restaurant

    Southwest Colorado

    In a town without much ethnic food, the Nepalese lunch buffet fills a niche. The meat curries are better-than-average Indian, but vegetarian dumplings,…

  • Coopers on the Creek

    Central Colorado

    With a menu of elk tartare and brats, duck poutine and bison ribs, this is arguably the best choice for famished hikers and skiers. Pull up a seat at the…

  • Pagosa Baking Company

    Southwest Colorado

    It's dead charming: they use all local ingredients and set up a space to chat over coffee in the front room of a bright yellow Victorian. Breakfast…

  • Baked in Telluride

    Telluride

    Don't expect ambience. This cafeteria-style Telluride institution serves up XL doughnuts, mom's meatloaf, sourdough wheat-crust pizza and some hearty…

  • Foolish Craig’s

    Boulder

    A longtime, much-loved breakfast joint famous for its build-your-own omelets and crepes. The more upscale dinner menu is worth trying, with options such…

  • Izzy's

    Southwest Colorado

    Start your day right with breakfast from this buzzing cafe. Latkes, egg dishes and homemade bagels are all done up right. Don't skip the sourdough made…

  • Prospector

    Southwest Colorado

    Reserve ahead at this small mountain restaurant run by chef Eamonn O’Hara, who worked alongside Wolfgang Puck and other notables at the Hotel Bel Air in…

  • Burrowing Owl

    Colorado Springs

    This cozy neighborhood joint bills itself as social, sustainable and vegan, and it's more like a hangout than a restaurant, where people come to sit, sip…

  • Stone House

    Southwest Colorado

    With prompt, affable service and a menu as long as your arm, the Stone House offers a catalog of Modern American, Italian and Caribbean-style dishes…

  • Bluebird Cafe

    Aspen & the Maroon Bells

    This organic coffee shop serves up veggie breakfast burritos and a decent lunch menu of simple sandwiches and homemade soup. Folk bands occasionally pop…

  • Vinny's

    Central Colorado

    The locals' choice for tasty mains (such as duck confit) and authentic pasta dishes – best enjoyed at the small bar – which has a devoted following and is…

  • Log Cabin

    Central Colorado

    Every town has one – the unequivocal champion of all things breakfast. In Frisco, it’s Log Cabin. Come for sassy, no-nonsense servers, bomb French toast,…

  • Tommy’s Subs

    Colorado

    Seated in a strip mall right at the edge of a park, this locally owned sandwich shop gets a lot of lip service for the Philly cheesesteak and French dip…

  • Vendetta’s

    Vail

    In overpriced and borderline-snooty Vail, this throwback pizza joint wins for aroma, ambience and, well, pizza. It does steaks and chops and also pasta…

  • Ian’s Mountain Bakery

    Northern Colorado

    If you’re just stopping in town for a bite, your best bet is Ian’s, where Ian covers the breakfast burrito in a tangy sauce, turns out killer biscuits and…

  • Living Tree

    Durango

    If oversized salads made to order and kombucha on tap sound good, you've found your spot in the crowded Durango restaurant scene. There's a rotating menu…

  • Two Brothers Deli

    Central Colorado

    The coziest cafe in town, this is an excellent option for refueling with an espresso, a smoothie or a quick meal. Breakfast wraps, fresh sandwiches and…

  • Glen Haven General Store

    Estes Park

    If you forgot to pack a lunch, drop in at the Glen Haven General Store for gooey cinnamon rolls, cherry cobbler and deli items. In winter it’s open ‘from…

  • Dairy Block

    Denver

    Denver's latest revitalization project includes a food hall, micro-market, coffee stalls, restaurants, bars and even a hotel. In summer, the alleyway…

  • The Last Steep

    Southwest Colorado

    When locals want an affordable bite out, they come to this down-home eatery for burgers, teriyaki tofu bowls and coconut shrimp. It's family-run with…

  • Sweet Coloradough

    Aspen & the Maroon Bells

    Great little indie bakery on the road up valley (look for the old police car parked out front), with cronuts, eclairs, fine doughnuts and lots of bagel…

  • Grand Restaurant & Saloon

    Southwest Colorado

    Stick with the burgers and club sandwiches at this atmospheric eatery, where the full bar is well patronised by locals and visitors. The player piano and…

  • Montrose Farmers Market

    Southwest Colorado

    On Saturdays the Montrose Farmers Market is held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Montrose. Depending on the harvest, you might find local produce, cheeses…

  • Amazing Grace

    Breckenridge

    This tiny house is Breck's premier pick (indeed, perhaps the only pick) to scoff hummus sandwiches, spicy tofu salads, smoothies and other healthy,…

  • Himalayan Cuisine

    Central Colorado

    No, the name doesn’t leave a lot to the imagination, but so what? Here’s a little ray of Himalayan sunshine in the Rockies and a welcome change from…

  • Inxpot

    Central Colorado

    This groovy, hippie-run, rock 'n' roll coffeehouse does righteous breakfast sandwiches and jet-fueled coffee, plus soups and sandwiches for lunch. It has…

  • Penelope’s Burgers & Fries

    Estes Park

    This burger barn on the main drag is decorated with plenty of old-time clutter – frying pans and spoons and historic photos. The deep fryer works overtime…

  • Millwood Junction

    Southwest Colorado

    Folks come from miles around to this popular steak and seafood joint, especially for Friday night's seafood buffet. It often doubles as a club, showcasing…

  • Rise & Shine Bakery

    Central Colorado

    Locals park their dogs out front of this funky cafe, then head in for pastries, rich lattes, salads and sandwiches on home-baked bread. Wi-fi is…

  • Pizza Colore Express

    Denver

    Big portions of inexpensive pasta and wood-oven pizzas are served at this casual Italian restaurant. The food is delicious (especially considering the…

  • Bearded Lady

    Central Colorado

    Street tacos, empanadas and fruit paletas (popsicles) with ingredients straight from the Crowded Acre family farm. Look for the blue school bus.

  • High Mountain Pies

    Central Colorado

    An ultra-popular pizza joint with great toppings. Unfortunately, seating is limited, so make sure you either arrive early or order to go.

  • Desert Sage

    Southeast Colorado

    In the Baca Grande area, just south of town, this popular bakehouse and cafe features outstanding breads and other tasty treats.

  • Whole Foods

    Central Colorado

    A branch of the national chain is Summit County's most diverse grocery store, with plenty of eat-in and takeout options to boot.

  • Aspen Street Coffee

    Southwest Colorado

    With simple wraps, strong coffee and homemade granola, this is a great spot to stock up before the ride.

  • Louie's

    Central Colorado

    Hands-down the best ice cream in the valley, with a fun playground and patio, too.