Telluride
You can pick something off the chalkboard or just take what the other guy has his face in – a cheap and messy delight. If in doubt, go for the pulled-pork…
Must-see restaurants in The Rocky Mountains
Vail
Unless your accommodations include a morning buffet, this is where to go for breakfast. It serves gourmet coffee, tasty breakfast burritos and some damn…
Yellowstone National Park
The aroma from this high-beamed lodge could draw a band of grizzlies, who would doubtless enjoy the prime-rib sliders. Lunch options include sandwiches,…
Jackson
First, the beer. Meet Melvin: the IPA everyone is talking about. He has 19 friends. They're pretty good, too. So is the Thai food. And burgers. And the…
Grand Teton National Park
In addition to the stirring views of the Tetons and moose ambling in the willow flats, these restaurant walls are adorned with the romantic Rendezvous…
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…
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…
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…
Boulder
This New Orleans–style diner has perfected breakfast, and the Creole egg dishes (served over creamy spinach alongside cheesy grits or perfectly blackened…
Montana
It’s hard to think of a better end to the day than grabbing a basket of shrimp and watching the sun sink over Hebgen Lake from the boat-shaped deck…
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…
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…
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…
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 …
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…
Montana
Campus coffeehouse by morning, chic modern American restaurant by night, creamy gelato any time. Located in a stately – if spartan – stone building, this…
Boulder
This authentic family-run enterprise hits the sweet spot with excellent, slightly smoky baba ghanoush, fresh tabbouleh and shawarma wraps made with fresh…
Glacier National Park
Lake views and stuffed animal heads characterize the interior of this handsome restaurant at the Lake McDonald Lodge. You can enjoy hash browns for…
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…
Montana
If your tastes are less merlot and more chocolate milk, Mark’s has been churning out quality never-frozen burgers, foot-long chili dogs and malts since…
Yellowstone National Park
Popular for its applewood-smoked Western-style ribs and Wyoming cheese steak, the meaty menu here stretches to bison burgers and wild-game bolognese but…
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…
Idaho
We debated whether to classify this as a 'bicycle shop,' 'bar' or 'restaurant.' We don't have a category for 'awesome.' With 20 beers on tap, it's a great…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Bozeman & Gallatin Valley
Grass-fed beef and bison provide the centerpiece for this upmarket but well-priced burger bar. There are the occasional nods to Mexican (crispy jalapeños)…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Montana
Grab a table and choose from three quality artisan food kiosks: Zucca Bistro, with Mediterranean style soup, sandwiches and salads; Tea Kettle Cafe with…
Southwest Colorado
Fine-dining without attitude, Camp Robber's eclectic menu offers Americana tricked-up with contemporary New Mexican and Italian accents. The signature…
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…
Jackson
For anything more authentic you would need a passport stamp. This informal, bare-bones eatery thrives with the local Latin population, especially at…
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…
