By
Leslie JamesMarch 5, 2021 | updated 5 years ago
10. Grand LakeThe cozy mountain town of Grand Lake features the town’s lake of the same name where visitors and locals swim, paddleboard, kayak, and more in the summer. Free concerts are held in the summer by Grand Lake Summer Concert series at the gazebo in the Town Park. There’s plenty to see and do in Grand Lake for those looking for a quiet mountain escape.Photo Credit: Don Graham (flickr).
There’s no better way to fully experience the mountain life of Colorado’s small towns than to visit restaurants where the locals eat after an outdoor adventure. Here are 10 iconic mountain town restaurants where visitors can indulge in local food and culture around Colorado.
Editor’s Note: Be aware that some changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be in place. Please check with an official source for the most updated information.
1. Squeaky B’s – Grand LakeIt’s a fun dining experience all around at Squeaky B’s in Grand Lake. The restaurant’s name reflects the “clean” ingredients of the menu items such as beef from local farmers in Colorado that’s used to make the burgers. The restaurant features a music stage, cornhole boards, and beautiful views of the western flank of Rocky Mountain National Park. Find juicy burgers, fresh salads, and a full bar that offers champagne floats, boozy milkshakes, and more.Photo Credit: Don Graham (flickr).2. Eddyline Brewery – Buena VistaEddyline Brewery, named for the spot in a river where water moves in a circular motion against the main current, is all about mountain culture and adventure. The taphouse and restaurant in Buena Vista’s South Main District is situated near the Arkansas River and near the base of the region’s famed Collegiate Peaks. Find flavorful craft beer, handmade food like pizzas, salads, burgers, and more on the menu. There’s also a brewpub located in town.Photo Credit: russell preston (flickr).3. White House Tavern – AspenIndulge in delicious food and iconic mountain town history at White House Tavern in Aspen. The restaurant operates in a 1880s cottage that remains one of the oldest buildings in town. White House Tavern serves up sandwiches and shareable snack items, including French Dip au jus, Peruvia chicken meatballs, and more.Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock).4. The Dredge – BreckenridgeOne of the most iconic scenes in Breckenridge – other than the ski slopes – is a retired, 2-million-pound dredge in the heart of downtown. Ollie’s Pub & Grill opened its restaurant in the dredge in early 2020. The pub has 20 Colorado beers on tap, and dishes up wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more.Photo Credit: KaraGrubis (iStock).5. Little Bear Saloon – EvergreenClaimed to be Colorado’s rowdiest mountain town bar, the Little Bear Saloon in Evergreen maintains the Old West charm. Look for names carved into the wood walls and ceiling, signed posters and shirts from musicians, license plates from areas around the world, and even dozens of brassieres hanging over the music stage. The restaurant serves homemade pizzas, burgers, and more.Photo via Google Maps.6. Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory – SilvertonEscape into the San Juan mountains for a sugary fix of funnel cakes in Silverton. Including flavors like cinnamon roll, raspberry truffle, and pineapple upside down, there’s quite a variety of funnel cake concoctions made at the Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory.Author’s Note: Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory operates seasonally.Photo Credit: Missing35mm (iStock).7. Secret Stash – Crested ButteIt’s not so much a secret that some of the best pizza and wings in Crested Butte are served at the Secret Stash. The Stash Wings are covered in homemade sauce, fresh green on onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Appetizers include “Crack Fries” and “Meat Candy,” while the options of pizza range from the “Mac Daddy” that has pickles on it, to “Woodward” that has eggs on it, to the winner of the World Champion Pizza Challenge: the “Notorious F.I.G.”Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock).8. The Pantry – Green Mountain FallsThe traditional American breakfast and lunch can be found in a quiet mountain town restaurant west of the bustling Colorado Springs. The Pantry, in Green Mountain Falls, is situated at 7,800 feet above sea level and at the base of the popular Catamount hiking trails. Menu items include breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, sandwiches, and more. Or catch the Cowboy Breakfast Buffet on summer weekends from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Photo Credit: Gazette file photo.9. Alpino Vino – TellurideExperience fine-dining with mountainous views at Alpino Vino in Telluride. It’s North America’s highest elevation restaurant at 11,966 feet above sea level, offering incredible views of Wilson Range (which will be quite recognizable if you drink Coors Light). Find exquisite dishes like Lobster Gnocchi, Wagyu Panino, and more.Author’s Note: Alpino Vino operates during winter months only.Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette.10. Crystal Park Cantina – Manitou SpringsYou’ll have to maneuver through neighborhoods in Manitou Springs to find this mountain town restaurant, but it’s worth it. Crystal Park Cantina serves dishes that are full of flavor and fresh ingredients. This mexican joint even offers a burger that’s renowned in the community. The burger is made with an organic patty, jalapeno-cilantro cheese, caramelized onions, chipotle mayo, and cabbage all within a Sante Fe corn bun.Photo Credit: Jeff Kearney, The Gazette
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