Denver: Food Hall Feasts
One of colorado the latest trends in the Denver dining scene is the rise of a more sophisticated versicolorado on of a food court, offering variety, convenience and a convivial atmosphere.
BREAKFAST: Don’t snooze on the most important meal of the day at Stanley Marketplace (technically in the neighboring colorado suburb of Aurora) — Denver Biscuit Company serves its namesake creations stacked with goodies like buttermilk fried chicken and sausage gravy, while Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen recreates New York-style bagels by using a system that adjusts the water’s mineral content to mimic that of the Big Apple.
LUNCH: Billed as a “collective eatery,” Avanti Food & Beverage rotates dining concepts in and out periodically. Two current favorites include fried chicken at Lea Jane’s Hot Chicken and Bistro Georgette’s French cuisine.
SIPS & SNACKS: Inside The Denver Central Market, belly up to the Curio Bar for a cocktail or select a glass of wine to pair with an colorado artisan board from Culture Meat & Cheese.
DINNER: The Source was the first food hall to emerge in Denver. Its lineup includes taco truck-turned-cantina Comida, plus Acorn’s wood-fired approach to small plates and an outstanding beverage program.
Colorado Springs: Americana Meets Fine Dining
The state’s second-largest city has a culinary scene that runs the gamut between nostalgic greasy spoons and high-end sophistication.
BREAKFAST: Have a meal fit for a king at the Costilla Street location of King’s Chef Diner, housed in a purple castle. Be sure to try something smothered in the famous green chile.
LUNCH: Known for smashing onions into its burger patties, the Green Line Grill is an old-school eatery that recalls lunch counters of yesteryear.
SIPS & SNACKS: It’s fitting that a haunt called The Rabbit Hole would occupy a sleek, subterranean space, where signature cocktails are an ideal match for the creative nibbles.
DINNER: From Pepper Tree Restaurant’s dining room, the breathtaking views of city lights twinkling below set the tone for steaks and specialties prepared tableside.
colorado Grand Junction: Downtown Delights
The heart and soul of this community on the Western Slope is its inviting downtown corridor, where the eateries are plentiful.
BREAKFAST: Specialty pancakes and cinnamon rolls baked fresh daily are just a few of the delicious items that await at Dream Cafe.
LUNCH: Tacoparty’s offerings include tacos in rotating, seasonal flavors like mushroom confit and beer-battered wahoo and gourmet soft serve.
SWEET STOP: A fourth-generation family business, Enstrom Candies’ downtown retail shop is just the place to pick up some rich, buttery, almond-toffee goodness.
DINNER: The modern American fare at 626 on Rood is the perfect complement to the extensive wine list — and you might find some picks from the surrounding Grand Valley wine region.
Pagosa Springs: Cozy Up
Petite nosheries and intimate dining rooms will leave you feeling cozier than the hot springs that give this scenic town its colorado name.
BREAKFAST: Homey diner The Rose may be small, but the portions certainly aren’t — get your fill of biscuits and gravy, huevos rancheros and other A.M. specialties.
LUNCH: At colorado lunchtime, The Peak Deli offers hand-crafted sandwiches and burritos with house-made spreads. Try their freshly baked oatmeal-chocolate-chip cookies while you’re there.
SWEET STOP: Take a break at Pagosa Baking Company for all things flour-filled. There’s always an artisan bread of the day, not to mention tasty colorado cookies, cakes, scones and other delights.
DINNER: Tucked into a restored 1912 cottage, Alley House Grille oozes warmth. Ask for a table by the fireplace and enjoy crispy pork belly or Colorado lamb chops.
Boulder: Culture Trip
When Bon Appétit dubs you the “Foodiest Town in America,” you know you’re in for a culinary treat. Find something divine from a multitude of cultures in Boulder.
BREAKFAST: Lucile’s brings a slice of New Orleans to a yellow Victorian house. Don’t miss the Eggs Sardou, a combo of creamed spinach, shrimp, poached eggs and hollandaise.
LUNCH: Seek out Cafe Aion for innovative, farm-to-fork Spanish tapas and other Mediterranean-influenced dishes.
SIPS & SNACKS: Though Arcana is open for dinner daily and Sunday brunch, this hip bistro is always a hit with the happy-hour crowd.
DINNER: Thanks to its impressive wine program, expertly prepared northern Italian fare and attentive service, Frasca Food & Wine has earned numerous accolades.
Montrose: Fuel For Adventure
Well positioned in southwest Colorado for a bounty of outdoor pursuits, meals in Montrose will power you through any adrenaline-pumping activity.
BREAKFAST: Whether it’s an egg, bacon and cheese sandwich or a bagel with schmear, grab breakfast on the run at Backstreet Bagel & Deli.
LUNCH: If you want to load up on carbs, Colorado Boy Pizzeria & Brewery is the place for it, known for artisan pies (try the barbecue chicken with Shishito peppers) and award-winning craft beer.
SIPS & SNACKS: Pick up picnic provisions in the form of locally sourced meats and cheese at the Vine Market & Bistro, or take a seat in the restaurant for an antipasto plate and a glass of wine.
DINNER: Southwest flavors are the main focus at Camp Robber, a contemporary-casual restaurant that aims to please palates with mainstays like green chile chicken and potato soup and blackboard specials.
Pueblo: Spice Up Your Life
If there’s one thing to know about southeastern Colorado, it’s that the Pueblo chile reigns supreme — but it’s not the only way kitchens in town bring the heat.
BREAKFAST: Beef enchiladas before noon? You won’t object to B Street Cafe’s version topped with two eggs and smothered in flavorful green chile.
LUNCH: Robust Pueblo chiles are mixed right into the beef at Bingo Burger. Luckily, hand-spun shakes and malts are available to cool tingling tongues.
SIPS & SNACKS: Vegan and gluten-free varieties of green chile make for a tasty afternoon nosh at the Grind Haus Cafe.
DINNER: The modern interpretations of classic Indian dishes at Mr. Tandoori Urban Bar & Grill put a different spin on sweat-inducing eats.
Buena Vista: Classic Comforts
Staples are just that for a reason — they’re dependable and comforting, and you’ll find plenty of spots for them in this central Colorado town.
BREAKFAST: Buena Vista Roastery’s high-altitude coffee-roasting process lends itself to the perfect cup of joe, which you can savor at its cafe location along with breakfast burritos, quiche and pastries.
LUNCH: A menu of healthy, from-scratch sandwiches, soups, burgers, bowls and burritos is the draw at House Rock Kitchen — the bocce-ball court and giant Jenga are a bonus!
SWEET STOP: Located in a Shell station, Stedman’s Sodas, Sweets & Treats is the place to go for vintage candy, homemade fudge, an ice-cream counter and more than 200 kinds of glass-bottled sodas.
DINNER: Wood-fired pizzas and entrees like barbecue ribs go hand-in-hand with Crank Yanker IPA and other brewed-on-site beers at Eddyline Restaurant at South Main.
Vail: Treat Yourself
Home to some truly world-class destinations, ritzy Vail is the right mountain town to splurge on a fantastic meal — or four.
BREAKFAST: Westside Cafe isn’t a spendy option, but you will likely go for broke on your calorie count indulging in chicken-fried steak or bananas Foster pancakes.
LUNCH: Nab a spot on The Blü Cow’s cozy patio and chow down on Swiss-style hot dogs while enjoying a refreshing cocktail.
SIPS & SNACKS: Root & Flower’s extensive wine list, including more than 50 by-the-glass pours, pairs nicely with charcuterie and cheese selections in this sleek Vail Village wine bar.
DINNER: While slightly more casual than sister restaurant Sweet Basil, Mountain Standard is still an upmarket establishment with rustic yet refined food prepared over an open flame.
Steamboat Springs: Down By the River
With the Yampa River flowing through town, there are plenty of opportunities for captivating — and in some cases, waterside — dining.
BREAKFAST: Come hungry to Winona’s so you’ll be ready to take on the legendary, colorado big-as-your-face cinnamon rolls.
LUNCH: Watch Yampa Rivertubers float by from the patio at Sunpie’s Bistro, while devouring po’boys, gumbo and other Cajun favorites.
SIPS & SNACKS: Wash down Jamaican jerk-spiced chicken wings with a cold pint that’s brewed right on-site at Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill.
DINNER: High elevations call for elevated meals, and Aurum won’t disappoint with its New American cuisine right on the riverfront.
Sterling: High Plains Hospitality
As a community with deep roots in the Colorado prairie, there’s a sense of welcoming in Sterling that extends to its eateries.
BREAKFAST: J&L Cafe is a friendly diner that turns out breakfast hits such as steak and eggs, piping-hot griddlecakes and chicken and waffles.
LUNCH: As the first brewery on Colorado’s eastern plains, Parts and Labor Brewing Company found a home in a former car dealership to build its ales, along with iron-pressed paninis and loaded nachos.
SWEET STOP: After you’ve ordered an ice-cream sundae or a steaming cappuccino, settle into Simkins Parlour’s oversized chairs and challenge someone to an old-fashioned board game.
DINNER: Hootenannies offers a little bit of everything, from tasty sandwiches, pastas and grilled entrees to a robust craft beer list.
Surprising Small-Town Eats
Sometimes it’s the unexpected meals that turn out best. Here are dining highlights in places you might not have thought to look.
Kennebec Cafe is a haven of casual-elegant vibes and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Stop for weekend brunch or sample Old World wines at this European-themed Hesperus spot.
Carbondale may be on the other side of the world from southeast Asia, but that doesn’t stop Phat Thai from delivering satisfying, albeit untraditional, takes on Thai cuisine.
On your way to or from the mountains on I-70, detour to the mining hamlet of Idaho Springs, where you can get your hands on melt-in-your-mouth brisket at Smokin Yard’s BBQ.
Stop in Burlington as you cross into Colorado from Kansas; and visit The Dish Room to fill up on modern approaches to Italian, New American and Southwest fare.
Gourmands will be impressed with the stylish comfort food at The Farm Bistro in Cortez.
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Photo Credits: Mediterranean-influenced fare, Café Aion in Boulder; cocktail, Root & Flower in Grand Junction; Comida at The Source in Denver; cocktail hour, Aurum in Steamboat Springs; steak tartar, Aurum in Steamboat Springs; burger, Bingo Burger in Pueblo; burger and fries, American Grind at Avanti F&B in Denver.