7 Colorado Mountain-Town Restaurants That Never Miss
Colorado’s mountain towns offer more than just breathtaking views and outdoor adventures – they’re home to some of the most incredible dining experiences in the country. From cozy pizza joints to elegant fine dining with panoramic vistas, these mountain restaurants combine fresh ingredients, talented chefs, and unforgettable settings.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes or just exploring the Rockies, these seven restaurants consistently deliver memorable meals worth the journey.
1. Allred’s Restaurant
Perched at 10,551 feet and accessible only by gondola, Allred’s offers dining with a dramatic entrance. The wall of windows frames San Juan Mountain views that compete with the locally-sourced menu for your attention.
Chef Mike Regrut’s contemporary American cuisine features Colorado lamb and seasonal ingredients that change with mountain harvests. Reserve a table for sunset when alpenglow bathes the peaks in golden light.
2. Brown Dog Pizza
World Championship Pizza isn’t what you’d expect in a small mountain town, but Brown Dog’s Detroit-style pies have earned international acclaim. Their thick, square pizzas with caramelized cheese edges draw crowds year-round.
Beyond pizza, the relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for families after a day of mountain adventures. Don’t miss their award-winning Giacomo, topped with fig preserves, prosciutto, and blue cheese, a surprising mountain town delicacy.
3. The Butcher & The Baker
Morning lines form daily at this bright, airy café where locals and visitors mingle over house-baked pastries and hearty breakfast plates. Their commitment to sourcing from local farms shines through in every colorful dish.
The sourdough bread alone justifies the visit, baked fresh daily and featured in their legendary avocado toast. For lunch, their creative sandwiches on that same incredible bread have developed a cult following among Telluride’s outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Alpino Vino
At nearly 12,000 feet elevation, this charming European-style chalet offers an experience as rare as the mountain air. Winter visitors arrive via snowcat-pulled sleighs for an intimate five-course Italian dinner.
Inside, the stone fireplace, antique wooden furnishings, and intimate 28-seat dining room create an atmosphere of Alpine luxury. Their wine cellar boasts Italian varieties perfectly paired with hand-crafted pasta and locally-sourced game dishes that honor both Colorado and Northern Italian traditions.
5. The Penrose Room
As Colorado’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond restaurant, The Penrose Room elevates mountain dining to art form. Located in The Broadmoor resort, its elegant circular dining room features a domed ceiling, crystal chandeliers, and live piano music.
Executive chefs craft seasonal tasting menus with international influences while maintaining Colorado connections. The tableside preparations add theatrical flair to the experience, as does the attentive service that anticipates your every need without intrusion.
6. Lodge At Sunspot
Arriving via the Zephyr Express chairlift sets the stage for a memorable meal at 10,700 feet. The massive timber-frame structure with cathedral ceilings houses both a cafeteria and fine dining restaurant with 360-degree views of the Continental Divide.
Lunch brings skiers still in boots for gourmet comfort food. Evening transforms the space with candlelight, white tablecloths, and a refined menu featuring Colorado specialties like bison and trout. Summer visitors enjoy wildflower meadows from the expansive deck.
7. Grand View At Garden Of The Gods Resort
Few restaurants can claim a view rivaling the red sandstone formations of Garden of the Gods against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. The aptly-named Grand View maximizes this natural wonder with walls of windows and an expansive terrace.
Chef Thomas Hartwell’s Colorado-inspired menu features local game and produce transformed into artistic presentations. Breakfast here is particularly magical as morning light illuminates the rock formations. Their weekend brunch has become a Colorado Springs tradition for celebrating special occasions.
