Although this top ski town is tucked inside a box canyon in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, it packs a big punch with its raved-about dining scene. So much so, Telluride was named in the top 20 Best American Cities for Foodies by Conde Nast Traveler. With more than 50 restaurants, Telluride has a spot to satisfy all cravings for a quick snack or sit-down meal with loved ones. Ready to dig in? Check out our picks for the top Telluride restaurants.
Colorado Dining Bucket List: 9 Telluride Restaurants
Breakfast: Baked in Telluride
Baked in Telluride ranks as a top pizza restaurant, however many also know it as a hot spot for sweet treats and breakfast. As the name suggests, Baked in Telluride features fresh-baked goodies made by local Jerry Greene, who has served Telluride food lovers for more than 40 years.
For breakfast, visitors will find a huge selection of fresh donuts, bagels and specialty sandwiches. Before heading out on the slopes, order a breakfast croissant with ham, bacon or turkey, and eggs. Those really hungry should bite into the potato and egg burrito. If breakfast isn’t an option, don’t worry. Baked in Telluride is open until 10 p.m., and serves daily down-home favorites for dinner.
View: Allred’s Restaurant
Dine with a view at Allred’s Restaurant. This signature Telluride restaurant sits at the top of the gondola with window seating that overlooks the town. Open for dinner only, Allred’s serves a diverse menu featuring seafood, elk, beef, lamb and more. The restaurant also sources many ingredients from Colorado, infusing local flavors that showcase contemporary American themes. Popular choices include juniper-bourbon marinated elk strip, Colorado rack of lamb and all-natural roasted chicken.
Not only does Allred’s rank as among the top Telluride restaurants, but it also provides a great place to watch the sunset with loved ones. Both the bar and dining room offer seating near windows, and availability is first-come, first-served.
Upscale: Chop House Restaurant
Located in New Sheridan Hotel and only open in summer and fall seasons, Chop House Restaurant serves breakfast lunch and dinner. This upscale restaurant sits directly off the hotel lobby and offers seating indoors and outside. Chop House offers a large menu but specializes in Western-aged beef and bison. For dinner, try the Rocky Mountain elk short loin, Chop House steak burger, or from a selection of ribeye, strip and porterhouse steaks.
Photo: Woody Hibbard
Burger: Steamies Burger Bar
Head to Main Street to try a spin on the American favorite, the hamburger. Steamies Burger Bar – a contemporary burger restaurant in Telluride – serves juicy stacks that have been steamed rather than fried, grilled or charbroiled. This spin creates a healthier burger option without losing any of the flavor.
Diners will find the signature Steamie, the spicy zonie, vegetarian ‘bello and gobbler made with turkey. In addition, Steamies also serves sandwich melts, chicken dishes and hot dogs, ideal for a quick meal any time of day. Yes, they have a full breakfast menu, too.
Pizza: Brown Dog Pizza
Who doesn’t enjoy a big slice of pizza? Award-winning Brown Dog Pizza serves just that with and many more Italian favorites. For pizza, select from American classic rounds, Chicago deep dish, Detroit square style and gluten-free Roman style. The pizza is so good, it won first place at the 2015 Pizza World Championships in Parma, Italy.
Diners looking for something extra have a large selection of salads, pastas, burgers, subs and wraps. To ensure the freshest flavors, all pastas and breads are made in-house. Don’t forget to pair the meal with a glass of wine or beer.
Nightlife: Smugglers Brew Pub
For over 20 years, Smugglers Brew Pub has delighted skiers and night owls. This restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients in dishes, sauces, cocktails and dressings. Open in the winter from noon to 9 p.m., Smugglers serves traditional pub foods, such as burgers, sandwiches, seafood, pasta and full entrees. To fill up, try the BBQ rib sliders, jumbo hot wings, white truffle burger or filet mignon.
In addition to the food, visitors also enjoy treats from the brewery or bar, with all brews and drinks made to reflect Colorado culture and celebrate flavors from around the world.
Thai: Siam
Among the best Telluride restaurants is family-owned and -operated Siam, which specializes in Thai food. Every dish is made from scratch, to order, with recipes uniting international flavors. The restaurant employees native Thai chefs who use local ingredients to create their signature dishes. Siam House specialties include a main ingredient coupled with a stir fry selection, so guests can create their own dishes. One option is the high-wire ranch elk and Siam stir fry. View the full menu at Siam.
French: 221 South Oak
This favorite Telluride restaurant serves French-inspired dishes in an upscale atmosphere. 221 South Oak sits inside a refurbished historic home with both traditional seating and intimate areas. With a focus on fresh ingredients, guests will find a large selection of dinner options, including salads, seafood, beef, poultry and bison.
For the main course, try the Rocky Mountain trout or elk t-bone, or dig into the smoked wild boar tenderloin or maple leaf duck breast. Looking for something lighter? 221 South Oak also offers a full vegetarian-friendly menu. Try tofu different ways, including crispy, or order one of the rich vegetarian dishes, such as roasted beets with spaghetti squash or cauliflower steak with asparagus.
Mexican: La Cocina de Luz
Find both Mexican and southwestern dishes at La Cocina de Luz. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner, La Cocina de Luz serves traditional favorites with local ingredients. For breakfast, visitors enjoy burritos, omelets and egg specialties, which pair well with a glass of fresh organic juice. The lunch and dinner menu features tacos, burritos, combination plates, enchiladas and more.
If there’s room – try to save some – savor handmade organic ice cream. Flavors cater to most diets and include vegan and sugar-free options. Some popular choices are: vegan chocolate almond, strawberry jam, cafe con leche, salted caramel and banana chocolate pecan.
Learn more about Telluride, and start planning your Colorado getaway.
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