5 Hidden Fine-Dining Gems in Colorado
Sometimes it seems as though big cities get all the restaurant love. But dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover excellent places for an expertly prepared meal in smaller towns across Colorado. These five can’t-miss establishments are worth a special trip.
Sometimes it seems as though big cities get all the restaurant love. But dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover excellent places for an expertly prepared meal in smaller towns across Colorado. These five can’t-miss establishments are worth a special trip.
1. La Marmotte, Telluride
Sneak away to the southwestern part of the state for a visit to Telluride, a restored Victorian-era hamlet that’s heavy on charm and picturesque views. Tucked into one of the oldest buildings in town, the cabin-style historic Ice House, La Marmotte’s location isn’t exactly where you’d expect to find high-caliber French dining. But you won’t want to miss the elegant versions of bistro faves such as Waygu steak tartare and trout amandine.
2. The Dining Room at the Windsor Hotel, Del Norte
The one-stoplight town of Del Norte in rural south-central Colorado may have just missed the cut to be named Colorado’s capital back in the day, but The Dining Room in the historic Windsor Hotel currently offers up food worthy of any metropolis. The seasonally rotating menu is peppered with local ingredients, from beef and bison raised on nearby ranches to Haefeli’s honey, making for elegant fare with Old West flair.
3. The Pullman, Glenwood Springs
Hikers, fishers and hot-springs soakers are drawn to Glenwood Springs’ low-key vibe, and The Pullman fits right in as a laid-back dining spot. But don’t let the unpretentious aesthetic fool you: This restaurant propels a comforting menu of American share plates and larger entrees to a sophisticated level under the guidance of chef-owner Mark Fischer, who has earned multiple James Beard Award nominations over the years.
4. Kennebec Cafe, Hesperus
To the west of Durango, the tiny enclave of Hesperus draws powder-seekers to its family-friendly ski hill of the same name. But beyond the slopes, the lovely Kennebec Cafe is a haven of casual-elegant vibes and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. From favorite Old World wines to signature desserts, the Kennebec is a perfect spot to sample European flavors made from seasonal Colorado ingredients.
5. 626 on Rood, Grand Junction
Colorado’s Western Slope is like a world of its own. Red-rock landscapes are juxtaposed with an agricultural oasis that makes it prime for winemaking — and a quality meal to go along with those outstanding pours. 626 on Rood, in downtown Grand Junction, is a wine bar perfectly suited for such an occasion, featuring upscale, modern American cuisine and an extensive wine selection — as in more than 30 by-the-glass choices! Explore a Grand Junction-area itinerary >>
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