When you work up an appetite enjoying Telluride’s plentiful outdoor pursuits, it’s only logical that the food scene be equally as tantalizing. Ranked a Top 10 City for Foodies by Fodors, and Top 20 by Condé Nast, Telluride is as much a culinary playground as an adventure haven – so get ready to refuel in style.
For the Views – Allred’s
A truly memorable dining experience, Allred’s is your typical rustic chic lodge — with anything but typical views. It’s own stop on the gondola; this cliffside mountain gem has you ascend via elevator to reach the restaurant, much like going up into your own personal Wonderland. While you may have to fight for a table, their floor to ceiling windows at sunset are unparallelled. Perfect for happy hour, their cocktail list is divine with a piano player keeping the mood light with everything from pop hits to Disney showtunes.
For Wine, Cheese and Charcuterie – Chop House
An old hotel, parlor and opera house, Chop House at the Sheridan Hotel is as historic as it is charming. A steakhouse with a French twist, order the beautiful cheese and charcuterie board and a glass of bubbly and head up to their brand-new (opened July 2015) rooftop for stunning views of downtown Telluride.
For a Trendy Dinner – Cosmopolitan
Arguably the best food and service in town, Cosmo’s is the place to see and be seen right at the bottom of the gondola. Delectable steak, seafood, and sushi, the salmon sashimi has one of the coolest presentations I’ve ever been privy to, arriving in a flourish in a covered dish designed to entrap the smokiness and woodiness.
For Breakfast on the Go – the Grilled Cheese Cart
Diki is one of the town’s sassy gems, and she can whip up a savory or sweet creation in the blink of an eye. Throw a fried egg and bacon on top for protein or opt for the brie with fig, raspberry, ginger and orange jam (highly recommended) and you have one gourmet grilled cheese sandwich on the go.
For Families – La Cocina
An awesome patio space decked out in Southwest murals, colorful umbrellas and Mexican themed décor, even if you don’t like Latin American cusine, Cocina’s is the place to eat outdoors with the family, as there is also a Mediterranean food truck and coffee cart on site.
For a Relaxing Evening – High Pie Pizzeria & Tap Room
Grab a pizza and take it easy at Telluride’s newest organic and gluten-free pizzeria. With non-GMO and locally sourced ingredients, feel good splurging on comfort food paired with the perfect Colorado pint.
For Refueling for an Active Afternoon – Butcher & Baker
Need a quick lunch to continue adventuring? Butcher & Baker offers a DIY sandwich bar, homemade salads, and a killer deli case handcrafted by a former private chef.
For Happy Hour – Black Iron
Fire pits galore! The swanky outdoor fire pits at the Madeline Hotel are apres heaven in the winter, but keep roaring all year long throughout the summer. Perfect for a light lunch or happy hour, Black Iron is casual, modern mountain dining at it’s finest.
Start planning your Telluride Vacation today!