Quick Info
Scene: Unpretentious mountain town dining with surprising quality. Strengths: Brewpubs, breakfast, and New American. Location: Most spots on Main Avenue downtown. Reservations: Recommended for dinner at popular spots, especially ski season.
Durango's food scene has grown up. What was once just pub fare and steakhouses now includes farm-to-table restaurants, creative taquerias, and legitimate fine dining. The brewery culture remains strong—several brewpubs serve food as good as their beer.
Most restaurants cluster along Main Avenue downtown, making it easy to walk and choose. Prices are reasonable by Colorado resort standards. The vibe is casual—mountain clothes are welcome everywhere.
Fine Dining
Ore House: The longtime special occasion spot. Steaks are the specialty, cooked properly. Classic atmosphere, excellent service. Reservations recommended.
Ken & Sue's: Contemporary American with creative preparations. Seasonal menus, strong wine list, and sophisticated plates without pretension. One of Durango's best.
Eolus Bar & Dining: Modern mountain cuisine in the historic Strater Hotel. Inventive cocktails and refined dishes. The atmosphere blends old Durango with contemporary style.
Casual Favorites
Steamworks Brewing: The go-to brewpub. Large menu covering burgers, pizza, and Southwestern dishes. Good beer, consistent food, always lively. Downtown dining essential.
Carver Brewing: Famous for breakfast. The breakfast burrito is legendary. Becomes a proper brewpub later in the day. Local institution since 1988.
Serious Texas BBQ: Exactly what it sounds like—Texas-style barbecue done right. Brisket, ribs, and sides. Simple, satisfying, affordable.
East by Southwest: Asian-influenced tacos and fusion. Creative combinations that work. Quick, casual, flavorful. Good lunch option.
Breakfast
Carver Brewing: The breakfast standard. Lines form on weekends. The breakfast burrito with green chile is famous. Get there early.
Oscar's Café: Family-run Mexican breakfast. Huevos rancheros, chorizo, homemade tortillas. Less fancy than Carver but equally satisfying.
Jean Pierre Bakery: French pastries and breakfast in a cozy Main Avenue spot. Croissants, quiche, and strong coffee. Perfect for a lighter start.
Quick Eats
Nini's Taqueria: Fast, authentic Mexican. Tacos, burritos, and tortas. Budget-friendly and genuinely good. Perfect after outdoor activities.
Fired Up Pizzeria: Wood-fired pizza with quality toppings. Quick service, solid pies. Good option for families.
College Drive Food Trucks: Rotating vendors near Fort Lewis College. Check social media for current options. Good variety, casual vibe.
Tips
Weekends are busy. Popular spots fill up, especially in ski season and summer. Make reservations for dinner at the nicer restaurants.
Brewpubs for flexibility. Steamworks, Carver, and Ska all serve food with no reservations needed. Good fallback when other spots are full.
Lunch is easier. Even the popular spots have availability at lunch. Dinner is when things get competitive.
Check hours. Some restaurants reduce hours in shoulder seasons. Call ahead or check online, especially in November and April.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Durango dining expensive?
Less than Telluride or Aspen. Expect $15-25 for casual lunches, $30-50 per person for nice dinners. Budget options exist. Reasonable by Colorado resort standards.
Best restaurant for families?
Steamworks or Serious Texas BBQ. Both are casual, have kid-friendly menus, and won't stress parents. Fired Up Pizzeria also works well.
Where to eat after skiing?
Steamworks for beer and pub food. Ore House for a proper steak. Ken & Sue's for something more refined. All welcome ski clothes.
Best breakfast in town?
Carver Brewing is the institution. Oscar's for Mexican breakfast. Jean Pierre for French pastries. All have devoted followings.
Any vegetarian-friendly spots?
Most restaurants have vegetarian options. East by Southwest, Steamworks, and Ken & Sue's all handle vegetarian requests well.