Quick Picks
Best overall: Riviera Supper Club. Best casual: The Pullman. Best patio: Rivers. Best breakfast: Daily Bread Cafe. Best post-soak meal: Slope & Hatch.
Glenwood Springs punches above its weight for a town of 10,000 people. Years of resort traffic between Denver and Aspen have cultivated a restaurant scene that's better than the size suggests. You'll find everything from white-tablecloth dining to satisfying pub grub, often with river views thrown in.
Most restaurants cluster along Grand Avenue downtown, within walking distance of the hot springs and hotels. After a day of soaking and hiking, you won't have to go far to eat well.
Fine Dining
Riviera Supper Club: The best restaurant in town. Classic American supper club atmosphere with steaks, chops, and seafood done right. The bar makes proper cocktails. Reservations recommended, especially weekends.
Juicy Lucy's Steakhouse: Another solid steakhouse option. Less formal than Riviera but still a step up from casual. Good steaks, reliable service.
The Pullman: Elevated pub food in a renovated train car. Craft cocktails, excellent burgers, and a vibe that works for date night or casual dinner. One of the most popular spots in town.
Casual Dining
Rivers: Patio dining overlooking the Colorado River. American menu with good variety. The views make it—watch kayakers pass while you eat. Gets crowded on nice days.
Slope & Hatch: Green chile and craft beer. New Mexican-influenced menu with excellent breakfast burritos and tacos. Casual, quick, and satisfying after a morning hike.
Vicco's Charcoalburger: Old-school burger joint, family-owned since 1962. Charcoal-grilled burgers, hand-cut fries, and shakes. Cash only. Worth the minor inconvenience.
Italian Underground: Pizza, pasta, and Italian classics in a casual basement setting. Good for families, solid food, reasonable prices.
Breakfast & Coffee
Daily Bread Cafe: The breakfast spot. Omelets, pancakes, and baked goods in a cozy space. Expect a wait on weekends—it's that popular. Coffee is excellent.
Sacred Grounds: Coffee shop with pastries and light breakfast. Good espresso, local vibe, and a place to caffeinate before hitting the trails.
Rise & Shine Cafe: Another solid breakfast option with traditional American morning fare. Less crowded than Daily Bread.
Drinks
Glenwood Canyon Brewing: Brewpub with house-made beers and pub food. Flagship is the Vapor Cave IPA. Outdoor seating in summer. A good spot to unwind after a day of activities.
The Hotel Colorado bar: Historic hotel bar with old-school atmosphere. Order a drink where Teddy Roosevelt once stayed. The building alone is worth a visit.
Doc Holliday's Tavern: Named for the famous gunslinger who died in Glenwood Springs. Dive bar atmosphere, cheap drinks, and local color.
Tips
Reservations help on weekends. Especially at Riviera and The Pullman. Weeknights are easier.
After the hot springs, walk to dinner. Most restaurants are within a 10-minute walk of the pool. The sulfur smell on your skin will fade by dessert.
Summer means patios. Rivers and Glenwood Canyon Brewing have the best outdoor seating. Arrive early on nice evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glenwood Springs cheaper than Aspen for dining?
Significantly. Expect to pay 30-50% less than comparable restaurants in Aspen. It's one of the reasons people base here and day-trip to Aspen.
Best restaurant for kids?
Italian Underground or Rivers. Both have kid-friendly menus and casual atmospheres. Vicco's works too—what kid doesn't love a burger and shake?
Late-night options?
Limited. This isn't a late-night town. Doc Holliday's and the hotel bars stay open, but kitchen hours tend to end by 9-10pm most places.
Vegetarian/vegan options?
Most restaurants have vegetarian options. Dedicated vegan spots are rare—this is cattle country. Slope & Hatch and Daily Bread have the most plant-based choices.