Quick Info
Best area: Downtown Main Street. Strengths: Farm-to-table, international cuisines, brewery food. Price range: More affordable than Boulder. Character: Local and independent over chains.
Longmont's restaurant scene has improved dramatically with downtown revitalization. What was once typical small-town dining has evolved into a diverse mix of farm-to-table spots, international cuisines, and quality casual dining. The agricultural roots show in restaurants that emphasize local sourcing.
Downtown Dining
The Main Street area offers the highest concentration of quality restaurants. Walking distance options mean you can explore on foot and settle where the menu appeals.
What to expect:
- Farm-to-table restaurants sourcing from local farms
- Elevated American cuisine with Colorado ingredients
- Quality international options (Mexican, Thai, Italian)
- Brewery taprooms with food programs
Reservations recommended for popular spots on weekends. Weeknights are generally easy walk-in.
By Cuisine
American/New American: Several restaurants focus on seasonal American cooking with local ingredients. This is Longmont's strength - quality ingredients prepared simply.
Mexican: Good options ranging from quick taquerias to sit-down restaurants. The Front Range has excellent Mexican food overall, and Longmont has solid choices.
Asian: Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese options scattered around town. Quality varies - ask locals for current favorites.
Italian: A few quality Italian spots downtown, ranging from casual pasta to more refined dining.
Brewery Food: Oskar Blues has a full restaurant. Other taprooms offer limited menus or food trucks. Good option when combining beer with food.
Casual Options
Not every meal needs to be a destination:
- Bakeries and cafes for breakfast and lunch
- Sandwich shops and delis
- Pizza (local and chain)
- Food trucks at breweries and events
Longmont has good everyday eating options alongside the nicer restaurants.
Farm-to-Table Focus
Longmont's agricultural heritage shows in restaurants that emphasize local sourcing. Being in Boulder County with access to farms and ranches, some restaurants take local ingredients seriously.
Look for menus that mention local farms by name, seasonal specials that change with availability, and dishes highlighting Colorado products like lamb, trout, and produce.
Tips
Reservations: Needed for popular spots on Friday and Saturday nights. Weeknights and lunch are usually walk-in friendly.
Prices: Generally more affordable than Boulder, with similar quality at many places. Denver prices or slightly less.
Combine with breweries: Many visitors pair a nice dinner with brewery visits before or after. The downtown concentration makes this easy.
Check hours: Some restaurants close between lunch and dinner. Monday closures are common at nicer spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does dining compare to Boulder?
Smaller selection but competitive quality at the best spots. Significantly cheaper and less crowded than Pearl Street options.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, most restaurants accommodate vegetarians. A few places focus specifically on plant-based options.
Is there late-night food?
Limited. Most restaurants close by 9-10pm. Some bars serve food later. This isn't a late-night dining town.
Are chains or local better?
Local, definitely. Longmont's independent restaurants are what make dining here worth a trip.