Quick Info
Scene: Small town with surprising quality. Options: Limited but solid—you'll eat well. Vibe: Casual mountain town. Peak times: Ice Festival, summer weekends. Off-season: Some restaurants reduce hours or close.
Ouray is a tiny town—population around 1,000—but it punches above its weight in dining. Main Street offers a handful of restaurants that range from solid pub fare to unexpectedly refined meals. You won't find endless options, but what's here is generally good.
The restaurant scene reflects Ouray's character: unpretentious, welcoming, and centered on quality over flash. After a day of ice climbing or jeep trails, you'll find satisfying options without changing out of your adventure clothes.
Dinner Options
Bon Ton Restaurant: Fine dining in the historic St. Elmo Hotel. Creative contemporary American with local influences. The nicest sit-down dinner in town. Reservations recommended on busy weekends.
Brickhouse 737: Pizza and Italian in a historic building. Wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and craft cocktails. Good for families and groups. Lively atmosphere during peak times.
Ouray Brewery: Craft beer and pub food in a casual setting. Solid burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers. Good option when you want beer with your meal.
Maggie's Kitchen: Mexican and American comfort food. Hearty portions at reasonable prices. Less fancy, consistently satisfying.
Breakfast & Coffee
Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee: The local coffee shop and chocolatier. Espresso, pastries, and house-made chocolates. Good morning stop before hitting the trails.
Outlaw Restaurant: Traditional breakfast spot. Eggs, pancakes, and classic American breakfast. Filling fuel for active days.
Casual & Quick
Goldbelt Bar & Grill: Historic bar with standard pub fare. Burgers, sandwiches, and cold beer. Casual local hangout.
Ouray Mountain Market: Deli and prepared foods for picnics or quick meals. Good option if you're heading to jeep trails and need provisions.
Tips
Make reservations during Ice Festival. The town's population multiplies. Restaurants fill up, and walk-ins may wait. Book ahead during mid-January.
Check hours in off-season. Some restaurants reduce hours or close entirely during slow periods (November, April). Call ahead outside peak seasons.
Walk Main Street first. The town is small enough to stroll and see all options in 10 minutes. Check menus posted outside before deciding.
After hot springs, you'll be hungry. Plan dinner timing around your soak. The brewpub and pizza work well for post-springs meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many restaurants are in Ouray?
A dozen or so. Limited by small-town standards, but enough variety for a multi-day visit. You won't repeat unless you want to.
Is Ouray dining expensive?
Moderate. Less than resort towns like Telluride or Aspen. Expect $15-25 for casual meals, $35-50+ for nicer dinners.
Best restaurant for families?
Brickhouse for pizza, Maggie's for comfort food. Both are casual, accommodating, and have kid-friendly options.
Do I need reservations?
For Bon Ton on weekends and during Ice Festival, yes. Other spots typically accommodate walk-ins except during major events.
Any late-night food?
Very limited. This is a small mountain town that goes to bed early. Plan to eat before 9pm for best options.