Indulge your taste buds with “Telluride, Taste the Sweetness of Life,” through its vibrant and diverse dining and drinking scene. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, with a backdrop of staggering peaks and crystal-clear streams, Telluride supports dining diverse choices.
From elegant gourmet dining to perfect, rustic pizzas. From a bountiful farmers’ market to a rich chocolatier. From locally sourced ingredients to recipes passed down through generations, each dish is a tribute to the culture and history of Telluride. From hearty mountain fare to light bites, the town is a gastronomic treasure.
Complement your culinary exploration with a tasting of locally crafted brews and spirits, garnering acclaim with each passing year. The crystal-clear mountain water is a key ingredient in these brews, adding a unique character that is distinctly Telluride. With each bite and sip, you’ll taste the passion and craftsmanship that Telluride’s chefs and brewers infuse into their creations. Let your palate be your guide.
Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado, USA
The Butcher & The Baker, East Colorado Avenue, Telluride, CO, USA
Between the Covers Bookstore, West Colorado Avenue, Telluride, CO, USA
Telluride Truffle Artisan Chocolate, South Pine Street, Telluride, CO, USA
221 South Oak, South Oak Street, Telluride, CO, USA
Brown Dog Pizza, East Colorado Avenue, Telluride, CO, USA
Telluride Brewing Company, Society Drive, Telluride, CO, USA
TELLURIDE DISTILLING COMPANY, Mountain Village Boulevard, Telluride, CO, USA
Allred's Restaurant, San Sophia Station, Telluride, CO, USA
La Marmotte, West San Juan Avenue, Telluride, CO, USA
The Peaks Resort & Spa, Country Club Drive, Telluride, CO, USA
Inn at Lost Creek, Lost Creek Lane, Mountain Village, CO, USA
Liberty Lounge, South Fir Street, Telluride, CO, USA
South Oak Street, Telluride, CO, USA
Telluride Brewing Co Brewpub & Kitchen, Mountain Village Boulevard, Mountain Village, CO, USA
Before Breakfast in Telluride
Bridal Veil Falls
Get your juices flowing before breakfast with a hike to Bridal Veil, the state’s tallest freefalling waterfall. The trailhead is located at the end of the box canyon, at the Idarado Mine parking area and settling ponds. It’s 2.0 miles out-and-back and you’ll see three waterfalls along the rocky route.
Best Places for Breakfast in Telluride
The Butcher & The Baker
I eat my first meal upon arrival in Telluride here — every single visit. It’s the epitome of a small-town cafe, but with a twist, serving a globally sophisticated and well-heeled audience. Breakfasts are healthy and hearty, with house-made bread and locally-sourced ingredients. Think house-roasted meats, cheeses, handmade sausages, and organic eggs. The farm-style interior, where you order from the counter and off a blackboard menu, never disappoints. There are tables on W Colorado Ave and on the side of the building overlooking a little park.
Between the Covers Bookstore & Espresso Bar
Books, java, more books, and more java. What else do you really need to know? The coffee shop is tiny but the matcha and coffee are strong and rich. The connected indie bookstore is super well-curated and a great hangout. Come here first thing, and drop in again and again.
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Telluride
Telluride Farmers’ Market
Set up on Fridays (10:30 am to 3:30 pm) from June to October, the market is a celebration of regional produce. Sample fresh fruits, artisan cheeses, and homemade goods. Everything comes from within a 100 miles radius of town. Chat with local vendors; connect with Telluride’s agricultural heritage. Head to South Oak Street in downtown Telluride.
Telluride Truffle
“Happiness you can eat,” they say. I could not agree more. For chocolate lovers, this artisan chocolatier is a haven. Handcrafted truffles, an homage to Colorado’s rugged terrain, are their specialty. Engage in a chocolate tasting and learn about the crafting process from the passionate owners. It’s a sweet homage to Telluride’s environment.
Best Places for Lunch in Telluride
221 South Oak
221 South Oak, a charming and elegant bistro, is set in a refurbished historic home. The interior is cozy and intimate, with a touch of rustic elegance. The menu, crafted by renowned Chef Eliza Gavin, is a testament to creativity and sophistication, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try the savory elk bratwurst or the refreshing beet salad. The restaurant also offers an exquisite vegetarian menu, impeccable service, and a sommelier-selected wine list.
Brown Dog Pizza
Award-winning Detroit-style pizza in a sports-themed setting awaits. The “Triple Crown” and “Benny Blanco” are local favorites. A combination of thick, airy crust with premium toppings, Brown Dog’s pizzas are indulgent and satisfying. A selection of craft beers complements the meal. The laid-back ambiance is perfect for casual dining.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Telluride
Telluride Brewing Co
Dive into the local brewing scene at Telluride Brewing Company. It’s as casual and friendly as you’d expect. There are upwards of 20 different stalwarts and seasonal choices. I do love their signature Face Down Brown Ale. The Brewpub in Mountain Village, at the base of Telluride Ski Resort, is open 11 am to 9 pm daily (the kitchen closes at 8).
The Tap Room is near the rotary and CO 145, behind the Conoco Station at Lawson Hill (Society Drive). It’s open 11 am to 8 pm daily.
Telluride Distilling Company
Sample spirits in a rustic tasting room. From vodka to schnapps, the offerings reflect high-quality ingredients and meticulous crafting. Their Chairlift Warmer Peppermint Schnapps is particularly renowned. The knowledgeable staff shares insights on distillation processes, making it an educational and enjoyable experience.
Best Places for Dinner in Telluride
Allred's Restaurant
Allred’s Restaurant, accessible via the gondola, is one of North America’s highest-elevation fine-dining restaurants. Its location at the top of the San Sophia Station offers floor-to-ceiling views of the stunning mountains and town; a fireplace warms the space. The menu boasts contemporary American cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. And the service — a knowledgeable sommelier and two attendants per table — is as first-class as the cuisine. Make reservations as early as possible.
The National
The National is the most exquisite dining experience in town right now. The sophisticated restaurant located in Telluride’s historic district is chic and intimate, blending rustic and modern elements. The seasonal menu emphasizes farm-to-table ingredients, featuring dishes such as the pan-roasted Colorado striped bass, black cod, and espresso-dusted elk. The wine list is curated to perfection.
Best Places to Stay in Telluride
The Peaks Resort & Spa
In the mood for luxurious accommodations with sweeping mountain views? Yeah, me too. The Peaks offers spacious rooms and suites with modern, elegant décor. On-site dining options, a world-class spa, and a fitness center make it a haven for relaxation. Its location offers convenient access to many of Telluride’s culinary spots.
Inn at Lost Creek
Intimate and cozy (with only 29 suites and 3 studios), this Mountain Village boutique hotel offers beautifully decorated suites. You can’t beat the attention to detail, personalized service, Colorado’s largest spa, and on-site dining at the elegant and authentic Siam’s Talay Grille. The private rooftop hot tubs provide outrageous views. And the comp breakfast buffet is a nice touch.
