A well-rounded Telluride guide covering standout restaurants, local breweries, and classic bars where elevated dining, casual favorites, and lively nightlife come together in one mountain town.
Telluride may be best known for its scenery and mountain culture, but its food and drink scene holds its own. For a town of its size, it offers a surprisingly well-rounded mix of elevated dining, laid-back local institutions, craft breweries, and bars where you can have a great time while soaking in a lively local atmosphere.
Here's a little preview just for you:
- The National: Elevated Mediterranean dining in a historic downtown space.
- La Cocina de Luz: Organic Mexican and Southwestern food with a strong local following.
- Brown Dog Pizza: Award-winning Detroit-style pizza in a lively, casual setting.
- Allred’s Restaurant: Scenic fine dining at 10,551 feet, reached by gondola.
- Petite Maison: Cozy French bistro with polished classics and cocktails.
- 221 South Oak: Intimate New American cuisine in a restored historic home.
- Telluride Brewing Company: Award-winning beers and laid-back brewery vibes.
- Smuggler’s Brewpub: House-made beers and comfort food in a social brewpub.
- Stronghouse Telluride Brew Pub: Historic brewpub known for small-batch beers.
- The Alibi: Casual lounge with rotating taps and live events.
- Last Dollar Saloon: A classic Telluride bar with affordable drinks and daily happy hour.
At Lodging in Telluride, our selection of vacation rentals suits every kind of traveler, and each has its own charm. Hike the mountains, browse the shops, grab dinner on Main Street, then come back to a place that feels like home. We care for each property like it’s our own and make sure our guests feel just as looked after.
Looking for local tips? Our destination blog is packed with them: coffee spots, waterfalls, bike trails, and more. You’re in good hands.
In this guide, I’ll share some of the best spots to eat and drink in Telluride, whether you’re looking for a stellar dining experience or a few libations in some of the town’s most vibrant and fun spots.
Ready to jump in? Here we go!
Where to eat: Telluride's top restaurants
1. THE NATIONAL
Elevated Mediterranean Dining in a Historic Setting.
The National has quickly become one of Telluride’s standout dining destinations, especially for travelers looking for something upscale without being formal. Set inside the historic Telluride National Club building, the space blends intimate and trendy vibes, with a warm setting defined by red brick walls, striking black-and-white photography, banquette seating, and a lively 10-seat bar.
The menu is inspired by Mediterranean flavors, drawing from Moroccan, Italian, and Israeli traditions while staying rooted in seasonal ingredients sourced from local purveyors. Expect fresh seafood, housemade pasta, and premium cuts, all paired with selections from a thoughtful wine list.
Must-tries: Beef Tartare, Grilled Halloumi, Seafood Plateau, Moroccan Vegetable Tagine, Wild Porcini Braised Short Rib, Spicy Lobster Spaghetti, Black Pepper Rigatoni. For dessert, make yourself a favor and order the Spiced Apple & Coconut Sorbet for dessert.
2. LA COCINA DE LUZ
Casual, Consistent, and Deeply Local.
If Telluride has a restaurant that truly feels woven into daily life, it’s La Cocina de Luz. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this longtime favorite delivers regional Mexican and Southwestern cuisine with an emphasis on organic ingredients, traditional recipes, and broad dietary inclusivity.
The setup is casual and counter service, with indoor seating and a sunny patio. The menu spans enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, vegan tamales, handmade tortillas, and daily soups, all backed by a beloved chips-and-salsa bar. Drinks range from fresh juices and espresso to margaritas and cervezas, catering to all tastes and moods.
Must-tries: For breakfast, favorite picks include the gluten-free blue corn waffle, huevos con machaca, and the breakfast burrito. Lunch and dinner standouts include red chile jackfruit tamales, chile rellenos, tacos, and tostadas.
3. BROWN DOG PIZZA
Award-Winning Pizza With Game-Day Energy.
Brown Dog Pizza brings a national reputation to Telluride without losing its local feel. Known especially for its Detroit-style pizza, airy crust, crispy edges, and Tillamook cheddar frico, this is a go-to for casual nights, group dinners, and sports-friendly atmospheres.
The space offers a mix of lively bar seating, booths, and a balcony, with TVs always tuned to a game. Beyond pizza, the menu includes subs, salads, and pastas. Gluten-friendly options stand out here, with both thin and deep-crust alternatives earning consistent praise.
Must-tries: Brooklyn Bridge, Parma Italia, Southwestern BBQ Chicken, Rocket, and Johnny Primo. Also, keep an eye on their pizza of the month. Their calzones and stromboli are also excellent.
4. ALLRED’S RESTAURANT
High-Altitude Fine Dining With Stunning View.
This is a great option for those seeking a stellar, scenic dining experience. Dining at Allred’s is as much about the setting as the food. Perched at 10,551 feet and accessed via a scenic gondola ride to St. Sophia Station, this local institution delivers one of Telluride’s most memorable meals.
The cuisine is contemporary American, served through a prix fixe menu that emphasizes local, regional, and organic ingredients. An award-winning wine list perfectly complements the stellar dishes, and the views from the dining room often steal the show, especially at sunset. For an extra-special experience, dusk is your best bet.
Heads up: Reservations are strongly encouraged. Bar seating is first-come, first-served and offers à la carte ordering.
Must-tries: Braised Brisket Croquette, Citrus Marinated White Gulf Shrimp, Elk Carpaccio, Prince Edward Island Mussels, Colorado Rack of Lamb, and Dry-aged Beef Tomahawk.
5. PETITE MAISON
French Bistro Energy With a Modern Edge.
Petite Maison is a small, stylish restaurant with cozy, lively vibes. The ambiance is rustic-chic and boasts a social bar scene that draws both locals and visitors eager to sample its contemporary French cuisine and well-crafted drinks.
The menu focuses on French bistro classics cooked to perfection. Cocktails receive just as much attention as the food, with skilled bartenders who are happy to suggest something that suits your taste.
Must-tries: Moules Maison, foie gras, tartare de bœuf, coq au vin, butternut squash steak, bœuf Oscar and cassoulet de canard. Don’t leave without ordering the profiteroles or the mousse au chocolat.
6. 221 SOUTH OAK
Intimate New American Dining in a Historic Home.
Set inside a beautifully restored historic house near the gondola, 221 South Oak is known for its romantic atmosphere and meticulous approach to food. Chef-owner Eliza Gavin, a Top Chef alum, delivers New American cuisine with a wide range of influences, including French, Creole, Calypso, and Californian.
The menu spans seafood, game, poultry, and beef, with standout dishes like bison earning glowing reviews. Vegan diners are also well accommodated, and the mocktail lineup receives frequent praise from returning customers.
Must-tries: Seared Foie Gras & Ginger Marmalade, Braised Spanish Octopus with Walnut Muhammara, Duck Confit with Fontina Leek Pupusa & Peanut Salsa Macha, Braised Bison Short Rib with Squash Purée and Salsa Verde, Herb Roasted Chicken, Halloumi & Carrot Jus, and the delicious Brûléed Brown Butter Cheesecake for dessert.
Where to drink Telluride's top Breweries and Bars
7. TELLURIDE BREWING COMPANY
Laid-back hospitality and award-winning beers.
Telluride’s most recognizable brewery combines laid-back hospitality with award-winning beer. Face Down Brown, a multi-time medal winner, is the must-try, but seasonal releases are also worth exploring. Expect friendly staff and an easygoing vibe.
Must-tries: Face Down Brown, Russell Kelly Mosaic IPA, RedFISH, Dog People IPA, and Tangerine Blond.
9. SMUGGLER’S BREWPUB
Lively vibes, twenty house-made beers, and a full food menu.
A lively brewpub offering up to 20 house-made beers at once, plus a full food menu. Their tasting flight paddles are popular, and pub staples like burgers and house-made sausage pair perfectly with their award-winning brews.
Must-tries: Chill Factor, Palmyra Pils, The Marauder, Blonde Betty, Citra IPA, and Cucuberland Blues.
10. STRONGHOUSE TELLURIDE BREW PUB
A local gem blending Telluride history with small-batch brewing.
Housed in a stone building dating back to 1892, Stronghouse blends Telluride history with small-batch brewing. Named USA Today’s Best Brewpub, it’s known for Stronghouse Lager and Coldfire Pale Ale, plus alpine-inspired pub fare.
Must-tries: Stronghouse Lager, Honey Ginger Blonde Ale, Coldfire Pale Ale, Dank in the Dark Black IPA, Vaccinator Imperial Stout.
11. THE ALIBI
Modern lounge with rotating taps and a steady lineup of fun weekly events.
The Alibi is a modern lounge with rotating taps, bottled beers, and a steady lineup of fun weekly events. They host karaoke nights, open mic sessions, and live music, giving the place a lively, come-as-you-are feel.
It’s less about craft cocktails and more about casual drinks paired with music and conversation. If you’re looking for a laid-back, no-frills night out with built-in entertainment and a welcoming vibe, this is your go-to spot in Telluride.
12. LAST DOLLAR SALOON
A longtime Telluride institution known for affordable drinks.
Last Dollar Saloon is a longtime Telluride institution known for affordable drinks, friendly bartenders, and an impressively deep beer list. The vibe is casual and unpretentious, attracting a mix of locals, ski-town regulars, and visitors looking for a no-fuss place to unwind.
Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 5 p.m., making it an easy stop any day of the week, whether you’re coming off the mountain or easing into an evening out. Expect a relaxed crowd, friendly service, and a classic Telluride bar atmosphere that hasn’t changed much over the years.
Must-tries: Popular beers on tap include Pacifico Mexican Lager, Telluride Brewing Tempter IPA, and Ska Brewing Hazy IPA. Be sure to try some of their specialty drinks as well, such as the Telluride Mule, Mint Paloma, and boozy iced coffee.
Make the Best of Your Telluride Trip
When your travel plans point to Telluride, and you’re after a stay that’s stylish, comfy, and close to all the good stuff, Lodging in Telluride has just the place. From cozy condos to luxe mountain homes, our rentals come packed with the perks that make vacations extra memorable. Reach out to find the perfect spot for your crew. We’re here to help you land a stay you’ll love.