Boulder and North Central Colorado Restaurants

Thanks to the influx of people from around the world, you have plenty of options here. Restaurants in north central Colorado run the gamut from simple diners with tasty, homey basics to elegant establishments with extensive wine lists. The hot trend is organic and sustainable ingredients, with many restaurants offering dishes made from local ingredients. Some restaurants take reservations, but many, particularly those in the middle price range, seat on a first-come, first-served basis.

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  • 1. Big Horn Restaurant

    $

    An Estes Park staple since 1972, this family-run outfit is where the locals go for breakfast. Try a double-cheese omelet, huevos rancheros, or grits before heading into the park in the morning. The owners are happy to pack a lunch for you—just place your order along with breakfast, and it will be ready when you leave. This homey spot also serves lunch and dinner, with specialties such as house-smoked pulled pork, house-made meatballs, and rib eye cut on-site. Expect a wait in summer.

    401 W. Elkhorn Ave., Colorado, 80517, USA
    970-586–2792

    Known For

    • Hearty breakfast
    • Huge portions
    • Picnic lunches to go

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.–Thurs.
  • 2. Ed's Cantina and Grill

    $

    The fajitas and well-stocked bar make this lively Mexican restaurant popular with locals and visitors alike. The decor is bright, with light woods and large windows. When the sun is shining, ask for patio seating by the river. If you're hungry, try one of the enchilada platters or carne asada. The fish and bison tacos are other popular options.

    390 E. Elkhorn Ave., Colorado, 80517, USA
    970-586–2919

    Known For

    • Bison tacos and burgers
    • Avocado margaritas
    • Scenic riverfront patio seating
  • 3. Mama Rose's

    $$

    An Estes Park institution since 1989, Mama Rose's consistently serves no-nonsense Italian meals, including the house specialty: hearty lasagna concocted with house-made meatballs and sausage. There are also plenty of lighter options, including vegetarian and gluten-free entrées, as well as build-your-own pasta from three noodles, six sauces, and nine meats and vegetables. The spacious Victorian dining room with decorative woodwork and fine art harkens back to an earlier era, minus the formal dress code. You can also dine outside on the patio with views of the Big Thompson River. Reservations are recommended in the summer.

    338 E. Elkhorn Ave., Colorado, 80517, USA
    970-586–3330

    Known For

    • Cozy Italian comfort food
    • Prime riverside location
    • Sprawling porch seating

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 4. Poppy's Pizza and Grill

    $

    This casual riverside eatery serves creative signature pizzas. Try the spinach, artichoke, and feta pie made with sun-dried-tomato pesto. You can also create your own pie from five sauces and nearly 40 toppings. Other options include sandwiches, wraps, salads, and burgers. Poppy's has patio seating at the river and an extensive selection of beer.

    342 E. Elkhorn Ave., Colorado, 80517, USA
    970-586–8282

    Known For

    • Create-your-own pizza
    • Riverfront patio
    • Vegan and gluten-free dishes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 5. Silver Grill Cafe

    $

    For comfort food in a historic atmosphere, stop by this charming, bustling café with diner counters, some boxy booths, dozens of tables, and an inviting, year-round patio. Operating in its current location since 1933, it serves a wide selection of breakfast food all day, such as omelets, Benedicts, biscuits and gravy, hotcakes, steak and eggs, and burritos, while lunch features delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, and burgers.

    218 Walnut St., Fort Collins, Colorado, 80524, USA
    970-484–4656

    Known For

    • Legendary cinnamon rolls
    • Top-notch breakfasts including homemade hash browns
    • Award-winning Bloody Marys

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, No reservations.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. The Train Cars Coffee and Kava

    $

    As the name hints, the café is set up inside three repurposed train cars, including an old circus train from the late 1800s. It serves locally roasted coffee, frozen yogurt, light food such as homemade mini-doughnuts and sandwiches, and kava, a Pacific Island beverage made from the ground roots of the kava plant. Splurge with a malt or go healthy with a green smoothie with chia seeds.

    101 Rte. 119, Nederland, Colorado, 80466, USA
    303-258--0440

    Known For

    • Pick your own toppings for fresh-made mini-doughnuts
    • Spicy green chile, Colorado's favorite dish
    • Affogato with hot espresso over frozen yogurt

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner

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