2 Best Restaurants in Idaho Springs, Side Trips from Denver

This always-hopping pizzeria is the area's original après-ski destination: be prepared for a wait on winter weekends, because Denverites often stop in Idaho Springs for dinner until the traffic thins. Topping choices for the famous olive-oil-and-honey pizza crust range from traditional to exotic—think andouille sausage, Hatch green chilies, and tofu—and they've added a decent version of a gluten-free crust, as well.

Harking back to gold-rush days, this casual bar and restaurant is usually filled with skiers in winter and travelers or Denverites year-round who want to meet high-country friends halfway. The beers have a distinctly local flavor and straightforward names like Cream Ale and Nut Brown. In addition to fare such as buffalo burritos and "monster" wings, the brewery has plenty of vegetarian options.