Where to Gather and Feast This Fall in the San Juans
Although traffic slows down in the mountain towns during the fall season (which is short), there are still plenty of cozy and delicious places to dine and find sustenance around Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa. We pulled together a list of our favorite Fall dining opportunities, so you have a quick reference guide to eateries while you’re visiting Ridgway and Ouray. Go out and discover the unique flavors of our area, inspired by the San Juan mountains and the Native American tastes of the Southwest.
Ridgway
True Grit Cafe
Description: A classic American and Western-style restaurant serving hearty comfort food. Menu favorites include chicken-fried steak, meatloaf, elk and buffalo burgers, fish & chips, and generous portions of familiar American fare.
Hours: Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Wednesday closed.
Location: 123 N. Lena St., Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: A longtime Ridgway institution and one of the town’s best-known casual restaurants.
Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery
Description: A neighborhood brewpub specializing in house-brewed craft beer and pizza. It’s an easygoing choice for an après-adventure beer, casual dinner, or gathering with friends.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 4:00–8:00 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 2:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: 602 Clinton St., Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: One of Ridgway’s signature casual gathering places.
Bella Vino
Description: Italian and New American cuisine in a more upscale dinner setting. Menu offerings include pasta, lasagna, duck, Beef Wellington, wine, and other dinner specialties.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 5:00–8:30 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: 220 S. Lena St., Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: A popular choice for date nights and special dinners.
Eatery 66
Description: Creative New American cuisine in a casual, chef-driven setting, with vegetarian options and an eclectic menu.
Hours: Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 5:00–8:00 p.m.; Wednesday closed.
Location: 520 Sherman St., Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: A well-established Ridgway favorite with a loyal following.
Ridgway Pizza & Tap
Description: A casual pizza-and-beer spot in Ridgway, offering pizza alongside beer on tap. It is a newer addition to the Ridgway dining scene and is positioned as an easygoing option for families, groups, and visitors looking for pizza and drinks.
Hours: Check current hours before visiting. Ridgway Colorado
Location: 373 Palomino Trail, Ridgway, CO (located at MTN Lodge)
Local Favorite: One of Ridgway’s newest casual dining locations. Newly opened.
Taco Del Gnar
Description: Creative, nontraditional tacos with inventive fillings. Popular choices include pork belly, shrimp and ahi tuna tacos, along with tots, salads and other casual fare.
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Sunday–Monday closed.
Location: 630 Sherman St., Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: Yes. One of Ridgway’s most popular casual dining spots.
Thai Paradise
Description: Casual Thai restaurant serving curries, drunken noodles, wonton soup, dumplings and other familiar Thai dishes.
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sunday, 3:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: 146 N. Cora St., Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: A popular local option, particularly for something different from traditional mountain-town American fare.
Lazy Dog Saloon
Description: Casual saloon-style restaurant serving American comfort food. Expect burgers, steaks, fried chicken, mac & cheese, cheese curds and other hearty choices.
Hours: Daily, 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Location: 153 US-550, Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: A good local choice for casual pub food and drinks.
Greenwood’s
Description: New American and comfort food, including smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, biscuits, soups, pot pie and rotating seasonal dishes.
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Monday–Tuesday closed.
Location: 160 Palomino Trail, Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: A highly rated choice with locals and visitors.
Kate’s Place
Description: A welcoming breakfast and brunch restaurant serving traditional American breakfast and lunch fare.
Hours: Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; Wednesday closed.
Location: 615 Clinton St., Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: Definitely. A longtime Ridgway breakfast favorite.
Maven Local Eatery
Description: Breakfast and lunch café featuring contemporary New American fare in a casual setting.
Hours: Monday and Wednesday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; Tuesday closed.
Location: 540 Clinton St., Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: An increasingly popular choice for breakfast and lunch.
Colorado Girl Coffee & Cafe
Description: Neighborhood coffeehouse and café serving espresso drinks, coffee, breakfast and lighter café fare.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: 620 Clinton St., Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: Yes. A convenient everyday coffee and café stop.
Cimarron Coffee & Books
Description: Independent coffee shop and bookstore combining espresso and coffee drinks with a relaxed, literary atmosphere.
Hours: Current hours vary by day, with approximately 7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Monday–Wednesday and later hours Thursday–Sunday.
Location: 380 Sherman St., Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: Yes. One of Ridgway’s quintessential local hangouts.
Chloe’s Charcuterie & Wine
Description: Wine bar specializing in wine, charcuterie boards and lighter bites—a good option for an afternoon glass of wine or pre-dinner gathering.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday–Thursday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Tuesday closed.
Location: 616 Clinton St., Ridgway, CO.
Local Favorite: Yes, particularly for wine, charcuterie and a relaxed aperitivo-style experience.
Ouray
Just a 15 minute drive from Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, Ouray offers additional Fall dining choices for guests staying in Ridgway. Please check online for most current days of operation and hours during the slower tourism months.
Ouray Brewery
Description: Family-owned craft brewery and pub serving house-brewed beer and hearty American fare. Menu choices include burgers, wings, salads, sandwiches and elote dip. The rooftop seating and mountain views are part of the experience.
Hours: Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Sunday, beginning around 11:00 a.m.; Wednesday closed. Current closing time is approximately 7:30 p.m., although hours can vary.
Location: 607 Main St., Ouray, CO.
Local Favorite: Definitely. One of Ouray’s quintessential casual gathering spots.
Brickhouse 737
Description: Contemporary American restaurant with a farm-to-table influence, sourcing ingredients from regional farms, dairies and ranchers. An excellent option for a more elevated dinner or special occasion for Fall dining.
Hours: Daily, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: 737 Main St., Ouray, CO.
Local Favorite: One of the stronger choices in town for an upscale dinner.
Outlaw Restaurant
Description: Classic steakhouse serving steaks, seafood and traditional American cuisine, along with a full bar.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 4:00–9:00 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 4:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: 610 Main St., Ouray, CO.
Local Favorite: A long-running Ouray dinner destination.
Maggie’s Kitchen
Description: Casual American burger restaurant particularly well known for its burgers and straightforward mountain-town comfort food.
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Monday–Tuesday closed.
Location: 705 Main St., Ouray, CO.
Local Favorite: A good choice for travelers looking for an informal “eat where the locals eat” experience.
Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee
Description: Coffee and sweets shop specializing in handmade chocolates, desserts, ice cream, espresso and coffee. It’s an especially good choice for an afternoon treat or dessert after exploring Main Street.
Hours: Monday and Thursday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Tuesday–Wednesday closed.
Location: 520 Main St., Ouray, CO.
Local Favorite: One of Ouray’s best-known local institutions.
Artisan Bakery & Cafe
Description: Family-owned bakery and café offering fresh pastries, croissants, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, wraps, sandwiches, espresso and coffee.
Hours: Monday–Friday, approximately 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday closed.
Location: 441 Main St., Ouray, CO.
Local Favorite: A particularly good local choice for breakfast, pastries and coffee.
Cassidy’s Café & Antiques
Description: Family-run café serving breakfast, homemade soups and classic comfort food in a relaxed setting for Fall dining.
Hours: Monday–Wednesday and Friday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Thursday closed.
Location: 480 Main St., Ouray, CO.
Local Favorite: Known for its generous portions and friendly service.
Ouray Meat & Cheese Market
Description: A gourmet market rather than a traditional restaurant, offering meats, cheeses, prepared foods and provisions. It’s useful for assembling a picnic, snacks or food to take back to your accommodations.
Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Location: 736 Main St., Ouray, CO.
Local Favorite: Especially good for gourmet provisions and take-away food.
The Smokehouse @ Ouray Riverside Resort
Description: A casual riverside barbecue restaurant specializing in slow-smoked meats and Colorado-inspired comfort food. Signature offerings include brisket, ribs, pulled pork and smoked chicken, along with dishes such as fried Brussels sprouts and wild mushroom ravioli.
Hours: Thursday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; Monday–Wednesday closed.
Location: 1700 Main St., Ouray, CO 81427. Located at Ouray Riverside Resort.
Local Favorite: A true favorite. Well-loved for its heated outdoor patio, mountain setting and live music for an all-around great Colorado the experience. The Smokehouse is dog-friendly, and we love everything about that.
The Western
Description: Offers contemporary American, farm-to-table cuisine with an emphasis on cooking over a wood-fired hearth and ingredients inspired by Western Slope farms and ranches. Specialties include wood-fired NY strip, bone-in pork chop, hearth-grilled prawns, house-made pastas, seasonal vegetables and shareable plates. The bar is particularly known for classic and creative cocktails, including its signature Old Fashioned. The restored 1890s saloon, chef’s counter and historic setting make it one of Ouray’s more distinctive upscale dining experiences. OpenTable
Hours: Open seven days a week. Happy Hour: 4:00–6:00 p.m.; Dinner: 5:00–9:00 p.m.; Bar: 4:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: 210 7th Ave., Ouray, CO
Local Favorite: The Western is one of the notable choices for a special dinner, cocktails or date night. The historic saloon makes it a favorite.
NOTE ABOUT HOURS OF SERVICE
Because fall and early-winter hours can change quickly in Ridgway and Ouray, don’t forget to check with the local establishment before planning your fall dining choices. Hours and days of operation are subject to change during “off seasons”.
