13 Colorado Restaurants That Remain Crowd Favorites Decades Later
Colorado’s dining scene is packed with history, flavor, and stories that stretch back generations.
Some restaurants have been serving hungry locals and curious visitors for so many years they’ve become landmarks in their own right.
From mountain-inspired menus to family recipes passed down through decades, these beloved spots prove that great food never goes out of style.
Ready to explore the places where Coloradans have been gathering around tables for years?
1. Buckhorn Exchange
Step into Colorado’s oldest liquor license holder, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to the Wild West.
Located at 1000 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204, this legendary steakhouse has been serving up frontier fare since 1893.
The walls are covered with over 500 taxidermy animals, creating an atmosphere that’s part museum, part dining adventure.
Menu items include elk, buffalo, and alligator tail, making it a carnivore’s dream destination.
Families love the authentic Old West vibe and the chance to try meats they won’t find anywhere else in town.
2. The Fort Restaurant
Perched dramatically on a hillside, this adobe fortress looks like it belongs in a history book rather than on a menu app.
Find it at 19192 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465, where it’s been transporting diners to the 1800s since 1963.
The building is a replica of Bent’s Fort, a famous trading post from Colorado’s frontier days.
Rocky Mountain cuisine takes center stage here, with bison, quail, and elk prepared using recipes inspired by mountain men and Native American traditions.
Every meal feels like a celebration of Colorado’s colorful past.
3. Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza
Mountain pies with crusts so thick you could use them as pillows—that’s the Beau Jo’s way.
Located at 151 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, this pizza joint has been perfecting its signature style since 1973.
The secret weapon is the braided crust edge, which diners traditionally slather with honey for a sweet finish.
Toppings are piled high on a dough that’s more like focaccia bread than traditional pizza crust.
Locals swear by it after a day of hiking, skiing, or exploring Colorado’s outdoor wonders.
4. Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant
Green chile runs through the veins of every true Coloradan, and Santiago’s has been the supplier since 1991.
With multiple locations including the original at 5701 Leetsdale Dr, Denver, CO 80224, this fast-casual chain started as a single family dream.
Breakfast burritos smothered in either red or green chile have achieved cult status among locals.
The portions are generous enough to fuel an entire day of adventures in the Rockies.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before work or recovering from a concert, Santiago’s delivers comfort in every spicy, satisfying bite.
5. Bastien’s Restaurant
Old-school steakhouse charm meets perfectly cooked beef at this Colfax Avenue institution.
Bastien’s has been grilling up happiness at 3503 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206 since 1952.
The atmosphere screams retro elegance, with red leather booths and dim lighting that makes every dinner feel special.
Steaks are the star, prepared simply but expertly, letting the quality of the meat speak for itself.
Three generations of Denver families have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and life’s big moments within these walls, creating memories as rich as the food.
6. Pete’s Kitchen
When hunger strikes at 3 AM, Pete’s Kitchen becomes the beacon of hope on Colfax.
This 24-hour Greek diner at 1962 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206 has been feeding night owls and early birds since 1942.
Gyros, pancakes, and Greek salads share menu space in a delicious cultural mashup that somehow works perfectly.
The staff treats everyone like family, whether you’re in a tuxedo or pajama pants.
No matter what time the craving hits, Pete’s is there with hot coffee and even hotter plates of comfort.
7. Tommy’s Thai
Spice levels at Tommy’s don’t mess around—order Thai hot at your own risk!
Since opening at 3410 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206, this cozy spot has been Denver’s go-to for authentic Thai flavors.
The intimate dining room fills up fast, with regulars who’ve been coming for decades claiming their favorite tables.
Pad Thai, curry dishes, and tom yum soup are prepared with techniques passed down through generations.
Every dish bursts with the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy that defines truly great Thai cuisine.
8. La Loma Denver
Family recipes from Chihuahua, Mexico have been warming hearts at La Loma since 1973.
Nestled at 1801 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202, this restaurant feels like stepping into someone’s beloved grandmother’s dining room.
The chile—both red and green—is made fresh daily using the same recipes that launched the restaurant decades ago.
Enchiladas, tamales, and rellenos showcase traditional Mexican cooking at its finest.
Generations of Denver families have made La Loma their special occasion destination, celebrating everything from first communions to retirement parties under its festive roof.
9. Village Coffee Shop
Breakfast done right doesn’t require fancy ingredients or Instagram-worthy presentations—just honest cooking.
Village Coffee Shop at 15600 S Quebec St, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 has proven this since 1952.
The counter seating and vinyl booths haven’t changed much over the decades, and that’s exactly how regulars like it.
Fluffy pancakes, crispy hash browns, and eggs cooked any way you want them arrive hot and fast.
Waitresses know customers by name, remembering coffee preferences and usual orders without needing to ask twice.
10. Casa Bonita
Entertainment and enchiladas collide at Colorado’s most theatrical dining experience.
Casa Bonita at 6715 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214 has been wowing families since 1974 with its over-the-top atmosphere.
Cliff divers plunge into a pool, mariachi bands stroll between tables, and puppet shows entertain kids in the corners.
The sprawling pink palace contains multiple rooms, caves, and surprises around every turn.
Sure, people come for the spectacle, but they stay for the memories of this wonderfully weird Colorado treasure that refuses to be anything but extraordinary.
11. Flagstaff House Restaurant
Views that stretch for miles meet cuisine that reaches even higher standards of excellence.
Perched at 1138 Flagstaff Rd, Boulder, CO 80302, this fine dining destination has been Boulder’s special occasion spot since 1971.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the city lights twinkling below while the sun sets over the Rockies.
The menu changes seasonally, featuring dishes that blend classic techniques with Rocky Mountain ingredients.
Celebrating an anniversary, graduation, or just wanting to treat yourself right makes Flagstaff House the answer every time.
12. Sherpa House Restaurant and Cultural Center
Himalayan flavors found a home in the Colorado mountains at this Golden gem.
Sherpa House at 1518 Main St, Golden, CO 80401 opened in 2003, bringing authentic Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine to the Front Range.
Momos—traditional dumplings—are handmade daily and have become legendary among locals who crave their delicate wrappers and savory fillings.
The cultural center aspect means diners can learn about Sherpa traditions while enjoying thukpa soup and dal bhat.
It’s not just a meal; it’s a journey to the roof of the world without leaving Colorado.
13. The Sink
Graffiti covers every inch of wall space, creating a living timeline of Boulder history.
The Sink at 1165 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302 has been a college town institution since 1923, making it one of Colorado’s oldest continuously operating restaurants.
Legend has it that Robert Redford once worked here as a janitor before hitting it big in Hollywood.
Burgers named after local landmarks and loaded pizzas fuel students through late-night study sessions and celebration dinners alike.
Each visit adds to the layers of memories soaked into this quirky, beloved Boulder landmark.