What is the point of burning roughly 80 thousand calories (rough, non-scientific measurement) if you aren’t going to reward yourself with some great food after! I try to find local eateries in the small towns surrounding these trails when possible and I will be featuring some of those here as soon as the Covid rules are relaxed a bit.
Arizona
Big John’s Texas Barbecue – Page
Blasted Bistro – Winslow
Flagstaff Station – Flagstaff
Foodie Club – Grand Canyon
Four Peaks Brewing – Tempe
Over Easy – Phoenix
Rock Springs Cafe – Rock Springs
Wildflower – Sedona
California Food
Southern California Food
The Sunset Restaurant – Malibu
Colorado
Local Food in Arapahoe County
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Rosie’s Diner – Aurora
If you are looking for a classic 1950’s feel and an excellent menu than look no further than Rosie’s Diner in Aurora, Colorado.
Local Food In Archuleta County
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Boss Hogg’s – Pagosa Springs
Boss Hogg’s Saloon and Restaurant in Pagosa Springs feels like a classic steak house with an extensive menu of good food for any traveler.
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Two Chicks and a Hippie
Two Chicks and a Hippie in Pagosa Springs had me sold by the name but really won me over with the fresh and delicious food.
Local Food in Boulder County
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The Sink – Boulder
The Sink in boulder is a place where the past catches up to the present. A great combination of culture and food.
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Last Stand Tavern – Golden
If you are looking for a great meal with a view to match, or just a spot to take in some sports, the Last Stand Tavern is a fun spot to stop.
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Busey Brews – Nederland
Busey Brews is a smokehouse and brewery located in Nederland, Colorado. They have amazing ribs, a full menu and brew their own beers.
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Chautauqua Dining Hall
The Chautauqua Dining Hall was a perfect blend of history and inspired menu creations and was perfect for a post hike meal.
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Wayne’s Smoke Shack – Superior
Wayne’ Smoke Shack was some of the best BBQ I have ever had. Everything was delicious and really lived up to the “True Texas BBQ” title.
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Covered Wagon – Nederland
The Covered Wagon in Nederland was great after some long hikes at Brainard Lake. The decor takes you back in time while the food combins a little spice and a little sweet.
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The Left Hand Stand – Ward
A small coffee shop was a big experience and a great finish to my day.
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Ned’s – Nederland
Ned’s called their breakfast sandwich legendary and I dared to find out. They were right.
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Oskar Blues – Lyons
You know them from their beers, like Dales Pale Ale, but Oskar Blues has restaurants as well and I really enjoyed my time at the one in Lyons.
Local Food in Chaffee County
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Freshies at the Crest – Monarch Pass, CO
Visit Freshies at the Crest for delicious food and snacks after a hike on Monarch Pass. Perfect for hungry adventurers!
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High Country BBQ – Buena Vista
Barbecue is always one of my favorite post hike meals so I was excited to give High Country BBQ in Buena Vista a taste.
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Bunny and Clyde’s Corner Cafe – Salida
Bunny and Clyde’s Corner Cafe in Salida, Colorado has a nice assortment of breakfast foods and a claim to the best coffee in town.
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Mary Murphy Steakhouse – Nathrop
Located in the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, the Mary Murphy Steakhouse offers great food with some stunning views.
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Casa Sanchez – Buena Vista
Casa Sanchez is great little spot in Buena Vista just off 24 with some of the best wait staff and some incredible food to match.
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Eddyline Restaurant – Buena Vista
The Eddyline Restaurant has style and good food when looking to eat local in Buena Vista. The wings and burgers were a great post hike meal.
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House Rock Kitchen – Buena Vista
I was looking for some good Buena Vista Dining and found the House Rock Kitchen which put a fun spin on healthy food.
Local Food in Clear Creek County
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Cooper’s on the Creek – Georgetown
Discover the dining gem in Georgetown, Colorado – Cooper’s on the Creek. A must-visit spot with outdoor seating, a full bar, and an eclectic menu.
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Guanella Pass Brewery – Empire
The Guanella Pass Brewery in Empire is in a historic building with a great story. The food was perfect for a post hike meal!
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Empire Dairy King – Empire
After a fun but challenging hike it was time for some comfort food and the Empire Dairy King was just the place on a hot summer day.
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Beau Jo’s – Idaho Springs
You can’t spend too much time in the mountains without trying the iconic Colorado Mountain Pizza from Beau Jo’s.
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Picci’s Pizzeria – Idaho Springs
Picci’s Pizzeria was a great stop after a tough hike near Idaho Springs. The calzone, about the size of a football, was perfect post hike
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Whistle Stop Cafe – Georgetown
The Whistle Stop cafe in Georgetown had a monster burrito that was so big I couldn’t finish it even after a strenuous hike.
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Echo lake Lodge – Mount Evans
After a long hike, it was nice to have a close place to eat. Echo Lake Lodge had a lot of charm as well as a lot of good options to eat.
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Cabin Creek – Georgetown
A brewery with a view is the perfect place to have a post hike mile.
Local Food in Conejos County
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Dutch Mill Cafe – Antonito
The Dutch Mill Cafe sold me with an old style sign on Main Street in Antonito but really won me over with their Famous Chili Burger.
Local Food in Costilla County
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All Gon Restaurant and Pizzeria – Fort Garland
All Gon Restaurant and Pizzeria in Fort Garland, Colorado offers a large assortment of menu options, is conveniently located and a good lunch.
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Lu’s Main Street Café – Blanca
Lu’s Main Street Café in Blanca has a nice mix of Mexican and American fare. I ordered the double cheeseburger and it was perfect post hike.
Local Food in Delta County
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North Fork Boardwalk – Crawford Colorado
Discover the tasty delights of North Fork Boardwalk, located on Highway 92 in Crawford. Enjoy a unique dining experience in a cool and modern bistro ambiance.
Local Food in Douglas County
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Castle Café – Castle Rock
The historic Castle Cafe in Castle Rock was full of ambiance and good food. The burger was exactly what I needed after a long hike.
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Larkspur Pizzaria and Café
The Larkspur Pizzaria and Cafe has pizza’s, pasta’s, calzone’s and sandwiches. Also, a fresh walleye fish fry on Fridays.
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Charrito’s House – Larkspur
Charrito’s House in Larkspur had a great atmosphere and delicious food to match. The fajitas made for a great post hike meal.
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Tailgate Tavern & Grill – Parker
The Tailgate Tavern and Grill in downtown Parker was a great place to stop after a hike. Full of atmosphere, live music, and great food.
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Q’s Pub Littleton
I stopped by Q’s Pub in Littleton for a little post hike meal. The burger was full of spice and flavor and it was a great place to eat!
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Lost Cajun – Frisco
On Main St. in Frisco resides the original Lost Cajun. Cajun food with New Orleans charm both out of place and a perfect fit in the mountains.
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Adriana’s Mexican Restaurant – Franktown
Adriana’s Mexican Restaurant is just down the street from Castlewood Canyon state park and was great for some real authentic Mexican food.
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Angie’s Family Restaurant – Castle Rock
Angie’s Family Restaurant on the square in Castle Rock is a nice mix of Mexican and Italian food and was a great post hike meal.
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Waterton Tavern
Close to Waterton Canyon and Roxborough State Park is Waterton Tavern. A nice locally owned tavern that got me hooked with the fried mushrooms and left me thinking of the house special coleslaw.
Local Food in Eagle County
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Joe’s Famous Deli – Vail
After a tough hike there is nothing better than a big ol deli sandwich. Atleast that is what I thought before I saw the homemade ice cream.
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Garfinkels – Vail
In the Lionshead Village portion of Vail, Garfinkels is a cool sports bar with a nice outdoor patio and good, reasonably priced food.
Local Food in El Paso County
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Roosters Grille and Pizzaria – Calhan
Roosters Grille and Pizzaria in Calhan had me with the giant rooster out front but really won me over with an incomparable burger.
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O’Malley’s Steak Pub – Palmer Lake
Located in Palmer Lake, Colorado, O’Malley’s Steak Pub offers chicken wings, burgers and you can even grill your own steaks.
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The Wines of Colorado – Cascade
The Wines of Colorado is an American Style eatery with a large wine selection and wine tasting room located in Cascade, Colorado.
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Paravicini’s – Co. Springs
Paravicini’s Italian Bistro in Colorado Springs has fine Italian dining with great atmosphere and lunch specials, great for a post hike meal.
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The Skinny Taco – Bust
The Skinny Taco is the only restaurant in the town of Bust, Colorado. The town’s population is two and is a great place to visit and eat.
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Sacred Ground Cafe – Colorado Springs
Sacred Ground Cafe was right down the street from my hike and had some light and refreshing lunch fare to help cool us down on a hot day.
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Bon Ton’s Cafe – Old Colorado City (CO. Springs)
Bon Ton’s Cafe in Colorado Springs was an accidental find that turned out to be a true diamond in the rough.
Local Food in Elbert County
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Buzzard’s Big Mouth Pizza – Elizabeth
On a trip to Elizabeth, Colorado I found Buzzard’s Big Mouth Pizza which combined two of my passions, food and baseball!
Local Food in Fremont County
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Big Burger World – Canon City
Big Burger World is an old fashioned hamburger style restaurant that features one of the biggest burgers I have ever seen.
Local Food In Garfield County
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19th St. Diner – Glenwood Springs
The 19th St. Diner had the classic feel of a 1950’s diner mixed with a small sports bar vibe. The food was classic diner and was delicious.
Local Food in Grand County
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Doc’s Roadhouse – Winter Park
Located in the heart of the Winter Park Village, Doc’s Roadhouse is a great spot for a post hike bite and drinks.
Local Food in Gunnison County
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Freshies at the Crest – Monarch Pass, CO
Visit Freshies at the Crest for delicious food and snacks after a hike on Monarch Pass. Perfect for hungry adventurers!
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5B’s Barbecue – Gunnison, CO
Learn about 5B’s Barbecue, a local favorite serving up brisket, sausage, burgers, and more, celebrating two decades of flavor.
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Ol’ Miner Steakhouse – Gunnison, CO
At the Ol’ Miner Steakhouse in Gunnison, enjoy a unique dining experience that combines history, charm, and great food.
Local Food in Hinsdale County
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Southern Vittles – Lake City, Colorado
Experience the taste of the South in Lake City, Colorado. Southern Vittles offers a menu full of southern comfort foods to fuel your next adventure.
Local Food In Huerfano County
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Rolling Smoke Garage BBQ – Walsenburg
Rolling Smoke Garage BBQ in Walsenburg has the “Hole in the Wall” feel and some great food inside with barbecue, pizza and more.
Local Food in Jackson County
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Mansker Station Pizza – Walden, CO
Mansker Station Pizza and Pub I always look at the signs to find the best local places to eat after a hike but for the first time a sign actually changed my plans. The sign for Mansker Station was simple. It just said Pizza and Beer. That was enough for me to ditch my plans…
Local Food In Jefferson County
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El Rancho – Evergreen
The historic El Rancho in Evergreen has been around since 1948. There is a cool classic vibe and homemade food was a perfect post hike meal.
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Woody’s Pizza and Watering Hole – Golden
Woody’s on the main strip of Washington Avenue in Golden has a cool atmosphere with great food from cheesesteak and burgers to pizza and more.
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Table Mountain Inn – Golden
No trip to Golden is complete without stopping at the Table Mountain Inn. A nice southwestern style restaurant that has big food and big taste
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Ali Baba Grill – Golden
Ali Baba’s in Golden was a delicious and filling post hike meal. They even got me to try shawarma instead of the normal gyro!
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Bucksnort Saloon – Pine
I don’t know why it took so long to finally make it to the Bucksnort Saloon in Pine. I finally did and it is full of history, fun and food!
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3 Margarita’s – Conifer
3 Margarita’s Mexican restaurant in Conifer, Colorado started with great people and continued with a really delicious meal.
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Murphy’s Mountain Grill – Evergreen
Murphy’s Mountain Grill had the feel of a true mountain bar. The elk burger was excellent but I will have dreams about the milkshake.
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Parkside Cafe – Evergreen
The Parkside Cafe in Evergreen had a take on Corned Beef hash I hadn’t seen before. All the elements were there just without the hash!
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Buffalo Rose – Golden
The Buffalo Rose is known for good live music in downtown Golden and I stopped by an really enjoyed my weekend Brunch.
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Zoka’s – Pine
After the Green Mountain hike in the Buffalo Creek Rec Area I was pretty hungry and thirsty. I had tried to go to Zoka’s one other time but got there way before they opened at noon and had to find a different spot. Today I pulled up just as they were opening and had a
Local Food In Lake County
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Silver Llama – Leadville
The Silver Llama in Leadville was nice stop for homemade breakfast and lunch options with a creative menu and really good food.
Local Food in Larimer County
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Bird and Jim – Estes Park
Bird and Jim outside Rocky Mountain National Park blends American and Western cuisine, a touch of history, and is a great spot for good food.
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Wayfinder – Estes Park
The Wayfinder restaurant in Estes Park was a great spot for a post hike lunch with a Monte Cristo that mixed Sweet and Savory to perfection.
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Boss Burgers and Gyros – Estes Park
After a long day hiking at Rocky Mountain National Park I found a great spot to stop at Boss Burgers and Gyros.
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Trailhead Restaurant – Estes Park
Located just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Trailhead Restaurant has a classic menu with some exotic twists and great views.
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Lonigans Irish Pub – Estes Park
Lonigans Irish Pub in Estes Park is full of history. It also served up some great Irish fare including a delicious Shepherds Pie.
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La Cocina de Mama – Estes Park
Looking for a nice place to eat after a long day hiking at Rocky Mountain National Park and La Cocina de Mama was a great option.
Local Food in Las Animas County
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Tony’s Diner – Trinidad
Like a moth to a flame I was drawn to another diner, this time Tony’s Diner in Trinidad, Colorado and I sat down for a really nice meal.
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Trinidad Smokehouse – Trinidad
Located on Main Street, the Trinidad Smokehouse has a great atmosphere and some really good food to fuel your adventures.
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Tequila’s Family Restaurant – Trinidad
Tequila’s Family Restaurant in Trinidad has a great, inviting family environment and amazing food that was perfect for a post hike meal.
Local Food in Mesa County
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Fiesta Guadalajara – Fruita
Fiesta Guadalajara was conveniently located near the Colorado National Monument and served big food with big taste.
Local Food In Moffat County
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Vallarta’s of Craig – Craig
Experience the best Mexican cuisine at Vallarta’s of Craig. From delicious Fajitas to friendly service, it’s a dining experience you won’t forget.
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Warehouse Food Hall – Craig, CO
Explore the vibrant food scene at Warehouse Food Hall in Craig, Colorado. From bowls and salads to burgers and pizzas, there’s something for everyone.
Local Food in Montezuma County
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Chavalo’s Mexican Restaurant – Mancos
Chavalo’s Mexican Restaurant If you find yourself in Mancos, Colorado, possibly driving between Durango and Cortez, make sure to stop and enjoy the town a bit. It is really nice, has a state park and some really good restaurants. One of those is Chavalo’s Mexican Restaurant. Located just off of 160 in the heart of
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Destination Grill – Cortez
The Destination Grill in Cortez, Colorado was conveniently located and a great spot to stop for a delicious steak.
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WildEdge – Cortez
WildEdge is a local brewery in Cortez, Colorado with a rotating seasonal menu a small outdoor patio and ever changing list of what’s on tap.
Local Food In Montrose County
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The Stone House – Montrose, CO
Experience the enchantment of The Stone House steakhouse in Montrose. Step into a world of warmth and indulge in a memorable meal.
Local Food In Morgan County
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Zazzy Cafe – Fort Morgan
The Zazzy Cafe is a bright and energetic café that serves coffee and tea as well as breakfast and lunch including one sandwich I loved.
Local Food In Ouray County
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Ouray Brewery
Located in a small western Colorado mountain town that lends its name, the Ouray Brewery blends old in new with style and has some great food.
Local Food in Park County
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Dorothy’s Tamales – Fairplay
Dorothy’s Tamales in Fairplay has good and hearty tamales and other dishes that made for a perfect post hike meal in the winter.
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South Park Saloon – Alma
A classic saloon in Alma with all wood furniture specializing in pizza and cheese steak was a great stop for a post hike meal.
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Coney Island Boardwalk – Bailey
I thought my eyes were tricking me when I saw a giant hot dog on the side of 285 so I decided to stop at the Coney Island Boardwalk in Bailey!
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Platte River Saloon
The Platte River Saloon located in historic downtown Fairplay serves up delicious food while sticking to their old school roots.
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The Shaggy Sheep
The Shaggy Sheep caught my eye with the great decor and cool building. The food won me over and was a great end to a hike.
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Olga’s Eatery – Bailey
Some times you find the best places in unlikely spaces. Olga’s was a gem I almost missed but am glad I found.
Local Food In Pueblo County
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Gray’s Coors Tavern – Pueblo
Gray’s Tavern in Pueblo may have invented the Slopper back in the 1950’s, or maybe not, but today it is still one of the best Slopper around.
Local Food in Rio Grande County
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Carthers Roadhouse – Del Norte, CO
Carthers Roadhouse – Del Norte, CO After a hike around Del Norte I was looking for a nice place to stop in and grab a meal. I didn’t have to look far to find Carthers Roadhouse. I love it when restaurants use older buildings and make them there own and that is exactly what Carthers…
Local Food In Routt County
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Dueling D’s BBQ and Grill – Oak Creek
Discover Dueling D’s BBQ and Grill in Oak Creek, Colorado. Enjoy delicious barbecue and soak up the vibrant atmosphere at this popular local hangout.
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Old Town Pub Steamboat Springs
Mixing the history of a 100 year old building and some really good food is the Old Town Pub in the heart of historic Steamboat Springs.
Local Food In San Miguel County
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Steamies – Telluride
Steamies Burger Bar is a unique restaurant located in Telluride. The Burgers are steamed to help with flavor, health and the environment.
Local Food In Summit County
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Breckenridge Brewery – Breckenridge
After spending the day looking for fall colors in the mountains I couldn’t miss out on the Breckenridge Brewery for a really great meal.
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Log Cabin Cafe – Frisco
The Log Cabin Cafe in Frisco sold me with the sign but the food was the real attraction. The steak sandwich was a great post hike meal.
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Windy City Pizza and Pub – Silverthorne
Windy City Pizza and Pub is a smaller place in Silverthorne right by the highway but they are big on flavor and served a great lunch.
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Fatty’s – Breckenridge
How could the Fatman pass up a place called Fatty’s? A pizza and pasta place in Breckenridge was perfect for a post hike meal.
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Highside Brewing – Frisco
Highside Brewing had a nice patio with views of the mountains surrounding Frisco and some really nice BBQ to go with homemade beers.
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Carlos Mexican Bar and Grill – Frisco
Carlos Mexican Bar and Grill is a nice spot in Frisco with great food and service. The tacos were great and half priced appetizers won me over.
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Murphy’s Tavern – Silverthorne
Murphy’s Tavern in Silverthorne had large outdoor patio with a nice view of the mountains and a nice menu with traditional Irish fare.
Local Food In Teller County
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McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub – Divide, CO
McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub in Divide, CO does the wood oven with an Irish flare. The food is really good and the staff made for a great visit.
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Gold Camp Bakery – Victor
A hidden gem in the town of Victor, Colorado is the Gold Camp Bakery which offers a variety of desserts and the biggest sandwich I have seen.
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Grandmother’s Kitchen – Woodland Park
When you see a sign that says Grandmother’s Kitchen you have to stop. Great food and setting that really took me back.
Local Food In Weld County
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Bulldog Pub and Grub – Greeley
A cool vibe between Star Wars and Sports is what you will find with some good food at the Bulldog Pub and Grub in Greeley.
Idaho Local Food
Boise Area
Montana Local Food
Missoula Area
Lindey’s Prime Steakhouse – Seeley Lake 
New Mexico
Alamogordo
Santa Fe
Madrid
Mine Shaft TavernNorthern New Mexico
Sierra Grande Restaurant – Des MoinesGallup
Oregon
Huckleberry Inn – Government CampTennessee
Middle Tennessee
Utah
Bryce Canyon
Moab
Park City
Salt Lake Area
Torrey
Wyoming
South Dakota
Other
Fatman Findings: Beef Jerky