Known for its Wild West heritage and abundance of outdoor recreation, Durango has also emerged as a premier culinary destination. This small Colorado city in the San Juan mountains has a vibrant dining scene with a distinctly Southwestern flair.
In This Article
From upscale establishments boasting James Beard-nominated chefs to casual spots serving creative variations of regional fare, Durango offers exceptional dining experiences to suit every taste and budget. With a thriving craft beer culture, trendsetting cocktail bars, and a farm-to-table ethos utilizing fresh and local ingredients, the city will provide each Durango diner with no shortage of epicurean delights.
Come experience Durango’s exceptional mountain town dining for yourself! World-class cuisine, talented chefs, a vibrant locavore culture, and Western hospitality await culinary travelers venturing to this Colorado destination. From the first morning coffee to the final evening nightcap, Durango promises memorable dining at every turn.
TL;DR
- Durango has become a top culinary travel destination with fine dining restaurants, many featuring renowned chefs.
- The dining scene emphasizes creative Southwestern cuisine along with craft beer, spirits, and local, seasonal ingredients.
- Iconic restaurants like Eolus Bar and Dining and signature dishes like smokey brisket dip sandwiches define Durango's food culture.
- Special dining events like food festivals and culinary tours showcase the best of Durango's vibrant food and beverage offerings.
A Historical Mining Town Transformed
Durango originated as a mining town in the late 1800s, serving as a railroad hub and trading post for surrounding mining camps. While mining and railroading fostered early economic growth, the picturesque valley’s natural abundance led to the increasing prominence of ranching, logging, and tourism.
Beginning in the 1990s, Durango experienced a cultural renaissance centered around the arts, entertainment, and an emergent food scene celebrating regional flavors and ingredients. Innovative chefs arriving from larger cities brought contemporary culinary visions while incorporating native Southwestern and Mexican influences. Local farmers markets, distilleries, and breweries supplied chefs with exceptional homegrown products, inspiring creativity in the kitchen.
Chefs and Restaurants Redefining Durango’s Culinary Identity
Several pioneering chefs and restaurants have been at the forefront of Durango’s culinary ascent. They are committed to forging a distinctive dining experience rooted in the town’s unique identity and mountain locale.
Notable Chefs
Scott Carsberg of Eolus Bar and Dining has earned numerous awards for his contemporary American cuisine accentuated by Southwestern touches. His refined dishes like the popular Maui Waui pizza creatively combine flavors and textures.
Eric Gruber of El Moro Spirits and Tavern has been nominated for the prestigious James Beard Best Chef Southwest award several times for his flavorful updated Southwestern fare and specialty cocktails. Signature items include his green chile stew and bacon-wrapped dates.
Wendy Brown of The Ore House has also earned James Beard nominations for her mastery of steakhouse classics coupled with regional ingredients like Colorado lamb and game. Her cold smoked strip steak showcases superior preparations of locally sourced meats. However, it’s important to note that The Ore House is currently closed as the result of a fire.
Dennis Morrisroe is renowned for the eclectic wine list and cheese selection he oversees at Steamworks Brewing Company. The wine and cheese complement the brewpub’s beer and elevated pub grub. Morrisroe’s meticulous weekly cheese tastings highlight specialty offerings with paired beers.
The Mahogany Grille has been critically acclaimed for artfully prepared American cuisine served in a sophisticated, yet relaxed creekside atmosphere. Menus change seasonally based on regional availability.
Distinctive Regional Cuisine and Specialties
Durango dining is defined by skillfully prepared regional cuisine, with chefs thoughtfully sourcing premium local ingredients to create one-of-a-kind flavor experiences. The following are standout specialties visitors must try:
Elevated Southwestern Cuisine
Southwestern cuisine forms the foundation for many Durango restaurants. Look for updated versions of classics like chimichangas, tamales, tacos, and other Native American and Mexican-inspired dishes prepared with creative flair.
House-Smoked Meats
Smoking meats and game over fruitwood, pinon, and other regional woods imbues intense flavors. Specialties like smokey brisket dip sandwiches and cold-smoked strip steaks showcase superior artisanal smoking processes.
Crafted Cocktails
Cocktail culture thrives in Durango, with bars and restaurants crafting unique elixirs featuring homegrown ingredients. Custom creations utilizing local spirits, fresh-squeezed juices, and housemade bitters define the booming craft cocktail scene.
Farm-to-Table Ethos
Durango chefs collaborate closely with nearby farms, ranches, orchards, and markets to procure exceptional meats, produce, and dairy. Menus change seasonally based on ingredient availability, ensuring peak flavors.
Beer and Spirits Production
Numerous breweries and distilleries call Durango home, supplying restaurants with house beers, artisan spirits, and barrel-aged specialties. Supporting local producers has become a point of pride for establishments wishing to represent the region’s beverage bounty.
Seasonal Flavors and Events
Durango’s seasonal changes profoundly shape the local food scene. Chefs eagerly anticipate peaks in regional produce, meats, and dairy, inspiring new dishes. Numerous food festivals, culinary events, and farmers markets further allow visitors to experience the best of seasonal offerings.
Seasonal Menus
Asparagus and morels mark spring menus, while summer showcases heirloom tomatoes and tender greens from local farms. Hearty game, apples and heirloom squash become fall staples, with winter bringing root vegetables and citrus. Chefs take advantage of ingredient availability to provide ultimate freshness.
Food Festivals
Annual events like the Durango Wine Experience and Durango Craft Spirits and Cocktail Festival celebrate regional beverages, with dinners and tastings hosted at top restaurants. The Durango Farmers Market boasts over 60 vendors during peak summer months, becoming a weekly community focal point.
Culinary Events and Tours
Special culinary events allow visitors to experience Durango dining behind the scenes. These events include winemaker and brewmaster dinners at restaurants, cocktail classes focused on artisan mixology, and restaurant tours giving guests glimpses into kitchen creativity. Food-focused seminars and tastings occur throughout the year as well.
Dining Guide: Planning Your Culinary Adventure
Secure Reservations
Book tables well in advance, especially if you’re interested in experiencing a fine dining restaurant. Many iconic restaurants fill up weeks ahead of time. Leave flexibility for possible waitlists and be prepared to dine early.
Seek Local Suggestions
Consult knowledgeable hotel staff, guides, and the Durango Welcome Center. They will advise you on your best options given your tastes and can provide insights about special dishes and hidden gems.
Savor Al Fresco Dining
Take advantage of Durango’s exceptional weather and mountain scenery by dining al fresco during the summer months. Choose creekside locations or ask for patio seating with views of surrounding peaks.
Pair Food and Adventure
Some restaurants offer activities alongside dining, like horseback rides, whitewater rafting, or jeep tours. This connects visitors more deeply with the place. Combine sightseeing train rides or canyon hikes with meals for well-rounded days.
Enjoy Après-Adventure Libations and Bites
Following outdoor adventures, continue the immersion into local culture at brewpubs, distilleries, and taverns offering craft beverages and bites. Relax on patios with views of La Plata peaks as you sample regional flavors.
FAQ
What restaurants have the best views of the mountains?
Choose creekside dining at Mahogany Grille as you enjoy great food. For soaring perspectives, try a summit dinner at Purgatory Resort’s fine-dining Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro.
What family-friendly dining options exist?
Fun spots like Steamworks Brewing Company offer casual fare perfect for families. Many restaurants feature kids’ menus and relaxed atmospheres welcoming younger diners.
Where can I find the most authentic Southwestern cuisine?
Chef Eric Gruber’s award-nominated El Moro Spirits and Tavern artfully prepares updated Southwestern specialties like green chile stew, smoked bison tamales, and bacon-wrapped dates. The creative menu showcases the best of regional flavors.
Where can I find fresh seafood in Durango?
You can find fresh seafood at Sunnyside Farms Market in Durango.
