When visiting Colorado, be sure to try the state's unique blend of Southwestern, Western, and modern American cuisine, which often features local ingredients such as beef, bison, and Rocky Ford cantaloupe.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Colorado's cuisine is defined by its location at the intersection of the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Southwestern United States. The state's unique cultural heritage is reflected in its food, which often features a blend of Native American, Spanish, and American influences. One of the key ingredients in Colorado cuisine is the green chili, which is often served over meats, vegetables, and bread. The state is also known for its high-quality beef and bison, which are often grilled or roasted and served with a variety of sauces and seasonings.
The regional variations in Colorado cuisine are also worth noting. The western part of the state, near the Utah border, is known for its Southwestern flavors, including dishes such as posole (a hearty stew made with hominy and pork) and blue corn mush. The eastern part of the state, near the Kansas border, is more influenced by Midwestern cuisine, with dishes such as runza (a sandwich made with a thick, fluffy bun filled with seasoned ground beef and onions) and chicken fried steak.
In addition to its unique cultural influences, Colorado's cuisine is also shaped by its outdoor lifestyle and emphasis on local, sustainable ingredients. Many restaurants in the state feature menus that change seasonally, reflecting the freshest ingredients available from local farms and ranches. This focus on local ingredients has helped to create a thriving food scene in Colorado, with many restaurants and food establishments gaining national recognition for their creative and delicious dishes.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Oysters | Appetizer | breaded and fried bull testicles | The Fort, Morrison |
| Green Chili | Condiment | a spicy stew made with roasted green chilies, often served over meats or vegetables | Sam's No. 3, Denver |
| Bison Burgers | Entree | juicy burgers made with ground bison, often topped with cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions | The Kitchen, Boulder |
| Palisade Peaches | Dessert | sweet and juicy peaches grown in the town of Palisade, often served with ice cream or in a pie | Peach Street Distillers, Palisade |
| Colorado-Style Pizza | Entree | a unique style of pizza that features a thick crust, tangy sauce, and a blend of cheeses | Blue Pan Pizza, Denver |
| Elk Tacos | Entree | tender elk meat served in a taco shell with salsa, avocado, and sour cream | The Elk Tavern, Estes Park |
| Trout Almondine | Entree | pan-seared trout served with sliced almonds, lemon butter, and steamed vegetables | The Brown Palace, Denver |
| Chicken Fried Steak | Entree | a breaded and fried steak served with mashed potatoes and gravy | The Buckhorn Exchange, Denver |
| Cactus Candy | Dessert | a sweet and tangy candy made with prickly pear cactus, often served as a unique souvenir | Cactus Candy Company, Grand Junction |
| Lamb Vindaloo | Entree | a spicy curry made with lamb, often served with basmati rice and naan bread | India House, Boulder |
Street Food & Snacks
- Pretzels from Auntie Anne's, a popular chain with locations throughout the state, typically $5-6
- Churros from a street cart, often found at festivals and events, typically $3-4
- Green Chile Fries from a food truck, often found at breweries and outdoor events, typically $5-6
- Caramel Apples from a roadside stand, often found near apple orchards, typically $4-5
- Funnel Cakes from a fair or festival, often topped with powdered sugar and fruit, typically $6-7
- Tamales from a street vendor, often found in Hispanic neighborhoods, typically $3-4
- Kettle Corn from a street cart, often found at festivals and events, typically $3-4
- Fried Pickles from a food truck, often found at breweries and outdoor events, typically $5-6
Drinks
- Colorado Craft Beer, with many local breweries offering tours and tastings, typically $5-7 per pint
- Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade, often found at roadside stands and festivals, typically $3-4
- Iced Tea, sweet or unsweet, often served at restaurants and cafes, typically $2-3
- Coffee, with many local coffee shops offering unique blends and roasts, typically $2-4
- Prickly Pear Cactus Juice, a unique and refreshing drink made with the fruit of the prickly pear cactus, typically $4-5
- Rocky Mountain Spring Water, a brand of bottled water that is sourced from natural springs in the state, typically $2-3
Dining Customs
- It is customary to tip 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants and bars
- Reservations are often recommended, especially at popular restaurants
- Dress codes vary, but it's generally a good idea to dress casually for most restaurants and bars
- Eating on the go is common, with many restaurants and cafes offering take-out and delivery options
- It's considered polite to wait for the host or hostess to seat you, rather than seating yourself
- When dining with a group, it's common to split the bill evenly, or to have one person pay and be reimbursed by the others
Where to Eat
- The Fort, a historic restaurant in Morrison that serves up classic American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
- The Source, a marketplace in Denver that features a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops
- The Boulder Farmers Market, a weekly market that features local produce, meats, and prepared foods
- The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Cafe, a cafe that serves up historic recipes and local ingredients in a unique and historic setting
- The Aspen Saturday Market, a weekly market that features local produce, meats, and prepared foods, as well as unique gifts and souvenirs
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- The Union Station Market in Denver, a historic train station that has been converted into a marketplace featuring local foods, drinks, and shops
- The Boulder County Farmers Market, a weekly market that features local produce, meats, and prepared foods
- The Colorado Springs Farmers Market, a weekly market that features local produce, meats, and prepared foods
- The Palisade Peach Festival, an annual festival that celebrates the state's famous peaches with music, food, and drink
- The Telluride Bluegrass Festival, a annual festival that features live music, food, and drink in a beautiful mountain setting