DINING OUT
dining views Sitting down for a meal outdoors gives guests a chance to take in the unspoiled scenery. So when it comes time to decide where to eat, try to enjoy the outdoor areas available around the Southwest.
BUMP-OUTS Thanks to recent local initiatives, guests dining in Durango have more outdoor options available than in years past. Parking spaces on Main Avenue have been transformed into temporary outdoor spaces for local restaurants and retail shops. The community calls these additions “bump-outs,” and they allow people to enjoy a meal and the fresh mountain air, while also keeping our restaurants busy. Enjoy eating at one of these new patio areas on Main Avenue, or try some of the most popular establishments for outdoor dining. OUTDOOR PATIOS Voted Best Outdoor Dining by locals in 2020, Ernie’s Bar & 11th Street Station is a food truck collective in Durango with a spacious venue with a full bar and delicious food options for everyone in the family. Enjoy high-quality, fresh seafood and sushi rolls at Stonefish Sushi & More in Cortez. The restaurant and bar on Main Avenue has a great patio for outdoor dining. The hidden garden at Shiloh Steakhouse is another place to enjoy a serene outdoor dining experience in Cortez and was voted Best Steak by locals in 2020. The Malt Shoppe in Pagosa Springs, located on the San Juan River, serves classic American fare like burgers, fries and onion rings as well as soft-serve ice cream, shakes and malts. RAISE THE ROOF Watch people wander by on Main Avenue below you with a wood-fired pizza and craft beverage from Fired Up Pizzeria’s rooftop patio and bar. Known for its fast-casual, customizable menu, Zia Taqueria’s
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SUMMER GUIDE
SOUTHWEST COLORADO
2022
north location has fantastic rooftop seating featuring a fun, bird’s eye view of the activity on North Main Avenue. Ouray Brewery is within walking distance to most of the town’s major attractions, which makes this family-friendly restaurant the perfect place to plan your next adventure while enjoying a craft beer and delicious meal from the rooftop patio. In Telluride, enjoy fine dining and creative cocktails on top of a legendary theater at the Sheridan Rooftop Bar. A CHANGE OF SCENERY Enjoy family-friendly dining next to the Animas River at Animas Brewing Company in Durango. The brewery puts a signature twist on British pasties and offers an array of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers and craft beer brewed in-house. The forest that surrounds The Weminuche Woodfire Grill inspires the guests to enjoy their meal on the outdoor patio. From pizza and pasta to burgers and fries, this family-friendly restaurant serves it all. At James Ranch Grill north of Durango, customers can enjoy fresh, organic ingredients from the farm on-site. The new family-friendly restaurant has amazing views of the ranch and surrounding peaks. The Dolores River Brewery is a local favorite that serves woodfired pizza, craft beer and more rotating menu items from Kelly’s Kitchen in Dolores. The outdoor seating next to the Dolores River is the perfect place to wind down. Riff Raff on the Rio is an eclectic brewpub that has amazing views of the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs. They serve a fun mix of shareable appetizers, alongside burgers, sandwiches and salads.
