San Juan Area Eats and Drinks Recommendations

[codertimt]

Hey guys. We're going to be the San Juan area this summer(7/21-7/25...so just after the FJ Summit and a bit before 100s in the Hills...) and so I thought I'd drop in and ask a quick question about any "can't miss" eateries and/or breweries in the areas of Ridgeway, Ouray, Silverton, Durango, Lake City, Telluride, or maybe some out of the way somewhere else...

Thanks for any feedback,
Tim

 

[john657]

Awesome. Look forward to having ya experience the San Juan's! In Ouray, my wife and I really like Mouses Chocolate and Coffee on Main Street for the designer sweets and homemade coffee drinks. None of these small mountain towns have any restaurants that stand out in my mind other than the Bon Ton restaurant in Ouray which is outstanding but pricey. Usually we are camping on one of the passes or just stopping in for a day trip. Don't miss the Ouray Hot Springs.

 

[riderjgs]

Adobe Inn in Ridgway for Mexican food if you get that direction. The Stone House in Montrose for all around great food if you get that far north.

 

[codertimt]

Awesome. Look forward to having ya experience the San Juan's! In Ouray, my wife and I really like Mouses Chocolate and Coffee on Main Street for the designer sweets and homemade coffee drinks. None of these small mountain towns have any restaurants that stand out in my mind other than the Bon Ton restaurant in Ouray which is outstanding but pricey. Usually we are camping on one of the passes or just stopping in for a day trip. Don't miss the Ouray Hot Springs.

We were out there a few years ago with my family...my Dad drug my XJ out there and we had limited time for any trail riding. But I fell in love with the area, and have been planning out this trip since then...even before I purchased my LX to take it in... I'm sure we'll visit Mouses and get some treats for the kids(yeah, just the kids..right). Will research Bon Ton and see what kind of pricing we're talking... Thanks for the input.

Adobe Inn in Ridgway for Mexican food if you get that direction. The Stone House in Montrose for all around great food if you get that far north.

We're staying on the hillside just NW of Ridgeway, overlooking the town, so that will likely go on the list. Will be coming in through Montrose, so will keep The Stone House in mind depending on timing... Thanks also...

 

[jonharis]

Adobe Inn in Ridgway for Mexican food

x a billion. great food, great atmosphere, great margaritas, great staff. A hidden gem not to be missed. Owners Terre and Joyce do an incredible job. Chances are good that on a given night Heather will be your waitress, make your drinks and give you area recommendations. She's the type of person who will remember your face and what you like after just a few visits. Most restaurants in the Silverton/Ouray area have always been hit or miss to me. I like the breakfast and coffee at the Backstreet Bistro in Ouray. The Bon Ton in Ouray has a great dimly lit basement atmosphere. When they are on they are spot on for american/Italian food, they can be pricey. There was a change in management back to the original owners a year or so ago so take reviews from that time period with a grain of salt. The current owners/chef brought it back to life nicely. Tim (chef/owner) really is passionate about the restaurant and the town and has been involved with the restaurant for some 30 years. Montanya Distillers in Silverton has great cocktails (rum is their specialty) and a nice atmosphere. Trip Advisor is pretty spot on with their ratings for the area.

 

[riderjgs]

Jon...Montanya relocated from Silverton to Crested Butte a while ago. Still, the "Hot Tanya" is not to be missed.

 

[codertimt]

Thanks for the replies... So, no brew heads with opinions on the area breweries? I had a great Red Ale when we were there last but at this point I've forgotten where it was from...

 

[RustbombFJ40]

The Ouray brewery has some decent barley pops.

 

[jonharis]

Jon...Montanya relocated from Silverton to Crested Butte a while ago. Still, the "Hot Tanya" is not to be missed.

Last I checked the tasting room in Silverton was still open. Unless this was a winter change this year.

Thanks for the replies... So, no brew heads with opinions on the area breweries? I had a great Red Ale when we were there last but at this point I've forgotten where it was from...

I love a good microbrew and there are plenty to choose from. None have really wowed me though. If heading to Durango there are several fine choices. Ska being my favorite.

While their beer doesn't do much for me, Ouray Brewery's roof top deck is a great place to be on a summer day. Good for people and vehicle watching.

 

[Alan "Ace" Brown]

The brewery in Ridgway is reported to be good, but I have not tried it.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[LogHillCruzr]

The micro brewery in Ridgway is called Colorado Boy. I like it. I have been through a few jugs of their red ale. Similar to Fat Tire maybe. They sell it in gallon glass jugs which you can bring back for a refill. They also make pretty good pizza.

 

[codertimt]

Thanks again for the additional info, folks. I'll keep checking in occasionally to see if any other opinions pop up, good or bad.