Here is a quick tour of some of the fantastic restaurants available in Durango.
American
From diners to brewpubs, many options for great American food are all here in town. Stop by Olde Tymer’s Cafe for everything from nachos to burgers and old fashioned pie. For a great American breakfast stop by Lone Spur Café and enjoy a great home-style breakfast such as Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs or Biscuits and Gravy. They also offer fantastic lunch options like the Southwest Burger or a good’ol BLT. For a trip back to the restaurant counters of the ‘50s, make sure to put Oscar’s Cafe on your list. Serving breakfast all day, plus hamburgers, crispy fried chicken for lunch. To top it off they got homemade pies to die for! Last by not least stop by Durango Diner located in Downtown Durango for 55 years. This old style dinner offers everything from traditional breakfast to good old burgers. Known for their famous Durango Diner Green chili, a local and visitors favorite. Make sure to take a jar home with you! It’s the best Green Chili around!
Italian
Looking for sumptuous, authentic Italian? Durango offers several options for those seeking an Italian meal including Mama Silvia’s Italian Kitchen, located Downtown Durango, featuring authentic Italian dishes such as Chicken Marsala, Picatta and 14 different pasta selections. Or stop by Primi Pasta & Wine Bar located across from Buckley Park, offering house-made pasta, salads, and paninis, plus they have homemade gelato! Dine inside or enjoy the beautiful patio, always (in season) filled with beautiful flowers.
Mexican
Durango has no shortage of great Mexican restaurants all with their own flare. Located right Downtown on College Ave. is Mi Ranchito Family Restaurant offering traditional Mexican food and weekly specials. Switchback is another favorite restaurant bringing Mexican-inspired street food with everything from tacos to enchiladas. If you are looking for some smothered green chili dishes, Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant is the place to go, with traditional-styled dishes and a great atmosphere. In the heart of Downtown in the Main Mall you’ll find Los Amigos Del Sur Mexican Restaurant. If you seek to beat the heat, this offers great option to cool off. Their style of food has a Southern Mexico emphasis, and includes everything from traditional to delicious seafood options. Off the beaten path a bit is Gazpacho New Mexican Cooking and Cantina. Located just up 5th street from the Railroad Depot, Gazpachos serves up some of the best New Mexican cuisine, which has received many rewards. Each meal comes with complimentary sopapillas served with local honey. Looking for quick Mexican that is fast and good? Check out Zia Taqueria in the North Main District and Nini's Taqueria in Historic Downtown Durango. Both are local favorites!
Wild Game, Steak, & Seafood
Durango has several options for those looking for a good steak or seafood. Primus Restaurant located on the north end of Main Ave. in the 1000 block offers big game and seafood options that are paired with locally-sourced produce and grains. The Ore House is a famous old western-style steakhouse, and is the longest-operating restaurant in Durango. Decorated with intricate murals and historic artifacts that feature the history of Southwest Colorado, the Ore House menu includes hand-cut steaks, wild-caught seafood, and seasonal, local ingredients. The Mahogany Grill, located inside the Historic Strater Hotel takes visitors back in time with an ambiance of the Victorian Old West. Enjoy an array of steakhouse and seafood specialties with food sourced from local and family-owned farms and ranches. Other options include 636 Main with menu options that include Maple-Mustard Glazed New York Strip Gilled Filet Mignon, Cedar Planked Salmon, to name a few. Or Seasons Rotisserie & Grill serving up Grilled Top Sirloin, Rotisserie Ribeye, Shrimp Scampi and more. And don't pass up Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen, offering a variety of menu options such as Barramundi Seabass, beef medallions and Cedar Plank Salmon.
BBQ
In the mood for some Barbeque? Check out T’s Smokehouse and Grill, located Downtown just up from the Railroad Depot. This little hidden gem has some big flavor and great menu options, offering hickory smoked Bar-B-Que, Southern and Cajun food, Angus burgers, Po’boys and more. Dine inside or outside on the private patio, which is dog friendly! Another local favorite is Serious Texas Bar-B-Q, serving up a variety of smoked meats and sausage. This quick-to-order option has something for everyone. If you have a taste for pulled port or beef brisket, this is the place to go providing family-style seating indoors and a great patio for those warm summer nights.
Asian
When you have the taste for Asian food or maybe some good sushi, don’t worry we’ve got you covered! You will find East by Southwest up on College and 2nd Ave. which offers fresh sushi and pan Asian cuisine. The menu features organic meats, seafood and fish from sustainable sources. Looking for something quick? Check out Rice Monkey in the 1000 block of Main, offering creative and delicious Asian food. Looking for a sit-down casual meal? Try China Café located just before the train bridge. Offering fresh ingredients and fast service, the restaurant offers a beautiful patio overlooking the Animas River.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Looking for a great burger! We got ’em! Check out Carver Brewing Company, Olde Tymer’s Café or Steamworks Brewing Co. Discover enticing chicken sandwiches at Bird’s in the North Main District where the “Cluck Norris” is served with Hatch green chile or “Animas Hot” rotisserie chicken made Tennessee style. And don’t pass up Homeslice, as they have great sandwiches too, like the Gyro, Eggplant Parmesan or the Italian Beef. They are large enough, you can get two meals! In Downtown Durango, check out RGP’s, although not a sandwich per say, RGP’s offers some tasty flame-grilled wraps. A local favorite! And don’t pass up 2nd Avenue Deli and Spirits up on the corner of College and East 2nd Ave., serving up some favorites like Meatball sandwiches, Philly Cheesesteaks, Hot Pastrami and more. A new option to tryout is Tom's Deli in the North Main District. This new locally-owned delicatessen has quickly become a local favorite. Offering hot and cold sandwiches, fries, and soups. They also have grab and go options daily so you can get your luch and head out on your next adventure.
Brew pubs
Durango is home to five breweries. Located in Downtown you can find Carver Brewing, and Steamworks Brewing Co. Just a bit off the beaten path, on the north end of Downtown you will find Animas Brewing Company (1560 E. 2nd Avenue) located by the Animas River Trail. Go up north of Downtown and you will find Durango Beer and Ice Company located in the North Main District. All feature unique craft brews sure to satisfy your palate. Each one offers a distinctive atmosphere with outdoor patio options. Check out our Beer, Wine and Spirits Tour for more details.
Fast and Local
Looking for something fast, local and fresh? Durango has no shortage of great restaurants when you are on the go. Here is a quick run down of some of the choices available. Looking for Mexican? Try Zia Taqueria in the North Main District or Nini’s Taqueria in Downtown Durango. For pizza stop by Father Daughters Pizza, Fired Up Pizzeria, Homeslice or Happy Pappy Pizza n Wings. Looking for some tasty chicken? Check out Cuckoo’s Chicken House & Waterin' Hole Downtown. For Barbeque check out Serious Texas Barbeque for a quick-to-order meal. And lastly, if the family is split on what to eat, stop by the 11th Street Station, which features an array of food trucks offering everything from Asian cuisine to pizza and everything in between. With sumptuous outdoor seating, this is a great place to go in the summer.
Vegetarian
If you are looking for good vegetarian options, check out The Lively Daikon, offering organic and local produce at their salad bar. It’s a great quick option to grab a bite to eat in Downtown. Looking for something quick for the whole family, try Grassburger. Yes that’s right! Vegetarians will love the Black Bean Burger that is vegan and gluten free! Have a taste for Asian food? Check out East by Southwest, which offers extensive vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. Looking for a great hardy salad? Steamworks, Carver’s and Ken & Sue’s offer fantastic salads, along with other menu items that will suit any vegetarian.
Breakfast options
Durango has many great breakfast options. For a special sit-down meal, stop by Jean-Pierre Bakery, Café and Wine Bar, serving up traditional French pastries and scrumptious breakfast items. If you seek a unique treat, this is the place to go. Other favorites include the Lone Spur Café, serving home-style breakfasts such as French toast, biscuits and gravy or cowboy benedict smothered in country gravy. We do also have two old time diners that offer fantastic options. Stop by Oscars Cafe or Durango Diner for some good old American diner style breakfast! If you are on the go and need something quick, stop by Durango Doughworks located in the North Main District, offering breakfast burritos, doughnuts, breakfast bagel sandwiches and coffee to go. If you have time to eat in, enjoy the full breakfast menu in the dining area. Lunch is on tap too! If you're Downtown and seeking something quick, check out Durango Coffee Company, Durango Joe's and Hermosa Café. All offer a selection of breakfast items like scones, muffins, and other pastries. And of course, fantastic coffee.