Telluride: The Skiing World's Best-Kept Secret

Best Après-Ski

Alpino Vino – Skiing down See Forever from Gold Hill Express and you’ll find North America's highest elevation restaurant at 11, 966 ft. Grab a bottle of vino and enjoy Italian gourmet comfort food with an incredible view. The signature grilled cheese sandwich is usually the crowd favorite. Insider tip: Must get there right at 11am to eat or to get reservations for later in the day. It’s a small restaurant, so they can only take so many people a day. If you missed it during the day, you can make reservations for dinner and get to take a heated snowcat vehicle to the top to make it for an unforgettable dining experience.

Gorrono Ranch, “The Ranch” is the main on-mountain dining venue, offering the best sunny day ski break spot with an expansive deck, a comfortable sitting area known as "Snow Beach," and a great atmosphere for relaxation, music and drinks.

Tomboy Tavern, known for its elevated pub fare, offers a prime location at the base of Mountain Village, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a ski break on their outdoor patio.

Black Iron/ Timber Room - My personal favorite. Located within the Hotel Madeline in Mountain Village, is a short stroll from the slopes. You have the choice to cozy up indoors in the inviting lounge, but my personal preference is the warmth of the fire tables outside. For those with a taste for tequila, the Elder Azteca and Burning Passion cocktails are an absolute must-try.

Last Dollar Saloon, affectionately known as "The Buck" by locals due to the historical use of buckskin currency, was recently named as the world's premier skier dive bar, captivating patrons with its charming old-west ambiance. A beloved local institution since 1978, it added a rooftop bar in 2018, providing stunning mountain views for patrons to savor while enjoying a cocktail or brew.

New Sheridan Historic Bar - Tellurides oldest bar, Located in the New Sheridan hotel and next door to Chop House is a laid back bar to stop by for a drink after dinner or for some après-ski fun at some point. The bar has remained unchanged since 1895 and has pool and foosball tables in the back room.

There Bar - Popular après bar or evening gathering spot known for its relaxed and inviting atmosphere. They serve a variety of beverages, including craft beers, wines and cocktails. It is a more intimate setting and reservations are encouraged.

Smugglers Brewery and Pub, conveniently situated in downtown Telluride right next to the gondola, is the perfect spot for a friendly, laid-back lunch or après-ski experience, where you can enjoy handcrafted brews.

Butcher and the Baker - A beloved downtown bakery, is a favorite for both locals and visitors, renowned for its delectable homemade bread and artisanal pastries, making it the perfect choice for a quick bite en route to the slopes or a leisurely sit-down experience.

Siam, a downtown Telluride staple, is your go-to spot for authentic Thai cuisine and creative Asian fusion dishes, complete with an excellent craft cocktail selection. Whether you're in the mood for dining in or taking out after a long day on the slopes (we did it twice on our last ski trip - it's that good!), it’s a must-try. For those staying in Mountain Village, they've got a sister restaurant, Siam Talay Grille, over at the Inn Lost Creek hotel, offering a similar Asian Tapas menu and outdoor seating.

Brown Dog Pizza is a family-friendly joint dishing out fantastic Detroit-style pizza and with 10 TVs, it's the perfect spot to catch a game too.

The Chop House, tucked into the historic New Sheridan Hotel, has been a favorite Telluride hangout for over a century, known for its top-notch cuisine, impeccable service and impressive wine selection. * Must order the Flatliner, Telluride’s take of an Espresso martini. Of note, they also have a fantastic brunch menu.

Allreds, located at the mid-point of the Gondola at San Sophia station, delivers an unforgettable dining experience surrounded by breathtaking mountain views on one side and the charming town of Telluride on the other. Its renowned three-course prix-fixe dinner menu is a standout reason it consistently tops the list of dining recommendations in Telluride. Reservations are strongly advised and for a local insider tip, try to secure a reservation at sunset to witness a truly spectacular view or come early for a pre-dinner cocktail.

221 South Oak, located in a refurbished historic home in downtown Telluride and founded by Top Chef contestant Eliza Gavin, serves modern American cuisine sourced from the best local ingredients.

Cosmopolitan, a highly rated restaurant situated in the Columbia Hotel in downtown Telluride, is known for its distinctive fusion menu and daily happy hour from 4-5pm, making it a perfect choice after a day of skiing.