Jordon’s Ultimate Dining Guide
I lived in Crested Butte full-time for 5 years, and these are the places my family and I return to time and again. In a town this small, the difference between a good meal and a legendary one comes down to knowing exactly what to order and when to go. Use this guide to dine like a local.
Breakfast & Coffee: The Morning Ritual
Camp 4 Coffee Located in the iconic license plate house.
The Order: Grab a cup of their Sledgehammer blend.
A Daily Dose The best spot for healthy fuel and my go-to spot for a coffee.
The Order: Fresh whole-fruit smoothies and organic air-roasted coffee. I always go with the Popeye Smoothie!
Butte Bagels: Hands down the best homemade bagel sandwiches in the valley.
The Order: The POW is my favorite and if you are hungry go with the Fletcher.
Pro Tip: Service can be slow during peak season. I always call in my order to-go so I can swing by and pick it up on the way to the mountain.
McGill’s: Our version of a classic diner with a huge menu.
The Order: Try the Haystack, the Cinnamon Rolls, or a shake from their old-school soda fountain.
Paradise Cafe: A cozy staple close to the 4-way stop.
The Order: This is our go-to for healthy options. In the summer, their outdoor patio offers amazing views of the peak. Great lunch spot as well.
Lunch & Casual Dinner
The Secret Stash: A must-go experience with a "Legalize Marinara" vibe.
The Order: My personal favorite is The Hamptons with the lemon pepper crust. It is the best pizza in town. We also love the Notorious F.I.G. and Where’s the Beef.
Must-Have Apps: Start with the Crack Fries or the Crack Wings.
BRUHAUS: German comfort food and beer! It’s the perfect spot for a post-adventure meal on their sunny patio or inside by the fireplace.
The Order: I always order the Bruhaus Double Burger with a rotating tap.
Public House: A modern Colorado saloon with a great atmosphere. They also have a concert venue downstairs so check to see who is playing while you are in town.
The Order: I normally get the Burger, Fish and Chips, or the Fried Chicken. They serve all of the local Irwin Brewery beers on draft.
Pitas in Paradise: The closest thing we have to a sports bar.
The Order: The Original Gyro and the Hungarian Mushroom Soup.
Teocalli Tamale: The "Chipotle of Crested Butte." Fast, reliable, and delicious.
The Order: Build your own burrito or tacos.
The ELDO: My favorite Nepalese food in town with a great upstairs patio. This is a local hang out and the home brew beers are great. I eat here a lot…
The Order: You can’t go wrong with the Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Saag and Naan.
Fine Dining: A Special Night Out
Reservations for these spots are mandatory and should be made 2–4 weeks in advance in high seasons.
The Sunflower: (My Personal Favorite) This is my top recommendation for dinner in town for small groups. They specialize in "communal farm-to-table" dining with an ever-changing seasonal menu that features the best local ingredients. I usually don’t order anything when we come here - I just say feed us and they bring out amazing seasonal food until you tell them to stop!
The Vibe: Intimate, sophisticated, and incredibly fresh. It is a true culinary gem of the Rockies.
Breadery: An absolute must-visit. This is a sourdough laboratory, bar, and eatery that has quickly become a local obsession. Order anything - It’s amazing! My mom’s favorite restaurant in town!
The Vibe: Modern, chic, and lively. Their commitment to fermentation and high-quality seasonal ingredients is world-class. A Coconut Margarita is my go-to cocktail and I always recommend eating family style and explore the menu!
Elk Avenue Prime: The premier steakhouse in town, located in a beautifully restored historic building and perfect for large groups.
The Order: The Wagyu Ribeye, the Brussels Sprouts, and the Mac & Cheese. They also have the best wine list in the valley.
The Gourmet Noodle: Traditional, family-recipe Italian that feels like home. It’s cozy, warm, and the perfect "mountain comfort" meal.
The Order: The Chicken Marsala with Pesto Genovese Gnocchi. You won't leave here hungry!
SOUPÇON: Located in a small historic cabin with only 28 seats, dining at Soupçon is a unique and intimate experience with a rustic-elegant ambiance. Reservations are highly encouraged months in advanced for this unique sensory experience. I only eat here about once a year and it’s usually for a special date night.
The Gold Standard: Private In-Home Dining
Since our home features a professional chef’s kitchen and a dining room with a phenomenal view, many of our guests prefer to stay in. Skip the crowds and enjoy a world-class meal in front of 80 feet of windows with mountain views while someone else works their culinary magic —and handles the cleanup!
Our Preferred Chef: Christoph Peherstorfer (Alpen Chef). Christoph is phenomenal, and having him cook at the house is always the highlight of our trip. He is our personal favorite and our "featured" recommendation for a truly special night.
The Ringel Favorites: We highly recommend the Elk Main, Olathe Corn Soup, BLT Scallops, and the Colorado Wedge Salad. It’s all fantastic!
Booking: Christoph will send you his seasonal menu so you can select your appetizers, mains, and desserts. He will then provide a personalized quote. He offers a great kids' menu as well. We recommend contacting him early to secure your dates.
Cell: (970) 901-1503 | Website: AlpenChef.com | Tell him Jordon says hi!
Gunnison Recommendations (On your way in/out of town)
High Alpine Brewery & Pizza: Wood fired pizzas and my favorite beer is the Green Gate.
The Dive: Great spot to grab a beer on their patio and the food is top notch for a “dive” bar.
Patcharee’s Thai: My favorite Thai food in Colorado! Order the Bad Dream Salad & Spicy Shrimp and for an appetizer get the Moo Krup.
Garlic Mike’s: Dinner only - Fantastic Italian food and it’s located on the Gunnison River. You can even book a “Float n’ Dine” trip from Three Rivers where you raft to the restaurant in the summer months. Mike also does private dining in the summer months.
Blackstock Bistro: Dinner only - This is my go-to spot for a nice dinner in Gunnison. Food is amazing!