Eat & Drink in Pagosa Springs
A food tour in Southwest Colorado
Southwest Colorado is one of our favorite spots to spend a long weekend. Part of the charm is the chill ambiance of places like Pagosa Springs. Life moves a little slower in these parts, and that’s just the way it should be on a vacation.
Pagosa Springs is home to hot springs, golf, skiing, hiking, and endless summer river activities, but it’s also a fun place to grab a bite to eat. Here are a few can’t-miss meals in Pagosa Springs.
BREAKFAST AT THE ROSE
Located in the heart of downtown, across from the riverwalk, is The Rose Cafe. This longtime Pagosa restaurant recently underwent renovations and now has a lighter, brighter atmosphere but still retains the charm of a cozy diner. And that’s what you’ll get here—down-home cooking that will keep you fueled for a day of fun in Pagosa Springs.
The Chile Cheese Potatoes are my absolute favorite. It’s a bowl of potatoes and eggs smothered in red or green chile with your choice of meat, and is best with a tortilla instead of toast and a side of Steve’s Sauce, a red chile concoction made by The Rose’s owner. It’s specifically for those of us who like to spike our breakfast with a little extra heat.
TACOS AT KIP'S GRILL & CANTINA
Winter, spring, summer or fall, it’s fish tacos for me at Kip’s Grill & Cantina. I know I should try something else on the menu, but these are my favorite fish tacos in Colorado. I just can’t pass them up when I’m in town.
Ryan has experimented with various menu items at Kip’s and loves it all, but it will always be fish tacos for me.
Wash down a meal at Kip’s with a $2.50 PBR during happy hour or a pitcher of house margarita.
BURGERS AT RIFF RAFF BREWING CO.
After a day of skiing at Wolf Creek Pass, there’s nothing better than a burger at Riff Raff Brewing. We’ve been patronizing this brewery restaurant since they opened in 2013.
I like my burgers medium rare, but when I dine out, nine times out of 10, I get a well-done burger no matter how I order it. Riff Raff, however, has cooked a perfect medium rare burger every time I’ve ordered one, which is on every visit, and this was my fourth.
While a lot of people rave about Riff Raff’s yak burger, I’m partial to The Dude, a beef burger with caramelized onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and roasted garlic and ale mayo. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Order The Dude with the Stepchild American Red Ale and your life will be complete.
STEAK AT ALLEY HOUSE GRILL
Whether you’re in town celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a laid back vacation, it’s worth splurging for dinner at the Alley House Grill. This is the place to go to for fine dining in Pagosa Springs.
My recommendation is the chargrilled filet with cabernet miso bacon beurre rouge served with garlic whipped potatoes and sautéed asparagus. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
Ask your server to recommend the perfect wine or local beer pairing for your meal.
GOODIES AT PAGOSA SPRINGS BAKING CO.
Last but not least, we’ve only just discovered the Pagosa Springs Baking Company, but it’s now a must-stop when we’re in town. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, I’m really picky about coffee and this place has some of the best coffee I’ve had in Colorado.
They also have delicious homemade bread and pastries, and quick breakfast and lunch items. Their breakfast sandwich is the perfect meal to grab before heading out of town.
