One of the biggest draws to a town is the quality of the food. If there aren’t good restaurants or bars in a town, it seems to be lacking something. Luckily, Durango, Colorado has plenty of amazing food. With more restaurants per capita than San Francisco, there are various options in this little mountain town. From farm-to-table eats and classic American fare, there really is something for everyone. The following is a list of restaurants with the best patio dining in Durango, Colorado:

Fired Up Pizzeria

“Fired Up Pizzeria is dedicated to the ingredients, quality, and traditional methods of producing authentic Neapolitan pizza. Our pizzas are created with handmade dough, fresh mozzarella, and hand-crushed tomato sauce. We focus on using high-quality imported and local ingredients to produce a great pizza and support a great community. We do this with the conviction that when you pour your heart and soul into what you love, excellence can be achieved. Come and enjoy.” With the addition of their rooftop patio, Fired Up is one of the best spots in town to grab a bite or just “drink” in the views as they also have an impressive list of beer, wine, and cocktails. The excellent service and relaxed atmosphere are the cherries on top of this local gem.

Eolus 

“Eolus Bar & Dining is a locally owned and operated, new American restaurant, consistently serving exquisite food with excellent service in Durango, Colorado. We use the best ingredients and provide a great atmosphere.” With local ingredients and an extensive array of other fresh options, Eolus is one spot not to be missed. Their rooftop patio is fully sheltered and provides a fine-dining feel with the benefit of fresh air and a garden-like experience. When all of this comes together you get one of the best dining experiences in Durango. Pair this excellent with their rooftop patio and Eolus will remain in your mind as an experience not soon forgotten.

Carver Brewing

“In 1988 Carvers opened the brewery – making it the first brewery in the four corners region since prohibition and the second brewpub in the state of Colorado. Although still known affectionately by the locals as “Carvers”, Carvers then became Carver Brewing Company. Since we first opened the brewpub, our beers have won national and international awards and our food has won national accolades for excellence.” With their back patio being one of the longest standing in Durango, this is definitely a must for locals and visitors alike. From the beer to the burgers Carvers isn’t a spot to only visit once. Whether it’s a variety of beers in a flight or a 20 oz pour of your favorite beer on draft, Carver Brewing is a great place to sit and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Ska Brewing

“When it comes to bringing home the bacon, assuming that bacon is made of the world’s best craft beer, nobody does it quite like Ska. From our flavor-packed flagship brews to our ridiculously refreshing seasonal libations, we’ve got the goods” Of all the breweries based in Durango, Ska is by far the largest and with good reason. They send their flagship beers all over the world and are always pursuing something new, but occasionally to get the best brews you have to go straight to the source. They have an awesome outdoor dining area based around a couple of old shipping containers, where they serve all their tasty brews as well as a selection of pizza and other American standard bar food. The atmosphere is always good with live music and lawn games. Be sure to check out Ska brewing whether you live here or are just passing through.

Steamworks 

Steamworks is known for its variety of food and beer with excellent pairing suggestions from their staff of Cicerone certified servers and bartenders. A key player in the local community, Steamworks is always involved, from hosting bike races to fielding sports teams in local leagues, it is hard to avoid their reach in the day-to-day life of Durango. Located just off of Main avenue, they have a great view of downtown and the local mountains from their patio. With one of the most diverse food menus in town and an extensive selection of beers, Steamworks has something to offer locals and visitors alike.

James Ranch

“James Ranch is ten miles north of Durango, Colorado in the beautiful Animas River Valley. We offer 100% grass-fed and finished beef, whey-fed pork, artisan cheese, and raw milk from 100% grass-fed, grazing Jersey cows, eggs produced from pastured hens, a spruce tree nursery, a regenerative vegetable and flower garden, and a thriving grill and market.” James Ranch is one of the most immersive farm-to-table experiences in the area. When you stop in for a burger after a long day in the mountains it becomes very clear why it tastes so good, the food you are eating is all sourced less than 100 yards from where you sit. As you look out on the pasture while enjoying your meal you see exactly how that food made it to your hands. James Ranch is a great place to eat outside, with gorgeous views of the Animas Valley, a large outdoor seating area, and plenty of green space for the kids, you definitely don’t want to miss this local gem.

The Nugget Mountain Bar

One of the newest additions to this list is The Nugget. While the cabin that inspires the atmosphere at this cozy mountain bar has been around since 1969, the business only started in 2018. “Enjoying The Nugget will feel like a walk back in time to an old miner’s cabin. From the exterior, the rustic log cabin looks like the setting of a Jack London novel. The lawn area is enclosed by old railroad ties, complete with gas firepits, cornhole, and giant Jenga. A large deck area blankets the front of the old D-Log cabin, the perfect spot for an elevated view of the surrounding peaks and listening to live music.” Food at the Nugget is provided by Backcountry Gourmet, a food truck with amazing sliders and sides. While the food is a nice bonus, the real reason to go is so you can “drink” in the views. From beer to special mountain-themed cocktails to warm you after an amazing day of skiing, The Nugget becomes an easy choice for a quick bite to eat on your way back to Durango.