Great skiers know great food, and in the lively ski town of Crested Butte, adventure-seekers and globe-trotters the world over will find outstanding cuisine to match their epicurean appetites. Crested Butte is home dozens of world-class restaurants, many of which are situated right on the mountain making for an ideal après ski meal or drink.
Visitors will find a wide range of options, from fine French cuisine to traditional Mexican fare, from casual outdoor eateries to uproarious pubs and sports bars. No matter how exacting your tastes are, you are sure to find the perfect place to relax with friends and family and enjoy an outstanding meal.
Below, you’ll find a few of the many great dining options Crested Butte has to offer:
For the perfect place to sit down with the family and enjoy home-style comfort food, you’ll want to check out Avalanche Bar & Grille. Their menu features a range of items, such as burgers, fish and chips, smoked salmon salad, banana granola pancakes, and homemade chili and clam chowder. Open daily at 7:30 a.m.
Located at the foot of the Red Lady Express chairlift in Crested Butte Mountain Resort, this BBQ joint creates luscious finger foods in the striking shadow of Mount Crested Butte. Butte 66 is open for lunch and dinner; special children’s items are available.
Stop in for a quick lunch and brief respite from the snow at the newly remodeled Paradise Warming House at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Enjoy exceptional food and outdoor grilling daily (weather permitting) at the base of Paradise Lift.
Choose from expertly prepared dishes of salmon, veal, and homemade pastas at this chef-owned gourmet Italian restaurant. Bacchanale is the ideal place to revel in the light mountain atmosphere and enjoy a nice glass of wine. The wrought-iron railings, antique bar, and diverse adorned décor impart a classy yet comfortable experience.
On a big mountain, the only option is a big margarita. At Donita’s Cantina you will find generous portions of classic Mexican cuisine, all served in a cozy environment. Bring friends and family, and come early to ensure you get the best table in the house.
As a local’s favorite, Lil’s Land and Sea gives a glimpse into the small-town atmosphere of Crested Butte while offering wonderful seasonal entrees. Dishes include sushi, vegetarian meals, elk and beef tenderloin, chicken, and duck. There is also a full wine list and a selection of beers and cocktails.
The best way to begin an adventurous day is with a hearty breakfast. Paradise Café creates traditional breakfast dishes that will power you up for a long day hiking the canyons or skiing through the scenic backcountry of Crested Butte.
Ideally situated slopeside at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, The Bakery at Mr. Crested Butte and The Brown Labrador Pub provide a great smoke-free après ski spot with excellent food and drinks they’ve been serving for over a decade.
Known by the locals as “the hottest spot on the mountain,” Ice Bar and Restaurant provides a great venue for relaxing during or after a day of skiing while serving fine-dining for the sophisticated palate. It is located at the base of the Twister chairlift in Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
This mountainside establishment has a fun and flowing atmosphere with an open kitchen built around a unique woodstone oven. Come enjoy the full breakfast buffet and dinner menu featuring homemade specialties such as the red snapper or Black Angus filets.
This is the ideal place to go for great food, good vibes, and friendly faces. Brick Oven expertly crafts each pizza to your exact specifications all in a warm and enjoyable environment.
Le Bosquet serves some of Crested Butte’s finest French cuisine. Entrees include hazelnut chicken, portabella Wellington, and roast rack of lamb. Come in early for the early bird menu, served nightly between 5:30 and 6:30, which offers a $20 three-course meal.
Marchitelli’s produces varied pasta dishes based on family recipes, all served in an elegant setting. This is the perfect place to relax after a long day tearing through powder at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.