A Restaurant for Every Month: 12 Bucket-List Worthy Spots in Colorado

Who's ready to eat? *Enthusiastically raises both hands.* One of the MANY great parts of living in the Centennial State is access to every kind of cuisine you can imagine... but where does one begin? We recommend starting now and following this bucket list of 12 can't-miss Colorado restaurants. These are some of the best restaurants in Colorado. We hope you're hungry. Be sure to bring your appetite!

January: Mac Nation Cafe (Indian Hills)

Does anyone get depressed once the holidays have ended and it's cold and depressing outside? Do you know what we like to do to remedy this situation? We like to splurge on comfort food at Mac Nation Cafe in Indian Hills, which is home to a whopping 30 kinds of macaroni and cheese made from scratch (a la Chicago Pizza, Big Italy, and the classic House with Panko). If you haven't yet tried Mac Nation Cafe, this will surely go to the top of your list of favorite restaurants in Colorado once you do. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

February: Allred's Restaurant (Telluride)

February is the month of love (including bromances and galentines), so what better time than now to visit the one and only Allred's in Telluride? Accessible only by gondola, Allred's is home to some of the best views in the state at 10,551 feet above sea level, as well as one of the best wine collections. Open daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the summer and winter season. Reservations are recommended.

March: Totally 80's Pizza (Fort Collins)

Do you want to know what's rad? Colorado is home to the ONLY 1980s museum, which is located inside the tubular Totally 80's Pizza & Museum! Don't be an airhead... book it to FoCo and get a slice of Totally 80's ASAP! Cool beans? This retro pizza place is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday.

April: Edelweiss German Restaurant (Colorado Springs)

"Edelweiss, edelweiss, every morning you greet me"... with delicious German fare! Located in Colorado Springs, the family-owned Edelweiss will make you think you have left the Centennial State for a cafe in Germany, thanks to its authentically German ambiance and cuisine. Prost! Edelweiss opens daily at 11 a.m. Closes at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

May: Buckhorn Exchange (Denver)

How have we made it this long into the year without visiting the oldest steakhouse in Colorado? Let's change that, shall we? Welcome to the Buckhorn Exchange: Colorado's oldest and most beloved restaurant that is home to some of the best Rocky Mountain Oysters, beef and buffalo steak, and game plates in the state. This is one of the most unique restaurants in Colorado. The 1893-established Buckhorn Exchange is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are recommended.

June: Restaurant 1858 (Colorado Springs)

Summer is in full swing, so what better time than now to hike the jaw-dropping Seven Falls and dine at the waterfront Restaurant 1858? Whether you're eating solo, with someone you love, or with a large group, you will never forget your first trip to this historic Colorado gem. Restaurant 1858 in Seven Falls operates seasonally and is scheduled to reopen in the spring.

July: The Historic Rapids Lodge and Restaurant (Grand Lake)

In the summertime, when the weather is sunny and warm, dining outdoors is a must, especially when you can also enjoy water views. Set on the North Inlet of Grand Lake, The Historic Rapids Lodge & Restaurant is where you'll want to be this summer. Lunch is available at this Grand Lake restaurant from Memorial Day weekend through the beginning of October, while dinner is available Wednesday through Saturday starting at 4:30 p.m. throughout the year. Reservations are encouraged.

August: Chimney Park Restaurant & Bar (Windsor)

As one of the most highly-rated, award-winning restaurants in Colorado, Chimney Park will certainly impress anyone who comes here for a summertime date. Dishes are prepared with fresh, local, and organic ingredients, and when making a reservation, you can request a table out on the patio if you'd like. While the restaurant is currently closed as it expands following repairs after a fire, its grand reopening is scheduled for April 2026, making summer an exceptional time to visit! Hours are listed as Monday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

September: The Railyard (La Junta)

Colorado got its start with the railroad, so it should only make sense that we have a train-themed restaurant on our list. Welcome to the charming Railyard, a welcoming small-town eatery complete with railroad decor, all of your favorite drinks, and delicious home-cooked grub. La Junta makes a great day trip destination. Why not take the kids here to celebrate the start of a new school year! Open daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. (and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday).

October: Linger (Denver)

It's the spookiest time of the year, and there is no better place to dine than the old Olinger Mortuary! Okay, so it isn't technically still a mortuary, but rather the trendy Linger Eatuaries, which boasts not only delicious food but formaldehyde water bottles and other morbid touches. Linger is open for lunch Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and ‍5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays.

November: Ski Tip Lodge (Keystone)

Slopes are open, and you know what that means... it's après season! If you need to refuel after a long day of skiing, treat yourself to a four-course meal at the beautiful Ski Tip Lodge in Summit County. Bon appétit! Reservations are required at this stunning eatery. Hours vary by season.

December: Oscar's Cafe (Durango)

Since calories do not count during the holiday season, now is the perfect time to splurge on all of your breakfast favorites, courtesy of Oscar's Cafe! Whether you crave homemade biscuits and gravy, a gigantic cinnamon roll, or a ginormous smothered burrito, you are guaranteed the best at Oscar's. You'll have the best breakfast in Colorado right here in the charming town of Durango. Open daily at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday, with lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Sundays, breakfast can be had all day from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

You'll love all of these Colorado eateries! Some are in and around Denver; others are a bit further away, but are well worth the drive. Plan a trip to all of them sometime soon and enjoy some of the very best cuisine that Colorado has to offer. For more dining options, check out even more of the best restaurants in Colorado, from critically-acclaimed eateries to hidden gems!

Ready to jet off to one of these fantastic dining destinations? Be sure to use Only In Your State's itinerary planner to make it a sensational trip!