Craving a journey off the beaten path? Backroad Bites uncovers the unsung heroes of local cuisine—mom-and-pop diners, hidden food trucks, and beloved neighborhood spots where flavor tells the story of a place. We celebrate the dishes, traditions, and passionate people that make each community unique. So buckle up and join us on a delicious detour—because the best meals aren’t always found on the main drag.
The writer was invited to this location as part of a paid press trip opportunity. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are their own and not influenced by the developing company in any way.
I've never eaten pistachio cake before. In fact, I've had very few experiences with pistachio desserts in general (so sorry, Dubai chocolate!). But when my fork slid through the three layers of green decadence at Heather's in Snowmass, I knew I was about to change my outlook on desserts entirely.
Could this be the best pistachio cake I'll ever eat? What other Colorado food highlights would change how I perceived dining in the Mountain State? And most importantly... am I a dessert person now?!
1. Pistachio Cake - Heather's
Photo by Marisa Roman - Only In Your State
The first bite of this pistachio cake felt almost unreal, like time slowed just enough for me to register how good it was. The cake was impossibly tender, nutty without being heavy, with a subtle sweetness that let the pistachio shine rather than bury it in sugar. The frosting melted instantly, creamy and delicate, carrying just a whisper of richness that balanced the earthy warmth of the cake beneath it. While Heather's is known for its satiating comfort food-style pot pies (more on that later), the pistachio cake here stole the show.
2. Vegetable Pot Pie - Heather's
Photo by Marisa Roman - Only In Your State
I wasn't expecting to eat as many Colorado desserts as I did, and I don't regret a single one. Sure, these were shared by a handful of wonderful women, so ordering two, three, or four each dinner was doing our due diligence in sharing, right? Heather's in Snowmass gave me a meal I'll always remember, from start to finish. But one of the standouts for me was the Vegetable Pot Pie. As I mentioned above, the pot pies are a staple here at Heather's, and rightly so.
Who wouldn't want to cozy up to a fireplace after a day of skiing and sink a spoon or fork into layer after layer of homestyle cooking? My pot pie started with a cheddar biscuit topping, then sank down into a mixture of eggplant, peppers, squash, zucchini, spinach, sweet potato, ricotta, mozzarella, egg, and marinara. It was comforting, it was decadent, it was delicious.
3. Rainbow Quinoa Chaufa - TORO Snowmass
Photo by Marisa Roman - Only In Your State
First, I'll be honest. I didn't know what a chaufa was, nor how to pronounce it. A quick Google search revealed that Chaufa is Peru's version of Chinese fried rice. So, with that said, I was at 100%, especially after reading what else was in the dish: crispy tofu, sweet plantain, egg, sprouts, broccolini, green onion, cherry heirloom tomato, and a swoop of ají amarillo aioli around the dish. Every bite, I made sure to drag my form first through the aoli, and then into the pile of quinoa, tofu, and veggies. This was truly a highlight of my culinary experience here, and TORO Snowmass is truly one of those Colorado restaurants worth visiting.
4. Falafel Tacos - Slope & Hatch
Photo by Marisa Roman - Only In Your State
Slope & Hatch is one of those small places tucked away in Snowmass that serves HUGE international flavor. These aren't your average tacos by any means, with flavor combinations that some might say don't belong on a tortilla. But I strongly disagree. The vegetarian falafel tacos packed a huge punch, not just with the little squares of perfectly fried falafel, but with the crunch of the cucumber on top and the layering of fresh tomatoes and peppers.
You can get a side of fries, which might be perfect after a day on the slopes, but I opted for the crispy tortilla chips and fresh tomatillo salsa. Paired with a local red sour beer, I can tell why people grab a bite here in between slope runs.
5. Americano - Quality Italian at Halcyon Cherry Creek
Photo by Marisa Roman - Only In Your State
I know, I know, this isn't food. But I guess that depends on who you ask! I would be remiss to not include one of my favorite cocktails of the trip in this list. It's not every day that you can go up to a bar, order an Americano, and NOT receive a coffee drink. Often it's the Italian spots that know exactly what an Americano is and how to make it, and Quality Italian at Halcyon of Cherry Creek didn't blink twice at my request.
The bar was clean, and the service was impeccable. I watched my bar neighbors receive a pizza on a stand, which was, in fact, a chicken parm pizza made entirely of pounded, fried chicken parm, crafted to resemble a pizza! I didn't ask for a bite, although tempted, but I did savor my Americano until the last bite.
6. Parker House Rolls - Local Jones
Photo by Marisa Roman - Only In Your State
Would I visit a restaurant just to enjoy their bread service? Yes. Did I happen to be eating here and was rewarded very early on with fresh Parker House Rolls with housemade cultured butter? Also yes. Located inside Halcyon Hotel Cherry Creek, you'll find Local Jones, an All-American bistro and neighborhood haunt. While I indulged in roasted acorn squash, blistered green beans, and more, I can say these rolls were among the best I've ever eaten. Warm, fresh out of the oven, and topped with flaky sea salt. The tenderness of the roll on the inside melted the house-made butter almost instantly, creating the perfect sweet-and-savory bite.
7. Breakfast Burrito - Fuel Snowmass
Photo by Marisa Roman - Only In Your State
Fuel Snowmass turned out to be the perfect mid-day stop when I needed something quick but genuinely satisfying. I went with the Mediterranean burrito, and it absolutely delivered—fresh, hearty, and packed with fluffy eggs, colorful veggies, and bold flavors that felt energizing without being heavy. It was the kind of meal that hits the sweet spot between nourishing and indulgent, exactly what you want in the middle of a busy day. If I had more time in Snowmass, this would've been a regular occurrence. The menu is packed with options I was desperate to try: I'm looking at you, California burrito.
8. Deconstructed Paper - B&GC Cocktails
Photo by Marisa Roman - Only In Your State
Underneath the Halycon hotel is a hidden speakeasy that you need specific instructions in order to find. I love a secret entrance, by the way. B&GC is a hidden drinking den reborn from the remnants of the old Cherry Creek Post Office, and you have to find the door in the alleyway, knock, and hope for the best. Inspired by the optimism and abundance of post-World War II America, the cocktail menu reads like some of the best old-school cocktails you know and love.
I tried the Deconstructed Paper, Elijah Craig Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, lemon, honey, Angostura, Peychaud's, Strawberry, and clarified yogurt. Pro tip: If you're feeling like a baller or on a special occasion date, try the The Guilded Martini, a $2,500 martini that comes with a one-of-a-kind Gnat jewelry piece.
