Durango Dining and Nightlife Guide

Dining / Nightlife

Dining

The culinary pleasures of Durango's restaurants are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Durango enjoys many extraordinary restaurants that will satisfy every appetite. From brew pubs to sushi, Durango's cuisine is known for quality and diversity.

Sow's Ear Highway 550 North (Silverpick Lodge at Durango Mountain Resort) - Small bistro-style steak house in the Silverpick Lodge with gorgeous views of the Needles Mountains. Handcut steaks, fresh fish, ribs, chops, pasta, poultry, soups, salads, homemade desserts. Kid's menu, full bar, extensive wine list. Oldest operating dinner house in the Durango Mountain Resort area. 970-247-3527

Antler's Bar & Grill/Augies Prime Steakhouse the Glacier Club at Tamarron 40290 Highway 550 North - Exceptional dining surrounded by majestic views of the Rockies. Newly opened, Augie's serves certified prime beef; Antlers serves superb, contemporary western dining. It's heavenly, and not just the setting! 970-382-6775

Ariano's150 E. College Drive - Northern Italian cuisine. Homemade pasta and ravioli fresh daily, veal, ginger shrimp, steaks and nightly specials. Italian wine list, cappuccino, espresso and homemade desserts. Open nightly at 5:30pm. First come, first served. 970-247-8146

Aspen Cafe 46825 Hwy. 550 N., 3600 N. Main - Fresh American food with an upscale twist at reasonable prices. Serving everything from James Ranch burgers to fresh fish dinners, steaks and chile cuisine. Known for its green chile-chicken posole as well as its use of quality, fresh ingredients in everything. Tapas Bar and happy hour specials. 970-259-8025

Cosmopolitan 919 Main Avenue - The Cosmopolitan, a fine-dining restaurant serving Contemporary American cuisine. 970-259-2898

Cyprus Cafe 725 E. Second Avenue Serving innovative Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in the casual elegance of a century-old quaint Victorian. Specials: Colorado lamb, salmon sto forno, pasta, vegetarian dishes. Only natural and free-range meats and wild salmon. Garden patio. Open for lunch and dinner with seasonal hours. 970-385-6884

Cascade Grill 50827 Highway 550 North Outstanding menu options, reservations recommended. Impressive views of the mountains. A dining experience above all others! 970-375-1106

Chez Grand-Mere 3 Depot Place - French cuisine in casual country setting. Winner of the 2003 Wine Spectator magazine's Award of Excellence. Award-winning European chef prepares memorable feasts. Extensive wine list, great service. Tuesday-Saturday, 6 to 9:30pm. Reservations. 970-247-7979

Dalton Ranch Bar & Grill 589 County Road 252 (Trimble Lane) - In the Animas Valley at the Dalton Ranch golf course clubhouse (open to all). Owner/Executive Chef Chris Quimby entices with specialty salads, gourmet burgers, wraps, steaks, pastas. Nightly features: Mexican fiesta, Italian cuisine, prime rib night. On the patio or in the dining room, breathtaking views of the red cliffs. 970-247-4980

East by Southwest 160 E. College Drive Pan Asian cuisine: Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Japanese. Full-service sushi bar. Stir-fry dishes, noodles, seafood. Extensive vegetarian selections. Sake and Asian beers; creative martinis and libations. 970-247-5533

Edgewater Grill and Lounge 501 Camino del Rio (at the DoubleTree Hotel) - Extensive menus serving American cuisine. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, New specials daily, sumptuous salad bar. Durango's #1 Sunday brunch. 970-259-6580

Guido's Favorite Foods 1201 Main Ave. - Imported cheeses, meats; artful antipasti, party trays. European sandwiches; unique side dishes; wonderful soups. Gourmet meals; dine in or take out; Viking cookware and kitchen tools. Catering in your home, intimate weddings, corporate lunches, dinners, cocktail parties. Now offering a wine bar! 970-259-5028

The Hamilton Chop House Highway 550 North - With prime beef, fresh seafood and wild game, The Hamilton Chop House boasts spectacular views, fireside dining, two bars and patio. At the base of Purgatory, next to The Inn at Durango Mountain. Semi-private room for up to 30. Reservations. 970- 259-6636

Ken & Sue's 636 Main Avenue - Local owners Ken and Sue invite you to be their guest! Great food and service at affordable prices in a comfortable atmosphere. Lunch Monday-Friday 11am to 2:30pm. Dinner 5pm nightly. Year-round patio. Nightly Specials and children's menu. Reservations encouraged. 970- 385-1810

Kennebec Cafe 4 County Road 124 Hesperus, CO - Bistro-style gourmet dining at the base of the La Platas 10 miles west of town. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, Sunday brunch, breakfast seasonal. Cozy atmosphere. Full bar, wine list. Smoke free. Reservations accepted. Takeout available. 970-247-5674

Mahogany Grille 699 Main Avenue - Cutting-edge New American cuisine fused with international influences and features many low carb items. A lively establishment filled with the tasty sounds of trendy jazz and entertainment. Imaginative martinis, extensive wine list. Serving lunch and dinner daily in hand crafted, mahogany-rich room filled with contemporary art. Smoke free, reservations, large parties welcome. The Mahogany Grille, where every night is a reason to celebrate! 970-247-4433

Mutu's Italian Kitchen 701 E. Second Ave. - Durango's newest Italian hot spot is conveniently located in the heart of historic downtown Durango. Veal osso bucco, rock shrimp/lobster ravioli and deep-dish lasagna are only a few of the hot dishes chef/owner Rustin Newton will be cooking up. Come on in, taste the passion, and enjoy! 970-375-2701

Ore House147 E. College Drive - Voted number one steakhouse by locals. Rustic, casual, one of the area's oldest, a non-smoking establishment. Steaks, seafood, salad bar. Prime and certified Angus beef, aged and hand cut. Full bar. Excellent wine cellar. Senior's, kid's, heart healthy menus. Prices: $11 to $35. Open daily 5 to 11pm. 970-247-5707

Palace Restaurant 505 Main Avenue - Next to the train depot in historic downtown, the Palace is a must-see. This 40-year-old restaurant is a local favorite: voted Durango's best patio. $2.50 happy hour, steaks, seafood, pastas, great appetizers, house-made desserts. Lunch, tavern and dinner menus. Open daily 11am to 10pm. 970-247-2018

Randy's 152 E. College Drive - Victorian ambiance and a locals' favorite for over 17 years. Specialties: prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, pasta. Extensive wine list, scrumptious desserts. Private booths for intimate dining. Groups, families welcome. Happy hour daily 5 to 7pm in fireside bar. Dinner nightly. Reservations accepted. Smoke-free. 970-247-9083

The Red Snapper 144 E. Ninth Street - Voted number one in Durango. Award-winning service, food, salad bar, atmosphere. Fresh seafood, fine steaks, prime rib, specials, extensive wine list, kid's menu, homemade desserts. Casual aquatic atmosphere with saltwater aquariums. Your satisfaction is the goal. 5pm nightly. 970-259-3417

Season's Rotisserie & Grill 764 Main Avenue - Modern American cuisine. The best seasonal ingredients. Specialties: rotisserie chicken, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, wood-fired grilled meats, fresh seafood. Award winning wine list, great service. Seasonal patio, private cellar dining, Main Avenue setting. Lunch Monday-Friday, 11:30am to 2:30pm. Dinner nightly from 5:30pm. Reservations encouraged. 970-382-9790

Sweeney's Fine Dining1644 County Road 203 (next to Days Inn) - Numerous appetizers, a great salad and over 30 entrees including prime rib, steaks, seafood and daily specials. One-of-a-kind restaurant, ask any local! Full bar, wine list. Private cigar room. Established in 1973. Open daily at 5pm. 970-247-5236

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Nightlife

Whether you are looking for some live music or a quiet little place to have a cocktail with friends - Durango has a wide variety of bars and drinking establishments to choose from. Durango has some GREAT microbrews so be sure to taste some of the local flavors. All non-smoking bars and lounges.

El Rancho Tavern (they have reopened!) 975 Main Avenue - The best Bloody Mary's and the coldest beer in town. Pool, foosball, jukebox, TVs and free popcorn. 970-259-8111

Purgy's Pub Located at the base of Durango Mountain Resort - Purgy's offers a wide variety of menu items complemented by a full bar. Local pizza delivery, live music, food and drink specials. 970-247-9000 ext51

Shakers Martini Bar on the 2nd floor at Purgy's - features top shelf liquors, jumbo shrimp and olive skewers. 970-247-9000

Schoolhouse Cafe 46778 Hwy 550 - A lively place for great pizza, calzones, beer, spirits. Serving food seven days a week until 9:42pm; bar hours extend after kitchen closes. Free billiards. Three miles south of Durango Mountain Resort across from Needles Country Store. 970-259-2257

Aspen Cafe 3600 N. Main - Uptown sheik for everyone in the family. 4PM light fare and 5PM for dinner. Tapas Bar and happy hour specials. 970-259-6280

Carver Brewing Company 1022 Main Avenue - The live music and cozy brewpub atmosphere make Carver's one of Durango's must see attractions. Check out their outdoor beer garden! Family Friendly. 970-259-2545

Christina's Bar & Grill 21382 US HWY 160 - Happy Hour Monday - Friday 4 to 7p.m. Piano bar, live music. 970-385-6829

Club Uno Mas 117 W. College - Enjoy your favorite beverage,dancing and pool tables. 970-247-9151

Colorado Pongas 121 W. 8th Street - Billiard emporium, darts and foosball. Watch your favorite sports on one of eight TVs. Microbrews, pitcher night. Drink specials change nightly. 970-382-8554

Diamond Belle Saloon 699 Main Avenue (Strater Hotel) - One of the most famous original ragtime piano bars in the Wild West, the Belle plays host to the world's finest ragtime piano players, while costumed dance hall girls and bartenders whisk you back to another century. Serves Lunch. 970-375-7150

El Patio Bar & Grill 600 Main Avenue - Upstairs at the corner of Main and College Drive. Live music under the stars. 970-382-0799

Francisco's Restaurante y Cantina 619 Main Avenue Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-4098 Best margaritas in Durango.

Gazpacho 431 E. 2nd Avenue - Full bar serving Durango's best margaritas. 970-259-9494

Iron Horse Lounge 5800 N. Main Avenue - Open daily offering fine libations, music, pool and a large screen TV. Happy Hour from 3 to 7p.m. with two for one beverages. 970-259-1010

Jean-Pierre' Wine Bar 601 Main Avenue - Serving select fine wines and appetizers in a confortable setting. 970- 247-7700

Joel's119 W. 8th Street - This upscale martini is a fun way to wind down the day... or ramp up the night. 970-385-0430

Lady Falconburgh's Barley Exchange 640 Main Avenue - Four Corners' largest selection of craft beers, it's a beer lover's dream. Serving only microbrews and imports, they boast over 140 beers...20 on tap! It's massive brick and brass bar features over 30 single malt scotch whiskies and a huge array of aged tequilas, single barrel bourbons, and triple filtered vodkas. 970-382-9664

The Lost Dog Bar & Lounge 1150-B Main Ave. - Brand new and unique, The Lost Dog offers a tequila collection and club for the special connoisseur. Appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and desserts served until midnight. Outdoor tiki bar and patio. No cover. Open 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily except Tuesdays. 970-259-0430

The Office Spiritorium 699 Main Avenue - Beautiful turn-of-the-century surroundings, fine wines, spirits and coffees. Local's favorite - specialize in martinis and also features appetizers and desserts. 970-375-7260

Olde Tymer's Cafe 1000 Main Avenue Durango, CO 81301 Friendly local atmosphere with Happy Hour weekdays 4 to 7p.m. 970-259-2990

Players Sports Bar & Grill 652 Main Avenue - The only smoking establishment in town. 970-259-6109

Pogue Mahon�s Irish Pub Downstairs at Scoot'n Blues 900 Main Avenue - The Southwest Corner�s Finest Irish Pub. 970-259-1400

Randy's 152 E. College Drive - Victorian ambiance and a locals' favorite for over 17 years. Happy hour daily 5 to 7pm in fireside bar. Dinner nightly. Reservations accepted. Smoke-free. 970-247-9083

Scoot'n Blues Cafe & Lounge 900 Main Avenue - Great food, brews and live blues! Drink specials every night and live music seven nights a week! 970-259-1400

Ska Brewing Company 545 Turner Drive - Ska Brewing has expanded! They now have a lot more brewing space and a sweet new tasting room open Monday - Friday 4 to 7p.m. 970-247-5792

Solid Muldoon 117 W. College Drive - Play pool or dance the night away to your favorite music! 970-247-9151

Starlite Lounge Martini Lounge - 937 Main Avenue - Offering an exciting array of Martinis and other drinks as well as delicious light fare, served until 1am every night. Come see the best in live jazz Fridays during happy hour, or see the hottest dj's spin Saturday nights. Moe's also offers a patio complete with a bar and live entertainment and events. 970-259-9018

Steamworks Brewing Company 801 E. 2nd Avenue - Happy Hour Monday - Friday 3 to 6:00p.m. $2.00 house pints, $3.00 well drinks. $2.00 house pints nightly after 9:00p.m. 970-259-9200

The Summit 600 Main Avenue (upstairs) - A large lounge of local color. Cocktails, live music, pool tables, foosball, jukebox, local beers on tap. Happy Hour Monday - Friday 5 to 7p.m. 970-247-2324

The West Side Bar & Grill 117 W. College Dr. - Now owned by Kayak guru Andy Correa, this popular gathering spot is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, except Saturdays when they open from 4 to 10 p.m. Formerly Solids, the friendly pub has pool, darts, shuffleboard and video games as well as food and a full bar. Wings, burgers and brats are some of the popular offerings. 970-247-9151