Wildflower Cafe
Absolutely killer breakfast in a small town vibe setting. Be prepared to wait, especially on weekends as this place gets packed. You will not regret waiting however, the food is ridiculously good.
From the Web:
Located on the boardwalk of historic downtown Evergreen, Colorado, the Wildflower Cafe offers a legit local atmosphere and a legendary menu that amazes and surprises locals and visitors alike!
Come see what all the hype is about.
Mill St Eats
Great burgers, great wings, all sorts of American Fare type food cooked fresh to order. During the weekdays it's pretty easy to get into here, sort of an old style dive bar vibe. Never had a bad meal here, the Modelo's are pretty ice cold too.
From the Web:
Unassuming American restaurant offering burgers, ice cream & beer in a strip-mall setting.
Westbound & Down
I've never had a bad meal here and it's definitely a step above your regular fare. Burgers are great, chicken sandwiches are great, loaded fries and much more. My go to beer is the Hefe but I'm sure all are great.
From the Web:
Westbound & Down is a brewery specializing in craft beer with deep Colorado roots that aims to infuse the spirit of the West into everything we create. Always consistent, expertly balanced, with a strong commitment to quality. Elevating adventure since 2015.
The Bean and Cream
Nice little coffee shop and place to pick up a pastry in the morning. Always a little busy and prices aren't exactly low but it's worth it. Never had a bad cup of joe here, just be prepared to wait for it.
From the Web:
Enjoy delicious organic coffee, premium tea, custom chai, and more… made just the way you love it! And we’re keeping the tradition alive: the Mountain Mocha! Made famous right here in Black Hawk!
Millsite Inn
Very small town mountain vibes in this spot, also good food produced by local owners. Don't expect anything fancy but you'll leave full and grateful that you stopped through. I had the french dip sandwich and it was great.
From the Web:
Eat. Drink. Relax.
Now Serving Beer Wine and Liquor!
Millsite Inn is the place where great cooking and fantastic vibes meet. Our food is nutritious, delicious, and affordable, and we welcome diners young and old. Try our new and updated menu items!
Live Music on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesdays!
Ed's Cantina & Grill
I've never had a bad marg or taco here, everything is solid food (in a world of endless Mexican restaurants). As I recall the staff was very friendly and accommodating which is always a bonus in a tourist town.
From the Web:
Welcome To Ed's Located In Downtown Estes Park The Gateway To Rocky Mountain National Park. Ed's Has Been Locally Owned And Operated Since The 80's. We Offer A Creative Mexican Menu With Much Concentration In Fresh, Local And Homemade Flare. At Eds Cantina You Will Find A Lively Atmosphere With Eager To Serve Staff. From Our Energetic Family Friendly Bar, Spacious And Accommodating Dining Room, And Seasonal River View And Covered Patio, We Are Confident You Will Enjoy Your Time Spent With Us.
The Mishawaka
A cool bar / restaurant along the Poudre River, usually pretty busy but they get you seated quickly. Most of the food is what you would expect from typical bar fare, fried stuff and such but...you won't leave hungry. They also have concert events and other stuff if you are into that.
From Website:
Enjoy a front row seat of the Poudre Canyon and River while enjoying a meal and locally made craft beer at the Mishawaka. There is no better spot to share what Northern Colorado has to offer so bring up your friends and relax. Treat yourselves to lunch and an Odell brew on tap, stay for the fresh mountain air, stunning rays of sunshine, the rushing Poudre River and occasional wildlife!
We partner with the highly respected micro-brewery Odell Brewing Company, located in Fort Collins, CO. We serve a variety of Odell’s craft beers for your enjoyment. As well as featuring a selection of wines from The OBC Wine Project. Also offering a full service bar and specially crafted non alcoholic cocktails.
Mishawaka is a complete restaurant with a wide variety of delicious casual fair for everyone’s enjoyment, including vegetarian friendly fare. Enjoy a meal on our expansive deck and watch the big horn sheep grazing on the canyon hillside or enjoy indoor seating with large bay windows which offer river views.
River Rock Cafe
I've eaten here several times and the local food and vibes are very cool. The food is satisfying and the menu is pretty diverse, they have good drinks as well. If you are traveling through to grab lunch or to stay the night this spot will not disappoint.
From Website:
In the heart of Walden is the River Rock Cafe. We're in "downtown" Walden, right on Main Street where the Coffee Pot Cafe once stood. That landmark was destroyed by fire in 2002 and the River Rock Cafe was created to provide more seating, a bar and a banquet room. The interior design features river rock and timber reflecting the spirit of the West in Jackson County. It is a gathering place for all of us who call this little town our home. And amid the cowhands who stop in for coffee and families who share a meal together, The River Rock is also a pit-stop for travelers from around the world.
The Shaggy Sheep
I have eaten here many times and the food never disappoints. There is usually an Airstream trailer outside with snacks and inside you get the full menu. It's a smaller menu but the quality of the food is very very good.
From the website:
East Coast transplants Sarah Bennett (a produce purveyor) & Chris Howe (a Chef), were drawn to the natural and culinary scenes of Colorado. As fate would have it, their paths crossed while they were both working in the industry in Denver. They traveled to the mountains often and fell in love with the Bailey/Grant community. An ode to their new neighbors and Colorado's state animal, the Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep, they opened The Shaggy Sheep in July of 2016 to serve fresh wholesome meals to their local community and travelers. After the couple wed in August 2016, they expanded The Shaggy Sheep to include a relaxed lounge for the local community to gather.