Good food in Grand Junction/Ouray/Cortez? (Durango, Ridgway: hotel, live)

[Hanna B.]

I'll be vacationing in CO next week and am looking for some good places to eat in those towns - specifically GJ and Cortez since we will be spending the night in those towns (visiting wineries and Mesa Verde). We are taking the Million Dollar highway and will be looking for a lunch spot along the way.

Cheap, low-key and very casual are what I'm looking for. Not looking for chains.

Any suggestions? Type of food doesn't really matter - I'm open.

Thanks for any recommendations!

[momof2dfw]

While some might consider a chain if there are more than one location I can highly recommend one place. They have about 6 locations all in Colorado with one in Durango. If your going on The Million Dollar Highway you will go thru Durango. So try Beaujo's Pizza. Totally awesome pizza unlike any other
Save the crust for dessert with the honey provided on the table. You can get a map with their location in Durango on their website.

There are a few really good places in Ouray for breakfast. I can not remember the name of one we really like but it is right downtown on the main street at a corner location.

[sterlinggirl]

WW Peppers on Horizon Drive in Grand Junction has nice dinner food. It's a little on the higher end side, but not outrageous. The restaurant in the Day's Inn at the same exit is great for breakfast and lunch, and their prices won't break your budget.

[motoracer51]

Suehiro Japanese restaurant on Main St. in Grand Junction if you enjoy sushi.

[Hanna B.]

Originally Posted by momof2dfw

If your going on The Million Dollar Highway you will go thru Durango. So try Beaujo's Pizza. Totally awesome pizza unlike any other


There are a few really good places in Ouray for breakfast. I can not remember the name of one we really like but it is right downtown on the main street at a corner location.

Thanks! Pizza is always good. I think we can hold out until Durango. Hmmm...breakfast in Ouray and then pizza in Durango....

Originally Posted by sterlinggirl

WW Peppers on Horizon Drive in Grand Junction has nice dinner food. It's a little on the higher end side, but not outrageous. The restaurant in the Day's Inn at the same exit is great for breakfast and lunch, and their prices won't break your budget.

Thanks! I think the hotel we are staying in is on Horizon Dr.

I say I want casual because I drive a convertible and I am not bringing a lot of luggage, so dressier clothes for finer dining won't be coming with me this trip. I'm spending time in the mountains so warm clothes trump!

Originally Posted by motoracer51

Suehiro Japanese restaurant on Main St. in Grand Junction if you enjoy sushi.

Thanks! Unfortunately I don't care for sushi, but I appreciate you making a suggestion.

[40FORDJIM]

We like the True Grit Cafe in Ridgeway. It is on the site where the movie with John Wayne was filmed. Great food.

[Hanna B.]

Originally Posted by 40FORDJIM

We like the True Grit Cafe in Ridgeway. It is on the site where the movie with John Wayne was filmed. Great food.

Awesome! Thanks! I've seen that movie a few times.

[borborygmi]

In Cortez: Shiloh's is a great little steakhouse, IMO hands down the best overall restaurant in town- when it's open, that is. They tend to keep pretty irregular hours, from what I recall. Nero's has very good Italian food, also definitely one of the best options in town. And if you're into Mexican, Francisca's downtown is terrific, authentic, and the portions are monstrous. Those are my top three.

[delta07]

Originally Posted by 40FORDJIM

We like the True Grit Cafe in Ridgeway. It is on the site where the movie with John Wayne was filmed. Great food.

This a great restaurant. I would also suggest another one in Ridgway for breakfast, but I can't remember the name of it (dangit)! Anyways, it's pretty close to the True Grit, just one block to the north of the main highway through town. Great place that the locals love!

In terms of GJ, I lived there for over 6 years, and struggled to find really great restaurants. Here are a few suggestions: take them with a grain of salt! For breakfast, I highly recommend The Crystal Cafe. This is the only place I would eat breakfast in GJ! If you are craving pizza, Pablo's Pizza is the best. If you enjoy ethnic food, Nepal Restaurant serves great Indian, but don't be in a hurry. They are very slow! You could also try the Thai place (can't remember the new name, they changed it right when I moved) off of Hwy. 6&50, which is located in a strip mall complex by the Wal-Mart (don't worry though, it's not a chain). It was always my favorite Thai place! If you are looking for a brewery, Kannah Creek is the best IMO. A lot of people like the Rockslide downtown, but their beer isn't very good (always gives me a headache) and the food is mediocre (I also worked there and the owner is a jerk).

I don't have any recommendations in Cortez, but I stayed at the lodge in Mesa Verde and the restaurant there is very good! It's a bit pricey, but they have some true SW foods on the menu (prickly pear cactus dip comes to mind). Enjoy your vacation!

[delta07]

Originally Posted by sterlinggirl

WW Peppers on Horizon Drive in Grand Junction has nice dinner food. It's a little on the higher end side, but not outrageous. The restaurant in the Day's Inn at the same exit is great for breakfast and lunch, and their prices won't break your budget.

I wouldn't recommend the restaurant in the Day's Inn. Reminded me of a Village Inn or Denny's. Not worth it IMO.