The Great Debate: Colorado’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
Denver, Colorado’s capital city nestled against the foothills of the Rockies, is a prime spot for fans of authentic barbecue. The city’s Gaslamp District pulses with energy, and it’s home to the beloved Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Tap House. Here, guests can savor slow-smoked meats like brisket and pork ribs, cooked over native Colorado hardwoods that impart a distinctive smoky flavor. The casual, rustic atmosphere complements the hearty fare, drawing locals and visitors alike who appreciate barbecue that honors traditional pitmaster techniques. Denver’s mild summers and crisp autumn evenings make outdoor seating along the district’s lively streets an especially inviting way to enjoy a meal.
Heading a bit south, the mountain town of Durango, about a six-hour drive southwest of Denver, offers a different slice of Colorado’s culinary scene. Within its historic downtown, Ken & Sue’s Artisan Pizza stands out for its wood-fired pies crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s signature crust strikes a perfect balance—thin and crispy at the edges, yet tender and chewy inside. What truly sets Ken & Sue’s apart is its creative use of regional flavors, like Colorado lamb and seasonal wild mushrooms from the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Visitors often pair their pizza with a hike on the Animas River Trail, a scenic path that skirts the river for several miles, perfect for digesting with views of soaring pines and rugged peaks.
On the northern front, Fort Collins, roughly an hour north of Denver, is renowned for its craft beer scene, but it also boasts a noteworthy seafood gem: The Sea King, located near Old Town Fort Collins. Although far from the coast, the restaurant sources fresh, sustainable seafood and prepares it with a blend of coastal and Rocky Mountain influences. The dining space reflects the city’s historic charm, with exposed brick and nautical decor, creating a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance. The best time to visit is spring and summer when the outdoor patio is open, and guests can watch the lively street scenes in the heart of Old Town after enjoying a plate of local trout or gulf shrimp.
Farther west, Aspen, a world-class resort town about four hours southwest of Denver, offers more than just ski slopes and luxury boutiques. In the heart of downtown Aspen, the Hideaway at The Little Nell is famed for its barbecue that complements the alpine setting. Their slow-roasted meats are infused with a unique blend of spices and often paired with locally grown vegetables and beans. What elevates the experience here is the mountain backdrop visible from the patio, where diners can soak in views of the Elk Mountains. Summer evenings at Hideaway highlight this connection to place, as the long daylight and cooler temperatures make dining under the stars a memorable event.
Traveling east, Colorado Springs, just over an hour south of Denver, is home to Pizzeria Rustica, a spot that locals swear by for its Neapolitan-style pizzas. Located near the historic Old Colorado City district, the pizzeria uses a traditional wood-fired oven imported from Italy, ensuring a perfect char and airy crumb. The restaurant’s closeness to landmarks like Garden of the Gods means visitors can easily pair a day of exploring dramatic sandstone formations with a night of thin-crust pizza that blends Italian authenticity with Colorado’s fresh-grow produce. Spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the red rocks glow warmly in the sunset, elevate both the hike and the dining experience.
On the western slope, Grand Junction—about four hours west of Denver—is an unexpected destination for seafood lovers. The Bin 707 Foodbar serves expertly prepared dishes that highlight Colorado’s burgeoning farm-to-table movement while bringing coastal flavors to the arid landscape. Situated near the Colorado National Monument with its towering red rock formations, the restaurant draws inspiration from the surrounding mesas and canyons. Diners often complement a visit here with a scenic drive along Rim Rock Drive in the monument, which rewards travelers with sweeping views and a chance to work up an appetite for the fresh, innovative seafood dishes inside Bin 707. Late spring through early fall is the ideal window, when wildflowers bloom and the weather invites leisurely exploration.
Finally, Boulder, a vibrant college town about 30 minutes northwest of Denver, offers a fusion of casual and gourmet dining experiences. The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, perched near the Boulder Creek Path, brings an international flair to its menu, including seafood preparations that reflect Central Asian and Western influences. The teahouse itself is a work of art—handcrafted in Tajikistan and shipped piece by piece to Boulder—providing a unique cultural backdrop. After a day hiking the nearby Flatirons via trails like the Chautauqua Trail, visitors can relax with expertly prepared seafood dishes in a setting that blends architectural beauty with natural splendor. Spring and summer are particularly pleasant, offering abundant daylight and the chance to stroll along the creek before or after your meal.
From urban smokehouses in Denver to alpine barbecue patios in Aspen, creative pizza ovens in mountain towns, and surprisingly fresh seafood amid red rock canyons, Colorado’s diverse terrain and culinary passions create a rich tapestry of flavors. Each locale offers a distinct way to experience the state’s food culture, inviting travelers to explore beyond the well-trodden trails and savor dishes that reflect the landscape itself. Whether nestled in a bustling city district or perched on a mountainside, these eateries provide more than just meals—they offer invitations to connect with Colorado’s spirited and evolving taste traditions.