The Most Iconic Foods and Drinks That Originated in Colorado
Nestled in the heart of Boulder, just a half-hour northwest of Denver, The Buff Restaurant has long been a cherished spot for savoring the iconic Colorado green chili cheeseburger. This regional variation elevates the classic American cheeseburger by smothering it in a vivid, tangy green chili sauce made from Hatch chiles imported to Colorado. The Buff’s cozy, retro dining room buzzes with locals and visitors alike relishing the rich, spicy melt. Sampling this burger feels like tasting the essence of the Rocky Mountain foothills, where the warmth of fire-roasted chiles meets the rugged spirit of the West. Stop by during chilly winter evenings when the chili’s heat is especially comforting.
In the mountain town of Aspen, about three and a half hours southwest of Denver, visitors can experience Colorado’s craft beer innovation at Aspen Brewing Company. This brewery was among the pioneers in the state’s craft beer renaissance, combining pure mountain water with inventive recipes. Their signature brews, evolving with seasonal local ingredients, are best enjoyed in their rustic taproom surrounded by soaring wood beams and stone fireplaces. Aspen’s high-altitude location gives their beers a clean, crisp quality that pairs well with the alpine air. Summer afternoons on their outdoor deck offer stunning views of the surrounding Elk Mountains, making each sip a celebration of Colorado’s natural beauty.
Travel westward to Grand Junction, roughly four hours from Denver along the scenic Grand Mesa, and you’ll find Palisade peaches — a uniquely sweet and juicy fruit that thrives in this high-desert valley. The Palisade Fruit Growers market is a great place to taste these peaches fresh from nearby orchards. The area’s sunny days, cool nights, and mineral-rich soil create peaches with a delicate texture and vibrant flavor unlike any other. Visiting during late summer harvest season allows you to pick your own fruit and witness the agricultural rhythms that sustain this cherished crop. The juxtaposition of arid canyons and lush orchards makes Grand Junction a fascinating stop for food lovers.
Denver’s historic Union Station district, a short walk from the city’s bustling LoDo neighborhood, has emerged as a hub for Colorado’s celebrated farm-to-table cuisine. Mercantile Dining & Provision stands out here for championing local ingredients, including the celebrated Colorado lamb. Menu items highlight the rich, grassy flavor of lamb raised on the state’s high-altitude rangelands, a product truly of the Rocky Mountain environment. The restaurant’s market section offers house-made charcuterie and artisan cheeses, making it a destination for tasting Colorado’s culinary craftsmanship in a stylish setting. A fall visit is ideal, when seasonal game and root vegetables enhance the menu’s mountain flavors.
In the historic mining town of Cripple Creek, about two hours southwest of Colorado Springs, you can indulge in a taste of Colorado’s frontier past through the legendary “Cripple Creek Corn.” This spiced, sweetened popcorn recipe was a favorite among miners who needed a portable, energy-rich snack during long shifts underground. The local shops and casinos often serve this crunchy treat, providing a direct connection to the town’s Gold Rush heritage. Exploring Cripple Creek’s charming Victorian streets and visiting the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine tour adds a tangible sense of history behind every handful of popcorn. Autumn is a particularly atmospheric time to visit, when the aspen leaves blaze gold against the rugged hills.
Further north near Fort Collins, about an hour north of Denver, the New Belgium Brewery is a must-visit for fans of innovative craft beer with a sustainable ethos. Known for its flagship Fat Tire Amber Ale, New Belgium helped put Colorado on the map as a craft beer powerhouse. Their expansive tour and tasting room offer insights into environmentally conscious brewing practices and a chance to sample an array of distinctive beers. The brewery’s location along the Cache la Poudre River trail system allows visitors to combine a scenic bike ride or hike with a refreshing post-adventure pint. Spring and fall provide the best weather for pairing outdoor activities with brewery tours.
Deep in the San Luis Valley, around three hours south of Pueblo near Alamosa, you’ll discover the distinctive taste of Colorado’s high-altitude potatoes. The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, famous for its towering dunes against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, sits in this agricultural region known for cool nights and volcanic soil. Local restaurants, such as those in Alamosa’s historic downtown, prepare these potatoes with a creamy texture and earthy flavor unique to the elevation. Sampling dishes focused on this crop after exploring the park’s Medano Creek or hiking the Montville Nature Trail connects you to the land’s bounty and rugged beauty. Late summer harvests bring peak freshness to your plate.
On the Western Slope, in Durango, about six hours southwest of Denver near the New Mexico border, visitors can enjoy the fusion of southwestern flavors and Colorado craft behind the famous green chile stew. Served in many local eateries, including the vibrant Durango Farmers Market area, this hearty stew features roasted Hatch chiles, tender pork or beef, and a rich broth that reflects the region’s blending of Native American and Hispanic culinary traditions. The town’s proximity to the San Juan Mountains and the Animas River Trail makes it a perfect spot to pair outdoor adventures with soulful regional cuisine. Fall, when the aspens turn gold, adds a magical backdrop to this flavorful dining experience.
Each of these places offers a window into Colorado’s culinary identity, shaped by diverse geography, pioneering spirit, and a deep connection to the land. Whether biting into a green chili cheeseburger in Boulder or sipping mountain water-infused beer in Aspen, travelers can taste the state’s unique story one delicious dish or drink at a time.