Visitors may flock to Pagosa Springs for its geothermal hot springs and mountain adventures, but when it comes to good food and even better craft brews, this small town is a standout. Pagosa Springs redefines food with a view, featuring a diverse selection of restaurants, food trucks, bakeries and breweries against the breathtaking backdrop of the San Juan Mountains.
Here are some of the best places to bring your appetite while exploring Pagosa Springs.
Local Hot Spots
When it comes to eating like a local, your first stop should be Sage Eatery. Serving up smashed burgers, smoked meats, and a surplus of flavors – this local hot spot recently settled into a permanent space, bringing its summertime food truck flair to Pagosa Springs year-round. Known for their extensive menu of mouthwatering burgers, you’ll dine on delicious eats such as the Hangover topped with a fried egg and avocado or The Shroom with sauteed mushrooms and their proprietary “fancy sauce.” Local tip: ask for your burger smothered in their house-made green chili. Indoor seating offers a cozy atmosphere, while outdoor provides picturesque mountain views.
Nestled in the heart of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Boulder Coffee Cafe is a great go-to breakfast spot with a simple menu of coffees, omelets and other breakfast staples such as decadent sweet rolls, pastries and hearty egg sandwiches. It’s the perfect place to kick off the day before a hike or exploring the town. Or, relax with a cappuccino with views of the San Juan mountains.
Considered a must-eat by Pagosa Springs locals, Rosie’s Pizzeria has been serving up made-from-scratch pizza paired with friendly service for more than 15 years. Bite into buttery stuffed garlic knots, nibble on a hearty selection of salads, and try one of their signature pizza, from the veggie with sundried tomato to the deluxe piled high with savory meats.
For a taste of fine dining, Alley House Grille combines fine dining with a casual atmosphere in an elegantly restored cottage from 1912. Inside, you’ll find modern architecture with a small-town twist, from the impressive skylights lit in hues of green and blue to the charming dining areas with rustic wood tables and chairs. Dine on artfully plated dishes such as pan-seared chicken with garlic chive whipped potatoes or glazed lamb chops. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails, such as the Alpine Island with aged rum and apple cider. In the lounge, live musical performances from local musicians occur weekly, adding to the ambiance.
Craving something sweet? The muffins, cinnamon rolls and scones at Pagosa Baking Company hit the spot. What began as a small business selling bread out of the truck of owner Kathy Keyes’ car has now flourished into a local Pagosa favorite located in a historic, two-room cabin from 1906 that still features the original fireplace. Open Wednesday through Monday, you can indulge in homemade pies, quiche and even breakfast burritos loaded with green chile, eggs, potatoes and chorizo.
Eastside Market and Food Court
Whether you’re sticking around for the weekend or just passing through, Pagosa Springs is home to a couple of food trucks – perfect for those needing a quick bite.
At the East Side Market and Food Court, a hub for locally owned food trucks and vendors selling homemade crafts, you’ll find a wide range of cuisine from Latin flavors to All-American. Located at Reservoir Hill, you can dine with views of the East Range – there’s even a nice area if you wish to picnic. While food vendors can change depending on the time of year, you can count on delicious Mexican cuisine such as tacos and tortas from Lonchera Don Jose and, during the summer season, homemade tamales from Lucy’s Tamales. During the Market Days season, you can enjoy live music performances and shop for locally made wares, from Native American jewelry to clothing and spices.
Breweries
From pale ales to hoppy IPAs, Pagosa Springs craft breweries offer an extensive collection of brews for beer connoisseurs.
Riff Raff Brewing Company brews its beers at two locations – downtown inside a Victorian-style home built in 1898 and On the Rio, a relaxing riverside brewpub just up the street. Opened in 2013, Riff Raff Brewing’s original downtown location is known for harnessing Pagosa’s hot springs’ geothermal energy to create its craft beers, from flagships like the Hopgoblin, an American IPA dry-hopped with Cascade, Centennial and Chinook hops to Man’s Best Friend, a Kolsch-style beer that keeps the locals coming back for more.
The Break Room Brewing Company is a microbrewery on Eagle Drive on the outskirts of downtown Pagosa Springs known for its live music and weekly cornhole and pool tournaments. Its ten taps aim to please with simple yet delicious brews of varying styles – Big Fat Irish Red is perfectly sweet with caramel malt notes. Breakaway IPA, a flagship pale ale layered with grapefruit flavor and aroma, is a treat for any hop enjoyer. Finally, BrB Lager is a crushable light lager and a great cornhole partner.
You’ll pour your beer on tap and dine on delicious pizza and Italian favorites at Mountain Pizza and Tap Room. The aesthetic is everything you could ask for – the wooden exterior and woodland backdrop contrast beautifully as you walk into a large open dining area with additional outdoor seating perfect for warmer days. The iPourIt tap system lets you pour beer or wine with a few presses of a screen. Rotating brews like Three Barrel Brewing’s Freeze Cat, a full-bodied Winter lager, and the hoppy Euphoria Pale Ale from Ska Brewing are among the many choices.
