Posted by John Peretz on Tue, Aug 18, 2009 @ 10:09 PM
Treating yourself after a massage in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is
downright fun. Here is a list of our favorite restaurants from a
Steamboat local's perspective. Put this on your "Things To Do" list in Steamboat Springs.
Best overall restaurant in Steamboat Springs: Cafe Diva.
If I had to pick one restaurant that is consistently the best in
Steamboat, I'd have to give the nod to Cafe Diva. Inspired food,
consistently great service and white tablecloth elegance is why it's
tops. Cafe Diva serves dinner only, and this is not a place
you want to bring the kids. It's a little expensive, but not
unreasonable. It's located on the mountain at 1855 Ski Time Square.
Best kickback restaurant: Sunpie's on Yampa Street.
Casual, sometimes a bit rowdy, and the best New Orleans style food in
town. Most tourists don't know about this restaurant. It's located at 735 Yampa Ave. In the summer,
sit by the Yampa River and enjoy a Hurricane or some
cold beer with a Po'boy sandwich while watching the tubers, kayakers and rafters go by. You'll never want to leave. Very affordable. Bring the family or all your friends.
Best barbecue joint: Steamboat Smokehouse or Double Z Barbecue?
While both are affordable and somewhat eclectic, if you ask a local
ski bum, they'll more than likely choose Double Z. Located at 1124 Yampa
Street instead of Lincoln Avenue, the servings are huge and the
atmosphere is laid back. It has limited seating, a great carry-out, and
it's prices are less than the Steamboat Smokehouse. The Steamboat
Smokehouse does have all-you-can-eat peanuts that you throw on the
flow, and some nice schooners of beers. It's located at 912 Lincoln Ave.
Best French Food: The Epicurean.
Run by French native Marco Pauvert and his wife Rebecca, the food here is creative, reasonable
and very good yet moderately priced. This small restaurant is located at 825
Oak Street and serves lunch and dinner. It's a really nice find, but
most people who are visiting don't really know about the place. I think
it's because the name is kind of hard to remember and it's a little bit off the beaten path.
Best breakfast: Tie between Freshies and Creekside Cafe.
Both of these restaurants are a bit off the beaten path. Freshies is
located halfway between the mountain and downtown on Highway 40 (595 S. Lincoln Ave.),while
Creekside is on 11th street between Lincoln Ave. and Oak Street. You
can't go wrong at either one of these, with large, inspired portions
perfect for a day of hiking, biking or skiing.
Best Happy Hour: Mahogany Ridge or Mambo Italiano.
Mahogany Ridge is a great micro-brewery located at 435 Lincoln Ave. and
has $1 tapas and half-priced drinks from 4-6 pm. Mambo Italiano has
half-priced pizzas and $1 beers during its happy hour at 521 Lincoln
Ave.
There are so many things to do in Steamboat Springs. Hopefully this gives you one more option of hidden gem restaurants in Steamboat.