Tyler's Guide to Telluride

Ski rentals

Black Tie Ski Rentals My pick

A friend of mine owns them and they deliver. You can also leave your skis overnight at their locations in town or in Mountain Village.

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Restaurants

Book early for holidays and weekends. These are all in town. Mountain Village has some good spots too, I just don't go up there for dinner.

High end

It's still Telluride, so no dress codes, even at the nicest places.

• Sheridan Chop House Favorite

  Can't go wrong. Usually one of the best meals of my trip.
• The National

  Under new ownership, a friend of mine from Telluride High School. Really cool spot, and even better than it was before.
• There Cult favorite

  This has a cult following with my Atlanta friends. Great cocktails and food. Pretty small place.
• 221 South Oak

  Great dinner spot at the base of the gondola in town, next to my mom's real estate office.
• La Marmotte

  Cool French restaurant in a historic log cabin.
• Allred's

  Most expensive in town, with very cool views at the top of the gondola. Worth going for a drink before a scenic gondola ride down to dinner in town.

Casual

• Rustico

  Good Italian. Could almost go on the high-end list.
• Brown Dog

  Good pizza and sandwiches. Also a good sports bar.
• La Cocina de Luz

  Good Mexican.
• Butcher & the Baker

  Great breakfast.
• Baked in Telluride

  Great bakery. Even better t-shirt.
• Siam

  Good Asian takeout.

On the mountain

Where to stop for lunch, and how to ski down afterward.

• 

  Alpino Vino Best views

  The highest restaurant on the mountain. Incredible views, good food and wine list. Call ahead.

  See Forever, a long single blue. Can feel like a double blue depending on snow conditions and wine consumption.
• Bon Vivant Top of Lift 5

  Higher up the mountain. Great views and a nice patio with a European feel.

  Ski down on a single blue.
• Gorrono Mid-mountain

  Great place to sit outside on a nice day.

  Village Bypass, a double green.
• Giuseppe's Top of Lift 9

  Closed for renovation.

• Big Billie's Bottom of Lifts 1 & 10

  I'd generally avoid it. Full of ski school kids.

Drinks & après

• New Sheridan Bar

  One of the two most iconic bars in town.
• Last Dollar Saloon

  The other one.
• Tiniest Bar in Telluride

  IYKYK.

• Oak Après favorite

  At the base of the gondola in town. Good for lunch or drinks, great margaritas, and a favorite après-ski spot of mine.

Mountain Village

I have limited experience up here, but these have been good.

• Tomboy Tavern Base of Lift 4

  Good food.
• Black Iron

  Short walk from Tomboy Tavern through the plaza, in the Hotel Madeline. Higher-end food and drinks.
• Poachers Pub Near top of Lift 1

  More of a locals' place.

Off the mountain

For a night off the slopes or a day on the water.

• Telluride Sleighs and Wagons

  Sleigh ride out to dinner. A great night off the slopes. Book well ahead.

• 

  Telluride Angler

  Fly shop and guided fishing trips. Ask for Frank Smethurst.

Last Call

Gone but not forgotten. The great ones that aren't around anymore.

• Cosmopolitan Closed

  At the base of the gondola in town. Great food, I went every time I was back.

• Leimgruber's Closed

  The German bierstube on Pacific. A legendary après spot.

• Altezza at the Peaks Closed

  Only had lunch here once, but it was a great meal.

• Honga's Lotus Petal Closed

  Asian food and a great bar.

Need a fixer?

Buying a place

Sally Puff Courtney

LIV Sotheby's International Realty. If you fall for Telluride and want to buy, call Sally. She's my Mom.

The map

Every spot on the list. Tap a pin for my take, reservations, and directions. Tap a category to show or hide it.

Pins are approximate. Use each spot's Directions link for the exact address.