Telluride Lunch Restaurants: Best Spots for Mid-day Meals

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, lunchtime provides a relaxing break from a busy day. And those in Telluride, Colorado, have several options ranging from casual hangouts to upscale fine dining. To sample the best, read this best Telluride lunch restaurants list.

Telluride Lunch Restaurants to Visit When Traveling

Brown Dog Pizza

Award-winning Brown Dog Pizza serves different styles of pizza. Detroit square, American classic round and Sicilian – pizza lovers have it all here.

The restaurant offers dozens of pizzas made with meats, veggies and fruits. Boone’s meaty includes five kinds of meat. The 3-1-3 won first place in an international pizza challenge and has no sauce. Other pizzas include Brown Dog’s signature sauce, fresh herbs, and lots of toppings. Not in the mood for pizza? Try salads, burgers, pasta, subs and wraps.

Cornerhouse Grille

Cornerhouse Grille serves lunch favorites at an affordable price. However, don’t think they sacrifice quality. This raved-about hangout appeals to locals and visitors, and is known for good food off the beaten path.

Cornerhouse Grille serves daily specials, burgers, salads, soups, traditional Mexican and house favorites. Top options include grilled cheese, fish and chips, cheese steak, and sliders. Or build tacos, burritos, nachos and quesadillas. In addition, kids have a separate menu with hot dogs, burgers and tacos.

Esperanza’s Tequila Restaurant

This casual favorite offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for friends and family. Esperanza’s Tequila Restaurant serves traditional Mexican and Tex Mex cuisine.

Options include burritos, enchiladas, tacos and fajitas. Visitors can even choose their own ingredients such as chicken, seafood, beef and combos. For something lighter, try an appetizer, salad and toastadas. Kids order from their own menu or try single items. In addition, Esperanza’s has a reputation for tasty margaritas, and even locals hangout here.

Floradora Saloon

Floradora Saloon has ranked among popular Telluride lunch restaurants for over 40 years. Come hungry and enjoy American comfort food in a relaxed setting.

Start with duck egg rolls, jalapeno poppers, hot wings, salads or soups. Then plan for a hearty main course. While the menu changes every season, examples include steak and fries, salmon, and locally sourced burgers. In the winter, Floradora Saloon may offer a larger menu, which includes more burgers, sandwiches and entrees.

Rustico Ristorante

Rustico Ristorante specializes in traditional Italian food made with family recipes passed down generations. No matter what’s on the menu, it will pair well with wine – and the restaurant offers over 100 options from its wine cellar.

Those who want lunch at Rustico Ristorante should visit during summertime. On the menu, select wood-fired pizzas, salads, pasta and large plates. Guests can start with an appetizer, then try spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, and other pastas made with different sauces. Rustico Ristorante makes everything to order, so prepare for a longer wait during peak seasons.

Steamies Burger Bar

This spot ranks among the top Telluride lunch restaurants for its spin on an American classic, the hamburger. Instead of traditional grill or fry methods, Steamies Burger Bar steams patties. This leads to a juicy burger made a healthier way.

Steamies serves beef and vegetarian-friendly options. The Steamie – the house specialty – features Angus beef and Steamie sauce. The zonie is super spicy, while bello consists of portobello mushroom cap filled with artichoke and red pepper chutney. In addition to burgers, guests enjoy hot dogs, salads and homemade chili.

Taco del Gnar

Ranked among the top Telluride lunch restaurants, Taco del Gnar also specializes in Mexican food. The difference is visitors enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere in a spot that resembles a tattoo shop.

Taco del Gnar – a.k.a. The Gnar – is a contemporary taco shop that features global flavors. Find al a carte tacos made with mahi mahi, tuna, shrimp, portobello mushrooms and different meats. Sides include chips and salsa or cheese dip, salads, and homemade beans. This place gets busy, so come early to avoid a long wait.

Want to mix food and fun? Check out the top Telluride summer festivals. Then find spacious vacation homes in Telluride.