Summer is in full swing here in Durango, which means plenty of family time, adrenaline-pumping adventures, and, of course, al fresco dining. From scenic brew pubs along the river to a mountain-steeped setting right here at Glacier, our outdoor dining scene lets you bask in Colorado’s natural beauty while enjoying delicious bites and sips. Not sure where to snag a reservation in town? Here are our go-to spots for al fresco dining in Durango.
11th Street Station
In the heart of downtown, 11th Street Station has reinvented a former auto repair shop into an industrial-chic culinary collective. The open-air setup encircles a renovated service station building that now houses Ernie’s Bar pouring craft brews. But the real stars are the seven locally-owned food trucks parked here, dishing up everything from wood-fired pizza to Southern comfort food, gourmet sliders, and more. Stake out a spot at the umbrella-shaded picnic tables to sample diverse fare in this casual, fun atmosphere.
Animas Brewing
Soak in spectacular mountain scenery at this rustic-chic brewpub nestled along the Animas River Trail and railroad tracks. The minimalist cabin interior opens up to a spacious patio ideal for whiling away an afternoon or evening outdoors. Sip housemade Irish-inspired brews and Colorado spirits while digging into elevated pub grub like the cult-favorite Jerk burger or indulgent roasted peaches. Kids and dogs are welcome, making it a laid-back family hangout in Durango’s dining scene.
Eolus
Image: eolusdurango.com
With its intimate covered patio, Eolus offers a refined respite for al fresco appetizers and drinks. From mid-afternoon through the evening, snag a coveted outdoor table for the bougiest happy hour in town featuring the legendary Patio Burger and craft cocktails. As dusk falls, the flickering firepit and stringed Edison bulbs create a romantic ambiance at this rustic-modern American eatery.
Switchback
This taqueria brings a big, bold punch of flavor to its Durango outpost. Hand-crafted Mexican street food like tacos al pastor, elote, and churros are made almost entirely from scratch using generational recipes. The vibrant, festive atmosphere spills out onto a streetside patio along Main Avenue as well as a back patio perfectly positioned for watching trains amble by. Bright umbrellas shade high-top tables for a lively scene during sunny days.
James Ranch Grill
For unparalleled farm-to-table freshness, James Ranch Grill is truly the “table on the farm” dining experience. Located on a working 400-acre ranch in the Animas Valley, this restaurant sources its grass-fed meats, pasture-raised eggs, and organic produce directly from its own sustainable, regenerative farming operations. The multi-level patio terraces carved into the grounds offer sweeping views of the red rock cliff backdrop while you savor specialties like bison chili nachos or fresh-stretched chewy cheese curds. It’s a taste of Durango’s agricultural roots.
Prospector at Glacier
Last, but certainly not least, we have Prospector — our newest dining destination open to the public at Glacier. With its 360-degree mountain views and an expansive outdoor patio, Prospector at Glacier is the perfect place to socialize, sip, and savor this summer. Here, Executive Chef Adam Bergtold is serving up a robust, Italian-inspired menu rooted in farm-fresh ingredients, all paired with Glacier’s signature vistas.
