Raise your hand if you love a good meal. *Raises hand.* Now raise your hand if you love a good meal that you don’t have to make. *Raises both hands.* If you are in search of delicious food from new and unexpected places (like we all are), then you’ll want to visit any of the following hole in the wall restaurants in Colorado. As those who live in the Centennial State can tell you, looks can often be misleading when it comes to finding a great place to eat in Colorado. Behind those modest exteriors awaits some of the most authentic cuisines and delicious home-cooking you could ever hope for. And one thing’s for sure: these kitchens don’t skimp out on portions, either.

1. Genna Rae's Wings & More (Denver)
Cynthia Ord / Google
Justin Rodriguez / Google
Do you ever wonder where to eat in Colorado? The choices are understandably overwhelming, so our list of hidden gem restaurants in Colorado starts with a must-try: Genna Rae's Wings & More. This unassuming spot offers show-stopping favorites like barbecue wings, veggie burgers, fried fish, and more. Let's just say you need to experience it for yourself. Check out more details about this local Denver favorite by clicking here.
2. Elaine's Place (Fort Morgan)
Elaine's Place Facebook
Yelp
Who would have guessed that some of the most authentic and best-tasting Greek food outside of Greece would be located in the Eastern Plains town of Fort Morgan? Trust us; it's worth the trip! For more information about Elaine's Place, you can visit the official website by clicking here.
3. Jessie's Smokin' NOLA (Centennial)
Jessie's Smokin' NOLA / Google
management / TripAdvisor
What started as a beloved food truck has now evolved to a permanent location and it's THE place to go if you're a fan of New Orleans-style cooking. From Cajun fried chicken to Gumbalaya and Shrimp Po-Boy, this kitchen doesn't hold back on flavor. Be sure to visit their official website to learn more!
4. George's Drive Inn (Walsenburg)
Piers Hendrie / Google
T B / Google
En route from Denver to Durango, you'll come across this hidden gem of an eatery known as George's Drive Inn. Behind its modest and lovably-quaint exterior, you'll find the home of one of the best green chili cheeseburgers in Colorado. And just wait until you try the hand-cut fries and mouthwatering milkshakes! For more information on George's Drive Inn, you can visit the website by clicking here.
5. Stateline Bar & Grill (Dove Creek)
Mary C. / TripAdvisor
Stateline Bar & Grill Facebook
Getting to the Stateline Bar & Grill may be a bit of a trip (they don't call it the STATELINE for nothing!), but it's well worth it for a taste of these incredible fish tacos. Other popular items on the menu include chicken-fried steak, chicken tenders, and the usual suspects for bar food, but trust us when we say these offerings are anything but average. Curious to learn more about Stateline? Click here!

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6. Cafe Jordano (Lakewood)
jenniferlsylman / TripAdvisor
gypsyuno / TripAdvisor
Seafood linguine may not be the first thing you think of when you consider dining in Colorado, yet you'd be remiss not to try this delicacy at Cafe Jordana. (Or, if you're looking for something a little more Coloradan, try the Buffalo Marsala). If you can spare some room for dessert, be sure to order the house special: homemade cannoli. Learn more about Cafe Jordano by clicking here.
7. The Hangar (Pueblo)
Erich M / TripAdvisor
management / TripAdvisor
Stop by the Hangar for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and you'll be delighted by all that this old-fashioned diner has to offer. This spot is most famous for its brunch specials like biscuits and gravy, but there's truly no way to go wrong here. Just look at those loaded nachos! For more information on the Hangar, click here.
8. Spice Island Grill (Colorado Springs)
AJ 2018 / Google
Spice Island Grill / Facebook
Did you know that you can enjoy authentic Caribbean food right here in Colorado? Spice Island Grill is the definition of a hidden gem restaurant in Colorado. Step inside and prepare to be transported to a place of culinary bliss. On the menu, popular items include jerk pork, chicken curry, plantains, mac & cheese, and more. Don't forget to wash it all down with a ginger beer! For more information about Spice Island Grill, you can check out the website by clicking here.
9. Rush Cafe (Rush)
Rush Cafe Facebook
Rush Cafe Facebook
Can we offer you another good rule of thumb? The more dated the sign (and building), the better the food. Step inside the Rush Cafe, established in 1960, and you'll find burgers, nachos, wings, pizza, and more, all crafted with love and -- when possible -- local ingredients. On your marks, get set, rush into Rush! For more information about Rush Cafe, you can click here.
10. The Oasis (Saguache)
Marsha S / TripAdvisor
The Oasis Restaurant / Facebook
When it comes to hole in the wall restaurants in Colorado, the Oasis has it all: beautiful surroundings, remote location, home-cooked food, and a warm atmosphere. For the ultimate in hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, there's just no beating this "oasis" in the mountains. Plus, the staff are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet! Check out the restaurant's Facebook Page to learn more.

What are your thoughts on these incredible hole in the wall restaurants in Colorado? Are there any of your favorites that missed the list? If so, be sure to tell us all about them in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

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More to Explore

Hole In The Wall Restaurants In Colorado

Beth C. | June 30, 2020

What is the oldest restaurant in Colorado?

Many of Colorado's best restaurants have truly stood the test of time. Generations of residents and visitors alike have found comfort and solace in these homey eateries that welcome everyone as though they were family. Among the oldest restaurants in Colorado is the Buckhorn Exchange. The historic landmark, which opened in November of 1893 also doubles as a frontier museum. It's the single oldest continuously-operating restaurant in Denver and definitely a must-see if you're in the area. The founder of the restaurant, Henry H. "Shorty Scout" Zietz, reportedly was friends with Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull. How cool is that? Learn more about this iconic Colorado restaurant, which also happens to be haunted, by clicking here.

What country restaurants in Colorado are worth the drive?

Colorado's country restaurants boast personality, homey atmosphere, and delicious cuisine so you could argue that they're all worth the drive. One of the most beloved country restaurants in Colorado is known as the Country Road Cafe. Tucked away in Evergreen, Colorado, this fine establishment serves up all your favorite meals "with a mountain twist," according to the website. For nearly 20 years, this family-run restaurant has welcomed diners from near and far to enjoy a classic Colorado meal. You can check out the menu by clicking here. Looking for more local establishments you'll love? Check out our list of Mom & Pop Restaurants In Colorado To Try.

Where can I find the best tacos in Colorado?

This is one of the most heavily-debated questions relating to Colorado's culinary scene. While everyone agrees that you can enjoy mouthwatering tacos in Colorado, few people agree on which restaurant does it best. All we can say is that if you stop by any of the following establishments and order up a round of tacos, you won't be disappointed: Rudy's Little Hideaway Restaurant, Dos Gringos Burritos, La'au's Taco Shop, Azada Mexican Grill, Hacienda Colorado, or Taco Hut. But believe us — the list doesn't end there! Check out our customized taco trail through Colorado. 

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Featured Addresses
1819 E 28th Ave, Denver, CO 80205, USA
17590 County Rd T5, Fort Morgan, CO 80701, USA
7422 S University Blvd, Centennial, CO 80122, USA
564 US-85 #87, Walsenburg, CO 81089, USA
69576 US-491, Dove Creek, CO 81324, USA
Cafe Jordano, 11068 W Jewell Ave, Lakewood, CO 80227, USA
100 W 23rd St, Pueblo, CO 81003, USA
39810 CO-94, Rush, CO 80833, USA
Saguache, CO 81149, USA