Have you ever noticed that more people tend to visit chain restaurants just because they’re familiar and more recognizable? What a waste! By doing this, we are robbing ourselves of the opportunity to try incredible meals at small and locally-owned establishments, including these 11 unassuming restaurants that you will want to add to your Colorado dining bucket list:
1. Chimayo Mexican Grill (Dillon)
If you thought Chipotle was delicious, wait until you try Chimayo's, which shares the same concept as the popular chain but with fresher ingredients and even more choices (like this mouthwatering Baja Fish Burrito).
2. Do Drop Inn (Pueblo)
Sure, Beau Jo's is iconic and flat-out tasty... but have you tried one of these unique Southern Colorado pies? Yum!
3. Shamane's Bake Shoppe (Boulder)
Forget generic Seattle-based coffee shops; this charming Boulder bakery serves up some of the best homemade pastries and coffee in the state.
4. Rino's Italian Restaurant (Trinidad)
If you think Rino's authentic Italian dishes look and taste amazing, wait until you get a load of their dessert menu...
5. Beulah Inn Restaurant & Lounge (Beulah)
Whether you have a hankering for sandwiches, burgers, Mexican, or even Italian, you are guaranteed to find something to love at this small town gem!.
6. Wayne's Smoke Shack (Superior)
There is no need to travel south to get your fill of "True Texas BBQ." (Just make sure to get there early, as Wayne's is only open until they sell out of their mouthwatering meats.)
7. Holliday's Bar & Grill (Meeker)
Please note, Holliday's Bar & Grill is no longer in business.
In need of a little "holiday"? Holliday's gets it and offers its patrons great food, drinks, and live entertainment that you won't find anywhere else.
8. Mom's Kitchen Cafe (Otis)
With a name like Mom's Kitchen, you know it HAS to be good. ("Mom's" pies may even be better than your own mom's pies... but don't tell her that!)
9. Susie's Westside Cafe (Colorado Springs)
Don't judge a book by its cover or you may miss out on one of the most delicious breakfasts in all of Colorado Springs.
10. JJ's Restaurant (Eads)
Talk about unsuspecting: JJ's is an under-the-radar Eastern Plains cafe that is famous for its made-to-order burgers, sides, and sandwiches.
11. The Living Farm (Paonia)
Last but not least is Paonia's The Living Farm; a farm-to-table restaurant that serves nothing but the best organic meats, cheeses, and produce from local farms... I'll eat to that!
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