By Lucas White
Steamboat Springs isn’t short on great food. Whether you’re returning for familiar favorites or scouting something fresh, the town’s dining landscape continues to grow in flavor and variety. Here’s a roundup of what locals and visitors alike should make room for.
On-Mountain Highlights
Hazie’s at Thunderhead Lodge
Perched at the top of the gondola, Hazie’s delivers fine dining with views to match. From Colorado rack of lamb to Yampa Valley trout and a carefully crafted prix fixe dinner menu, it’s the place for special-occasion meals and romantic evenings high above town.
Taco Beast
The Taco Beast snowcat food truck roams near lifts like South Peak, serving spirited Mexican street food—trail tacos, esquites, and bold-flavored salsas. Ideal for a quick but memorable mountain lunch before you head back to the slopes.
T-Bar & Thunderhead Happy Hour
If you’re after casual eats with mountain energy, the T-Bar at Sundown Express and the happy-hour scene at Thunderhead Lodge are perfect. Think burgers, fries, beer, live music, and sweeping views that make lingering easy.
Downtown Favorites & Local Gems
Creekside Cafe
A Steamboat institution when it comes to breakfast and brunch. Eggs Benedicts, hearty skillets, seasonal offerings—best to arrive early, especially on weekend mornings. Cozy inside, picturesque out by the creek.
The Laundry & Yampa Valley Kitchen
For evenings out, The Laundry offers shareable plates, cured meats, and a polished atmosphere. Yampa Valley Kitchen, in a renovated historic farmhouse downtown, brings sustainable and Colorado-sourced food to breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Back Door Grill & Mazzola’s Italian Restaurant
Looking for comfort classics? Back Door Grill delivers burgers, sandwiches, and frosty brews in a relaxed space. Mazzola’s is your go-to for Italian staples—pizza, pasta, and red sauce favorites—for a family-friendly dinner downtown.
New & Upcoming Eats
5th Street Kitchen
Opened in the place formerly occupied by Mahogany Ridge, this spot balances elevated fare with familiar favorites. You’ll find Colorado lamb chops and blackened shrimp tacos alongside comfort dishes and craft drinks—it’s ambitious and feels right at home.
The Crooked Antler at The Steamboat Grand
Comfort food in an upgraded space. The Crooked Antler, redesigned from the former “The Cabin,” now offers brunch, a solid happy hour, and scratch-made entrees under $20 in a setting that welcomes after-ski crowds and locals alike.
Basecamp West Side Market & Dining Concept
Set to open spring next year, this chef-driven market hall on the west side aims to be more than just food stalls. It’ll have a strong indoor-outdoor connection, a European influence, and many gathering points—including a patio built for year-round use.
Where to Start Tonight
- Want something refined with beautiful views? Reserve a table at Hazie’s or try The Laundry downtown.
- For casual and fast? Taco Beast or Back Door Grill will do nicely.
- Newness calling? Check out 5th Street Kitchen or keep watch for the open-soon market hall at Basecamp.
No matter your mood—high altitude elegance, cozy local flavor, or food-hall-buzz—Steamboat’s dining scene has something worth your appetite.