Telluride Local Tips

Insider's Tips for Winter in Telluride!

You know you’re a Telluride local when… Every person will have a different answer to this question, but you know you’re on your way when you fall in love with this magical place. We in Telluride don't give away our local secrets on a whim. But here are some awesome tips from one local to our visitors - We want you to love this place as much as we do! Take it from a local – the best happy hours, late night spots, powder stashes, and more!

Best Happy Hour

Do you like mojitos? How about sushi? Honga’s Lotus Petal on Main Street in downtown Telluride has a wicked happy hour special (5:30-6:30 pm daily) – Mojito and Sushi Roll for $12. They pour their mojitos to the brim of large mason jars and stuff them with fresh mint. Go for a classic mojito or try the pomegranate or black cherry! Sushi roll and mojito specials change daily.  

Best Live Music Venue

Fly Me to the Moon Saloon is the live music venue in Telluride. From alternative rock to electronic music, bluegrass to open mic nights, this bar venue really does it all. The Moon rarely charges a cover making it a local favorite. It’s always packed and the party doesn’t stop until late into the night! Located on Main Street in downtown Telluride.

Best Après Ski

The Oak has an awesome outdoor patio for après ski. The restaurant is located at the base of the Gondola in Telluride in the Camel’s Garden Hotel building. It’s a family friendly restaurant with a southern flare – My personal favorite Oak après ski treat is a cold Blue Moon beer with a side of fried okra. Yum!

Secret Powder Stash

So don’t go spreading this around… Prospect Bowl trees are the most under-utilized trees on the mountain. If you are a high-intermediate to advanced skier, take a wide right off the Prospect Lift (Chair 12), ski past High Camp warming hut, and drop in to the Prospect Bowl trees from the top of the run. Always great snow and you’ll be the only person there. Another spot off of Prospect Chair – Take a left off of the chair, pop off your skis, and hike up to the first run called Confidence. Stay to the left on the run and jump into the trees to get back to the bottom of Prospect Lift (Chair 12). Shhhh, don’t tell anyone else!

Best Bargain Shopping

The Telluride Thrift Shop, located on Main Street in downtown Telluride, always has great finds. From vintage ski gear to designer labels and housewares, there’s always a treasure to be found. And the best part, all proceeds go to the Telluride Animal Foundation, an organization that supports local animal rescue.

Best Burger

Smuggler’s Brewpub has the best beef burger in town. Located on San Juan Avenue at the base of the Gondola in Telluride, Smuggler’s is a microbrewery as well as a restaurant. Try the Black Diamond burger with guacamole and a side of sweet potato fries. For a mouthwatering veggie burger, Tomboy Tavern in the Mountain Village Core is the place to go. They make their veggie burger with quinoa, black beans, garbanzo beans, and roasted tomatoes topped with goat cheese and fresh basil. Order it with a side of truffle fries and you’ve got one of the most satisfying vegetarian meals in town.

Best Game Day Venue

Most people will tell you to go to Brown Dog Pizza for game day watching. I, however, prefer the Cornerhouse Grille. A basket of tater tots, a beer, and a bar full of rowdy locals is my idea of a good football watching venue. The numerous televisions in the bar each play a different game so your team will almost certainly make an appearance! Located on N. Fir Street in downtown Telluride.

Best Original Pastry

The Cronut has arrived in Telluride. Baked in Telluride, a long time Telluride establishment, has produced their version of the Cronut – a pastry that combines the buttery flake of a croissant with the irresistible glaze of a donut. Treat yourself. It’s worth it. Located on S. Fir Street in downtown Telluride.

Best Brunch Plate

Floradora Saloon serves up good old fashioned breakfast comfort food. For all day fuel for the slopes, try the Peanut Butter Stuffed Banana French Toast with bacon and home fries. Or if you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, the Egg White and Pesto omelette with spaghetti squash and fresh mozzarella is amazing. Be sure to ask for the house made jam with your toast! Located on Main Street in downtown Telluride.

Best Cocktail

There Bar, located on W. Pacific Avenue in Telluride, is a funky restaurant with unique tapas plates and shareable entrees. They also happen to make amazing cocktails. My personal favorites – Grapefruit gin cocktail with elderflower liqueur and the lychee vodka cocktail.