Durango, Colorado, is a charming southwestern mountain town known for its scenic beauty, the iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and proximity to Mesa Verde National Park. During a visit with my husband (Eddie), we explored the local dining scene and found some delicious, wallet-friendly gems. The places we tried should definitely be on your list of where to eat in Durango.
1. Switchback Tacos
Switchback Tacos serves fresh, flavorful street tacos and magnificent elote (Mexican street corn). It’s a cute place with an enticing menu that you can’t say no to. I feasted on a pork carnitas taco with pineapple salsa, while Eddie tried the chicken tinga and adobada tacos.
We split chips with queso and salsa; the Spicy Reyes margarita with a Tajin rim and silver tequila was a hit.
Pro tip: It’s walkable from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train depot — perfect for post-excursion dining.
2. College Drive Cafe
A true locals’ favorite! Call ahead at College Drive Cafe to get on the waitlist because it is easily the tastiest casual dining option in Durango.
I had the Murphy Scramble with spinach, tomatoes, and avocado slices for breakfast — fresh and flavorful. Eddie ordered the traditional eggs Benedict, and I got a side of hollandaise (worth it). Great breakfast, quick service, and generous portions
3. Durango Bagel
Located next to the train depot, Durango Bagel is ideal for grab-and-go breakfast. Choose from 16 cream cheese flavors — I loved the green chile bagel with cheese, while the cinnamon with honey almond spread was a closer runner-up.
Bagels are only $2.00 or grab a dozen for $20.05. A great value! You can also pick up coffee, espresso, tea, and other bottled drinks.
4. HomeSlice Pizza
With three locations in Durango, HomeSlice is great for takeout or dine-in gourmet pizza. We split a pizza: half Behemoth (meat and veggie-loaded) and half Genovese (pesto, chicken, and seasoned ricotta with whole roasted garlic cloves — amazing!).
Bonus: HomeSlice allows you to split flavors on one pie.
Want ideas for exploring Colorado? Visit the beautiful Garden of the Gods or experience Mesa Verde National Park, just a hop, skip, and jump away from Durango.
5. Lone Spur Cafe
This Western-themed breakfast spot serves hearty morning meals in a laid-back setting. I ordered a Swiss cheese omelet with hash browns and biscuit & gravy. My husband had a Belgian waffle with eggs and sausage.
More popular dishes at Lone Spur are anything meat-centric, such as corned beef hash, steak & eggs, and chicken fried steak.
Come on weekend nights for the famous prime rib. You’ll get big portions, friendly service, and classic cafe vibes at Lone Spur Cafe.
6. Carver Brewing Co.
Known as Colorado’s first microbrewery, Carver Brewing has a fun atmosphere, great service, and a solid menu. For starters, we enjoyed artichoke dip (with hatch green chilies) in a bread bowl and a selection of their craft beer.
For entrees, we chose chile chicken verde (sliced chicken breast drenched in cheeses with a decadent sauce), beef stroganoff (Gemelli pasta with a mushroom sour cream sauce), and chicken enchiladas. Smash burgers are super popular, so that’s on my agenda for next time.
Save room for the skillet cookie dessert.
7. Jean Pierre Bakery & Wine Bar
Who doesn’t love stumbling upon a decadent French bakery and wine bar on their travels? Jean Pierre Bakery & Wine Bar is located in downtown Durango, and chances are you won’t be able to walk past the tempting pastries and baking bread smells wafting out of the door.
This cozy French bakery is a local favorite for good reason. The pastry case is a dream — croissants, cookies, tarts, and more. We grabbed a few takeaway items to enjoy on our train ride, including an apricot tart, chocolate-drop cookies, and buttery croissants.
Don’t miss the chocolate cookies — they’re heavenly!
8. Animas Chocolate & Coffee Company
This Main Avenue gem serves up decadent drinking chocolate and gourmet truffles. We sipped rich drinking chocolates topped with whipped cream — I had the yummy spicy El Bandito (a Mexican-style hot chocolate drink infused with chile and vanilla), and Eddie chose the peppermint-flavored Miner.
Animas Chocolate & Coffee Company’s handmade chocolates are beautiful and made without preservatives — plan to enjoy them within two weeks.
Final Bite:
Durango’s food scene blends local flavor, hearty portions, and affordability. Whether you’re craving a gourmet pastry, a spicy taco, or a satisfying breakfast, these spots deliver the goods — without blowing your budget.