Before the trail
Coffee and breakfast. Kami's opens earliest, at 6:30.
Kami's Samis
Counter service from 6:30 am to 2 pm every day. Order the ricotta-stuffed French toast, or grab something to go for the summit. Gluten-free and vegan options. 636 Main.
Website →Coffee · $Ouray Ice House
Coffee, bagels, crepes and mini donuts, with Third Bowl ice cream for the drive home. Closed Tuesdays. 225 7th Ave.
Instagram →Coffee and chocolate · $Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee
They roast the coffee and make the chocolates in-house. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. 520 Main.
Website →Açaí bowlsMarmots Acai
Bowls made to order on açaí, coconut, ube or mango. Open 10 am to 4 pm, so it's a post-trail stop more than a pre-dawn one. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 460 Main.
Website →After the trail
Dinner on Main Street, plus one at the north end of town.
The Smokehouse
Brisket smoked for about 12 hours, at Ouray Riverside Resort. It's at the north end of town. Off-season hours vary. 1700 Main.
Website →Steakhouse · $$ to $$$The Outlaw Restaurant
Steaks and live piano. The sign out front dates to 1968, and the restaurant's story is that John Wayne left his hat at the bar. 610 Main.
Website →Contemporary American · $$$Brickhouse 737
The nicer night out. Open 5 to 9 nightly, and you book by phone at 970-325-7236. 737 Main.
Website →Tavern and Italian · $$St. Elmo Tavern
The old Bon Ton, renamed in 2025, in the 1898 St. Elmo Hotel. 426 Main.
Website →Pizza and burgers · $$Goldbelt Bar & Grill
Pizza dough made every day. The patio has a fire pit and welcomes dogs, which matters if yours rode along. 800 Main.
Website →Thai · $$Thai Chili
Thai food with a rooftop patio, 11 am to 9 pm daily. 740 Main.
Website →Pub food · $$The Tavern
Opened in June 2026 in the old O'Brien's space. Open 11 am to 9 pm daily. 726 Main.
Google Maps →Burgers · $ to $$Maggie's Kitchen
Burgers, elk included, with a condiment bar you load yourself. 703 Main.
Google Maps →Beer
In Ridgway
Ten miles north on US 550, worth it if you're staying there or heading to Owl Creek Pass or Last Dollar Road.
Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery
Thin, crisp pizza and house beer in a 1915 brick building. 602 Clinton St, Ridgway.
Website →Lunch and dinner · $$True Grit Cafe
Named for the 1969 John Wayne film, shot around Ridgway, and open since 1985. Get the chicken-fried steak. Closed Wednesdays. 123 N Lena St, Ridgway.
Website →