Colorado’s fall colors come and go fast, but it’s a glorious moment. By mid-October the high-country aspens usually have dropped the leaves, but within an hour of Denver, there’s still plenty of gold to chase. Whether you’re strolling past your neighborhood maples and cottonwoods or taking a drive for those last shimmering groves, we’ve rounded up the best spots to pair with the season.
Take a trip to go leaf peeping, then stick around for a solid meal. Or, grab something tasty before you hike. From fine dining to creekside cafés, these places make it easy to linger when the leaves turn.
Denver
Traveling Mercies
Sip inventive cocktails and share a raw bar combo platter called The Tacklebox at this delightful oyster bar on the third floor of Stanley Marketplace. Floor-to-ceiling windows give you a peek at golden cottonwoods and sherbert sunset skies, no mountain drive required. Enjoy happy hour daily from open until 5 p.m. 2501 Dallas St. #311, Aurora, travelingmerciesbar.com
Hive Garden Bistro in Denver Botanic Gardens
Grab a coffee or sandwich surrounded by blazing reds and yellows in the gardens. This is one of the easiest in-town ways to bask in fall colors while enjoying a light bite. You can also pack a picnic and nibble on delights in dedicated areas within the gardens, or go to a spot nearby if it’s too late to eat there. 1007 York St., Denver, botanicgardens.org
City Park Tavern
Located adjacent to one of Denver’s best leaf-peeping locations, this 29-year-old tavern overlooks the golf course and City Park. While the view comes framed by brilliant cottonwoods and maples, a meal proves just as pretty. Settle in for huevos rancheros at brunch or trout tacos at sunset after taking a stroll through the trees. 3181 E. 23rd Ave., Denver, cityofdenvergolf.com
Cimera
Set to open this fall atop The Source Hotel in the former Woods space, Cimera brings pan-Latin flavors to one of Denver’s best rooftops. Expect sweeping views of the city and Rockies, shareable plates, and a lively terrace. We hope the colors still shine when the anticipated restaurant opens, but if not, mark it for next year. 3330 Brighton Blvd., Denver, thesourcehotel.com
Linger
A Denver staple perched above Hirshorn Park, Linger serves global street food with rooftop views over the city skyline. Sip a seasonal cider or spiced margarita and dig into steamed bao buns, masala dosa, and Korean fried chicken. On crisp fall afternoons, the golden trees below make the perfect backdrop for a sunset and small plates shared among friends. 2030 W. 30th Ave., Denver, lingerdenver.com
Golden
Leaf-peeping route: Drive up Lookout Mountain Road or through Golden Gate Canyon State Park for aspen groves and sweeping views. Then circle back into Golden for a meal.
The Golden Mill
Grab a cider flight or pour-your-own craft beer before finding a spot on the rooftop overlooking Clear Creek and the foothills. Inside the bustling food hall, vendors serve sushi rolls, tacos, and barbecue platters that hit the post-hike sweet spot. Overseen by chef Jesus Silva, the food hall is casual, colorful, and made for crisp autumn afternoons. 1012 Ford St., Golden, thegoldenmill.com
Café 13
Located inside Golden’s historic Armory building, Café 13 blends old-town character with a funky, eclectic vibe. The patio offers shaded seating beneath a sprawling tree, ideal for lingering over coffee and one of the massive cinnamon rolls. Come hungry for the breakfast burrito or stop in for lunch after exploring downtown. 1301 Arapahoe St., Golden, cafe13golden.com
Bridgewater Grill, Golden Hotel
Dine creekside with trees glowing along the banks. The menu leans toward Colorado comfort food, featuring trout, steaks and hearty pastas. Think fine dining with a view that feels like an added vacation. 800 11th St., Golden, bridgewatergrill.com
Chart House, Genesee
Take in sweeping mountain and sunset views from this longtime favorite above town. Begin with oysters or spinach-artichoke dip, then settle into a plate of prime rib or fresh halibut. Stay for dessert as twilight hits the hillsides. 25908 Genesee Trail Rd., Golden, chart-house.com
Abejas Bistro
Abejas brings a modern, ingredient-driven sensibility to Golden’s historic downtown. Reserve a table for a seasonal menu that highlights Colorado meats, local produce, and thoughtful flavor pairings. Inventive small plates and craft cocktails make it a fitting finale to a day in the foothills. 807 13th St., Golden, abejasgolden.com
Sherpa House
Tucked into a leafy corner near downtown, Sherpa House offers traditional Nepali cuisine in a setting that feels like a mountain retreat. Sip spiced tea in the garden patio as the trees turn gold and share momos, curries, and lentil soup on a cool evening. 1518 Washington Ave., Golden, sherpahouse.com
Golden City Brewery
A laid-back microbrewery tucked behind a historic house, Golden City Brewery feels like a neighborhood secret. The dog-friendly patio sits beneath shady trees and buzzes with locals sipping small-batch ales. Tamara’s Big Fat Fryer serves pub favorites like bratwurst, currywurst, and soft pretzels with Clear Creek Kolsch beer cheese. Stop by for happy hour, Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. 920 12th St., Golden, gcbrewery.com
Canyon Tavern, Coal Creek Canyon
To experience a classic mountain tavern, visit this comforting spot. You’ll find it along one of the most scenic drives near Denver, made especially vibrant in autumn. Once there, fill up on hearty meals including bison burgers, smoked brisket, and loaded nachos served in mountain-town portions while relaxing with a beer on the low-key patio overlooking the trees. 32138 Highway 72, Golden, canyontavern.com
Evergreen
Leaf-peeping route: Stroll around Evergreen Lake, hike Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, or walk through Elk Meadow, all rimmed with aspens.
Willow Creek Restaurant
Upscale but cozy, grab a complimentary blanket and a table on the outdoor patio overlooking Evergreen Lake. Seasonal menus lean into Colorado ingredients like a Colorado lamb ragu, and rainbow trout. Don’t skip the housemade sourdough and elaborate charcuterie boards, perfect with a glass of wine as the sun hits the lake. 29029 Upper Bear Creek Rd. Suite 105, Evergreen, willowcreekevergreen.com
Lariat Lodge Brewing
Visit this casual lodge-style brewery for the lovely forested foothill views and tasty eats. Try the fish and chips, lamb gyro, or steak fajita salad with a flight of house-brewed beers. The meal is best enjoyed on the deck for the ultimate post-hike meal. Happy hour is Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. 27618 Fireweed Dr., Evergreen, lariatlodgebrewing.com
The Bread Lounge
A local favorite for breakfast and lunch, The Bread Lounge features second-story outdoor seating with views of the golden-splashed hills above Elk Meadow. Brunch options range from Benedicts and toasts to sandwiches featuring house-made breads. Order a mug of seasonal mulled wine to compliment the changing leaves and crisp days. Or, order sandwiches to-go for a perfect picnic by the lake. 1260 Bergen Pkwy c220, Evergreen, evergreenbreadlounge.net
Evergreen Brewery
A longtime local favorite, this family-owned brewery is celebrating its 40th anniversary soon and remains one of the best spots in town for a post-hike pint. The dog-friendly deck overlooks the rolling hills of Elk Meadow, and the menu covers all the Colorado comfort staples including burgers, sandwiches, soups, and snacks. Order a house IPA and settle in to watch the sunset over the evergreens. 2962 Evergreen Pkwy., Evergreen, evergreenbrewco.com
Muddy Buck Coffee House
Before or after a leaf peeping adventure, stop by chef Rand G. Packer’s cozy coffee shop. Housed in a historic 1896 building in downtown Evergreen, the cafe hand roasts all its beans on-site, making sure each batch passes the chef’s five senses. Fuel up with a breakfast burrito before, or satiate yourself with a hearty sandwich after. 28065 Highway 74, Suite 101, Evergreen, muddybuckcoffeehouse.com
Creekside Cellars
A quintessential Evergreen stop where the name says it all. This family-run winery sits right beside Bear Creek, offering house-made Colorado wines best enjoyed on the patio under the changing leaves. Share a vibrant antipasto board and a bottle of crisp viognier alfresco by the creek after exploring aspens in Three Sisters Park. Reservations recommended. 28036 Highway 74, Evergreen, creeksidecellars.net
Boulder
Leaf-peeping route: Drive Flagstaff Road, which overlooks Boulder Valley. Or, walk the Chautauqua trails framed by Flatirons and fall color.
Corrida
What better way to end a hike than at a Spanish steakhouse with a rooftop terrace facing the Flatirons. It’s especially dramatic in fall light and makes for a great setting when indulging in Basque-style pintxos and a gin and tonic from the impressive bar cart. The meat program also shines, with chef Samuel McCandless diving into a local regenerative beef. Reserve one of the clear AlpenGlobes for an extra special experience. 1023 Walnut St. #400, Boulder, corridaboulder.com
Flagstaff House
Make your fall adventure truly special with a refined dinner in a beautiful restaurant perched above the valley with floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ll find chef and co-owner Chris Royster overseeing the menu, which shifts a little almost daily. Think seasonal ingredients accented with Wagyu beef, foie gras, and caviar. The decades-old restaurant is also known for having one of the state’s most impressive wine cellars. Order a glass of crisp glass of Champagne and linger as the sun dips behind the Flatirons. 1138 Flagstaff Rd., Boulder, flagstaffhouse.com
Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
As one of Boulder’s most beloved landmarks, this hand-carved teahouse sits beside Boulder Creek, surrounded by vivid cottonwoods each fall. Sip chai or a seasonal tea cocktail and enjoy saffron chicken, curries, or a mezze platter on the glowing patio after a walk along the creek path.1770 13th St., Boulder, boulderteahouse.com
River and Woods
A converted historic cottage tucked into east Pearl Street, River and Woods offers one of Boulder’s most inviting back patios. Strung with lights and lined with trees, it’s the perfect spot to share chef Russ Fox’s bacon and date kebabs, dig into Colorado-style short ribs, or pass around the family-style lettuce wraps. 2328 Pearl St., Boulder, riverandwoodsboulder.com
Rollinsville / Nederland
Leaf-peeping route: The Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway between Nederland and Estes Park is one of the most beautiful fall drives in Colorado, with golden aspen groves all along the way. Stop in Nederland or Rollinsville for a relaxed post-drive meal.
Toss Pizza
Visit this local favorite for wood-fired pies and a laid-back mountain vibe. Orders range from simple margherita to lemon-herb ricotta with mushrooms and kale. Grab a slice, sit outside and watch the aspens shimmer on the surrounding hills. 63 Main St., Rollinsville, tosswoodfired.com
Gold Hill Inn
Menus change daily at this rustic, historic lodge where tables laden with food enhance the cabin-like setting. The multicourse dinners often feature Colorado lamb, roast duck, and hearty soups. Arrive early for a cocktail by the fire, then settle in for a slow meal that feels pulled from another time. 401 Main St., Gold Hill, goldhillinn.com
Kathmandu Restaurant
A beloved stop on the Peak-to-Peak, Kathmandu has been serving Nepalese and Indian specialties for decades. Fill up a plate at the legendary all-you-can-eat lunch buffet and warm up with momos, curries and spiced lentils. It’s exactly the kind of warming food you crave after a crisp autumn drive. 110 N. Jefferson St., Nederland, kathmandurestaurant.us
Brickhouse Alpine Kitchen, Nederland
One of Nederland’s newer additions, Brickhouse offers elevated mountain dining in a cozy, lodge-like space. Enjoy an all-day menu featuring whole and half rotisserie chickens, along with sides and sandwiches in a bright, modern space. It’s a hearty option for those who want something a little more refined without losing the rustic vibe of the town. 95 E. 1st St., Nederland, brickhousealpine.com
Gold Hill General Store
Less than ten miles west of Boulder, this cozy stop in the heart of historic Gold Hill feels like stepping back in time. Housed in the old grocery building on Main Street, it serves hearty homemade meals, craft beer, and espresso alongside fresh-baked pies and cookies. Stop mid-day for cozy chai, homemade pizza and a glimpse of Colorado’s mining past. 531 Main St., Gold Hill, goldhillgeneralstore.com
Lyons and Longmont
Leaf-peeping route: The back roads between Longmont and Lyons wind through cottonwoods that glow in October.
Acreage by Stem Ciders
Join the fun at this family-friendly cider house where there’s wide-open Flatiron views and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Sit outside on the deck or in the cider garden so the kids can play while you sip a cider-flight. The farm-to-table, Basque-inspired menu leans wood-fired and rustic, with cider-brined chicken, roasted root vegetables, and house-made sausages among the highlights. 1380 Horizon Ave. Unit A, acreageco.com
The Roost
Sit on the rooftop patio overlooking historic Main Street, lined with mature trees that glow each fall. The Roost’s menu draws inspiration from across the globe. Think plates of Thai pork tacos, lamb gyro bowls, and hearty vegan curries. It’s a lively spot for adventurous eaters, while still offering familiar comforts like burgers and steak frites. 526 Main St., Longmont, theroostlongmont.com
Marigold
This elegant, plant-filled café brings a fine-dining touch to small-town Lyons thanks to chef Theo Adley. Relish seasonal dishes like farinata with arugula and Gruyère, tuna carpaccio with elephant heart plum, and celeriac parmigiana with preserved lemon and mint, paired with a crisp white from the global wine list. Set in a light-filled space with a leafy patio, Marigold is a destination-worthy stop for anyone seeking a thoughtful meal after a fall drive through the canyon. 405 Main St., Lyons, marigoldlyons.com
The Rock Garden
Be part of the community at this outdoor beer garden where neighbors hang out and showcase Lyons’ laid-back spirit. Picnic tables sit beneath tall cottonwoods that glow gold in fall, with a rotating lineup of food trucks and live music. Order a local craft beer or kombucha and stay for the sunset as the canyon light fades. 338 Main St., Lyons, rockgardenlyons.com
