Crested Butte!
Crested Butte, with its rugged charm, whispers stories of an era gone by—once an old mining town, it blossomed into an artist commune, became a sanctuary for the free-spirited, and finally transformed into the last great ski and mountain biking town in CO. For over half a century, this enchanting place has stood as a destination for those who seek an authentic experience, far removed from the polished, corporate façade that many ski towns wear like a mask. Here, the earth is rich with mud and inspiration, and the sharp edges of life are softened by blooming mountains and the character of weathered buildings. Rusty nails and independent spirits tell tales of resilience, where laughter echoes through the crisp air and deep snow blankets the ground, inviting exploration along endless miles of glorious single track.
Yet, it is the heart and soul of the people that truly define Crested Butte. The locals who have all journeyed here from somewhere, with their hearty laughter and unwavering spirit, play hard and embrace life without the relentless rush that often grips the world beyond these mountains.
In this cherished valley, time takes on a different meaning. When you find yourself in CB, pause for a moment—savor an extra drink, share a smile with those around you, or engage in a warm conversation with the friendly faces in the shops. If you come upon a bench, do as the locals do, take a seat and soak it all in; here, the pace is slower, just as it should be. Relish in the knowledge that the frenzy of life has faded, and you’ve arrived at a place where your spirit can breathe. Venture down the less-trodden paths, they hold unexpected treasures—wonderful people and hidden gems await just around the bend. In Crested Butte, every moment is an invitation to slow down, to connect, and to fall in love with the unique tapestry of life woven through this remarkable place. When you're here, you're a local.
Contents
- Restaurants
- Counter Service Food
- Drinks
- Activities & Outfitters
- Supplies & Essentials
- Critical Services
Restaurants
The Secret Stash
No Reservations: We love this place. It's a local favorite with tons of style and the pizza is always delicious. The Notorious F.I.G., the classic margarita, and the meatball pizzas are our favorites. Stash gets busy during peak seasons so get there early to avoid the long wait. They don't take reservations.
Public House
Reservations Optional: Theres so much to say about this place. It's a laid back atmosphere with exceptional food. I recommend the fried chicken "sandwich". Of course, the elk meatloaf is also wonderful. Order an Irwin root beer (on tap) to wash it all down, you wont be disappointed.
José Crested Butte
No Reservations: This spot has an amazing porch directly at the base of the mountain/lifts. They also have a large natural gas fire pit that 20+ people can sit or stand around while enjoying their drinks. The food is mediocre IMO (I have high standards for Mexican food) but the location and outdoor seating can't be beat. Besides the great view of the Mtn. and the lively patio, I love that I can hike down to this spot by just following the path at the end of the condo parking lot. Top of the stairs and turn left. The walk back at night up the same path is awesome with a bazillion stars above.
Breadery
Reservations Recommended: We love this place. Like all spots in CB it has a laid back atmosphere and a unique menu. This is a fun place to bring friends with a variety of appetizers that everyone can share. It’s also a perfect spot for a date night or family dinner. Bonus: If you arrive around 3 or 4pm they sell fresh loaves of bread at the bar but arrive early because a line will form and they sell out quickly.
Izakaya Cabin
Reservations Recommended: I love this place. It is a sushi cabin and before you say, "Sushi? In the mountains?", yes, sushi in the mountains. Izakaya Cabin has a modern and cool vibe that is toped only by its sushi. They have long bench-style tables that seats 10+ which makes this place buzz with conversations and laughter. There is waitstaff but ordering and paying is done by the iPad at the table and the food comes out when it is prepared. I recommend family style and keeping it coming. I also recommend the Yuzu Lemonade.
Paradise Cafe
No Reservations: YEAH BREAKFAST!! They do keep seasonal hours so you may want to call or check first.
Bonez
Reservations Optional: CoMex, not TexMex, but still great. This place has a lively atmosphere, fresh CoMex food, and an amazing collection of tequilas and mezcals. In fact, tequila and mezcal are the only spirits they have. Maybe there's beer but with all that tequila who's ordering beer? When ordering food, I go for the crispy beef (not shell) tacos.
Soupcon Restaurant
Reservations Required: If you’re looking to fancy things up a bit, then this is your spot. Soupçon is an amazing French dining experience with a rustic-elegant vibe. It's been in business for 50 years and is tucked away in an ally behind Elk Ave. The entrance is behind Kochevars in the alley. There are only two seatings per night and a total of 28 seats and are only open on specific nights of the week (it changes with the season). Reservations book quickly. You should try it at least once if you can get in.
Magic Meadows Yurt
Reservation Required: This is one I have not yet done but comes highly recommended. During the ski season a small group of people snowshoe or ski up to the yurt for a dinner. I'm told is several courses and is supported by a known chef. I'll update more once I've experienced it myself. The year does book up early in the season (September) so make plans early.
Counter Service Food
Teocalli Tamale
In the mood for some tamales, rice, and beans? This place delivers. I like the spicy pork tamales covered in queso. Always washed down with an Irwin IPA. Good food, counter service, and nothing fancy. If you're hungry, you'll get your fill here.
Butte Bagels
Proper bagels and magnificent sandwiches. It's great for breakfast or lunch but they do sell out so...
Gas Cafe One Stop
If you're just in the mood for a simple grab and go lunch and a sandwich sounds good to you then check out the Gas Cafe One Stop. There is a sandwich counter in the back of the store that will throw together a mountain of meats, cheeses, and other sandwich goodies that will leave you wondering, "should we have just shared".
Drinks
The Dogwood
This is a great place to grab some drinks with friends. They have a wide variety of liquors, mixtures, and tinctures. I don't know how they make most of the drinks they make but I have tried most of them and they are mostly all delicious. The atmosphere is very chill with an indoor/outdoor option that never feels overly crowded. The noise level is perfect so not to interfere with conversation. It is rumored to be a cabin where miners used to live, and some have chosen to stay for good. You may be enjoying drinks with an unwanted visitor at the Dogwood. Ghosts have been known to mess with photos taken in the cabin.
Montanya Distillers
Craft style rums and cocktails. This place is a great place to hang with friends or make new ones. Montana rum is handcrafted mountain rum made from sustainably sourced ingredients. White and dark rum distilled and aged in Colorado. They offer rum tastings, craft cocktails, appetizers and desserts. The Tasting Room is first come, first serve so it's a great place to start your evening or finish it up.
Activities and Outfitters
Colorado Adventure Rentals - Snowmobile & ATV Rentals
We rented a couple Razors last summer and took them up Cement Creek. This was so much fun and the kids had a blast. They have a half day (9:00-1:00) or a full day (9:00-5:00) rental option. We did the half and that seemed long enough. CO Adventures has a shop on Elk Ave so popping in and making plans for later in the trip is super easy. No towing or hauling required. Full service experience. In the summer this is a great way to get the whole family off the beaten path and deep into the wilderness high country.
Scenic River Tours
This is a must! Last summer we took the whole family out on the [extended] Upper Tayler River tour and everyone had a fantastic time! We signed up for the extended tour which adds about another hour to the trip. This made the tota time in the raft about 4 hours. That was perfect and the extended tour takes you over some more pretty good rapids [but nothing too serious].
The Alpineer
If it's gear you're looking to buy then the Alpineer is a true outfitter with a quality selection. Especially given its remote CB location. We have come here for many of our gear purchases. The folks there are friendly and helpful.
Christy Sports
When we rent our kid's gear we will come here to do it. They often have a great selection and are cool with making gear swaps if something isn't working just right. Christy's will also offer a 20% discount if you are an Epic Pass holder. They are located conveniently at the base area in the resort. If you reserve your gear early then you can often pick it up the evening before your rental starts so that you can grab that first chair!
Supplies & Essentials
Clark's Market
This is our town's grocery store. It was recently renovated and updated. You can expect to find everything you need and most everything you want at Clark's. Please keep in mind that Crested Butte is a remote mountain town and deliveries and restocks happen infrequently compared to larger metropolitan areas. That said, our little market will, at times, show her bare shelves when the snow is deep, the holidays are in full swing, and the town is buzzing with visitors and activity.
Mountain Earth Whole Foods
This is a fantastic little (tiny) organic grocer.It has fresh produce, much of which is sourced from local growers. It has a cold case with organic meats, cheeses, yogurt, milk, etc. There is a small selection of dry goods and kitchen/bath sundries as well. You can also find a great selection of vitamins and natural remedies on aisle 3 (there are 4 aisles).
Crested Butte Ace Hardware General Store
If you've ever wanted to know what 10 pounds of potatoes in a 5 pound bag looks like from the inside then I urge you to visit the town's general store (Ace). These are super folks here and they’ve got what you need. If they don’t have it, you don’t truly need it. Secret: on Tuesdays and Thursdays they sell hamburgers from one of the fanciest restaurants in town… right next to the corn dogs.
Critical Services
Medical | Fire | Police -- Dial 911
Hospitals and Doctors
Gunnison Valley Health - ✚ Emergency Room
- 12 Snowmass Rd., Axtel 100, Mount Crested Butte, CO 81225 | 970-349-0321
- 711 N. Taylor St., Gunnison, CO 81230 | 970-641-1456
- 24 hours number - 970-964-8172
- 433 Sixth St., Crested Butte, CO 81224 | 970-349-5103
- 104 W Ruby Ave., Gunnison, CO 81230 | 970-641-8899
Crested Butte Medical Center - The Town Clinic
- 214 Sixth St. #1, Crested Butte, CO 81224 | 970-349-6749
- 405 Elk Ave., Crested Butte, CO 81224 | 970-349-1046
- 112 W. Spencer Ave., Gunnison, CO 81230 | 970-641-6788
Town and Country Animal Hospital
- 1525 Colorado 135 Gunnison, CO 81230 | 970-641-22215
The Animal Hospital of Crested Butte
- 427 Red Lady Ave., Crested Butte, CO 81224 | 970-349-1700