The Uncompahgre River beside the lawn, with the Riverwalk footbridge and the peaks

Eat

  • Slices of smoked brisket with a dark crust

    The Smokehouse at Ouray Riverside Resort

    Dinner, $$

    Opened in 2023. Brisket smoked about 12 hours, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet in winter. Off-season hours vary.

    1700 Main, about 10 minutes on foot (the closest)

    WebsiteGoogle Maps

  • Tubs of ice cream with handwritten flavor labels in a glass case

    Ouray Ice House

    Coffee, $

    Coffee, crepes, bagels, mini donuts and Third Bowl ice cream since 2023. Closed Tuesdays.

    225 7th Ave

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  • Trays of truffles and chocolates in Mouse's glass case

    Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee

    Sweets, coffee, $

    Handmade chocolates and coffee roasted in-house. Closed Wed and Thu.

    520 Main

    WebsiteGoogle Maps

  • An açaí bowl topped with strawberries, banana and granola

    Marmots Acai

    Açaí bowls

    Brazilian açaí bowls made to order, with other bases too, including coconut, ube and mango. Open 10 am to 4 pm; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

    460 Main

    WebsiteGoogle Maps

  • Kami's Samis

    Breakfast and lunch, $$

    Counter service, open every day 6:30 am to 2 pm. Ricotta-stuffed French toast, plus gluten-free and vegan options.

    636 Main

    WebsiteGoogle Maps

  • Maggie's Kitchen

    Lunch and dinner, $ to $$

    Burgers, elk included, with a condiment bar.

    703 Main

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  • The red Ouray Brewery building and its rooftop patio on Main Street

    Ouray Brewery

    Beer, $$

    Brewing since 2009, with a rooftop. Closed Wednesdays; it often closes by 7 pm.

    607 Main

    WebsiteGoogle Maps

  • Brickhouse 737

    Dinner, $$$

    Contemporary American food, same owners since 2016. 5 to 9 nightly; reservations by phone at 970-325-7236.

    737 Main

    WebsiteGoogle Maps

  • The brick front of the Outlaw Restaurant with its green awnings

    The Outlaw Restaurant

    Steakhouse, $$ to $$$

    The sign out front went up in 1968, and the restaurant says John Wayne left his hat at the bar. Live piano.

    610 Main

    WebsiteGoogle Maps

  • The brick front of the 1898 St. Elmo Hotel

    St. Elmo Tavern

    Dinner, $$

    The old Bon Ton, renamed by new owners in 2025, in the 1898 St. Elmo Hotel. Tavern food and Italian dishes.

    426 Main

    WebsiteGoogle Maps

  • Thai Chili

    Lunch and dinner, $$

    Thai food with a rooftop patio.

    740 Main

    WebsiteGoogle Maps

  • Goldbelt Bar & Grill

    Lunch and dinner, $$

    Pizza dough made daily, plus burgers. The patio has a fire, and dogs are welcome.

    800 Main

    WebsiteGoogle Maps

  • The Tavern

    Lunch and dinner, $$

    New in June 2026, in the old O'Brien's space. Pub food, 11 to 9 daily.

    726 Main

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  • Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery (Ridgway)

    Pizza and beer, $$

    Thin, crisp pizza in a 1915 brick building.

    602 Clinton St, Ridgway

    WebsiteGoogle Maps

  • The wooden front and balcony of the True Grit Cafe in Ridgway

    True Grit Cafe (Ridgway)

    Lunch and dinner, $$

    Opened in 1985 as a tribute to the 1969 film shot in the area. Chicken-fried steak. Closed Wednesdays.

    123 N Lena St, Ridgway

    WebsiteGoogle Maps

Photo credits