15 Famous Colorado Foods To Eat on Vacation

What are the famous foods Colorado is known for? Colorado food specialties include everything from unique fruits and vegetables to one of the most exotic traditional dishes in the United States.

Colorado cuisine has been influenced by its local ingredients, its unique history, and its neighboring states, especially New Mexico. I can tell you, eating in Colorado is a lot different than eating where I come from just two states away.

The Centennial State has some amazing foodie destinations with a thriving restaurant scene and trendy food trucks. However, their craft breweries seem to be more well known than their famous Colorado foods.

Perhaps it’s because Denver hosts the Great American Beer Festival and Golden is home to the biggest brewery in the U.S. Or perhaps Americans just love Colorado beer. Whatever the reason, Colorado’s food should not be overlooked.

So, if you’re after the Colorado famous foods to eat on your vacation and some of the best places to try them, I’m here to help!

Rocky Mountain Oysters

What food is Colorado most famous for? The number one most famous food in Colorado is Rocky Mountain Oysters. Somewhat of an acquired taste, this is the “exotic” dish I alluded to earlier.

Sometimes called prairie oysters, cowboy caviar, swinging beef, or meat balls, these oysters have nothing to do with seafood. Except maybe that they sometimes come with a side of cocktail sauce.

Made from bull or bison testicles, this Colorado delicacy is most often offered as an appetizer. Rocky Mountain Oysters can be sautéed, baked, grilled, or broiled, but the best way to try them for the first time is fried. Perhaps to disguise the iconic Colorado food, they are usually sliced and pounded (ouch) before battered.

Do they taste like chicken? Not really. Some people think this quintessential Colorado dish tastes like venison or calamari, but I think you should let your own taste buds decide.

The most famous Colorado food, Rocky Mountain Oysters

Try Rocky Mountain Oysters here:

Coor’s Field: Stand 144, Denver, CO
Bruce’s Bar: 123 1st Street, Severance, CO 80550

Pueblo Chiles

This famous food ONLY grows in Pueblo, a city in southern Colorado about 45 minutes from Colorado Springs. Pueblo chile peppers are so beloved, the region celebrates them each year in September with an annual festival—a great place to experiment with the pride of Pueblo. Booths sell chiles every way imaginable—from simple cheese and green chile wraps to chile ice creams and beers.

Restaurants have almost as many ways of serving this famous food from Colorado, but some of the best ways to eat them are the most traditional. Try roasted peppers for an appetizer at Happy Hour, or Chile Relleno for a great lunch or dinner.

In general, Chile peppers differ from bell peppers in shape and spice level. All chiles do not burn your mouth. The heat of Pueblos approximates a mild jalapeño. But it never hurts to have a Colorado craft beer nearby.

Pueblo Green Chiles, one of the famous Colorado foods

Try Pueblo Chiles here:

Pueblo Chile Festival: Union Avenue, Historic Downtown Pueblo
Gray’s Coors Tavern: 515 West 4th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003

Green Chili

Let’s start with some clarification: chile vs. chili vs. Chile. The vegetable, like the Pueblo, is a chile. The sauce, soup, or stew is chili. And the South American country is Chile. But in New Mexican cuisine, chilis are called chiles. Now that that’s out of the way . . .

Similar to chili in New Mexico, green chili sauce can be without meat, but green chili stew or soup usually has pork. Most often, Colorado-style Green Chili refers to something resembling Mexican chili verde, a pork stew.

Green chiles, tomatillos, and pork are simmered for hours to tenderize the meat and boil off the excess water. It’s a perfect dinner for cold nights. If the stew appears brown instead of green, do not be alarmed, it’s because the peppers were roasted. Yum!

Pork Green Chili at Chautauqua Dining Hall in Boulder, CO

Try Colorado-Style Green Chili here:

King's Chef Diner: 131 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Chautauqua Dining Hall: 900 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80302

Colorado Bison

Even though when I was a chef for The Rock, Dwayne Johnson, I cooked him bison burgers hundreds of times, the majority of the bison I have eaten has been in Colorado. In addition to burgers, it can be found in the form of bison steaks, bison jerky, bison pastrami, chili, jerky—the list goes on.

Colorado bison tastes similar to beef, but it has a more delicate flavor with a slightly grainier texture. It is not gamey, and if you like beef, you’ll probably like bison. The Bison Council promotes this Colorado staple as a healthy alternative to beef since the fat content of bison can be as much as 25% lower.

Colorado bison is one of the most popular menu items in Colorado.

Try Colorado Bison dishes here:

Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant: 1000 Osage Street, Denver, CO 80204
The Fort: 19192 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465

Mexican Hamburger

As a Californian and someone who has travelled to Mexico many times, I adore Mexican cuisine and am quite familiar with it. Yet, I’ve never encountered a Mexican hamburger quite like the one invented at Joe’s Buffet in Denver.

Although Joe’s has long shuttered its doors, the legendary burger lives on. In fact, most Mexican restaurants in Denver serve a version of this Colorado famous food.

The original recipe simply combined refried beans with a grilled burger patty, smothered in pork green chili, and stuffed into a large flour tortilla. Don’t be surprised if it comes with rice and beans instead of french fries.

Try Mexican Hamburgers here:

El Noa Noa: 722 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204

Rocky Mountain Trout

Many species of trout swim about in the fresh water lakes and streams of the Rocky Mountains. Surprisingly, most of the common species, like rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, and brook trout, were introduced to the area in the late 1800s. On the other hand, the cutthroat trout boast native status and the greenback cutthroat reigns as state fish.

But how does Colorado trout taste? Delicious! When fresh, Rocky Mountain trout melts in your mouth. With the fishes’ mild, light, flaky meat, chefs prepare them a variety of ways to highlight their natural flavors. One of our favorite restaurants in Boulder drenches it in brown butter—mmm, butter.

Rocky Mountain Trout, a Colorado specialty

Try Colorado Mountain Trout here:

Spruce Farm & Fish: 2115 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302

Colorado Lamb

The majority of American lamb hails from Colorado, where the animals feed on grain and finish on grass. For this reason, Colorado lamb tends to be larger and taste less gamey than Australian or New Zealand lamb.

When I attended cooking school, my instructor told us Colorado lamb ranks as the top-tasting lamb in the world—and I agree! So, Colorado is clearly the perfect place for lamb lovers like me!

When dining at Colorado restaurants, I scour the menu for lamb chops and the like. If a lamb dish is listed, it’s usually ordered. If you think you don’t like lamb, I urge you to try it again, but make sure it’s from Colorado!

Colorado lamb, the best lamb in the world!

Try Colorado Lamb here:

Stoke & Rye: 126 Riverfront Lane, Avon, CO 81620
Flagstaff House: 1138 Flagstaff Mountain Road, Boulder, CO 80302

Colorado Beef

Beef is one of Colorado’s top agricultural exports. Looking at Colorado restaurant menus, it’s evident that in-state consumption isn’t too shabby either. Beef abounds in every cut: filet mignon, prime rib, and Denver steak to name a few. Yep, “Denver” refers to a particular marbled cut of beef, not a preparation.

We found the ideal place to taste different cuts and agings at a Denver restaurant near Union Station. The feast included five 5-oz. portions for the two of us. Seriously, two more people could have joined us and no one would have left hungry.

It’s probably no surprise that incredible Colorado beef is served at the wonderful Colorado dude ranch, Vista Verde, outside of Steamboat Springs. We had some wonderful preparations while we were there, and a bunch of other delicious Colorado foods as well.

Meat lovers will especially enjoy the enormous Tomahawk steaks that are popular at some of the best restaurants in Colorado. Prepared similarly to the mouthwatering Florentine Steak in Tuscany with herbs and olive oil, sometimes it will be set on fire for a dramatic table-side show.

Try Colorado Beef Steak here:

Corrida: 1023 Walnut Street, Suite 400, Boulder, CO 80302
Urban Farmer: 1659 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202
Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar: 1999 Chestnut Place, Denver, CO 80202

Denver Omelet

The most famous breakfast food in Colorado is unquestionably the Denver Omelet. Diners in all parts of the country list this American classic on breakfast menus. So if you’ve never had one, don’t worry about finding a great spot in Denver to eat one unless that’s your only stop in the U.S.

The history behind the Denver Omelet is a little blurry. Most food historians agree that it actually started out as an easily transportable sandwich for rail workers and ranchers and evolved into an omelet. Conversely, the Denver Omelet plaque in historic downtown Denver states it was created to mask the flavor of stale eggs.

The omelet consists of eggs, bell peppers, onions, and ham. The addition of cheese is up for debate. Even the name varies—a Western Omelet is the same thing, and so of course is a Denver Omelette!

The famous Colorado breakfast food, Denver Omelet

Try a Denver Omelet here:

Sam's No. 3 Downtown: 1500 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202

Colorado-Style Pizza

Idaho Springs, once the center of the Colorado Gold Rush, may be even more famous as the birthplace of Colorado-Style Pizza, also known as Mountain Pie. You might say the Colorado Mountain Pie’s creator, Chris Bair, struck gold when he invented this unique pizza at his small pizzeria, Beau Jo’s. He now operates six Beau Jo locations throughout Colorado!

What makes this Colorado specialty so special? The crust! The crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside dough contains honey. But that’s not all. The outer crust is rolled into what looks like a big braid that runs around the circumference of the pie. This crust keeps the truckload of toppings in place while adding to the texture, taste, and presentation. Of course, the thick layer of cheese doesn’t hurt either.

Don’t go looking for Mountain Pie at your local Italian restaurant. While New York pizza and Chicago deep-dish pizza have nationwide reputations and outlets, Colorado-style pizza—like Washington, D.C.’s jumbo slice—cannot be found outside of its natural surroundings.

Try Colorado-Style Pizza here:

Beau Jo’s: 1517 Miner Street, Idaho Springs, CO 80452

In addition to the original Beau Jo’s, there are 5 other locations: Fort Collins, Arvada, Steamboat Springs, Evergreen, and Lone Tree.

If you make it to Steamboat Springs, read: Happy Hour in Steamboat Springs

Palisade Peaches

Legend has it that in 1882, the first peach tree was planted in the Western slope town of Palisade, Colorado, about 15 miles east of Grand Junction. Turns out this area has the perfect microclimate to produce some of the best peaches you’ll ever sink your teeth into.

Big, juicy, and oh so sweet, these peaches are proof that some of the best food in Colorado needs no preparation at all!

The best time to buy fresh Palisade Peaches is late June through September. Since the Palisades Farmers Market has closed, local farmers sell the peaches at the farmers market in Grand Junction when in season.

If you miss the season, track down some preserves in a local shop, or find a restaurant that cooks with them. We loved a pork belly and Palisade Peaches dish we had at the Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant.

Try Palisade Peaches here:

Grand Junction Farmers Market
Palisade Peach Festival

Olathe Sweet Corn

In the Uncompahgre Valley in western Colorado, there’s no doubt that the best corn in America is Olathe Sweet Corn—just ask anyone there! The bordering San Juan Mountains create the climate and conditions that are necessary to create this super sweet corn.

The season runs from mid July through the end of August, and that’s the best time to find this corn in markets. With its yellow and white speckles, Olathe Sweet Corn doesn’t make you choose between white and yellow corn. When selecting, pick firm ears encased in fresh green leaves.

The corn is so revered, many restaurants will even call it out by name on their menu. Chefs snatch it up and make everything from side dishes to esquites (a Mexican street food) to corn fritter to ice cream. In August, the Olathe sweet corn festival takes over the small town of Olathe with live music and more creative uses for corn.

Esquites prepared with Olathe Sweet Corn

Try Olathe Sweet Corn here:

Olathe Sweet Corn Festival

Rocky Ford Melons

In the southeastern Colorado town of Rocky Ford, melon harvest extends from early July through September. Melons of different shapes, sizes, and colors all benefit from the unique climate of this Arkansas Valley location.

The hot dry days alternate with cool nights to develop melons high in natural sugars. That means extraordinarily sweet fruit. The standout stars of every season are watermelons and the even more famous Rocky Ford cantaloupes. Some of these juicy cantaloupes have been reported to reach up to 15% sugar, enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Whether you want a Rocky Ford cantaloupe or watermelon, or both, test for a good one by thumping it. This is not a myth. You want one that sounds solid. If it sounds hollow, pass.

Try Rocky Ford Melons here:

Knapp’s Farm Market: 29742 CO-71, Rocky Ford, CO 81067
Arkansas Valley State Fair: 800 North 9th Street, Rocky Ford, CO 81067

Fool’s Gold Sandwich

The Fool’s Gold is the famous sandwich Elvis flew to Denver for. The Colorado Mine Company served a gargantuan reinterpretation of the American classic PB&J. At $49.95, it fed from 1 to 8 people.

The recipe: Take a hollowed-out loaf of fresh sourdough bread, slice lengthwise, slather it in margarine, and toast it. Fill the bread with a jar of peanut butter, a jar of blueberry jam, and a pound of bacon.

According to Nick Andurlakis, the waiter who served Elvis the first time he tried the sandwich, the music legend ended up eating three! Andurlakis later went on to open Nick’s Cafe, where he put the Fool’s Gold Sandwich on the menu. It would still be on the menu today if the restaurant hadn’t closed in early 2022.

Boulder Canyon Chips

Boulder Canyon Chips are one of the most popular foods from Colorado. Ironically, I had my first Boulder Chips at a brewery in Albuquerque.

The tasty tater treats are a product of the chip-loving Maggio brothers’ quest to create a healthier snack just as pleasing as potato chips. They succeeded by using healthier oils like avocado and olive oil, and producing chips in small kettle batches with only natural ingredients.

Based in Boulder, some of the company’s now 30 flavors can be found not just in food shops on Pearl Street but in grocery stores throughout Colorado and beyond.

One of the best places to find famous foods from Colorado, Peppercorns in Boulder

Try Boulder Canyon Chips here:

Peppercorn: 1235 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302

Finding these 15 Famous Colorado Foods

Want to find these Colorado famous foods? Above, I’ve listed great, reliable spots that I know are winners, but they are by no means the ONLY places to find these delicious items.

For example, almost any steak house in Colorado will at least have beef and bison on the menu. That’s literally thousands of restaurants in Colorado. Sadly, I have not tried anywhere near that many!

If you find an excellent restaurant for Colorado’s specialties, I’d love to hear about it below!

By the way, if you’re wondering if there is an official Colorado state food, the answer is no. However, Coloradans do have a state drink called “The Snowball,” which is vodka, Fresca, and lime juice. Have you ever had one? If so, do tell.