Now that the weather is warming up and the summer season is nearly in full swing, these outdoor dining spots around Steamboat Springs are sure to be your new favorite hangout. Enjoy cocktails on the rooftop patio or dinner by the Yampa River.
Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails
Image credit: Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails
Where? 127 11th Street
Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails is open daily at 4:30 PM and serves happy hour from opening to 5:30 PM. Happy hour bites range from fried chicken, shoestring fries, and calamari, and tacos are priced at $5 each or 3 for $12. The dinner menu features a selection of small plates, like the beef brisket with charred onions and a sunny side egg, surf-n-turf with pork belly, and spicy tuna and bison steak tips. Larger plates include fried chicken with house pickles, smoked stripling with Greek relish, and a pork ribeye served with crispy brussels sprouts.
Sample Laundry original cocktails, such as the Fiery Margarita with an infused tequila and a cilantro-lemongrass simple syrup or the Solstice Sour with a cinnamon rosemary bourbon. Wine can be ordered by the glass or bottle, featuring a robust list of whites, reds, rosé, and champagne. Enjoy your drinks outside by the river while you choose from an array of small plates in this tapas-style dining atmosphere.
Creekside Cafe & Grill
Image credit: Creekside
Where? 131 11th Street
Creekside Cafe boasts friendly service and breakfast and lunch options served all day. The cafe and grill works with local agriculture partners, ensuring that diners get to enjoy the flavors of the freshest ingredients, including farm-fresh eggs. The patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a mimosa or an award-winning Bloody Mary while you enjoy the beautiful garden on Soda Creek. The menu features brunch favorites, such as traditional eggs Benedict, or a twist on the classic, such as the “Cowboy Downhill” with smoked beef brisket and pickled jalapeños.
Pair your meal with a beverage from the coffee bar, with options such as an Americano, a hazelnut latte, or even a dirty chai. Mimosas can be ordered with a customized selection of juices, such as pineapple juice, strawberry lemonade, and of course — the classic orange juice. The Bloody Marys are made with Mythology Vodka and you won’t want to skip the Award-Winning House variation made with a secret blend. Want to skip the alcohol but still sip on something tasty? Try something from the mocktail menu, such as the Rosemary’s Baby with lemon, cranberry, lavender, and rosemary.
Back Door Grill
Where? 825 Oak Street
The Steamboat Springs Back Door Grill location was voted as the best burger in 2023 by Restaurant Guru — so you won’t want to miss an outdoor dining experience here next time a craving strikes. Using all-natural Colorado never-frozen beef and non-GMO bread and cheeses, you can be sure about the top-quality meal being placed in front of you. Order from the “Old School Burgers” section of the menu, featuring all the classics like a double cheeseburger or a bison burger served on a potato bun. The New School Burgers kick things up a notch, such as the Dirty Harry with peanut butter, a fried egg, bacon, and hash browns served on a glazed donut.
“Send it” with a selection of desserts, including a cookie brownie sundae or funnel cake fries served with hot fudge. Be sure to inquire with your server about secret menu items! Happy hour runs from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM daily and deals include $2 off all drafts, $5 well cocktails and $5 house wines. Grab two fish tacos for $7 or “Da Kine” Wings for $8 for a half dozen tossed in your choice of sauce.
Salt & Lime
Where? 628 Lincoln Avenue
Salt & Lime features an outdoor rooftop patio space, where diners can enjoy classic bites and their favorite beverages — such as beer, cocktails, and tequila! Begin your experience with an order of chips and salsa or opt for the loaded guac with charro beans, queso fresco, and crispy bacon! The queso fundido is a must-try, with options ranging from bison and chorizo and even veggie and frijoles. Salt & Lime’s specialties include steak ranchero, tacos de birria, and quesadilla barbacoa. The menu also includes tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and a customizable Durango bowl.
The margarita menu is extensive, with flavor profiles for every palate. Want something spicy? Try the Caliente! Want something fruity? The Frutilla is mixed with crushed strawberries and pineapple. Want to keep it classic? The Original mixes Dulce Vida Blanco with orange liqueur and lime. Other tequila-based mixed drinks include Palomas, Mexican mules, and even an Oaxacan old fashioned with a reposado tequila.
Mountain Tap Brewery
Where? 910 Yampa Street #103
Mountain Tap Brewery is truly just a stone’s skip away from the Yampa River, making it a great spot to enjoy a drink and enjoy the elements. Breathe in the mountain air and refresh yourself with innovative brews at Mountain Tap after a day spent hiking, biking, climbing, fishing, or whatever recreational activity you enjoy most! You won’t leave hungry, either. The brewery’s menu features hummus, beer cheese dip, and a hearty sausage platter, as well as salads and a selection of pizzas. Enjoy a Neapolitan-style wood-fired pie such as the classic Margherita or the Fig ‘n Pig with whipped fig jam ricotta, pancetta, gorgonzola, and fresh arugula.
You can take beer to go in a resealable aluminum crowler, a grass growler, or a 32-ounce jug. Current brews include the Prickly Pedal, Chasing Sunset, and Locals’ Lager which is a German-style pilsner. Mountain Momma is bright and tropical with hibiscus notes and the Mountain Macaroon is nutty, with lightly toasted coconut and chocolate malt flavors.
Mambo Italiano
Where? 521 Lincoln Avenue
Nestled in downtown Steamboat Springs, Mambo Italiano is known for its bustling atmosphere. The outdoor patio is the perfect spot to people-watch and enjoy sophisticated small plates while sipping on a glass of red or enjoying a summertime cocktail. Enjoy a plate of pasta, such as the beloved spaghetti and meatballs or the calamari arrabbiata with squid ink linguine. Entrees include eggplant parmigiana, half-roasted chicken marsala, and a glazed beef short rib with creamy polenta and broccolini.
If you’re looking to imbibe, order a Mambo specialty cocktail like The Venetian Spritz with Prosecco or the Pear Mule with Breckenridge Pear Vodka and fruit puree. The Negroni has pleasing bitter notes and the Caffè e Crema Martini is sweet enough for a dessert.
Taco Cabo
Where? 729 Yampa Street
Enjoy the sounds of the Yampa River while sitting on the deck at Taco Cabo. The Mexican-fusion menu features quesadillas such as pollo asada, carnitas, shrimp, and chili Colorado and patrons can build their own tacos with options ranging from pork belly, Cabo cheese steak, pollo tinga, and pescado. Keep it simple with an order of the nachos and a cold drink or enjoy happy hour on the river with discounted shots and beer. House-baked organic sourdough bread is available daily, such as baguettes, country loaves, and buttermilk biscuits.
Sip on a mezcal margarita or enjoy a mojito or two while you sit back and relax with friends. Additional cocktails include mimosas, screwdrivers, mezcal mules, and the Cabo Fog with Corona and a shot of tequila and lime juice. Rum and coke, gin and tonic, and Jameson and ginger are popular combos that are served up under the “Elixers” menu.
Aurum Food & Wine
Where? 811 Yampa Street
Looking for the best riverfront dining experience in Steamboat Springs? Aurum Food & Wine is serving up American cuisine in a refined but relaxed atmosphere and many diners opt to enjoy the riverfront outdoor dining or the outdoor rooftop patio dining. The bar is large and well stocked and there is spacious dining room and deck seating. Start with the Latin street tacos or the duck wings or order a couple of shared plates, such as the grilled artichoke or the elk & beef empanadas. Mains include shrimp and grits, braised short ribs, and a vegan and gluten-free cauliflower steak.
Signature cocktails at Aurum feature the “As You Wish” with Empress 1908 Gin and an Aperol Spritz with Prosecco and a splash of soda. The Space Cheetah combines tequila, green chartreuse, lemon, lime, and a couple of dashes of orange bitters. The classics are served under the “Preserving the Past” section of the menu and include all-time favorites like the gold rush, lemon drop, sangria, and margarita.
Sunpie’s Bistro
Where? 735 Yampa Street
This Louisiana-themed bistro is designed to transport diners to Bourbon Street – nearly 1,500 miles away! Between the eclectic decor and the outdoor beer garden, you’ll be standing next to the mighty Yampa River while enjoying jazz music and the famous hurricane cocktails that are beloved in New Orleans. The menu includes fried okra, hush puppies, Cajun fried shrimp baskets, po’ boys and even a turkey grinder that hits the spot after a long day enjoying all that Steamboat Springs has to offer.
Learn about the history behind the hurricane cocktail, which is known to be dangerously delicious! To combat this, Sunpie’s limits these cocktails to 2 per person. Sip on domestic brews or imported beers or enjoy a selection from Abita Brewing Co. and Storm Peak Brewery. Other beverages include seltzers, hard cider, and Cutwater canned cocktails.
E3 Chophouse
Image credit: E3 Chophouse Steamboat Springs
Where? 701 Yampa Street
Snag reservations for an evening to remember at Steamboat’s E3 Chophouse. First opened in 2013, this restaurant is still committed to serving all-natural beef and is dedicated to raising hormone-free, steroid-free, and antibiotic-free Black Angus cattle. The restaurant has an expansive indoor dining room, as well as outdoor dining options for those who want to enjoy the fresh air and a beautiful view of the river.
Menu highlights include dry-aged pork chops, filet mignon, lobster tail, and a half chicken served with buttered vegetables and herbed potatoes. Prime your palate with starters such as bacon-wrapped dates, Maryland crab cakes, or a charcuterie boat with cured meats, artisan cheeses, and candied nuts. Build your own perfect plate with your desired cut of beef and sides like the truffle mac and cheese, the creamed corn brûlée, or the whipped potatoes.
Table 79 Foodbar
Where? 345 Lincoln Avenue
Table 79 is open Wednesdays through Sundays beginning at 4:30 PM. Known for their handcrafted cocktails and elevated comfort food, you won’t want to miss out on the portobello fries, the tuna poke, or the Colorado lamb meatballs with a Sicilian pesto. Diners can choose from small plates and mains, with diverse choices like pork carnitas tacos, short rib bao buns, tomato red curry, and confit duck leg risotto.
Swing by for a happy hour or enjoy an outdoor dining experience that’s both romantic and relaxing. Sample the in-house crafted cocktails that feature flavor profiles that are both cutting edge and yet still classically delicious. The La Pijama del Gato combines jalapeno-infused tequila with mezcal, turmeric, vanilla, and honey and the thin mint martini is fit for dessert, with peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, and a chocolate ganache cream.
Yampa River Icehouse
Where? 751 Yampa Street
Yampa River Icehouse is nestled by the river, with a great view and even better drinks. The Icehouse just recently reopened on May 10th for the summer season, so be sure to swing by and sip on an ice cold drink and enjoy “River Snacks” such as smokehouse wings, buckin’ tacos, chopped brisket Texas chili, and Frito pie. Lighter fare includes salad options, like Caesar, wedge, and even a BLT rendition. Of course, there are plenty of burgers to choose from and mouthwatering Texas-style BBQ options such as baby back ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and even pork belly burnt ends.
Pair your meal with a specialty cocktail, like the spicy margarita with jalapeño-infused agave tequila or an Icehouse ranch water with Topo Chico and citrus. The Most Handsome Man at the Party mixes chamomile-infused bourbon with an array of spirits and bitters to craft something truly one-of-a-kind and delicious. There are mocktail options, as well as draft and bottled beer and a selection of whites and reds.
Dive into the Al Fresco Scene in Steamboat Springs!
The team at The Group loves outdoor dining just as much as you do, which is why we compiled this list of all the best spots to enjoy the beautiful weather around Steamboat Springs. Whether you’re just visiting town or you call the city home — supporting local businesses and restaurants is integral to the local economy and is a great way to experience quality food and drink.