Golden, Colorado is a historic mountain town full of Wild Wild West charm. It’s home to tons of outdoor adventure and recreation, particularly white rock climbing, water rafting, hiking and fishing; Coors Brewery, the largest single sit brewery in the world; and right down the road is the famous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater. Guests are welcomed to town by an old-fashioned wooden arch over Washington Street exclaiming “Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden,” and that warm, small-town hospitality can be felt throughout town.
Here’s where to eat and drink when visiting Golden.
This vibrant spot offers guests sunny Santa Fe decor and Southwestern cuisine within Table Mountain Inn, an adobe-style boutique hotel that features mountain views, alongside spirited western decor. This restaurant offers brunch, lunch and dinner and is known for their range of Southwestern dishes; famous Mesa Bloody Mary; and a worthwhile happy hour.
The brunch menu is extensive, offerings hearty plates that include Chicken n’ Biscuits with House-Made Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits, Santa Fe hot chicken and pork green chili and poached eggs; Huevos Rancheros with local chorizo and the works; Carnitas Hash with a mix of sweet potatoes, kale and bell peppers; and more. Also on the menu is a selection of omelets and loaded Benedicts like the soft shell crab Benedict with Cholula hollandaise.
Table Mountain Grill & Cantina has a wide variety of lunch and dinner options with starters that include table-side flaming asadero cheese; rock shrimp ceviche; charred octopus and more. The selection of Southwest entrees is impressive, ranging from a 14 oz. Yucatan ribeye with sweet corn fritter to a crusted the Rocky Mountain ruby trout. It also has a section of Cantina Favorites that include enchiladas, tacos, rellenos, and burritos.
They also have a selection of sandwiches and burgers with standouts being the Pork Belly and Pimento Burger; the House Smoked Brisket Sandwich; and the Cubano.
Fun fact? Golden brews more beer than anywhere else in the world. For those who appreciate how beer is made, Coors Brewery hosts free tours of their factory, showing their beer making process including malting, brewing and packaging. Visitors are also invited to sample Coors in the lounge as they tour the facility.
Coors brewery in Golden, Colorado
In addition, Golden's offers beer aficionados a varied selection craft breweries and cideries including Golden City Brewery, Mountain Toad Brewing, Cannonball Creek Brewing Co., Colorado Plus 49 Cidery & Pub, New Terrain Brewing Co., Bottles and Barrels Brewery and the gluten-free brewery Holidaily.
For those who prefer a refreshing apéritif, check out atōst, a winery and brand creating farm-to-bottle, white wine-wine based spirits to be enjoyed over ice or with tonic. Enjoy an intimate cocktail in their tasting room.
Old Capital Grill is a fine dining restaurant serving American fare in Colorado territory’s first government building. Golden became the capital of the Colorado Territory in 1862 and this building was its first capitol. It was constructed by William A.H. Loveland, a man who was quintessential to Golden’s history.
Come hungry, as these portions and dishes are not for the faint of heart. Starters include fried pickles; smokehouse nachos with your choice of brisket or pulled pork; and a loaded pork tenderloin burrito smothered in Miner’s spicy post green chili. They offer a large selection of USDA Prime burgers like that bison burger with white cheddar and caramelized onions and the guacamole burger with angus beef.
Old Capitol Grill is most known for their signature smoke house meats that include pulled pork, brisket, and baby back ribs. Finish off the meal with a decadent, berry-top cheesecake.