At almost 9000 feet in elevation, on a Colorado State Highway that is only 114 miles long, winding through the San Juan Mountain range, you find Creede and Mineral County. With approximately 850 year-round residents and during summer months, a couple thousand, Creede caters to our many visitors with over 17 local restaurants. Those restaurants depend on the expertise of over 15 chefs. You would never expect it.
The restaurants can be found in many places including Creede proper. Let’s start with the historic Creede Hotel. The hotel boasts a history reaching back to the days of the mining boom! Decorated with pictures and items from the days of old, the restaurant provides food and services from their bed & breakfast lodging option to a flat iron steak dinner that will melt you out of your boots. Occasionally, the restaurant owner (and chef) orders sublime delicacies that can be hard to come by in this stretch of the woods. Stop in to treat yourself to a mountain life dinner and enjoy the history surrounding you. The Creede Hotel owner and chef is one of the most successful restaurateurs in the area.
We have a variety of restaurants that vary greatly in cuisine type and ambiance. Muffins and good company with coffee describes the tastes and mood at the corner of Wall Street and Main at Café Ole. Stop in for your muffin, cookies or dine for lunch on the tasty sandwiches, soups and salads. Experience one of the newer eateries on Main Street Creede, Arp’s. Arp’s is named after John Arp; actor, chef, owner. The passion you have seen John display on stage is as evident in his restaurant offerings. Joining the fight with many other Creede-ites, Arp’s is a year-round restaurant offering tastes from across the nation such as the Po’Boy, Chicken And Waffles and Cajun Gumbo. Domestic and international comfort food is their self-described menu.
Just down and around the corner, visit the Tommyknocker Tavern. First, if you don't already know, ask them to explain exactly, “what is a tommyknocker?”. Then if it’s Tuesday ask for their smoked rib special including their special recipe barbeque sauce! Every other day try one of their many sandwiches all made with meats smoked in house as well. You will not be disappointed as their doors are open 365 days a year. Take in the atmosphere inside with the leather walls and 100 year old flooring, or grab your drink and head outside to enjoy the mountainside views from their covered deck. The food is fabulous, the service rocks and if you’re into the nightlife, this is your place.
Another restaurant favorite is Kip’s Grill, offering Baja style tacos, fresh salads, fresh squeezed fruit drinks and an unrivaled view from the Sky Lounge. Live music to charm your afternoon meal is available most days of the summer and winter brings pizza, steak and a menagerie of dining and drink specials for holidays or, well, just because.
The neighborhood café, Mj’s Café, family owned and operated and open the year around, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Break your fast with the favorite, Wilbur Special; it will settle your cravings and get you ready for your day. Whether it is a day out hiking the trails or a late morning nap, this meal will fit your agenda. Also, keep in mind their Saturday night steaks! Mj’s has daily specials along with their regular menu; both will keep you coming back for more!
Looking for a Mexican cuisine fix? Step into the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of Cascada Bar and Grill. The wall-side water fall will sooth you to your soul while you feast on the guacamole, salsa and chips. But make sure to leave room for the main meal: tacos, burritos, ensaladas and more for most every palate! The outside seating is comfortable and covered for your afternoon toddy and appetizer.
Want a little more ranch style or even just more mountainous dining options? Creede and Mineral County have them. Take in Antler's Lodge and Riverside Restaurant for your dinner delights. Antler's lies alongside the Rio Grande about 5 miles southwest of Creede. They offer a fine dining option with reasonable pricing in one of the most beautiful settings you will find. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary delight and your other senses for an experience you’ll want to come back for.
Antler’s isn’t the only outlying restaurant worth mentioning! Being outside of the city brings the ambiance before the food even hits the table with views of the river, creeks, and jagged cliffs. How about the restaurant at Cottonwood Cove with their home style chicken fried steak? The Cove offers a special log cabin atmosphere with comfortable seating and friendly faces. You will find the Cove between South Fork and Creede, right on the highway with easy access. About a mile or so away you find the Blue Creek Lodge and Restaurant. Blue Creek Lodge is a family run business which offers scrumptious steaks, fried chicken and their pies are beyond compare. Stop in here for a blast from the past by visiting the John Wayne room while you wait to be seated.
If you haven’t been told of Freemon’s General Store, you are talking to the wrong people. Freemon’s, about 18 miles southwest of Creede, offers lunch and dinner options to dine in or out. Ask, just about anyone, where to get a good burger and one of the top answers will be “Freemon’s”. They have a small menu and a hassle-free service which allows them to concentrate on what they do great, burgers! Freemon’s is a great pit stop on your way to or from the Rio Grande Reservoir, the water falls or many of the other recreational areas between Creede and Lake City. As the name implies they have more than just great burgers with a small general store carrying supplies for snacks, fishing, hunting, jewelry and hand dipped ice cream.
Feel the need to step up your vacation? Broadacres Ranch and the nationally known 4UR Ranch offer all-inclusive options, with top chefs providing their meals. Let yourself be enchanted by these “ranches with style”! Broadacres can be found about 4 miles southwest of Creede. Next to the Rio Grande, it offers private fishing right from the ranch and made to order 4 course dinners and an alluring breakfast to start your day off. 4UR Ranch is a hidden treasure that can be found on Goose Creek about 8 miles southeast of Creede. With a wild history, the 4UR has been recreated as a top of the line guest ranch that offers its visitors a dining experience not to be rivaled in the area. With numerous chefs showing their expertise of their specific culinary art, the steaks are sublime, the salads are joined with freshly harvested vegetables and the desserts are an exquisite course you will not want to miss.
So that’s it. Just when you thought all the reasons to visit Creede were exhausted, you just found more. Each restaurant has its food forte but it is always complimented by the scenery, the service, or the location. More restaurant options can be found on page……..
