As the mother of a very spirited 3 year old, I know only too well how difficult it can be to find a kid friendly restaurant when you are visiting a new town. To be honest, I don’t want to take my kid most places (I would rather just stay home), but sometimes you just have to eat on the go, and bringing your child is just part of the deal on that particular day. If you have older kid’s, you might want to know where the best spots are for quick, casual burger or pizza. Luckily, Telluride is just brimming with families with kids, and there are excellent dining options for you and your family.
If you are on the hunt for a quick meal that won’t blow the budget, these are your best options for dining in Telluride with kids:
1. OAK – The new Fat Alley
Our family spends a LOT of time here. Located right by the gondola on South Oak Street, Oak is run by a hard working family with young kids, so you don’t need to worry about toddler meltdowns, kids running around, or noise complaints. It’s all part of the deal here! This casual family restaurant and bar serves up super tasty southern food including fried chicken, gumbo and the best pulled pork sandwich in town. It’s reasonably priced and the food usually comes quickly. There is a kiddies corner with a TV & bean bags and a great patio that overlooks a large grass area (or in the winter, the bottom of the ski slope) where the kids can play. Don’t be surprised if your kids make some new friends at OAK!
2. High Pie Pizzeria & Tap Room
Another awesome option if you have the kids in tow. This large restaurants is located on the corner of Colorado Avenue & South Pine Street is owned & run by a local family with 3 boys – so it’s designed to make family dining fun & easy!! They focus on using local, organic, non GMO ingredients, providing a healthy, conscious option for your family. For the kids there are multiple entertaining areas including a pinball machine area & kids play room. They also have a separate coffee & gelato bar out the back for a sweet treat when dinner is done.
3. Brown Dog Pizza
Also located on Colorado Avenue (just a few doors down from the High Pie Pizzeria) is the Brown Dog Pizza, a Telluride institution since 2001. The Brown Dog is essentially a super family friendly sports bar, offering an extensive kid’s menu, as well as delicious pizza, chicken wings, salads, pasta & burgers.
4. Steamies
Don’t be deterred by the hip, contemporary design. Steamies is a casual, quick, affordable burger bar located on Colorado Avenue, right by Elks Park that serves up tasty steamed burgers, dogs, salads and more. Also run by a local Telluride family, these guys focus on healthy, well sourced ingredients that will keep your kid’s energized during your Telluride stay!
5. Flora Dora Saloon
Another one of our family favorite’s, we think the Flora Dora serves the best burgers in town. This family owned & run restaurant has been in business for 40 years, and one meal here with your family will tell you why they have endured for so long – friendly, casual, great food & a fantastic saloon atmosphere. Definitely more of an intimate restaurant vibe (than compared to say, OAK or High Pie), the Flora Dora welcomes us with open arms every time we appear at their door.
If you are planning a visit to Telluride, you should have no issues dining out with your kids, even if they are grumpy and tired and needing a quick fix. There are lots of kid friendly restaurants in town. If you are ever unsure, just ask one of our friendly locals to point you in the right direction!