Few things feel better than kicking off ski boots and refueling with the kind of stick-to-your-ribs cooking celebrated on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. From slope-side sandwiches in Edwards to late-night green-chile plates in downtown Denver, these Colorado spots—all featured on the show—offer the warmth, portions, and laid-back vibe every rider craves after a day on the mountain.
1. Craftsman Brew Co. — Edwards
Just minutes from Beaver Creek, Craftsman Brew Co. is the quintessential neighborhood hangout where skiers trade powder stories over house-baked hoagies and craft brews. The menu reads like an ode to comfort food, featuring slow-roasted meats, creative condiments, and scratch-made sauces, which are served in a space that feels equal parts ski lodge and modern deli. Its appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives spotlighted the from-scratch ethos that keeps locals lingering long after the last chair.
2. Sam’s No. 3 — Denver
If you’re rolling back to the city via I-70, Sam’s No. 3 is practically a mandatory pit stop. Open since the 1920s, this family-run downtown diner serves generous portions, perfect for restoring calorie deficits after a night of skiing or snowboarding. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives highlighted the massive menu and Colorado-style green chile, which appears on everything from hash to handhelds. Expect quick service, bottomless mugs of coffee, and a boisterous crowd of fellow ski refugees.
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3. The Bagel Deli & Restaurant — Denver
This South Denver staple brings New York-style deli tradition west of the Rockies. After detouring for soft powder at nearby resorts, powder hounds swing by for bagels boiled daily, matzo-ball soup that could thaw a frozen beard, and mile-high sandwiches. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives showcased the generational recipes and friendly banter that make every visitor feel like a regular.
4. Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs — Denver
Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs turns the humble dog into après-ski art with a lineup of wild-game sausages and inventive toppings. The casual counter-service joint downtown keeps the energy high, ideal for riders still buzzing from the hill. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for its adventurous spin on street food, the spot pairs well with local craft beer and that first breath of urban air after a day above the tree line.
5. Tocabe: An American Indian Eatery — Denver
Tocabe brings Native American flavors to the forefront, offering a restorative alternative to the usual burger-and-fries routine. Warm fry bread, house-smoked meats, and indigenous ingredients come together to create a soul-soothing meal that feels both nourishing and celebratory. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives highlighted how the owners honor Osage family recipes while keeping things fast and casual—great when you’re still in ski pants.
6. Highland Tavern — Denver
Known affectionately as “Hi-T,” this neighborhood tavern pulls in après crowds with craft taps and an ever-reliable lineup of comfort classics. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives zeroed in on the scratch cooking that elevates bar standards—house-ground burgers, brined meats, and those famous crispy tots. The relaxed brick-and-wood interior makes it easy to stretch one beer into three while tomorrow’s snow report cycles on the TV.
7. Denver Biscuit Co.— Denver
Early riser heading back toward the slopes or grabbing a bite before catching a flight? These colossal biscuit sandwiches deliver the carb-loading your quads will thank you for. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for its from-scratch biscuits and inventive fillings, the company shares space with Atomic Cowboy, giving night owls and dawn patrollers equal opportunity for flaky bliss.
8. Steuben’s — Denver
Retro charm meets chef-driven comfort at Steuben’s, a Uptown favorite that nails the mid-century diner vibe without feeling kitschy. The menu reads like a greatest hits of American classics—ideal for groups craving everything from fried chicken to lobster rolls after a white-knuckle descent down Mary Jane bumps. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives praised the kitchen’s commitment to scratch cooking and regional authenticity.
9. The Sink — Boulder
Opened in 1923 near the University of Colorado campus, The Sink has long served as a watering hole for skiers returning from Eldora or a backcountry tour in Rocky Mountain National Park. Graffiti-covered walls and a lively bar keep the après energy humming, while Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives spotlighted the creative pies and house-made sauces that fuel late-night storytelling sessions.