Grand Junction is located along Colorado’s scenic Western Slope region, surrounded by red rock canyons, rivers, and wineries. This vibrant small city has developed into a dining destination in recent years, with chef-driven restaurants, farm-to-table concepts, innovative food trucks, and laidback cafes. From BBQ joints to bistros serving seasonal fare, Grand Junction has an eclectic and creative food scene worth exploring.
To discover the top places to eat in Grand Junction, I researched local publications, food blogs, ratings sites, and social media, assembling this list of what are arguably the 12 best restaurants in town. For variety, I’ve included options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, fine dining, casual fare, and more—to suit an array of tastes, occasions and budgets.
630 on Rood
With fresh, seasonal ingredients, 630 on Rood creates refined yet comfortable dishes in an elegant restored Victorian home. Their frequently changing menu highlights contemporary American cuisine with global influences.
Standouts include the pumpkin seed crusted rainbow trout and the caramelized sea scallops with risotto. Locals rave about the chocolate ganache torte for dessert. The well-curated wine list features many local Colorado selections. With white tablecloths, flickering candles, and charming historic features, it’s a top choice for a special night out.
Dos Hermanos
This downhome, cash-only taco stand with picnic tables may not win any awards for ambiance, but Dos Hermanos serves up some of the most crave worthy Mexican food in town. Their house-made salsas, crafted from dried chilies ground daily on-site, bring an extra layer of authentic spice.
Carnitas tacos, smoky shredded beef atop double-stacked corn tortillas, are king—available by the single taco or in plates and massive burritos. Chase it all with an ice-cold Mexican Coke in a glass bottle. Despite the no-frills setup, lines often snake out the door. Arrive early or late to avoid long waits. Cash only.
Bin 707 Foodbar
Located right on Grand Junction’s bustling Main Street, bin 707 Foodbar pioneered the city’s gastropub dining trend. Their globally inspired small and share plates change seasonally, focusing on quality ingredients in creative preparations.
Colorado rack of lamb with a huckleberry glaze, Vietnamese pork belly banh mi sliders, and Thai beef salad with a spicy dressing represent some recent standouts. Complementing the food is an extensive, value-driven list of 700+ international wines, hence the name. Stylish and sophisticated, it makes an excellent spot for a special occasion or an intimate evening out.
Dream Café
For all-day breakfast and brunch, head straight to always-bustling Dream Café, located just off Main Street. Their menu spans traditional American classics like fluffy pancakes, eggs Benedict and crispy hash to Southwest specialties including huevos rancheros, green chilaquiles, and even breakfast enchiladas and tacos.
Daily specials feature different takes on eggs and home fries. Save room for exceptional baked goods like the massive cinnamon roll drizzled in cream cheese icing. With fast friendly service and a bright welcoming interior, it’s a family-friendly local go-to any time.
Las Colonias
With neon trim lighting its adobe-look exterior, Las Colonias brings vibrant interior Mexican cuisine to Grand Junction’s dining scene. Beyond the standard combination plates and tacos, this inviting restaurant presents less common traditional specialties originating from Puebla and other central Mexican states.
Sample thrice-cooked carnitas, complex mole sauces enrobing tender meats, or their legendary sizzling fajitas platter delivered right to your table atop a hot iron plate. Round out a meal with one of their fruit-garnished margaritas. Reasonable prices make Las Colonias a popular happy hour and dinner choice.
Cafe Sol
For California-style Mexican food made with quality components, Cafe Sol hits the spot for a casual lunch or dinner out. Beyond the usual burritos and enchiladas, their diverse menu tempts with dishes like tequila-lime shrimp fajitas, citrusy ceviche toss with fresh fish, and tender carne asada steak.
Vegetarians have multiple options as well, from veggie tacos to substantial bean and cheese burritos. Their fresh salsas, zesty mole, and signature green chile sauce add vibrant flavors. Pair your meal with a prickly pear margarita or Mexican craft beer while enjoying Cafe Sol’s lively ambiance and friendly service.
Il Bistro Italiano
For excellent upscale Italian cuisine served in an elegant candlelit dining room, Il Bistro Italiano makes an ideal choice for special occasions or date nights. To start, consider tomato bruschetta on crispy garlic bread or a Caprese salad of fresh mozzarella with basil and tomatoes.
Housemade pastas like fettuccine Alfredo or linguine with pesto cream sauce headline the menu, alongside numerous other pastas, risottos, and traditional Italian meat and seafood entrees. Leave room for their textbook tiramisu or flourless chocolate torte. Extensive wine list boasting over 150 Italian bottles.
Rockslide Restaurant and Brewpub
With house brewed craft beer, views overlooking the Colorado River, and a big patio for enjoying Grand Junction’s nice weather, Rockslide Restaurant and Brewpub appeals for its scenery as much as its hearty American pub grub menu.
Their lineup of juicy burgers, like the popular bison version with aged cheddar, makes it a top contender anytime you crave a quality hand-pressed patty and fries. Beyond burgers, opt for slow roasted baby back ribs, an array of wood-fired pizzas, or their lodgepole salmon with lemon dill sauce. Save room for a giant slice of their rotating cheesecakes. And don’t forget to sip one of their well-balanced IPAs, porters or amber ales.
Main Street Bagels
For piping hot New York-style bagels and loaded breakfast sandwiches, Main Street Bagels starts locals’ days on the perfect note. Choose your bagel, then customize your sandwich with premium ingredients like applewood bacon, fresh spinach, tomato, onions, avocado, swiss and cheddar cheeses.
Their 20+ sandwich options range from classic combos to more inventive fare like the Western with ham, onion, green pepper and cheese. Beyond bagels, expect fresh muffins, scones, croissants and cinnamon rolls baking daily. Seating is limited inside their small bakery-style shop, but takeout remains quick and convenient.
Zupas
When you want flavorful soups paired with hearty sandwich halves or fresh salads for lunch, Zupas hits the spot. Their rotating soup menu gives you ample options for sampling a broad range of cooking styles, from chicken enchilada to broccoli cheddar to New England clam chowder.
Pair a cup of soup with your choice of their signature sandwiches served on freshly baked bread. The nutty pear grilled cheese with balsamic drizzle proves a satisfying meatless choice. Zupas also serves tasty entree salads topped with ingredients like pot roast, lemon herb salmon, or mahi mahi. Bright, fresh and affordable, it makes an easygoing lunch meeting venue.
Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery
Unwind in Colorado Boy’s expansive beer garden or casual wooden booths while enjoying one of Grand Junction’s top happy hours. From 3 to 6pm daily, nosh on their loaded nachos, wings, or hummus plate while sipping $3 draft pints of their house brewed beers.
IPAs, porters, Belgian whites and interesting seasonals like watermelon wheat figure among the impressive beer selection. Beyond happy hour, Colorado Boy serves up hearty fare all day like wood-fired pizzas, burgers, fish and chips, steaks and comfort food sides to accompany their well-crafted ales and lagers.
The Winery
Wine enthusiasts flock to The Winery’s industrial-chic downtown location to sample Mesa County’s exceptional wine varietals alongside small plates that complement the vine-to-glass experience. Their friendly servers gladly guide you through tasting flights of velvety reds and crisp whites crafted steps away at their on-site winery.
Pair your wine with fluffy beignets drizzled in chocolate, a charcuterie and cheese board, or their signature flatbread piled high with veggies, chicken and balsamic glaze. Daily happy hour specials on all glasses of wine encourage lingering amid charming bistro decor indoors or on their al fresco patio.
Conclusion
From elevated comfort food institutions to places championing Colorado and New Mexican flavors, Grand Junction provides diners inspiring restaurant choices suiting all tastes and occasions. High-quality ingredients meet skilled preparation at both casual cafes and special night hot spots.
Foodies visiting or local to the area have ample reason to dive into Grand Junction’s maturing food scene. Use this list of the 12 best local eateries to begin your own delicious culinary journey of the city.