The Hot Tomato
Shaking after the ups and downs of the Chutes and Ladders Loop? Park your bike and hit your restart button at the Hot Tomato, an East Coast-style joint that makes its dough daily and doesn’t skimp on the toppings. The line is often out the door and the hours can be irregular (they close for a week each July), but every mountain biker on thewestern Slope can’t be wrong.
If it’s in season, snag the Palisade pie with fresh peaches and gorgonzola. Otherwise, enjoy spot-on slices and stromboli, fresh-fromthe-garden salads and a local lineup ofnewbelgium beers.
124 North Mulberry St., Fruita, 970-858-1117, hottomatocafe.com
Adobe Inn Cantina
After the festival you’ve attended almost literally any weekend in Telluride (Seriously! Have you looked at their calendar?!), or tubing, rock climbing or any other summer excitement, keep the fun happening on the way home with a stop in Ridgway and a refuel at the Adobe Inn. (If you have the right vehicle, take the heart-stoppingly scenic route along Last Dollar Road.)
Every item on the menu in this charming Oldmexico spot is a winner, but the chile rellenos are among the best you’ll ever have, and the Tamal en Elote (corn casserole) will keep you looking for reasons to return. Book a room in the reasonably priced inn so that you can enjoy a couple of the Adobe’s excellent margaritas.
251 Liddell Drive, Ridgway, 970626- 5939, adobeinnridgway.com
Two Brothers Deli
Whether you’re zapped after ziplining or want a great breakfast wrap to start a day of play, Two Brothers has got you covered. Parking’s a bear, but this funky Miner Street spot offers up a wide range of fillings and breads, a justright Reuben, homemade applesauce and a good selection of housemade soups. (Try the green chile bread bowl.) Vegetarians rave about the Green Forest, made even better with roasted garlic mayo. Fruit and protein-packed smoothies and strong coffee menu make this locals favorite a must-stop off I-70.
1424 Miner St., Idaho Springs, 303-567-2439, twobrothersdeli.com Photos by Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
Mouse’s Chocolates
After off-roading on the old mining routes, or hiking and birdwatching around Box Canyon falls, grab a house-roasted coffee or huckleberry shake and a sweet, sweet reward atmouse’s Chocolates. All of the candies are delicious, but the hands-down favorite is the “scrap cookie.” Different each time, this bake of the day incorporates the leftover bits from the confectionery’s chocolate-making, so you may savor salted toffee one visit or dark chocolate almond bark the next.
520 Main St., Ouray, 970-3257285, mouseschocolates.com