Whether you are visiting Evergreen or considering moving to Evergreen I wanted to share with you some of the Evergreen CO best restaurants. My name is Shad Phillips and my wife, Claudine and I are local Evergreen residents. I wanted to share with you first hand which restaurants I recommend based on my personal experience. They are not in any particular order. I will help you to identify which restaurants are kid friendly, pet friendly, have a good happy hour crowd as well as which ones are best for date night. I hope you find my list of Evergreen restaurants very helpful. Enjoy!
Murphy’s Mountain Grill
Murphy’s Bar and Grill is located in downtown Evergreen and is one of my favorite restaurants. Murphy’s is a cozy and intimate restaurant that is great for date night. They also have patio seating that is situated right on bear creek so you can hear the sound of the water while you dine. My favorite dish is the Chipotle Grilled Tiger Shrimp Tacos with Kale Salad. My favorite waitress is Maria, she is very friendly and knows what we order by heart. That’s the beauty of a small mountain town. My wife Claudine is a Celiac so she can’t have gluten. They are always happily able to make accommodations for her allergies. If you are visiting Evergreen then Murphy’s is a must. You won’t be disappointed.
Hours: Mon 11am–8pm, Tue CLOSED, Wed–Thu 11am–8pm, Fri–Sat 11am–9pm, Sun 11am–8pm
27906 Hwy 74 Evergreen, CO 80439
720-524-8621
Lariat Lodge Brewing Company
Lariat Lodge is a restaurant and brewery located just 2 minutes East of downtown Evergreen perched up on the side of the hill overlooking downtown. If you love a good brewery then be sure to check out Lariat Lodge. They feature classic brewed beers, upscale comfort food, tons of outdoor seating options, and a friendly neighborhood vibe. They have one of the best outdoor patios in Evergreen. Lariat Lodge is a family friendly restaurant. They have a children’s menu with some great options.
They also have a Bark-Garten that is a pet friendly area with picnic tables for outdoor dining. My two most favorite menu items are the pulled pork sandwich and the shrimp and grits, Yum!
Switchback Smokehouse
Switchback Smokehouse is an amazing little BBQ joint located just 2 miles East of Downtown Evergreen. They have indoor and outdoor dining that is situated right along Bear Creek which makes for great ambiance. My favorite meal is the Devil’s Elbow which is a huge pulled pork sandwich topped with fried pickles and coleslaw. It’s amazing to say the least. They have a variety of different menu options so I am sure you can’t go wrong. It is pet friendly and your dog can hang out with you on the patio while you eat. If you are looking for BBQ in the Evergreen Co area then give the Switchback Smokehouse a visit, it won’t disappoint. Be sure to check the hours below as they are only open 4 days a week.
Hours: Thurs–Sun 11am–6pm, Reservation: Not Required, Dress: Casual
Switchback Smokehouse Menu
Also note: they often sell out before closing time, so worth adding a heads-up to arrive early.
26220 Hwy 74 Kittredge, CO 80457
303-200-0878
Willow Creek Restaurant
Willow Creek is located at Evergreen Lake in the heart of Evergreen. World Class Chef, Curtis Lincoln, and his wife, Kristopher, have created a wonderful local restaurant experience since 2009. Their venue features a beautiful dining room and patio overlooking Evergreen lake where you can people watch and possibly view the Elk playing in the water. Every table has a view! Creative cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award Winning Wine List, there is something for everyone.
Serving Lunch, Brunch (Sat & Sunday) and Dinner, they make everything in house and resource from local farms & ranches whenever possible. For Evergreen Willow Creek would be considered while not formal, a more up-scale dining.
Hours: Mon–Tue CLOSED, Wed–Fri 11:30am–3pm & 5pm–8:30pm, Sat 11am–3pm & 5pm–9pm, Sun 11am–3pm & 5pm–8:30pm | Reservations | Dress: Smart Causal
29029 Upper Bear Creek Rd. Suite 105 Evergreen, CO 80439
303-674-9463
Beau Jo’s Pizza
Beau Jo’s Pizza is a family favorite located in the heart of Downtown Evergreen. They are known for their “mountain pies” which has an extra large crust handle. Beau Jo’s has a weekly lunch buffet where they serve a varieties of different types of pizza as well as a salad bar. They also have outdoor dining right on Bear Creek which makes for a fun Summer afternoon. They offer a gluten-free pizza options as well. If you are in the mood for pizza then be sure to check out Beau Jo’s pizza.
Hours: Mon – Thurs 11am – 9pm Fri-Sun 11am-9:30 Dress: Casual
28186 CO-74, Evergreen, CO 80439
303-670-2744
Muddy Buck Cafe
Muddy Buck Cafe is a local eatery serving breakfast and lunch. They are located in the heart of Downtown Evergreen right next to The Little Bear Saloon. The Muddy Buck Cafe is located in the former historic Evergreen Hotel so it has a rich history. This coffee shop is a local favorite and is a great place to bring your laptop and work as they offer free wi-fi. They also have a great pet friendly patio equipped with water bowls. They have a lot of great food options but my favorite lunch item is the Mama’s chicken salad and my favorite desert is the massive walnut chocolate chip cookie. They go fast so get there early. They offer gluten free options.
Hours: Mon – Fri 7am – 4pm Sat – Sun 8am – 5pm Dress: Casual
Breakfast & Lunch
28065 CO-74 #101, Evergreen, CO 80439
303-670-0433
Cactus Jacks Saloon & Grill
Cactus Jacks Saloon & Grill is a consistent favorite for locals and out-of-towners for beer, burgers and outdoor entertainment. They have a 2,000 sqft deck that runs next to Bear Creek which helps you truly capture that authentic Evergreen experience.
Cactus Jacks is located in the heart of Downtown Evergreen at the corner of Hwy 74 & Hwy 73. They are located next to Evergreen Dam, bridge and Evergreen Lake.
The Creekside Music Series runs from Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend. We mix it up with music from top quality duos to bluegrass to full bands you can hear on the other end of town. Over the years they have featured such national acts as OAKHURST, Barbara Cue/Todd Nance of W.P., Bloodkin, Eric Martinez, Jerry Joseph, Eric McFadden, Cecil ‘P-Nut’ Daniels, The Dirty Byrds with Sam Holt & many more. But they mostly try to support local Colorado Music by Booking Locally.
The live music on the Deck is always FREE! Everyone from bikers to families co-exist beautifully & always have a great time. We have full table service from April thru October.
Hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 2am Sat-Sun 9am-12am | Dress: Casual
Pet Friendly – Outdoor Patio – Live Entertainment
4651 County Hwy 73, Evergreen, CO 80439
303-674-1564
The Wildflower Cafe
The Wildflower Cafe specializes in deliciousness! They serve breakfast all day. Stop in and try their plate size pancakes, vegetarian green chili, dynamite skillets, or their amazing breakfast burritos. They have nine different bloody mary’s including their house hot…made with our house infused habanero and garlic vodka. Mimosas…yes please. Try their mango, blueberry, and strawberry banana. They also cater to the gluten free individual. My personal favorite breakfast item is the Mountain High Breakfast and my wife’s favorite is Brady’s vegan skillet (Gluten Free & Vegan).
Keep in mind that the Sunflower Cafe is a small restaurant so it is not uncommon for seating to fill up fast. I would encourage you to get there early or you may have to wait for a table.
Hours: Mon – Sun 7:30am – 2pm Dress: Casual
Serves Breakfast & Lunch | Pet Friendly Patio | Gluten Free & Vegan Menu Options
28035 CO-74, Evergreen, CO 80439
303-674-3323
Sushi Win
Sushi Win is located in North Evergreen and offers a variety of fresh sushi, nigiri and sashimi dishes that are sure to please. The staff is always friendly and the sushi is delicious. My favorite dish is the Sushi Win Roll. It consists of a Spicy tuna roll topped with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and special sauce If you like your sushi a little spicy be sure to give it a try. They also have a full bar so you can enjoy a variety of libations. Sushi is typically an expensive meal but at Sushi Win their sushi is reasonably priced.
Hours: Mon – Closed Tues – Sun 11am – 9pm | Dress: Casual
Serves Lunch & Dinner – Vegan & Gluten Free Options
32214 Ellingwood Trail #203, Evergreen, CO 80439
303-670-6751
Evergreen Colorado has many good restaurants to choose from and this is list is not inclusive. This is a list of my favorite restaurants in Evergreen CO and I wanted to share them with you. If you are visiting Evergreen I would encourage you to support our local restaurants and businesses. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Evoke 1923
Evoke 1923 is located inside the historic Marshdale Lodge, built in 1923, just a few minutes from downtown Evergreen. Chef and co-owner Rand Packer, the same chef behind Murphy’s Mountain Grill, has created something truly special here. This is his fine dining passion project, and it shows. The menu rotates seasonally and blends Japanese technique with Colorado ingredients. The elk dishes and handmade pastas are standouts. Every table has a view of Mount Blue Sky through the vintage Sun Room windows, and the original stone hearth makes it incredibly cozy. If you’re looking for a special occasion restaurant in Evergreen, this is it. Reservations are a must.
Date night ⭐| Gluten free options
Hours: Wed–Mon 4:30pm–9pm | Happy Hour 4:30–6pm | Closed Tuesday
Reservations: Highly Recommended | Dress: Smart Casual
27376 Spruce Lane, Evergreen, CO 80439
(303) 674-7670
Kalaka Mexican Kitchen
Kalaka fills a gap Evergreen has needed for a long time, really good Mexican food. This is a family-owned, women-owned restaurant near Evergreen Parkway and Highway 70. The street tacos are the main event, the birria and fish tacos are both excellent. The elote dip and guacamole are great starters, and the margaritas are some of the best I’ve had in the area. Warm atmosphere, lovely patio with mountain views, and friendly staff make this an easy recommendation for a casual dinner or a night out with friends.
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly patio
- Vegan options
- Gluten free options
Hours: Mon–Sun 11am–9pm | Dress: Casual
29017 Hotel Way, Unit 102B, Evergreen, CO 80439
(303) 862-7777
FAQs About Evergreen CO Best Restaurants
Murphy’s Mountain Grill and Willow Creek Restaurant are consistently the top-rated restaurants in Evergreen. Murphy’s is the go-to for casual creekside dining and burgers, while Willow Creek is the best upscale option with lake views. For fine dining and special occasions, Evoke 1923 is the newest standout.
Evoke 1923 is the best date night restaurant in Evergreen. It’s housed in a historic 1923 lodge with a fireplace, mountain views, and a rotating seasonal menu. Willow Creek Restaurant, overlooking Evergreen Lake, is a close second for a romantic dinner.
Yes! Several restaurants in Evergreen welcome dogs on their patios. Murphy’s Mountain Grill, Lariat Lodge Brewing (Bark-Garden), Switchback Smokehouse, Cactus Jack’s, Muddy Buck Cafe, Beau Jo’s Pizza, and Wildflower Cafe all have pet friendly outdoor seating.
Most restaurants in Evergreen offer gluten free options. Murphy’s Mountain Grill, Wildflower Cafe, Lariat Lodge, Switchback Smokehouse, Willow Creek, Muddy Buck Cafe, Beau Jo’s Pizza, Sushi Win, Cactus Jack’s, and Kalaka Mexican Kitchen all accommodate gluten free diets.
Cactus Jack’s Saloon & Grill runs a Creekside Music Series from Memorial Day through Labor Day on their outdoor deck. Lariat Lodge Brewing also occasionally features live entertainment.
Wildflower Cafe and Muddy Buck Cafe are both local favorites for breakfast and lunch. Wildflower is known for its huge pancakes, skillets, and Bloody Marys. Muddy Buck is great for a casual coffee-shop vibe with free wi-fi and a pet friendly patio.
Almost every restaurant on this list has outdoor patio seating. The best outdoor dining experiences are at Cactus Jack’s (large deck on Bear Creek with live music), Lariat Lodge (mountain views from the deck), Switchback Smokehouse (creekside), and Willow Creek (overlooking Evergreen Lake).
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