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Just down the highway from Vail and Beaver Creek’s world-famous ski resorts and celebrity-run restaurants, Minturn is a peaceful high country hideaway at 7,861 feet. While year-round trails, easy backcountry access, and under-the-radar mountain town charisma has always been the draw, the close-knit community of just under 1,100 residents is growing its own undeniable restaurant scene. Here, six of the best restaurants to eat at in Minturn right now.
Kirby Cosmo’s
Known for its cowboy cups ($12) layered with pinto beans, smoked pulled pork, crunchy slaw, mac and cheese, and barbecue sauce, this neighborhood hangout makes guests feel like family. Come for the live music and sunny picnic table patio; stay for the baskets of fried green tomatoes ($12) and fall-off-the-bone pig wings ($13)—a meatier, porky take on the chicken wing. Wash it all down with a Kirbicito spicy margarita ($10) made with marinated jalapeño and topped with dangerously hot pepper gummies. 474 Main St., Minturn
Thai Kitchen
In a petite building in the shadow of the Minturn water tower, you’ll find some of the best Thai food this side of the Eisenhower Tunnel. Ask about the day’s curry selection. The beef red curry ($22.95)—sub tofu to make it vegetarian-friendly—swims in coconut milk with bamboo shoots, bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, basil, and a just-right dose of shrimp paste and fish sauce. If you don’t score a table in the tiny dining room, don’t worry: This buzzing dinner spot is well versed in counter and curbside pick-up. 141 Main St., Minturn
The Mexican Bar & Grill
A generous menu covers all the Mexican cravings, from tostadas to molcajete to bursting-at-the-seams fajita burritos. The family-owned and -operated restaurant is all about the homemade chile rellenos (order them soft for a traditional egg batter or crispy for an egg-roll-wrapped version), authentic enchilada mole, and Mexican street tacos with simple cilantro, onion, and lime. No matter what you land on, be sure to ask for an extra side of their house salsa—you’ll want your own ramekin of this chunky, fiery tomato-onion concoction. 160 Railroad Ave., Minturn
Sunrise Minturn
A colorful funky Main Street treasure, Sunrise is down-home hip with a sassy kick. There, you can get homemade biscuits and gravy with two fried eggs ($12) and vegan grilled cheese ($11) with balsamic onion jam; wash it all down with a shaken iced vodka-espresso-coffee-liqueur cocktail dubbed the Dude ($10). Locals love the hearty and affordable bacon, egg, and cheddar breakfast sandwich ($7) on Avon Bakery French brioche. 132 Main St., Minturn
Rocky Mountain Taco
A trio of longtime Vail Valley locals turned their taco obsession into an EagleVail food truck that was so good it earned its way into a Minturn brick-and-mortar, plus mobile locations in Gypsum and Avon. Fans of fiery fare: Try the Hippie Crack burrito ($9) with grilled red potatoes, poblano and Anaheim chiles, bell peppers, melted cheese, and crema. 291 Main St., Minturn
The Crazy Chicken
A newcomer to the Main Street Minturn scene, the Crazy Chicken will open later this month on the south end of town. The revamped historic bar space is set up to be football and wing central this fall with loads of TVs and a menu built around pub food comfort bites. The namesake Crazy Chicken sandwich ($14) is a grilled or fried zinger with garlic aïoli and wing sauce while the fried cauliflower ($10), zucchini sticks, and pickle chips (both $9) check the veggie box. Grab a $1 side of spicy ranch or white gravy for dipping. 455 Main St., Minturn
