The Ultimate Durango Après-Ski Food Crawl
You've been skiing Purgatory all day. Your legs are toast. You're starving. The drive back to Durango takes 25 minutes, and by the time you're walking into town, the only thing on your mind is food and beer. Durango's food scene is legit — better than you'd expect for a town of 20,000 — and here's where to refuel after a day on the mountain.
The Classics
Steamworks Brewing Co.
Steamworks is the default après-ski spot for good reason. It's right on Main Avenue in a historic building, the beer is brewed in-house, and the menu covers everything from burgers to Cajun boil. The vibe is casual mountain-town — wood tables, exposed brick, and a crowd that's half locals and half visitors.
The Spruce Tip Blonde is a solid post-ski beer — light, refreshing, and easy to drink. If you want something heavier, the Backside Stout is rich and smooth. Food-wise, the Cajun boil (shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes) is a crowd favorite. The portions are massive, and it's perfect for refueling after burning 3,000 calories on the slopes.
Steamworks gets busy on weekend evenings, so arrive by 5:30 PM or be ready to wait. The bar area usually has open seats if you're okay skipping a table.
Ore House
Ore House is the go-to for steak night. It's been a Durango institution for decades — old-school mountain steakhouse with murals, artifacts, and an atmosphere that reflects Southwestern Colorado history. This is where you go when you want a thick cut of beef and a glass of red wine after a long ski day.
The steaks are excellent — locally sourced, aged beef cooked right. Portions are generous. Prices are higher than Steamworks or the taco joints, but you're paying for quality and ambiance. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Located in a former Chrysler dealership in what was once considered "the bad part of town," Ore House has become a landmark. The walls are covered in local art and mining relics. It's worth going just for the vibe.
The Quick Hits
Zia Taqueria
Zia Taqueria is fast, cheap, and delicious. The green chile burrito is a local legend — massive, smothered in Hatch green chile, and guaranteed to fill you up. Cash only at some locations, so bring bills or hit the ATM first.
Two locations in Durango, both solid. The burrito is the move, but the tacos and enchiladas are also good. If you're starving and don't want to wait for a sit-down restaurant, Zia is your answer.
Oscar's Cafe
Oscar's does breakfast and lunch — hit it before a late start on the mountain or after a morning session. The huevos rancheros are the move. Big portions, solid coffee, and a casual vibe. It's on Main Avenue and fills up on weekend mornings, so get there by 8 AM or be ready to wait.
Something Different
East by Southwest
East by Southwest is Durango's Asian fusion spot with surprisingly fresh sushi and creative cocktails. Chef Sergio Verduzco blends traditional Japanese flavors with contemporary techniques. The result is quality sushi, inventive rolls, and dishes that feel elevated without being pretentious.
Good date night spot after a couples ski day. The atmosphere is more upscale than most Durango restaurants — dimmer lighting, better plating, craft cocktails. Expect to pay more than you would at Steamworks, but the quality justifies it.
Serious Texas BBQ
Serious Texas BBQ does exactly what the name says. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork — maximum calorie refueling. The meat is smoked low and slow, and the portions are absurd. If you've had a big ski day and need to replace every calorie you burned, this is the spot.
Located a bit off Main Avenue, so it's less crowded than the downtown spots. The brisket is tender and smoky. The mac and cheese is dangerously good. Come hungry.
The Brewery Crawl
If you'd rather drink your dinner, Durango has multiple breweries within walking distance downtown. Start at Ska Brewing, move to Animas Brewing, and end at Steamworks. Grab a slice of pizza somewhere in between — Homeslice on Main Avenue is solid for late-night slices.
Ska is known for its can art and flagship brews — Modus Hoperandi IPA and Euphoria Pale Ale are staples. The taproom is bigger and more casual than Steamworks. Animas Brewing is smaller and more neighborhood-focused — locals hang here. Good beer, quieter vibe.
Pro Tips for Après in Durango
Arrive early or late. Durango restaurants get slammed between 6-7 PM on weekends. If you can eat by 5:30 PM or wait until 8 PM, you'll avoid the worst crowds.
Make reservations for nicer spots. Ore House, East by Southwest, and any sit-down restaurant on a Saturday night will fill up. Call ahead or use OpenTable.
Cash is king at some spots. Zia Taqueria and a few smaller spots are cash-only. Bring bills or be ready to find an ATM.
Don't drive impaired. Durango has Uber and Lyft, though availability can be spotty on busy nights. If you're staying at Purgatory, consider eating at the resort base (Purgy's, Dante's) or cooking at your lodging some nights to avoid the drive.
For more Durango tips, check out our guides to Black Friday skiing and altitude adjustment.
Our townhome Basecamp sleeps eight and has a full kitchen, hot tub, and pool table. It's right across from Purgatory Resort with a free shuttle to the lift. Some nights you'll want to cook in and avoid the drive to Durango — having a full kitchen and space to spread out makes that easy.
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability and book direct — save 10-15% vs Airbnb/VRBO.
