We love taking the kids to restaurants in Crested Butte. The main street, Elk Avenue, is lined with colorful buildings. Ever since covid, Elk Avenue transforms from a 2-way street to a 1 way during the summer and fall to make more room for outside dining. We eat out A LOT in Crested Butte with the kiddos. Here are my top picks!
Paradise Café
My absolute favorite breakfast place in Crested Butte also has one of the best views. We started going to Paradise Café because we wanted to indulge in breakfast early like 7 am early. With little kids, you just can’t wait to fill up their hungry bellies. And boy it is delicious. I tend to get their eggs benedict. While sipping on your delicious coffee, the kiddos will be happy with their chocolate chip pancakes shaped like a bear.
Rumors Coffee and Tea House
If you need a delicious coffee while you have your kiddo in tow, stop by Rumors Coffee and Tea House. If your kid is hungry, get them a small baked treat. The best part about this adorable coffee shop is the bookstore attached. They have an amazing collection of children’s books and even have some great local books such as, “Goodnight Crested Butte” and “Gilbert The Moose.”
McGill’s
Another excellent place for an early morning breakfast or lunch is McGill’s. This cute little diner often has a crowd outside. This is why we typically go to McGill’s for an early breakfast. In the summer month’s snag a table by the front window. Unfortunately during the winter, we could not bear the cold door swinging open every couple of minutes and opted for a table in the back. They are complete with a bear pancake that the kiddos will love.
Niky’s Mini Donuts
There isn’t a more perfect kid-friendly place than Niky’s Mini Donuts. These made-to-order mini donuts are melt in your mouth good. Not a donut fan? No problem, they have delicious homemade ice cream as well as old-school candy. They have everything to satisfy your sweet tooth. Oh and not only is it kid-friendly, but it’s also baby-friendly! They serve the smallest amount of ice cream I’ve ever seen!
Secret Stash
For some seriously good pizza, go to the Secret Stash. I have been a customer since before Secret Stash moved to their awesome (and much bigger location.) Secret Stash, which opened in 2002, is a must for even the kid-free person. I end up going multiple times because their specialty pizzas are so good that it’s hard to decide on just one. Plus, you must get an appetizer of “crack fries.” You can order slices of cheese and pepperoni for the kids; therefore, the adults can get what you want. The atmosphere is funky and fun and will keep the kids entertained. During the warm months, they will even give the kids chalk to draw on the sidewalk. Secret Stash is not only one of the best restaurants in Crested Butte, it is one of the best restaurants in Colorado.
The Last Steep Bar and Grill
We make a point to go to The Last Steep at least two times every trip for lunch. They have a small outdoor deck where we hang out during the warm months. We make a point to get there when they open at 11 am because it fills up! During the winter, we sit inside where the kids can look at the cute aquariums. I have ordered almost everything off the menu because it is so good. I have made the mistake of ordering before hearing their specials so always ask before! My kids always have a good time here. It doesn’t hurt that The Last Steep always gives the kiddos wax strings that you can make things out of, like silly glasses. And they have special cups that we end up taking home. The Last Steep is one of our favorite restaurants in Crested Butte!
Brick Oven Pizzeria & Pub
Brick Oven is usually one of our first restaurants in Crested Butte we hit up thanks to their delicious Philly Cheesesteaks. We go to the Brick Oven multiple times, especially in the warm months. They have the best and biggest front patio on Elk Avenue. It has a gate which is nice since the kids love running around. In the Summer, they even have a cornhole board out front for the kids (or grown adults) to play!
Montanya Rum
Okay… I know what you are thinking, a kid-friendly distiller? Hear me out. There are very few non-kid-friendly places in Crested Butte. My husband and I love going to Montanya Rum before dinner. We always come prepared and bring the kids toys so we can have a nice cocktail. Montanya Rum is AMAZING and is a must-try. We go every single trip multiple times and have always brought our girls. And, yes! They do have a limited amount of high chairs! Although this is technically not a restaurant in Crested Butte, it is a must-visit!
Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle
We used to go to Gourmet Noodle for date nights but it has changed from date nights to early dinners. Gourmet Noodle has a lot of high chairs, we have never been without one. For older kids, you can sit in a booth if you prefer. They have a kids menu and kid’s cups. During the warm months, they started having a small patio outside on the street. What kid doesn’t like pasta!?
Slogar
For family-style dinners, this is the place. I am not a fried chicken person… I know. So I have avoided this place for the past 12 years…. I finally went in July and they have a rack of ribs option for those not a fan of fried chicken! Winning! The girls loved all of the sides and the place was filled with families. I guess that’s something you should expect when they serve everything family-style!
Public House
Public House has some of the best Mac and Cheese I have ever had. Yes…. They have a kids version but being a grown-up kid myself, I have ordered the pulled pork mac n cheese multiple times. The food is excellent but my favorite thing about Public House is the two huge booth seats right next to the front window. It is a great spot to sit with kids! My kids love people watching and the large booth gives them room to move.
Pita’s in Paradise
My husband and I love a good gyro. And pita’s is the place to get one. Pita’s is located on the corner of Elk Avenue and 3rd Street. They have a wonderful patio for the warm months and a huge restaurant inside with multiple TVs. This is a great spot to come and watch a sporting event. Their kid menu includes a grilled cheese pita which my girls love. The bread is soft and it’s different from their typical grilled cheese sandwich. They have plenty of high chairs available. Another great thing about Pita’s in Paradise is that is located next door to the charming toy store, Pooh’s Corner. So… If your kids are acting up, you can always bribe them with a trip to the toy store after your meal.
Avalanche
Alright, ski bums… If you are looking for a place to dine on the mountain, Avalanche is the place to go. Their menu is extensive and the restaurant gets pretty busy during the winter months. It is one of my favorite places to go for lunch during a long ski day. They have plenty of high chairs and a pretty big kid’s menu. Just be aware that during Summer they seem to be closed more often than not.
Butte 66
Butte 66 is a great place to go year-round. For a quick bite and a delicious beer after skiing or exploring the mountain during the summer. In the winter months, we will typically meet our family here after a day of skiing. They have plenty of high chairs and a children’s menu. During the summer, we will take the ski lift up the mountain and hike down. We typically stop at Butte 66 for an easy lunch with a view of the mountain.
99% of the restaurants in Crested Butte are kid-friendly. It is a Colorado town filled with families visiting from all over. Yes… The Texans are everywhere but I have met people from all over in this magical town.
An important thing to know is that as of the past couple of years, the town of Crested Butte is experiencing a housing crisis. This housing crisis has made a significant labor shortage, mainly in the service industry. Some of my favorite restaurants have cut back on days of the week as well as hours. Please understand that the people working, are working with limited staff. Remember to be kind and tip!
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