Pueblo is an undiscovered gem nestled in the heart of Colorado, brimming with rich history, cultural diversity, a lively arts scene, and plenty of outdoor activities, but many people don’t know where to find it.
The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide for Pueblo will be a series of articles designed to help you experience the best this city has to offer, but I wanted to start with what matters the most…food!
Whether you’re visiting us for the first time or simply looking to experience our beloved city with fresh eyes, I hope this guide leads to a great meal with great people.
Photos made available by local creators at SharePueblo.com.
Local Coffee Stops
Let’s get started with a quick caffeine boost. Here are some of my top picks:
- Solar Roast CoffeeTo be honest with you, I’m a sucker for brilliant business – somehow it makes me appreciate the coffee more. See, the founders of Solar Roast used their parent’s old satellite dish and decorated it with one hundred plastic mirrors and a broccoli container to engineer the world’s first solar-powered coffee roaster. Long story short, they founded their first coffee shop in 2007 and have since expanded to national distribution of their unique coffee blend. If you decide to get coffee at their downtown location, you can also check out their vinyl record shop right next store! Side note…if you’re hungry, order the Chicken Pesto. You can thank me later.Website: https://solarroast.com/
- Black Box CafeBlack Box Cafe is a more trendy choice to begin your day. It’s got a sleek modern atmosphere with old-school alternative music playing in the background. Their menu has many gluten-free and vegan options to pair with your morning coffee. My friends tell me you can’t go wrong with a Black Box Latte.
- Double TeaHere’s a change of pace for people who prefer tea over coffee. Double Tea is located in Pueblo West where they brew fresh teas and smoothies. They are a newer establishment in town, but they quickly became known for their friendly customer service. My favorite order is their Taro Milk Tea with boba and the best part, they allow you to control how much sugar is used in your drink.
Pueblo’s Best Breakfast Spots
Coffee is great, but as they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start your morning out strong with some local favorites!
- B Street CafeThis cute cafe has a beautiful view of Pueblo’s Union Train Station. They have the best selection of comfort foods and their eggs are perfectly cooked every time. My personal favorite is their Chicken and Waffles, but if you like a lighter meal in the mornings, they always have fresh fruit and incredible brunch salads.
- The Pantry RestaruantI’d be remiss not to mention The Pantry I think a mob of locals would chase me down until this gem was rightfully named. People love this restaurant for their homey atmosphere and huevos rancheros. Huevos Rancheros, which translates to “rancher’s eggs,” is a popular breakfast dish in Mexican cuisine and among those who love hearty, savory morning meals.The interplay of textures – the crispy tortilla, the soft, runny yolk of the eggs, the creamy beans and avocado, and the spicy, chunky salsa – combined with the robust flavors, make Huevos Rancheros a delicious and satisfying dish, ideal for a leisurely brunch or a robust start to the day.
- Burrito’s BettyThis may be a heavier breakfast, but it is certainly a local hot spot. As I mentioned during Solar Roast’s feature, something about brilliant business and hard work makes things taste so much better. Burotto’s Betty was founded by Betty Luna who visited construction sites, car dealerships, and other businesses with a cooler full of burritos. When she finally scaled her business from a cooler to a storefront, the street corner she inhabited had a mini traffic jam every weekend for more than a dozen decades. People just couldn’t get enough of her homestyle burritos, menudo, and tamales.
- Fuel and IronNot sure what to eat? No problem. Fuel and Iron is one of Pueblo’s latest, and perhaps trendiest cafeterias in the city. You can choose from multiple vendors or enjoy their cocktails at the bar. The open seating, patio seating, and couches make it a great place to bring your family or friend group.
Where to get Lunch in Pueblo
I hope breakfast didn’t leave you too full, because it would be a shame to miss out on these great grubs.
- Shah’s KabobThis lesser-known gem is one of my absolute favorite spots on this list. It’s the only place in town to get Greek food and everything tastes so fresh. The salads are never bland and the atmosphere is very unique. Sometimes I like going there just to admire their mural of an alien crashing into the wall driving a food truck. Yup. You read that right.
- Gray’s Coors TavernIf you haven’t gathered this yet, Puebloans are very proud of their food, especially when it relates to green chili. Coors Tavern is one of those places where locals go religiously and they almost always order the infamous “slopper” – an open-faced burger topped with cheese, onions, and franchise fires, all smothered in green chili. Coors holds a televised rivalry for the best Slopper against Sunset Inn. I personally lean towards Coors, but maybe you should try both to settle the score for yourself 😁.
- Brues AlehouseFrom vegetarian options to teriyaki bowls and juicy burgers, Brues Alehouse is one of those places where everyone will find something they like. The patio seating has a great view of the Riverwalk and they have many signature beers. I’ve always liked their Probation because it’s light and refreshing on hot summer days. They often have signature drinks crafted by local videographers and artists in town, all of which pair well with their shishito pepper appetizer.Website: https://www.bruesalehouse.com/
Best Dinner Restaurants in Pueblo
We are winding down to the end of our day and it’s time to grab some dinner. Most of the restaurants I mention throughout the article also have a great dinner selection, but I want to take this moment to feature some higher-end options.
- 21 SteakAs you may guess, this is a great place to get a tender steak. Funny enough, my favorite part about eating at 21 Steak is their incredible sides, but keep in mind that they have massive portions so don’t go overboard! The cocktails are also amazing and many of my business colleagues like to order the Smokey Old Fashion. It’s a great place to book business dinners and date nights because it has a relaxing and high-quality ambiance.Website: https://www.twentyonesteak.com/
- DC’s on B StreetDC’s provides a cozy, small-town feeling and pairs it with a cheerful staff and upscale cuisine. It is decorated much like a museum, adorned with rustic antiques and historical photos. Their Brazilian coconut shrimp is the best shrimp dish I have ever had in Pueblo it’s one of the few places that I would recommend for seafood lovers.
Visit Us Soon!
They say having too many options causes analysis paralysis and can even increase our feeling of buyer’s remorse. On that sentiment, I couldn’t list all of the wonderful restaurants this city has to offer, but I will do a deeper dive into restaurants in future articles.
Until then, I hope you enjoy a wonderful meal. If you ever want to know what it’s like living here, feel free to call us at (719) 320-8557.
[To my Pueblo Locals, keep in mind this is just one blogger’s opinion, feel free to drop your favorite spots in the comments below 😉]
