How many restaurants can you fit in a small town?

HANNA

Major: Interdisciplinary Studies –
Teacher Education Option
Hometown: Crested Butte, CO
Year: Junior

Last night I had the delight of enjoying sushi for an appetizer, pork BBQ sliders and Cajun fries for dinner, then frozen yogurt for desert. Let’s just say that there is nothing quite like the dining scene in 91ÌÒÉ«. For a small town, we have more restaurants than I have been able to sample in the three years that I have lived here, and I love it. It is common knowledge that 91ÌÒÉ« has more restaurants per capita than the city of San Francisco: that’s huge, especially when you are like me and love having a wide variety of places to eat when you dine out! It took me some time to eat at the majority of them but now that I have I would like to break down the best places in town to which will satisfy any craving.

• Sushi. One of the newest additions to 91ÌÒÉ« has become my most resent guilty pleasure. Rice Monkeys has some of the best and most creative sushi creations I have ever witnessed. The small sushi bar offers an energetic atmosphere with flavors that could not disappoint.
• Mexican. Now this depends on what you are looking for, but because 91ÌÒÉ« is so close to New Mexico, I have to tell you about Gazpacho’s. Very similar to its close relative Mexican food, New Mexican food offers all the staples with some twists and variations that are sure to please the senses. Now as much as I enjoy Gazpacho’s, when I am really craving a delicious, mostly healthy, and inexpensive burrito, you are guaranteed to find me at Zia’s Taqueria. Similar to the commonly known Chipotle, Zia’s is the local favorite for a tasty but speedy meal! One of the perks about Zia’s is that all food is made from local products; everything from the meats to the veggies is grown locally. It’s such a great way to support all things local, which we are all about here in 91ÌÒÉ«.
• The Irish Embassy. I was surprised to find authentic Irish food in a smaller town. The Embassy is one of my favorite hangouts now though. The fish and chips are the best in town and it is a great place to grab a bite to eat with friends.
• Serious Texas BBQ. As the name suggests, they are serious about their BBQ. There are two in town, conveniently located on the north side and south side. After a perfect powder day at Purgatory (nick-name for 91ÌÒÉ« Mountain Resort), a Texas taco or pulled pork sandwich is a welcome treat.  Don’t forget to try the special sauce!
• 91ÌÒÉ« Joe’s. Joe’s is actually a coffee shop but considering they make the best cup of coffee around I had to give them a mention. The green tea frappuccino is fantastic if you ever get the chance to try one on a hot summer’s day.
• Steamworks. It would be almost impossible to meet someone who lives in 91ÌÒÉ« who has not been to Steamworks.  A local and tourist favorite, Steamworks offers a fun variety of foods all of which are delicious. Burgers and sandwiches, pizzas, gyros, Cajun broil, salads, five cheese mac and cheese, and an Indonesian peanut salad can all be found on their eclectic menu.
• Frozen Yogurt. Now I saved Top That for last partially because I am the manager of this colorful shop. In the year that we have been open, we have become a favorite in this wonderful community.  I may be biased because the shop is my “baby” but the yogurt is scrumptious, there are over 70 toppings to choose from, and the atmosphere is always enjoyable.

Considering I have only mentioned seven very diverse restaurants of the 97 in this beautiful town, I feel I can safely grantee that there is something here for everyone.  A big part of 91ÌÒÉ« is the food scene, a feature of this quirky town that I find unique and inviting. Come find your favorites: I would love to know what they are!