Farm-to-Table Restaurants in (and around) Grand Junction
The Grand Valley is know for our year-round mild temperatures, so it’s no surprise that our fertile valley is bursting with seasonal orchards, fruits, vegetables and herbs.
Local chefs have tapped into this abundance of produce and are creating a farm-to-fork movement, centered in Grand Junction, that has resulted in a variety of delicious restaurants offering seasonal dishes. Here are some of our favorite…
Grand Junction
It wasn’t enough for James Beard nominated Chef Josh Niernberg to have one restaurant (BIN 707) in town, so he decided to open another called Tacoparty. But this isn’t your typical restaurant—Taco Party has a rotating menu featuring six appetizers and six artisan tacos at a time. Using seasonal local ingredients, the tacos change weekly, if not sooner. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for current offerings. Rumor has it, they have the best soft serve around.
What to Try: The guacamole is out of this world and soft serve that is second to none.
626 on Rood incorporates local beef and ingredients from the chef’s personal garden and the community garden into their seasonal menu. Chef Theo Otte, a well-respected member of the culinary scene in Grand Junction, blends flavors from Southern Europe, Latin American, and Asia to create delicious, modern meals. Including a variety of plant-based and meat options, both omnivores and herbivores are happy here. 626 on Rood also offers an extensive list of wines, cocktails, beers, and spirits.
What to Try: Truffle cheese fries and the flatiron steak salad.
With a philosophy of “local first, Colorado second, domestic third,” BIN 707 Foodbar has been serving responsibly sourced meals since 2011. Offering lunch and dinner seven days a week, locals have come to appreciate their unique take on food with dishes like elk tartare and pommes darphin, a potato waffle with striped bass “lox” and sheep yogurt. Pair your meal with a local beer or an innovative cocktail for a dining experience you won’t forget.
What to Try: Bite into a Binburger, made with Colorado beef and white cheddar, or the Colorado Wagyu Ribeye.
If your favorite way to finish off a meal is with a scoop of handmade ice cream, then head to Spoons Bistro & Bakery. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and incorporate local ingredients into their menu. Everything is made in-house and profits support HopeWest, a nonprofit hospice that has been working in the community for more than 25 years with a mission of changing the way the community views aging, serious illness, and grief.
What to Try : Biscuits and gravy for breakfast; a pear, goat cheese, and pecan chef salad for lunch, or braised short ribs with local Blue Oyster mushrooms for dinner. (Don’t forget a scoop of the famous Enstrom Toffee ice cream for dessert!)
Located in the heart of downtown Grand Junction right on Main Street, il Bistro Italiano creates fresh meals using local ingredients and handmade pasta. The menu changes regularly based on what ingredients are in season and generally incorporates traditional family recipes from Northern Italy. The wine list includes options from both Italy and Colorado.
What to Try: Lasagna or the rosetta, their signature pasta dish.
The Winery Restaurant is one of the more unique settings in town, situated in a 100-year-old restored building that was once a fire station with horse-drawn fire wagons. With stained glass windows, a wood and brick interior, and a gas lamp, vine-lined alleyway, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic night out. Many ingredients come from local providers. The Winery was voted #1 best dining experience and #1 fine dining in the Best of the West for 2020.
What to Try: The Whitefield mushrooms in garlic butter are a must-try appetizer and the all-natural colorado lamb chops will melt in your mouth.
Voted "Best in the West" 2005. They have two locations in Grand Junction and Fruita and serve specialty pizzas, fresh salads, homemade soups and Panini sandwiches. Their Grand Junction is the original Pablo’s and is situated in a historical building amidst the quaint shops, hotels and other restaurants on the tree-lined Main Street. Pizza slices available at lunch.
What to Try: Their Italian Stallion comes highly recommended from Yelp reviewers.
A new addition to the Grand Junction food scene. The Glorious Fig is part event space, part restaurant, part communal dining spot. They offer an upscale, intimate setting for gatherings. Book a private event in their gorgeous space, make a reservation on Thursday evenings from 5-9 for community tapas-style plates and cocktails, or for their seasonally-inspired dinner experience twice a month.
Fruita
A local favorite! Specializing in "really good pies", the Hot Tomato has been a Fruita Staple since 2005. Focused on making pizza the traditional New York way on a stone deck oven, Hot Tomato works hard to make sure they use the freshest ingredients possible.
What to try: The seasonal peach & prosciutto pizza is highly rated! Their Meaty Boy is also a great choice.
Not technically a restaurant, but we love the fact that we can enjoy a cold one while sampling some local flare at one of their rotating food trucks. Enjoy fresh, local, small batch craft beer in a friendly pub atmosphere. Food trucks are typically available Wednesday - Sunday. Visit their website for a list of weekly events: https://www.copperclubbrew.com/events
What to try: Their 18 Road IPA is a solid choice!
Palisade
Palisade is most widely known for their peaches and vast acreage of vineyards. But who says you can’t make beer in wine country? Palisade Brewing Co. opened its doors in 2010 with an innovative mindset to create American-style beers with respect to the traditional roots of craft brewing. With a flavorful list of year-round beers, we suggest you ask about their seasonal list.
What to try: Their Dirty Hippie beer is a favorite and the Pastrami Reuben is delicious.
Distilling vodka, brandy, gin, and bourbon, Peach Street is a refreshing break from the wine in the small town of Palisade. From fruit to glass, every spirit they make is hand-crafted with local fruits and grains to deliver maximum flavors and high proof in each of their spirits. “Craft” is just the Colorado way of life. Check out their distillery for hand-crafted cocktails, delicious food and distillery tours (call ahead).
What to try: Don’t miss out on the best Bloody Mary in town! Their pizzas are also a great choice.
Slightly Whimsical. Maximum Fresh. The CAFÉ is under new ownership and serves a menu of casual American, Spanish, and Peruvian dishes made with the bounty of fresh food sourced from local farms, orchards, and ranches. They also serve a wide selection of local and regional distinctive wines and beers, along with exquisite mixologist prepared cocktails.
What to try: Their Seafood Paella is popular among locals.
Another newcomer to our culinary scene. Peche opened in 2019 right before the pandemic and is run by couple Matt and Ashley Chasseur. Both have extensive restaurant experience and have worked at a 3x Michelin-star restaurant in Chicago. Serving American cuisine, Peche focuses on fresh, local ingredients and has a menu that rotates regularly depending on the season. Locals and visitors rave about their unique dishes, fresh ingredients, thoughtful presentation and excellent service.
What to try: Since their menu is constantly rotating, it’s hard to recommend one thing. We encourage you to come with an open mind and enjoy what’s in season!
Want more tips on where to dine in the Grand Valley? Get in touch with our team!