The Best Burger in Telluride, Colorado: Smuggler Union
When it comes to finding a memorable meal in Telluride, Colorado, few places seem to generate as much enthusiasm among locals and visitors as Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery. A popular neighborhood gathering spot, this welcoming restaurant combines handcrafted beers brewed onsite, an appealing selection of comfort-food favorites, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or an enjoyable evening out. Whether you're craving a seriously good burger, a plate of perfectly prepared steak frites, or something a little different, Smuggler Union offers plenty of reasons to pull up a chair. It's the kind of establishment that inspires repeat visits, and judging by the number of customers who return year after year, it's doing quite a few things right.
Naturally, the burgers deserve considerable attention. In fact, if you're something of a burger enthusiast, you'll probably want to arrive hungry. Customer favorites include the Smokehouse Burger, the Truffle Mushroom Burger, the BBQ Cheeseburger, and the House Smoked Bacon Burger. One particularly enthusiastic visitor described the House Smoked Bacon Burger as a nearly unforgettable experience, giving special recognition to its cilantro mayo. Another customer praised the Smokehouse Burger, prepared medium-rare with cheddar, house barbecue sauce, crispy onions, bacon, and all the traditional toppings. The Truffle Mushroom Burger is another standout, featuring cremini, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and truffle aioli. The burgers are generously assembled, cooked to order, and accompanied by delicious slaw. For anyone who believes a great burger should be an experience rather than simply another menu item, Smuggler Union certainly makes a compelling argument.
Of course, there's considerably more happening in the kitchen than burgers. The restaurant's selection of entrees and sandwiches has earned equally enthusiastic reviews. The steak frites, in particular, receive repeated praise, with diners describing the steak as perfectly cooked and the accompanying fries as delicious. The Airline Chicken and chicken sandwich are also customer favorites. One returning guest went so far as to call the chicken sandwich a five-star experience, highlighting its moist chicken, flavorful aioli, bacon, provolone, avocado, pickled onions, lettuce, and tomato. The salmon selections are another pleasant surprise. Guests have enjoyed both the salmon burger and salmon BLT, with the latter featuring lemon aioli and a delicious house salad topped with sliced pears and glazed pecans. It's a menu that offers something beyond the expected brewpub fare.
Then there are the dishes that seem to inspire their own loyal following. The elk bolognese is one such example, with one longtime customer describing it as absolutely outstanding and mentioning that even the children in the family regularly order it. The Korean tacos, carne asada tacos, and other taco selections also receive favorable attention, as do the ribs and chicken wings. If you're looking for something to share, the cheesy potato tots are particularly appealing. Interestingly, these aren't necessarily traditional potato tots; one diner compared them to Spanish croquettes, describing them as especially tasty. The mushroom bisque also received an enthusiastic endorsement, while the macaroni and cheese has developed its own following. Add in the meat pies, coleslaw, and a variety of other comfort-food favorites, and it's easy to understand why so many customers have difficulty deciding what to order.
The sides deserve some recognition, too. Sweet potato fries appear repeatedly in customer reviews, and it's clear they have become something of a signature favorite. Several visitors specifically mentioned how much they enjoyed them, while others opted for the white truffle fries or classic truffle fries. Both seem to deliver plenty of flavor. The restaurant also offers cheesy potato tots, house salads, and other accompaniments that complement the main dishes nicely. One particularly appealing salad combines fresh greens with sliced pears and glazed pecans, offering a refreshing contrast to the richer burgers and entrees. Portions are described as generous, and the kitchen's willingness to prepare food to order adds to the overall appeal. Whether you're building a substantial meal around a burger or simply sharing a few appetizers and sides, there are plenty of tempting choices.
As you might expect from a restaurant and brewery, the beverage selection is another important part of the experience. Smuggler Union takes considerable pride in its handcrafted beers, brewed onsite, and customers consistently praise the quality and variety. Among the selections mentioned in reviews are the Cold IPA, vanilla porter, and Blond Betty, each receiving enthusiastic recommendations. Visitors also appreciate the freshness of the beer and the opportunity to enjoy something produced right there at the brewery. Beyond beer, the restaurant offers a thoughtful selection of spirits and cocktails. Guests have enjoyed the Moscow Mule, mojitos, and other mixed drinks, while the house-brewed root beer and ginger beer provide excellent nonalcoholic alternatives. Whether you're a dedicated craft-beer enthusiast or simply looking for a refreshing drink alongside lunch, the beverage program offers plenty of options.
The atmosphere is another reason Smuggler Union has become such a popular Telluride destination. The restaurant offers a casual, welcoming environment with a spacious dining area, bar seating, and multiple televisions. During pleasant Colorado afternoons, the outdoor patio is especially appealing. Shaded seating, mountain surroundings, and containers of colorful wildflowers help create a relaxed setting for enjoying a meal. It's also worth mentioning that the restaurant has a dog-friendly patio, something that traveling pet owners particularly appreciate. Families, couples, groups of friends, and visitors passing through town can all find something to enjoy here. While the dining area can get busy, particularly during popular dining hours, the overall atmosphere remains approachable and comfortable. Because the indoor dining space has been described as relatively small by some visitors, calling ahead to inquire about wait times is a sensible idea.
Equally important is the service, which receives considerable praise throughout the customer feedback. Diners frequently describe the staff as friendly, attentive, helpful, and genuinely welcoming. Bartenders have been recognized for their knowledge of the beer selection and willingness to offer recommendations, while servers have earned compliments for keeping things moving smoothly and making guests feel comfortable. The restaurant has also received positive comments about its ability to accommodate larger groups. As with any busy restaurant, individual experiences can occasionally vary, but the overwhelming impression from returning customers is that Smuggler Union understands the importance of good hospitality. Clean tables, accommodating staff, and attentive service all contribute to the experience. It's particularly encouraging to see so many guests specifically mention individual employees when describing what made their visit memorable.
Ultimately, Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery is exactly the kind of establishment that makes exploring Telluride's dining scene enjoyable. It combines the appeal of a neighborhood brewery with a kitchen capable of producing some genuinely memorable food. From its outstanding burgers and steak frites to elk bolognese, salmon sandwiches, tacos, ribs, and irresistible sweet potato fries, the menu offers considerably more variety than you might initially expect. Add handcrafted beers, thoughtfully selected spirits, refreshing house-brewed beverages, friendly service, and a welcoming patio with beautiful Colorado surroundings, and you've got a restaurant worth seeking out. Whether you're visiting Telluride for a weekend, spending a week exploring the mountains, or returning for another annual getaway, Smuggler Union deserves a place on your dining itinerary. Sometimes the best restaurant experiences aren't about elaborate presentations or pretentious dining rooms. They're about great food, generous portions, good drinks, and an atmosphere that makes you want to come back. Smuggler Union appears to have mastered that combination.
225 S Pine St, Telluride, CO 81435
(970) 728-3434
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