Tucked high in the Colorado Rockies at over 10,000 feet, Leadville is a historic mining town known for its rugged charm, scenic mountain views, and rich Wild West past.
Once a booming silver town, it now draws visitors with its outdoor adventures and small-town hospitality. We spent six weeks soaking up the cool summer air, hiking nearby trails, and sampling as many local restaurants as we could.
From cozy diners to creative eateries, Leadville surprised us with its range of food options. This guide covers our favorite spots to eat in town and a few hidden gems worth the detour. Whether you’re visiting for the history or the hiking, come hungry.
High Mountain Pies
High Mountain Pies has been serving up incredible pizza for over 20 years, and it’s easy to see why people keep coming back. It’s tucked into what looks like an old house, giving it that homey, small-town charm.
We grabbed a large Mini Super to-go, loaded with jalapeños, Italian sausage, and pepperoni, and every bite was spot on. The crust was flavorful and just the right texture, the sauce had great depth, and it wasn’t greasy at all. You can tell they care about the ingredients.
Their house-made ranch was a standout too—creamy, tangy, and the perfect dip for that crust. If you’re into ranch with your pizza, don’t miss it. During the summer, they host backyard concerts every Thursday, which just adds to the chill, small-town mountain vibe.
Casa Sanchez
Casa Sanchez brings authentic Mexican flavor and warm, friendly service to the heart of town. We stopped in for lunch and were greeted right away with chips, salsa, and super kind service. The portions here are no joke—I went with the white queso burrito and it was massive and filled with ground beef, wrapped in a toasted flour tortilla, and smothered in creamy queso.
Brad had the Mexico Enchiladas, which came with three kinds: red chili, green chili, and white queso—the red chili was his favorite.
The rice and beans were decent, and the ground beef was tasty enough to scoop up with leftover chips like nachos. Everything had that comfort-food Tex-Mex vibe, and it felt like a hearty, homemade meal. As native Texans we don’t give out props to Tex-Mex joints too easily but this place earned them!
Wild Bill’s Restaurant
Wild Bill’s has been slinging burgers and fries for 40 years, and it’s still family owned and run. We stopped in for a quick bite and ordered a classic bacon cheeseburger and the Sundowner Burger.
The patties were pretty thin, but the thick-cut bacon and barbecue sauce on the Sundowner helped make up for it. The fries were the real winner—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and served in a big portion.
We also tried the shakes: one was butterscotch banana (heavy on the butterscotch, light on the banana) and the other was marshmallow peanut butter. The shakes are thin but easy to sip, and the small size was just right.
Wicked Good Pizza
Wicked Good Pizza lives up to its name with bold, creative flavors. We tried the Sweet Heat pizza, loaded with red sauce, mozzarella, sausage, jalapeños, caramelized onion jam, and a hot honey drizzle.
The crust was spot-on—perfectly baked with great flavor. The mix of sweet and spicy was unique, and the jalapeños really helped cut through the richness of the onion jam and honey.
For me, it leaned a little too sweet overall, but it was still seriously good. If you’re into sweet-and-spicy combos, this one’s worth a try. The quality of the ingredients and crust really stood out. Definitely one of the better pizza spots in not just Leadville, but Colorado if you ask me.
Treeline Kitchen
Treeline Kitchen is a locally owned, family-run spot that’s been serving the community since 2017. They have a cozy courtyard out front with a large firepit and chairs draped with blankets to keep you warm on chilly days.
Upstairs, there’s a rooftop terrace with tables, though it wasn’t open when we visited. We started with drinks: a lavender pomegranate virgin margarita that was tangy and refreshing, and a strawberry margarita that tasted great but wasn’t very strong.
The wontons with peach ponzu sauce were a highlight—the filling was light, but the sweet and spicy sauce packed a punch. My chicken sandwich had crispy tenders and great pickles but could’ve used more of that amazing tasty sauce.
Brad had the blackened cod, cooked perfectly with bold seasoning and fresh toppings.
For dessert, the PB&J skillet cookie was a bit dry, but the unique Concord grape ice cream made it worth trying.
The Mountain Goat Food Trailer
The Mountain Goat is parked next to a dispensary and run by a super friendly staffer, which gives it a laid-back, local vibe.
We both went with the patty melt, which I really enjoyed it. The best way I can describe it, is more like a grilled cheese with some meat thrown in. At around $22, it didn’t come with fries or extras, so it felt a little steep.
Hot Heads Chicken
Hot Heads Chicken is a one-woman food truck in Leadville that moves between the Ace Hardware lot and the Ale Yak Food & Beer Garden. We grabbed lunch there and both ordered the spicy OGX chicken sandwich—crispy fried chicken with pickles and her signature HHC sauce.
The sandwich held up perfectly even after sitting a bit—the bun was toasted, the chicken stayed crispy, and the flavor was spot on. Just be ready for a nice kick!
She also provides a fry sauce that’s fantastic.
You can tell she puts real care into her food, and it shows. Definitely worth the effort of tracking her down for a killer chicken sandwich.
The Leadville Grill and Cantina
Leadville Grill and Cantina is a revived local gem with deep roots, dating back to 1938, and it’s now in the hands of Miguel and Adriana, a husband-and-wife team with 50 years of combined restaurant experience. We stopped in for lunch and were blown away by the flavor—especially the chips and salsa, which were some of the best we’ve had outside of Texas.
I had the stuffed beef sopapillas smothered with green chilis, and while they got a little soggy, the flavor was rich and well-seasoned. Brad went with the fried tamales and loved the spicy green chili and tender pork inside. The cilantro rice was a standout, and the beans were solid.
Dessert was the real showstopper: a banana pudding-stuffed sopapilla with caramel drizzle and whipped cream that was absolutely next level. Friendly service, great food, and a welcoming vibe make The Grill feel like it’s truly back where it belongs.
City on a Hill Coffee & Espresso
City on a Hill Coffee is a cozy spot that takes pride in giving back—both locally and to the farmers they source their coffee from. We tried the classic breakfast burrito with potato, bacon, egg, and cheese, which was hot, made to order, and hit the spot.
It came with red or green salsa, but both leaned a bit too sweet for our taste—the red was the better of the two. At $10, the burrito felt a little small for the price.
We also grabbed a lemon bar and an eclair; the lemon bar had good texture and great flavor. The eclair was excellent with a rich filling, great pastry, and totally worth the $5.
The baked goods are definitely where they shine. Friendly vibes, good coffee, and a place that cares about its community make it worth a visit.
Moe’s Original BBQ
Moe’s Original BBQ is the kind of place where you feel like a guest, not just a customer. Founded in Alabama by three college friends with a passion for Southern BBQ, this now-popular chain serves up fruit wood–smoked meats and soulful sides that hit the spot.
We tried the smoked turkey and smoked pork sandwiches—both were excellent with toasted buns, fresh veggies, and bold, smoky flavor. The white sauce added a tangy kick that paired perfectly with the meat.
Sides were just as strong: the baked beans were incredible, the potato salad had great crunch, and the baked mac and cheese had a perfect golden crust. Everything felt homemade and full of care.
We finished it off with the Oreo chocolate pudding, which was rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. Moe’s is a place to slow down, eat well, and leave happy.
The Silver Llama Market & Eatery
Silver Llama Market & Eatery is the evolution of Cookies With Altitude, a small cookie shop that started in 2009 and grew into a full café serving the community with heart.
We stopped in for a quick breakfast and grabbed a few donuts: Fruity Pebble, blueberry glazed cake, and chocolate with sprinkles. The Fruity Pebble was the favorite—sweet, colorful, and nostalgic in the best way.
The others were good but leaned a bit dry. Unfortunately, there were no cookies available during our visit, which was a bit of a bummer given the shop’s cookie-focused roots. Still, you can feel the pride and local history behind the place.
The name “Silver Llama” ties the town’s mining past with its mountain present, and it’s clear this spot is part of Leadville’s story. Next time, we’ll definitely be back to try the cookies that started it all.
The Legendary Silver Dollar Saloon
The Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville is a true piece of history, with an original oak bar and windbreak that have seen legends like Doc Holliday and Molly Brown walk through its doors. Family-owned since 1943, the saloon serves up dishes crafted by Chef Eric, who brings global experience and a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
I had the yak burger, which was good. Brad went for the chicken-fried yak with smashed fingerling potatoes and sautéed veggies, all tasty on their own. The country gravy had a surprising twist with some kind of meat in it, adding a unique flavor. The veggies were simple but well-prepared.
The flavors were solid, and everything was good, but the history and atmosphere make it worth a visit. It’s a place where you get a meal and a slice of Leadville’s colorful past.
The Famous
The Famous has a great sports bar and family room vibe, plus a patio that’s quickly becoming a favorite hangout spot. We stopped in for dinner and tried the Firebird pizza, chicken parmesan, and chicken alfredo.
The Firebird pizza was a standout with its homemade roasted garlic white sauce, mozzarella, chicken, turkey burnt ends, jalapeños, red onion, and hot honey—all fresh and packed with flavor. The turkey burnt ends were especially tasty.
The chicken Parmesan was amazing, with a flavorful red sauce and a tender, well-seasoned breaded chicken breast, plus great garlic bread on the side.
The fettuccine Alfredo sauce was delicious, but the grilled chicken on top was a bit bland and tough compared to the chicken parm. Service was friendly and everything arrived quickly. Overall, it’s a solid spot with tasty food and a chill atmosphere. A great place to catch a game.
Buchi Cafe Cubano
Buchi Café Cubano is a great spot for a casual lunch, especially with its large outdoor seating area and covered spots. There’s some indoor seating nearby too.
Brad had the Cuban Mix sandwich, which was super tasty with tangy pickles, mustard, and perfectly seasoned meats.
I went with the Aye Conyo, which is similar to the Cuban Mix sandwich but adds pepperoni, jalapeños, and key lime mayo that gave it a nice kick without being too spicy.
Both sandwiches were delicious, but that little extra spice on the Aye Conyo really made it stand out. The flavors were fresh and balanced, making for a satisfying meal. It’s a simple spot with great sandwiches and a chill vibe. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in Leadville.
Final Word
If you’re passing through Leadville or lucky enough to call it home, these spots showcase the real heart and flavor of this mountain town. From legendary pies and smoky BBQ to cozy family-run kitchens and historic saloons, there’s something here for every craving.
What shines through in every bite and every visit is the care these places put into their food and community. Whether you’re grabbing a slice after a hike, settling in for a patio dinner, or sipping coffee while soaking in local stories, Leadville’s food scene welcomes you with open arms and genuine warmth. So go ahead, explore, taste, and enjoy a true taste of the Rockies.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
