Durango is known for its vibrant restaurant, coffee, and brewery scene. While many stand out and have great visibility in town, we’ve picked a few hidden gems that are off the main drag and may even require a password to get in.
The Subterrain
Located in downtown Durango, half a block off Main Avenue on 9th Street, you’ll find The Subterrain tucked away in the basement. This bar is a multi-room, rotating art experience that hosts events including live music, comedy nights, dance parties, private events, and more. It’s a unique venue with a trademark Friday Night Treasure Hunt - think an escape room with drinks!
Bookcase & Barber
Hidden gem really is the best way to describe the upscale speakeasy on the corner of 2nd Avenue and E. College Drive. Once a beloved bookstore, the “front” of the business now is a classic barbershop where you can get a beard trim, straight razor shave, and haircut. If you know the password, you can enter the Prohibition-era bar serving handcrafted cocktails.
Smiley Cafe
The Smiley Building has a long history, from its inception in 1936 to the transformation into the community center it is today in 1998. Nestled inside this multi-use building, the Smiley Cafe is a small coffee shop with homemade drinks, soup, sandwiches, and sweet treats. It’s a great place to meet with friends, work, or simply relax.
Still Life Coffee & Botanicals
Just off of Florida Road where North College Drive connects, Still Life Coffee & Botanicals is tucked behind J.Bo Pizza & Rib Company. The coffee shop offers handmade drinks and seasonal treats, and is also filled with plants for sale - and just for the vibes!
Meadows Market
Farther up Florida Road, at the entrance of Edgemont Meadows, Meadows Market was created as a true neighborhood market. The good news is you don’t have to live in Edgemont to enjoy the specially crafted breakfast, lunch, tapas, and cafe menus. Locally made gifts and curated grocery and home goods can be found here as well. Enjoy the cozy indoor or outdoor seating surrounded by tall pines, with live music in the summer months.
Serious Delights
Although the real baking happens somewhere in Bodo Park, the retail front of Serious Delights is inside of Nature’s Oasis Market. Since 2003, they’ve been baking seriously good bread, desserts, and pastries. A daily schedule of goodies is available for fresh, frozen, and take-and-bake treats.
Ska Brewing
Though the name is well known, Ska Brewing world headquarters is tucked away in Bodo Industrial Park. If you venture out for a visit, you can enjoy the full brewery experience with their tap wall serving their craft brews, onsite restaurant, and swag shop. Indoor and outdoor seating make it a great space to gather, host events, or enjoy the many events they host throughout the year.
Bar D Chuckwagon
The Bar D Chuckwagon keeps our western heritage in the spotlight during their dinner shows. About 15 minutes north of downtown in the Animas Valley, their property is tucked off the highway, along the red cliffs of Missionary Ridge on County Road 250, creating a perfect setting for a summer evening. One of Durango’s top tourist attractions, you’ll enjoy a cowboy dinner, libations, locally made memorabilia, all while listening to live classic western songs.
Whether you’re visiting or call Durango home, try out these hidden gems! As long-time locals, we have the inside scoop on some of the best things to do in Durango. For more Durango lifestyle and real estate updates, please contact us.
