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1-Day Cortez Itinerary
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Cortez in 1 day
If you only have 1 day to spend in Cortez, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
Cortez is a convenient base for exploring Mesa Verde National Park, home to some of the most significant Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the United States. The town also sits near Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Hovenweep National Monument, offering extensive archaeological sites and hiking opportunities. In Cortez itself, you’ll find a compact downtown with local museums, breweries, and shops that reflect the region’s blend of Native American and Old West heritage. Its location in southwest Colorado also makes it a practical stop on wider road trips through the Four Corners area.
With favorites like Ocean Pearl Chinese Restaurant, Once Upon A Sandwich, and Blondies Trophy Room, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Agave Azul Taqueria & Bar and Stonefish Sushi so you can get the best taste of Cortez while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Cortez?
Visiting Cortez? See our Cortez Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
- Cortez in 1 day
- 1-day itinerary
Day 1
1-day itinerary
With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, La Casita de Cortez and Main Street Brewery & Restaurant with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Cortez without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 8 hours of your day.
1
•Tamilisa M — Google reviewC D — Google reviewAngela W — Google reviewMandie L — Google reviewH E — Google reviewJody G — Google reviewDoug B — Google review
La Casita de Cortez
4.5
(1460)
4.5
(967)
affordable
Mexican restaurant
Restaurant
La Casita de Cortez is a charming Mexican eatery located on Main Street, just 10 miles from Mesa Verde National Park. Since its opening in 2012, it has been a popular spot for locals and tourists seeking authentic Mexican cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Great food! Tried the Mome enchiladas and it was very tasty! I would definitely order again and recommend you try!
Salsa is great, chips fresh. I think you would enjoy La Casita as we did.
Jared — Google review
Fun little place to eat. Waiter was nice. The food was okay. The guacamole looked soooo good but was sooooo spicy! We had a couple of bites and had to stop. The enchiladas weren't as flavorful as I was hoping. But it was still a fun experience for our kids to eat out.
Passing through town on a motorcycle trip. This place is the real deal. Excellent service, fair prices, and delicious food. I’m a salsa snob and their salsa is a top 3 ever for me. Highly recommend and will absolutely be back when I am in town.
I think if they hadn't been so busy it would have been fine. There was only one server and we all got our food at different times, and things were forgotten about and no drink refills were offered. Our tortillas for the fajitas came out after the food had cooled and everyone else was done eating. I ordered the taco salad and I think there was more lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese on the kids taco plates. Our server was really nice and we liked him, but he was over worked!
We were a little unsure when the parking lot appeared mostly empty, but we're so glad we ate here! The waitress was lovely. She was friendly, engaged with our kids, and clearly wanted to make our experience positive. The food and drinks were also good. I especially enjoyed my crunchy taco with a homemade shell. The bean dip with the chips and salsa was also quite tasty and unique. We'd definitely eat here again!
The only somewhat negative piece was being charged for our kids' juices when their kids meals said they came with a drink. We chose not to bring it up as my guess is their choice of juice wasn't included in the kids meal and our overall experience was positive, so we paid the additional amount. It would be helpful though if the kids menu listed the drink options that are included in the meal.
Quickly seated, drink orders taken promptly. They arrived shortly and our order was taken. We ordered Shrimp Fajitas and Camerones De La Mar, which also was delivered promptly. Both were very good. The margarita was also good, a bit on the strong side.
Amazing food, the carnitas are delicious!! Services was great.
Best Mexican food I have had in years. My wife and I stopped here after we went to Mesa Verde National Park. We got the chili relleno, steak enchiladas (so good), and a chimichonga. This is a must visit place. I don't remember the last time I had Mexican food this good. We went in the late afternoon, so it wasn't too busy. We ate outside in the perfect weather. Loved it!
332 E Main St, Cortez, CO 81321, USA•
6 min · 0.31 mi
2•Mark M — Google reviewAndy R — Google reviewFrank K — Google reviewMarc S — Google reviewCK C — Google reviewDennis M — Google reviewAndrea B — Google review
Main Street Brewery & Restaurant
4.1
(839)
3.9
(691)
affordable
Restaurant
Brewpub
Main Street Brewery & Restaurant is a laid-back establishment featuring a tin ceiling and whimsical murals. The menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, complemented by an array of house-brewed beers. This community hub also serves regional cider, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. With its small local food menu, it's the perfect spot to enjoy great beer and delicious fare in Cortez.
We stopped in here last year while in town, and had a great meal so had to come back. We had the shrimp platter and the Tuscan chicken pasta which were both great. I had to try a bowl of the green Chile stew, which was also delicious. We couldn’t eat dessert, so got the chocolate chip cookie cheesecake and the raspberry cheesecake. Our server Neco was outstanding, even though a tour bus came in right after us. Bravo!
Randy B — Google review
We stopped in for lunch while we were passing through visiting Mesa Verde. I had the french dip with onions and peppers and I enjoyed it very much. Nice flavor with the au jus and liked the crunch on the fries. The waitress, while very pleasant, was obviously being stretched pretty thin to take care of all of the tables so service was a bit slow. Overall, we enjoyed the colorful surroundings. Recommend a stop if you're in the area.
Great brews and a wonderful menu. The veggie sub was delicious. The southwest grilled chicken salad was perfect. The really fine bar and superb brews on tap, brewed on premise. A great variety to be had! Family owned and run. Sweet people and place.
Food was well prepared and service was excellent. We both had the American Wagyu burger. It didn't taste and different than a regular burger. Wasn't as moist as I would expect it to be.
Bar atmosphere with decent music (not too loud). Beer is pretty good with flights (max 4, 5 oz pours) available.
Beer flight: Honey Raz Wheat, Lost Cowboy IPA, Rippa (mixed pour of previous two beers), and Doppelbock well all great.
Food: German pretzel appetizer was great Chili verde was excellent with great flavor and not over-salted, both in the Stew and on the Open Face burger. Preparation time seemed a excessive, but worth the wait.
Service: Staff was pleasant and attentive, and the service was excellent.
Overall: 5/5
Pleasant eatery. Good friendly service. Ordered Shrimp Scampi which was grilled shrimps with pasta. Food tasted fine.
Only three stars for atmosphere.
Very dark, dive vibe. However the fish and chips were awesome.
Service was great.
Had a pint of the Porter it was delicious.
I would return for the fish.
Only suggestion, needs better lighting.
I had the green chili stew (absolutely delicious!) & it come with a side of focaccia bread; hubby had the Blast with grilled chicken - he loved it! Fries are really good!
Husband had IPA - he liked that; I do not drink beer but they have a great wine selection (for non beer drinkers) as well as a full bar.
Atmosphere was very cool!
Highly recommend this restaurant!
(Did not get pics of food as we were talking to a couple from New Mexico and were too busy - food was gone before I knew it 😃)’
21 E Main St, Cortez, CO 81321, USA•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
1 min · 300 ft
3•Merisa M — Google reviewLonghaul P — Google reviewRebecca P — Google reviewMercedes M — Google reviewDolores P — Google reviewBhavna C — Google reviewRuth E — Google review
Once Upon A Sandwich
4.6
(358)
4.2
(103)
Sandwich shop
Takeout Restaurant
Restaurant
Once Upon A Sandwich is a charming little eatery located in Cortez, just a short drive from Mesa Verde National Park. The cozy and welcoming interior, along with the friendly staff, create a delightful dining experience. The menu offers a variety of options including turkey BLT croissants, burgers with bacon for the kids, New Mexico sandwiches, buffalo chicken wraps, and Cobb salads. Customers praise the quick and friendly service as well as the delicious food served at this small sandwich joint.
Super cute tavern style restaurant. I love a theme and they really pulled this one off. It’s whimsical and fun and the food is great. Service was prompt and polite. Serving local ciders on tap as well. Definitely a unique local business I will keep supporting!
Madeline B — Google review
The restaurant is truly amazing—an unforgettable experience! Everything, from the thoughtfully crafted menu to the enchanting décor, creates a magical atmosphere that feels straight out of a fantasy.
Under New Management 2025: Went for a celebration with our 9 year old daughter. Absolutely the best experience we have ever had with a kid friendly restaurant. The decor is awesome, the food is fresh and delicious, and the staff is fun. Will be coming back over and over again.
Wonderful fun family atmosphere! Food is fabulous, service is fabulous. Portions are just right; large but not over the top. Definitely our new favorite place to go out to eat.
The absolute best restaurant experience. Atmosphere was amazing, great place for families and friends alike. Best accidental walk in ever.
Ordered the Mother Goose Chicken sandwich it was very good, the potato bun was perfect. Also, try the Dragon Eggs; much better than it sounds, the sauce was perfect
My friends and I had a great time, maybe a little pricey but so is everything now-days. Good selection of gluten free alternatives
I love eating here! The atmosphere, prices, service and food are exceptional. The new BLT is my favorite sandwich. They have regular specials and the restaurant always smells like it’s been scrubbed clean. I love bringing my Grandkids here for the dragon that comes with the kids meal and the fairy door scavenger hunt! Lots of vegetarian options, gluten free bread, gluten free hamburger buns and gluten free soup options.
Cute lunch place. Our 6 year old loved the little whimsical touches, especially the fairy doors. The service was attentive and our server gave us good advice on local places to visit.
The Reuben sandwich was delicious. Our child enjoyed the chicken tenders that were juicy and flavorful. Much better than the dry strips some restaurants serve.
Where can I start? The place, it was very well decorated with humor and thought put into. The service, it was absolutely incredible. They welcomed you with a smile and give you multiple options of dining areas. One of the waiter even gave my kid a little 3D printed dragon, they check up on you and tell you the wifi if you need it. And the food was really just out of fairy tales and absolutely delicious. It's really just an amazing experience
9 W Main St, Cortez, CO 81321, USA•
1 min · 400 ft
4•Bella P — Google reviewKarin B — Google reviewJoe L — Google reviewLobo M — Google reviewMichael M — Google reviewBret L — Google reviewDave B — Google review
Loungin' Lizard
4.5
(919)
4.5
(379)
affordable
Restaurant
Bar
Sports bar
Loungin' Lizard is a trendy restaurant and bar offering a diverse menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a modern setting. The establishment caters to a wide range of customers with its affordable options. Once Upon a Sandwich and the Pie Maker Bakery provide quick snack options within the venue. The chalkboard menu changes frequently to accommodate various tastes and dietary needs, making it family-friendly. Visitors praise the friendly wait staff who offer helpful service amidst the bustling atmosphere.
My family and I stopped in for a treat after doing some hiking in the area. We'd eaten lunch already, so we only had dessert, but the items on the lunch menu looked really good. I split the bread pudding with my wife, and the serving size was so generous that I'm glad we split it between the two of us! It was delicious, but very rich, so half of the serving was plenty for me. We substituted the cinnamon ice cream with their flavor of the day, which was caramel and pistachio, which was also really yummy!
Anthony T — Google review
We were explained that everything is made from scratch so we were excited to try their menu items.
We ordered about seven different things and none of them was edible except for pasta with Mariana sauce.
Pork Belly Taco had slimy lettuce/cabbage
Chicken Tenders took 30 minutes to fry
More than half of Brussel Sprouts app were burned
Chicken Caesar was dry, almost like there’s no dressing tossed in it
Pizza was too greasy and crust just didn’t taste good.
I understand this is BAR/Restaurant combo but please have your staff wear something more appropriate, half of the server’s bottom was exposed and not all of us want to see that while eating.
Road trip decisions. Drove in from camping overnight in Corkscrew Gulch. Parked on Main Street on a Sunday @ 11:30 am. Sat at a booth, ordered pizzas, and enjoyed a peach mimosa. The Tomato Florentine Pizza with a crispy thin crust was awesome. The Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza was awesome as well. We took home leftovers so we could enjoy house-made ice cream for dessert. Yummy, and made the drive to Flagstaff very satisfying.
I come to cortez once a year and this place used to be a safe staple. I ordered a black coffee that they didn't brew correctly, somehow, I didn't mind it, but it's the principal. I had the bison burger that comes with cheddar and pork belly on top, with a side of fries; medium rare. It comes out and looks so dry, no sauce, no condiments, and I wasn't aware they just slapped chopped vegetables on it without care. I bit into it and low and behold, it was extremely overcooked, and dry. Will not be going back, solely based on the fact that it's a simple burger, that came out wrong in so many ways. Staff was nice though, and they didn't make me pay for it, so service was good!
After a long day of travel, this was just the perfect spot for a comfy dinner. Our waiter was super friendly, the atmosphere was cosy and nice, and the food & the cocktails were very good.
The Country Fried Chicken at Loungin' Lizard in Cortez, CO is crispy, juicy, and packed with Southern flavor. The Brussels sprouts are caramelized to perfection—savory with a hint of sweetness. Paired with an Effen Vodka Lemonade drink was amazing, the meal balances rich and refreshing. A comfort food win with a kick.
Great servers and fantastic food. Had the Southwest Cuban and it's a really great sandwich!
The employees were really wonderful and friendly. Will be back again next time I'm through this area.
It seemed like a comprehensive menu, but it was very slow service, lots of mistakes by the weight staff, and slow to check out. They seem disorganized. Many of the young waitresses seemed inappropriately dressed.
2 W Main St, Cortez, CO 81321, USA•
1 min · 400 ft
5•Alli L — Google reviewLobo M — Google reviewBrandon D — Google reviewNancy W — Google reviewMr.E — Google reviewMark K — Google reviewDani F — Google review
The Farm Bistro
4.6
(1031)
4.5
(519)
affordable
Bistro
American restaurant
Restaurant
The Farm Bistro is a delightful restaurant offering innovative farm-to-table dishes in a charming, rustic-chic setting with a cozy lounge area. Their menu showcases freshly prepared meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients, including salads, soups, sandwiches, seafood, chicken and prime meats, homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and delectable desserts. The full-service bar boasts an array of micro-brew craft beers, casual wines, and premium spirits.
Loved it. Fresh farm-to-table food. Clean, casual atmosphere. My husband got the chicken sandwich & I did the Chicken & the Egg salad. Flavorful, healthy, clean food. Loved that they had a small selection of farm produce in a refrigerator to buy too. Bummed they were out of carrot cake to try, maybe next time. 😊
Angel C — Google review
Stopped by on our way through town. All the servers were very nice and accommodating, especially for our big group. Food did take awhile to come out but everything was prepared fresh and absolutely delicious. We had the chicken pot pie, chicken tenders, kids pizza, and a burger. The burger was excellently flavored, but just slightly on the drier side. We all loved the homemade bread buns as well. Thank you for an tasty and filling meal.
And especially thank you to Pat for being such a friendly and great server!
Our experience at “The Farm Bistro” was a tightrope walk. The welcome was nice, our server Pat was very friendly & funny, the atmosphere is cosy. So far, so good. The first course - a baked Brie with a crunchy Focaccia bread, apples & Jalapeño jelly relish was absolutely delicious! Then the main courses: My wife’s black bean burger was great, very tasty! I was not so lucky: I ordered my New York steak medium-rare; it actually came well done, with lukewarm mashed potatoes and cold Broccoli. I told our waiter Pat, he reacted very professional and wanted to correct it immediately. He came back with a second try: Same result. The meat looked the same (check the pictures!) the mashed potatoes were okay, the Broccoli was still the same - the chef didn’t even replace it! That’s a no-go! I ate the dish anyway for 3 reasons: 1. I hate food waste! Too many people out there struggle every day. 2. I was hungry. 3. You could tell that the meat was of high quality which made it still kind of enjoyable even if it was twice overcooked.
Bottom line:
A nice place with good service and basically good food - but if such mistakes happen (twice!) I expect the chef to react differently.
I dont understand all the positive reviews. Although the drink selection was great and everyone was really nice, I don't know if its that they need more staff or just cut corners, but the pot pie was all frozen vegetables with hardly any chicken, our drink took 15 minutes, the house rolls (although appreciated) came after 20 minutes right before the entrees, and the soup came out after the main course. Seems way overpriced for the portions, quality, and care. There's many other great food options on main street.
Its a great place to eat healthy farm to table food! It was delicious 😋 and reasonably priced. Atmosphere was awesome, comfortable & beautiful. People dating were here, group of friends had a great time, families & older folks. Great for everyone. Passing through Cortez or live here, its perfect 👌 You got to try it. Hey Farm Bistro, come to Arizona huh! Maricopa County somewhere there 😉
We stopped here for lunch on our road trip after looking for places online. Sadly our experience wasn't super great. They were understaffed and had 2 waitresses for the entire restaurant. Because we were new we were unfamiliar with the menu, and after finally deciding on something to eat, the waitress bluntly told us they were out of that food item. They had a giant chalkboard sign out front advertising said food item and we were disappointed with this outcome. Despite this, we managed to find other things to eat and the food was delicious. I hope this was just a busy day.
We visited Cortez a few years ago and had a wonderful dinner at The Farm Bistro. We were there again with our kids and wanted to give them the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful meal -- they were not disappointed. Fortunately we got there early (5:15 pm) and got a table. Shortly after we arrived the place filled up and walk in customers were turned away. We ordered four different entres and all of the them were delicious. (Moroccan Style Lamb meatballs, Chicken Fried Steak, Chicken Pot Pie & Relleno Pie). We were also served a Rosemary Muffin before the meal. I wish we could move the restaurant to the Denver area so we could enjoy it on a regular basis.
We were in town visiting Mesa verde and stopped in for dinner on a Friday night. There was a short wait, once we were seated & served we were there for a little over an hour. I loved that their menu had gluten free options! The food was delicious, we both had happy plates at the end of dinner 😛
34 W Main St, Cortez, CO 81321, USA•
7 min · 0.34 mi
6•Deena C — Google reviewTravel W — Google reviewKatherine P — Google reviewTrina L — Google reviewBrenda T — Google reviewMichel R — Google reviewPeggy M — Google review
Notah Dineh Trading Co
4.7
(560)
4.6
(48)
Art gallery
Museums
Gift shop
Art Museums
Notah Dineh Trading Co is a must-visit in Cortez, Colorado. This unique establishment specializes in Native American art, showcasing an extensive collection of Pueblo, Ute, and Navajo pottery, baskets, sculptures, jewelry, and more. The museum features a remarkable display of Navajo rugs and artifacts from the Old West. Visitors can also explore the diverse range of home interior items such as rugs and jewelry.
Stopped by while staying in Cortez just to look. Employees were helpful, knowledgeable and not pushy. Sam was very helpful and shared much information about the history of the local native Americans. Great prices - my wife and I bought several pieces of horse hair art pottery and some jewelry. Phillip did a great job of packing the pottery so it would be safe for our trip back home.
Ed W — Google review
The store is well laid out and I would have loved to purchase items in the case. I Googled this place and looked forward to coming here after 3 connecting flights and over a 1000 miles journey. I was one customer in the store. I saw 5 people working and stood by the counter while those working were looking at there phones. No one offered any help at all. I guess my purchase was not meant to be. It's disappointing. I am a very respectful and friendly person and I wish I could have interacted with someone. It would have been meaningful.
Original Native American Trading Post, worth visiting. It features not only a wide variety of Native art at great prices, but also an small museum.
This is a fantastic place to stop for many varied jewelry and other local, authentic items. The prices range to cover all budgets, and the staff are more than happy to help you find what you're looking for in a very friendly and very not pushy way! I was also told that this store has a good reputation for treating their indigenous artists fairly, which made me more comfortable with making a purchase. I'm so glad that I was able to stop in and recommend it to anyone traveling to or near Cortez!
Notah Dineh is THE BEST! I have been shopping at this wonderful, authentic trading post since the 60's. I have a beautiful silver and 14K gold bracelet I bought out of old pawn there 15 years ago. Recently sections of my bracelet discolored. I took it to ND and Sam informed me it was probably some type of chemical reaction, perhaps a new lotion I had used or something of that sort that had caused the discoloration. He cleaned and polished it for me and it looks beautiful, all the discoloration is gone! I was so happy as I didn't know if it could be removed. He said if it happens again, bring it back and he'll do it again. Thank you so very much, Sam, and all the staff. I appreciate all you do for me and others. This is truly the best, most long-standing business. I can always depend on them. I encourage anyone looking for authentic, beautiful, native American arts and crafts to consider Notah Dineh. You can't go wrong! I certainly will continue to give them my business and hope others do the same. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart!
We love this store! Have purchased items including jewelry since discovering it in Fall 2022. My partner had an issue with a piece needing repair and they did a wonderful job. Sam was extremely nice and helpful, as were all the staff, and we will definitely come back when going through Cortez.
Love this shop! Made this stop along my travels and I'm so happy I did. I met Sam, super cool and smart guy that showed me around the store. He helped me pick out some lovely pieces of jewelry all while teaching me some history, culture and traditions. His and his coworkers energy was welcoming, pleasant and grounding making this nomad feel at home. The pieces I have spent many years looking for, I found at a very good price. If driving by, you need to make a stop at this beautiful hidden gem.
We’ve shopped here for decades. Nice family owned shop with good prices. We send guests there to shop for gifts to take home. No pressure to buy at all. The museum is a vintage gem.
345 W Main St, Cortez, CO 81321, USA•
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Where to eat
Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to The Farm Bistro, these restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away.
Agave Azul Taqueria & Bar
4.6
(187)
4.7
(7)
Mexican restaurant
Eating here again, had the Birria tacos and a lengua and again, it was delicious!
Just had lunch here with my godmother who has been raving about the food as she's local and has been here more then several times and highly recommends it. The food was fantastic! She had the birria tacos, I had one also plus lengua tacos and they are generous with their portions and the flavors are fantastic! Would definitely come again and again. The prices are very fair! The service was so friendly! Please come support this amazing cantina
Christie L — Google review
We stopped by for lunch after a local—one of the kind librarians in town—highly recommended it, and she was absolutely right! From the moment we walked in, we were met with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and outstanding service. The food was incredibly fresh, packed with authentic flavors, and served in generous portions. Our server was attentive and made us feel genuinely cared for. The restaurant itself was spotless, beautifully decorated, and had such a cozy vibe. And let’s talk about their piña coladas—so refreshing and delicious!
If you’re looking for a fantastic place to eat with family or friends, this is it. You won’t regret it!
Hands down the best and most authentic Mexican food in Montezuma County! I had the Birria taco (which won best taco in Cortez and Montezuma County 2023) the fish taco and carne asada taco. SO DELICIOUS! Trust me. Don’t wait. Don’t pass go. Go here instead! Oh and don’t forget to order the hand made Cadillac Margarita from Aldo at the bar! So good 😋 All their food and salsas in their salsa bar and hand made to order. Great good at decent prices. You cannot go wrong here!
Great salsa bar, gigantic burritos, and great drinks. We were the only people eating there on a Monday, looks slow but fast service! Would go again!
This place was amazing. Everyone there was so warm and welcoming and the food was amazing.
Definitely a great place to come after a day of hiking around Mesa Verde.
Be warned, the portions are very large! I got excited and ordered 2 items and have enough for 3 meals. I’d recommend the guac, chorizo, and the Birria. Wished I lived closer!
I had the chile relleno burrito, and it was quite possibly the best burrito I have ever eaten. The hospitality was great as well, with an authentic homemade meal atmosphere. This restaurant has amazing food, and has great options for vegetarians. You have to try a meal with their homemade salsa, it’s amazing and they have a salsa bar with many options to try with your food!
We stopped at this quaint restaurant on a road trip from Telluride, and I was happy with our choice to eat here. The food came out quickly and was good for an inexpensive, quick dine-in spot along our trip. The staff were helpful in giving recommendations and were friendly.
Great little spot to grab Mexican food. Can eat in or takeaway. Torta was tasty and there is a small vegetarian menu. Recommend!
44 W Main St, Cortez, CO 81321, USA•
Stonefish Sushi
4.6
(358)
4.5
(177)
affordable
Japanese restaurant
The Japanese restaurant Stonefish Sushi & More is an exciting and enjoyable destination with a wide selection of sushi dishes to satisfy every taste. They offer a variety of options, including tempura shrimp, lobster roll, and caterpillar roll. The food is incredibly delicious, complemented by the divine plum wine sake they serve. What sets this place apart is their use of palm leaves for serving dishes, adding an eco-friendly touch.
Recently moved back to Cortez. This is my 3rd time ordering lunch for pick up. I had the Salmon Protein Bowl. It was delicious. Generous serving and they do not skip out on the sauce.
Today Luis assisted me and considering I have ordered lunch from here more than once—He was the first server to share the STONEFISH SUSHI LOYALTY LUNCH CARD with me. He also educated me on how and when to use it. “Buy 6 lunch entrees from the lunch menu and the 7th is Free.” Luis also packed chop sticks and soy sauce for me. This also had not been done in the past. Definitely noticed his attention to detail.
It was disheartening it took three trips to learn about the Loyalty Card. However, the food was delicious all of those previous times. I would be 1/2 to my loyalty reward. 😂 This is more of a front end training opportunity rather than food quality/service.
I highly recommend and looking forward to additional meals here.
Marvina P — Google review
Absolutely loved our experience!
The food was delicious—every dish was delicious and well prepared and beautifully presented. Our server, Lewis, was phenomenal! He was kind, respectful, courteous, and incredibly helpful throughout our meal. He made us feel truly welcomed and taken care of. We’ll definitely be coming back—highly recommend!
We were visiting from out of town and picked via reviews. We decided on a special, a sushi roll on a fried rice cake that was the most delicious roll we had ever had, did not need soy sauce. The sauces, the crispy rice, no seaweed paper was a mouthful of deliciousness. An inspired roll from the chef. We also shared the Phat bowl with veggies and noodles. So so good. Can’t wait to go back tomorrow night.
Octoberfest roll was great! Sashimi presentation was great but we didn’t know it doesn’t come with rice. So we thought it was a garnish since it was so small. Some places serve it with plain white rice and some don’t. The “waiter”/bartender did not greet us, did not check on us, we had to ask for refills and think he didn’t give us the dinner menu because we didn’t know they had other choices then just sushi. The other female waitresses didn’t check on us either. It was not a good experience because of the service but the food was excellent.
We love traveling and trying new restaurants. The food was beautifully plated. Food taste is okay. The gf calamari was a pleasant surprise. Servers were kind of haughty, which was really odd. The coffee was instant, blech. The atmosphere was very cool.
The food was delish. One of a favs during my stay. I would def eat here again.
One of the best meals I’ve had this year.
The brussels sprout chips were so delicious I think they could win over a few haters. Seaweed salad was delicious as was the Yuzu martini. I also had the spider roll and the crab was fried to perfection. This place has something a little special going on. Highly recommend.
OMG! You guys! This place was such a gem to find in Cortez! The sushi rolls were insane and the staff and atmosphere were awesome! Definitely recommend!
16 W Main St, Cortez, CO 81321, USA•
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Blondies Trophy Room
4.1
(634)
4.0
(120)
affordable
Bar & grill
Blondie's Trophy Room is a casual bar and restaurant that offers specialty burgers, draft beer, and live music nights in a hunting-themed setting. The establishment serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with great cocktails. Despite some mixed reviews about the service speed and food quality, many customers have praised the delicious offerings and friendly wait staff. The place has a nice and clean old bar atmosphere where patrons can enjoy tasty dishes like carnitas French fries and house margaritas while experiencing decent service.
While chatting with a guy at the airport, he mentioned going to Blondies since it was a great local place to eat. So, after getting everything done, I drove over to Blondies for dinner.
Blondies is a nice place to sit down, relax, and eat. I ordered the Navajo taco and carne asada fries. Both were flavorful and served hot.
W S — Google review
Honestly one of the best burgers I’ve had. I got the Fritter and my husband got the open face Mac and cheese burger! The service was pretty good. Fun environment. I’d recommend this place to friends and family for sure!
Arrived and was greeted fairly quickly, and seated. Ordered and we got our food in 10-15 minutes, which is not bad at all. However, one member of our group's meal was entirely forgotten and only checked back on us later on, for us to remind them of their food. Maybe another 10 minutes and their food finally arrived.
It's busy, but we are just about the only folks in the dining room. I do think that this probably isn't common here, but it does lower my rating a bit.
Lots of places to sit and eat and watch sports. A jukebox. Small stage up at the entrance, though it was empty during our visit.
Long hours are appreciated, and not too common in the area it seems. I do think this place is worth stopping in at for a meal or a drink.
My first time having a Navajo Indian taco, and even though I have nothing to compare it to, I still feel like saying that this first one was pretty damn good! It's worth mentioning that our waitress screwed up and gave me a half order at matched my plus ones half order, she admitted the mistake corrected it by bringing me a full order and never charged me for the half. I'm a big man with a big appetite and I ate one and a half and it was all I could do to get it down. I have nothing to say bad about the place it was a great experience overall.
A reasonably affordable night out. Got to eat and get rightly hammered for less than forty bucks. Food was good, arrived quickly the way I asked, despite it being a busy night. Friendly staff, friendly patrons, Western Colorado style. I would readily give this establishment my patronage again if I visit Cortez, though I don't usually visit Democrat-controlled states out of habit.
Called in an order since I was late to arrive in town. Understand, you are paying for pub food, but the steak was perfectly cooked, the corn was fantastic, and the mashed potatoes were done right. There was a "stew" served with my meal that was similar to a baked potato meeting a tortilla soup that was a culinary masterpiece. The service was spot on with a quick response and watching the bartenders and servers rotate responsibilities and handle a large crowd showed that each person knew what they were doing and it was a clinic in team work and customer service. The atmosphere was very mixed, young, old and everything in between. You could see the locals and regulars that were relaxed and enjoying the busy night and bustling atmosphere.
Updste: Tonight we went for my birthday celebration. The waitress was getting ready to leave and so she did not wait on us and let the next waitress. The place was filling up quickly and this poor waitress was slammed. That's why they only got three stars for service but it was not her fault. My food was not the best this time around.
This place looks like an old bar. Nice and clean. Service was great. Food was delicious. Prices reflect local area.
best place we’ve ever eaten in Colorado! wasn’t sure what to expect but the menu looked good and we were not disappointed! their house made stuffed poppers were out of this world. I got the open faced Mac n cheese and my husband got the red eye burger. Both cooked to the way we ordered (MR is hard to achieve so we always have low expectations) and those were also just so good! Great prices for great portions. This will definitely be a staple every time we pass through.
Ocean Pearl Chinese Restaurant
4.0
(611)
3.7
(97)
affordable
Chinese restaurant
Restaurant
Ocean Pearl Chinese Restaurant in Cortez, Colorado offers a wide variety of delicious Chinese dishes with generous portion sizes. The menu features numerous options and combo specials, making it easy for guests to find something they'll enjoy. The restaurant is known for its great service and friendly staff, providing a pleasant dining experience. Visitors have praised the quality of the food, highlighting it as some of the best Chinese cuisine they've had in a long time.
The food was delicious (I have never had pan-fried noodles with such a light and crunchy texture!!!). The service was amazing AND attentive (made a new bestie lol), they brought us boxes before we asked (we ordered WAYYY too much food), and it was very quick. It was very clean and the decor was beautiful (the fabric on the chairs and booths is GORGEOUS, I am obsessed, and as long as you look around you can find many beautiful pieces of art/decor, ALSO had this seashell-shaped plate that was super cute, absolutely in love with it). We are going back tomorrow so I might update my opinions on the food we get lol
Cheese Wonton - really good, had crab in it :)
Fried Dumplings - pan fry was done very well, soft on top with a crisp bottom
Paper Wrapped Chicken - sooo good, like a gluten free (keto?) dumpling, it was wrapped in foil instead of a wrapper
Vegetable Egg Roll - it was really good with the chili oil that is on the table
Vegetable Lo Mein - very good, vegetables were cooked perfectly
Vegetable Pan Fried Noodles - the crisp on the noodles was UNMATCHED, and the sauce was soooo good with the broccoli
Egg Drop Soup - it had tofu (silken, as it should be) and corn and crunchy strips and everything, soooo gooooddd
Stephanie L — Google review
The food is delicious and the service was perfect! We've been on the road for 3 weeks and were really craving Chinese food. This place did not disappoint. Definitely recommend!!
I ordered the General Chicken (General Tsos) and it was so good. Surprisingly it came with vegetables mixed in, but that was a wonderful addition and made the dish that much better. The first few bites weren't that hot (spice wise) but after about that 4th bite you start to feel the heat in your sinuses.
Hubby got the Kung Poa Chicken and said it was very tasty. The vegetables were larger slices / pieces vs what we are used to - the smaller diced variety, but that did not detract from the dish.
We chose the combo option and enjoyed sweet n sour soup, wonton soup, an egg roll, paper rolled chicken, and a fried cheese wonton - all were delicious. With all the variety, we both brought home half of our entrees as leftovers.
I wanna start by saying I rarely write reviews unless the food or experience is on point. Number one the food is absolutely to die for I got the orange chicken and the chicken fried rice! It’s just like Mamma used to make. The owners greeted me with kindness got me in and out as I’m a truck driver and Time is Money. I appreciate these people and I hope their business does billions of dollars because they need franchise this business..
The food is great!!! Love the pho soup it's delicious... everytime I co e to cortez I stop here to have some good food...
By noon they were packed with happy customers. The buffet was delicious, suitable for a small City like this, but the food particularly delicious. Hard-working Pleasant staff. Very clean and pleasant inside. Attractive.
Fast seating is allways clean friendly staff no rush out the door after 9 .,
Update June 7, 2025. Wow. I came back with my mom and we decided to try several dinner plates (ala carte). Mom wanted to have some leftovers later. Everything came within 10 min. If ordering, both hot and fresh. There are places that I use as "best dish" references. I will forever rate all other Cheese Rangoons or CreamCheese Won tons this place. Again, it was all great and well worth it. Getting high marks in the PpQ&Q (Price per Quantity), and Quality. Our servers and service was awesome as well. Thk you for maintaining or even exceeding the bar set on my last visit.
We took our food to go but the staff were great and fun to watch do their thing. Food was very good. Hot and fresh. The portions were reasonable. The fact that it was really good made it with it. This was our first visit and I usually take pics but this I didn't, so sorry. We had three combo specials, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Orange Chicken, and I had the Sweet and Sour Shrimp. All came with Chicken Lomain, Spring Rolls and Egg Drop Soup. Again, everything was great and well packaged for our travel home.
We were here for state swim meet. This place is so friendly and have great customer service. Food is very good and reasonably priced! We loved it so much we ate there more than once during the weekend we stayed. Can’t express how welcoming the staff are from walking into the door to out the door.
300 E Main St, Cortez, CO 81321, USA•
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All road trips from Cortez
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Explore nearby places
- Cortez
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Durango
- Teec Nos Pos
- Farmington
- Aztec
- Blanding
- Bluff
- Telluride
- Silverton
- Ouray
- Mexican Hat
- Pagosa Springs
- Montrose
- Nageezi
- the Monument Valley
- Creede
- Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Chinle
- Moab
- Arches National Park
- Chama
- Grand Junction
- Window Rock
- Gunnison
- Palisade
- Fruita
- Crested Butte
- Green River
- Abiquiu
All related maps of Cortez
- Map of Cortez
- Map of Mesa Verde National Park
- Map of Durango
- Map of Teec Nos Pos
- Map of Farmington
- Map of Aztec
- Map of Blanding
- Map of Bluff
- Map of Telluride
- Map of Silverton
- Map of Ouray
- Map of Mexican Hat
- Map of Pagosa Springs
- Map of Montrose
- Map of Nageezi
- Map of the Monument Valley
- Map of Creede
- Map of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
- Map of Canyonlands National Park
- Map of Chinle
- Map of Moab
- Map of Arches National Park
- Map of Chama
- Map of Grand Junction
- Map of Window Rock
- Map of Gunnison
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- Map of Crested Butte
- Map of Green River
- Map of Abiquiu
Cortez throughout the year
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- 1-Day Moab Itinerary
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- 1-Day Telluride Itinerary
- 1-Day Grand Junction Itinerary
- 1-Day Crested Butte Itinerary
- 1-Day Ouray Itinerary
- 1-Day Gunnison Itinerary
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- 1-Day Canyonlands National Park Itinerary
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- 1-Day Silverton Itinerary
- 1-Day the Monument Valley Itinerary
- 1-Day Arches National Park Itinerary
- 1-Day Chinle Itinerary
- 1-Day Fruita Itinerary
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- 1-Day Farmington Itinerary
- 1-Day Green River Itinerary
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- 1-Day Abiquiu Itinerary
- 1-Day Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Itinerary
- 1-Day Bluff Itinerary
- 1-Day Aztec Itinerary
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- 1-Day Window Rock Itinerary
- 1-Day Chama Itinerary
- 1-Day Mexican Hat Itinerary
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