Have I mentioned Steamboat Springs has over 75 local restaurants to chose from?! Many of the 75 make a perfect date night spot. While hard to narrow down, I am going to list out my top 6 date night go-to's. Side note; they are listed between locaion of 'mountain area' and 'downtown' and in no particular order preference.
1. Cafe Diva (Mountain Area - 1855 Ski Time Square Drive)
My husband and I save this exquisite dining experience for our anniversary and very special occasions. It is one of the finer dining restaurants in town, however they will note dress is casual so do not feel like you need to be upscale. Although, I love being able to wear a dress to get out of my mountain casual clothes. They make everyone feel like royalty. The staff go above and beyond with the best customer service experience I have ever received. The food is incredible. Top notch. Known for their french background, however the menu changes upon the season and the selection is quite versatile. Also known for their wine list. If you are a bourbon or whiskey drinker, be sure to try their famous Manhattan.
2. Three Peaks Grill (Mountain Area - 2165 Pine Grove Road)
Another favorite date night spot is Three Peaks Grill - Steamboat's only Raw Bar offering the freshest seafood with East and West coast exotic oysters, Northeast clams and Alaskan crab, guaranteed to satisfy the most refined palette. Three Peaks Grill also has delicious steak, chicken, vegetarian and gluten free options. Open 7 days a week with live Jazz music by the fireplace bar on Friday nights.
3. Mohogany Ridge (Downtown on 5th and Lincoln Ave.)
This one always makes it to the top of the list because of the vibe and consistency Mohagany Ridge offers. My husband and I love going here on that spontaneous evening where we magically landed a babysitter and can scoot out of the house for 2 hours for some adult time. Mohogany is mountain casual featuring beautiful local art decor. The bar area is lively with views of the brewery inside. The dining room has beautiful mohagany wood tables and booths that give you the space to enjoy time with your date. The food is fantastic - I love their tapas and ceviche to start. My husband usually orders a steak and I stick to the healthy/delicious side of the menu with an Udon noodle bowl (served with tofu or salmon). Lots of great options beyond steak or seafood!
4. The Laundry (Downtown on 11th and Pine Street)
Part of the Rex's Restaurant Group, The Laundry stands out with some delicious cocktails and family style eating where dishes are encouraged to be split between two people. We love this spot for sitting at a high top table at the bar for swanky delicious cocktails (amazing happy hour prices if you go 4:20 to 6:00 p.m.). We then order a few appetizers and split one dinner item. It's perfect to try a variety of flavors. I promise you won't be disappointed - Rex's restaurant group has the best chefs and service in town.
5. E3 Steak and Chophouse (Downtown on Yampa and 7th Street)
The all-natural beef served at the E3 Chophouse comes straight from the family-owned E3 Ranch, located in Fort Scott, Kansas. The ranch and chophouse have an interesting history of celebrity involvement, which includes – in addition to professional baseball brother-owners Jeff, Adam, and Andy LaRoche – Jason Aldean, Willie Robertson, and award-winning country singer Luke Bryan. I have also seen a few stars from the show Duck Dynasty hosting a New Years party at the restaurant. Beyond fame, E3 is delicious and is a perfect spot for a date night on the Yampa River enjoying steak and seafood. The natural, wood ambiance has an up-scale cozy and comfortable feel.
6. Yama (Downtown on Yampa and 11th Street)
Feeling a taste of Asian with a Japanese influence? Yama has amazing sushi, but is also known for their ramen bowls. A chic ambiance perfect for a date. Huge menu with lots of options. Even if you are not into sushi, there are options for asian flare and the famous noodle bowls. Paired with sake and you are sure to enjoy your date with views of the beautiful Yampa river.
Photo: Yama noodles and Sake
