Granby, Colorado is located directly between Grand Lake and Winter Park. Located on Highway 40 about 85 miles west of Denver, Granby itself provides year-round activities as well as numerous options nearby. As it’s situated between two well-known tourist destinations, it’s a perfect home base for local activities.
Winter Park is home to Winter Park Ski Resort, and Grand Lake is the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
During the winter months, Granby visitors can drive the 21 miles to Winter Park for world-class skiing and endless moguls or ski at nearby SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch. Granby is home to a number of the country’s highest-rated guest ranches which provide year-round activities like snowmobiling, hiking, horseback riding, hot springs, etc.
Granby has beautiful views of the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s also mountain biking, golfing, boating, rafting, hunting, fishing (lake and river), ice fishing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. Rodeos are held weekly, and there are music festivals during the summer.
Here are some dining options for your visit to Granby. Some of the options specialize in breakfast while others are only open for dinner. Whatever meal you choose, Granby has a large variety of dining options.
Longbranch & Schatzi’s Restaurant
Located in downtown Granby, Longbranch & Schatzi’s specializes in German food, but also serves American, Mexican, and Italian food (including Schatzi’s Pizza). The Longbranch takes its name from the old Gunsmoke TV series and is decorated in western style with dark wood paneling and wagon-wheel chandeliers.
It’s owned by Ralf and Marlene Lindenlaub since 1981. Ralf, a European-trained chef from Germany, brings German food and drink traditions to the restaurant — the featured beverage is Warsteiner beer from Germany on tap.
His wife Marlene hails from Austria, and she runs the dining room as well as the hotel, which consists of two standard rooms making it the “Smallest Hotel in Granby.”
Longbranch & Schatzi’s has been a popular tourist destination for decades offering an extensive menu which includes a children’s menu too. A large meeting room is also available. The restaurant is open during the winter and summer months for dinner only from 5-9 PM (except Sunday).
Ian’s Mountain Bakery & Pizzeria
Ian’s serves breakfast and lunch only, and everything is made from scratch. It’s the home of the famous Wake and Bake Cheesecake as well as a favorite of locals since 1995.
At Ian’s, breakfast is served all day. Besides all sorts of croissants, pastries, muffins, and cookies, Ian’s serves great homemade sausage and biscuits, breakfast pockets, and breakfast burritos using their own spicy, homemade green chili.
For lunch, create your own sandwich using Ian’s homemade breads (options like sunflower whole wheat or cheddar jalapeno bread) or your own pizza made with homemade dough. For lighter fare, Ian’s has yogurt parfaits and fruit bowls.
The Grille at Grand Elk Golf Club
Located at the Grand Elk Golf Club, the Rocky Mountain’s only Scottish-style golf course, the Grille is open for lunch and dinner only.
After a round of golf, the lounge is open for refreshments. Try some specialty drinks like an “Elk-Tini” or hand-poured margaritas while enjoying the sunset views.
Golfers and non-golfers can dine on a casual meal at The Grille. The menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches and wraps, and several varieties of 1/3 pound juicy burgers. The Grille has a special BBQ recipe just for Grand County – the Jack Daniels Blackstrap Molasses BBQ Baby Back Ribs.
If You Go
Granby Info: www.granbychamber.com
Longbranch & Schatzi’s Restaurant
185 East Agate Avenue
(970) 887-2209
www.longbranchandschatzis.com
Ian’s Mountain Bakery & Pizzeria
358 East Agate Avenue
(970) 887-1176
www.iansmountainbakery.com
The Grille at Grand Elk Golf Club
1300 Ten Mile Drive
(970) 887-9122
www.grandelk.com
Linda Steinmuller is a freelance travel writer and copywriter from Brooklyn, New York, who loves the outdoors and skiing, and visits Colorado frequently.
Header photo by Billy Hathorn.
Photo of Ian’s Bakery and Pizzeria courtesy of Ian’s Bakery.
Grand Elk Golf Course photo courtesy of GolfColorado.com.