Upon entering Soupçon Bistro, you are transported to a cozy French countryside inn. Exposed wood beams, framed local artwork, and fresh flowers adorn the dining room’s rustic yet elegant interior. White linen-topped tables are illuminated by the warm glow of candles and Edison bulbs, setting the stage for a romantic meal.

The Chef’s Daily Creations

Soupçon Bistro’s menu focuses on seasonal ingredients sourced from local Colorado purveyors. Offerings change daily based on what’s fresh and available. During my visit in late summer, highlights included heirloom tomato gazpacho garnished with crispy pancetta and basil oil to start. My companion opted for the butter lettuce salad with summer corn, fava beans, prosciutto, and a lemon thyme vinaigrette.

For my main course, I chose the pan-seared trout with a corn succotash and lemon beurre blanc. The fish was cooked to perfection with a beautifully crisp skin and moist, flaky flesh. The sweet corn played nicely with the earthy favas and zippy vinaigrette. My friend’s braised Colorado lamb shoulder with eggplant caponata, pine nuts, golden raisins, and gremolata was fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

To end the meal on a sweet note, we shared the vanilla bean crème brûlée and a warm peach cobbler with housemade vanilla ice cream. The crème brûlée had a perfect crunchy burnt sugar topping giving way to rich, velvety custard underneath. Sweet juicy peaches contrasted nicely with the biscuit-style cobbler topping and smooth ice cream. It was the perfect way to end this French-inspired feast.

The Wine Cellar

In addition to Chef’s seasonal dishes, Soupçon Bistro also impresses with its extensive wine list. With over 150 selections focused primarily on French and American wines, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing. You can order by the glass or splurge on one of their reserve bottles from the temperature-controlled wine cellar. Their knowledgeable sommelier can provide spot-on recommendations based on your preferences and budget.

During my meal, I enjoyed a glass of bright, fruit-forward Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley that complemented both my starters and main beautifully. My friend opted for a glass of complex, oak-aged Chardonnay from Sonoma County.

The Attentive Service

What sets Soupçon Bistro apart from other Crested Butte restaurants is the sincere hospitality and attentive service. General manager and sommelier Carl instantly makes you feel at home as he greets diners tableside. Throughout the evening, he and the entire waitstaff demonstrated extensive menu and wine knowledge while catering to our every need without being intrusive. You get the sense that running Soupçon Bistro is truly a labor of love for Carl and his team.

The Intimate Atmosphere

Soupçon Bistro only has about 15 tables, so reservations are a must, especially during peak summer and winter seasons. If you can score a table, you’ll be rewarded with one of Crested Butte’s most intimate and romantic dining experiences. Soft jazz plays in the background as diners engage in lively conversation over exceptional food and wine.

The cozy setting encourages mingling with fellow patrons and chatting with Chef Mike and Carl as they make the rounds to every table. By the end of the evening, you’ll be planning your return visit to this Crested Butte gem.

If You Go

– Location: 218 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224
– Hours: Daily 5 p.m. to close
– Contact: Call (970) 349-5448 for reservations
– Dress code: Casual elegant (no shorts or flip-flops)
– Price range: Starters $12-15, Mains $22-38
– Payment: All major credit cards accepted; no cash
– Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; stairs at entrance
– Parking: Street parking or public lot behind restaurant

The Bottom Line

From its charming French-country ambiance to impressive wine selection to outstanding farm-to-table cuisine, Soupçon Bistro offers one of the most delightful and memorable fine dining experiences in Crested Butte. Run by a passionate team dedicated to top-notch hospitality, it’s a worthy splurge for a special occasion or any excuse to treat yourself during your mountain adventures. Just be sure to book your reservation early so you don’t miss out on this Crested Butte gem. I sincerely hope you find this “Crested Butte Restaurant-Soupçon Bistro review” article helpful.

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The Dogwood is an adorable craft cocktail bar housed in an old miner’s cabin off of the main drag in Crested Butte. The rustic-chic candlelit atmosphere invites you to come in and relax. Their cocktail list is impressive, with unexpected combinations and twists on old favorites. Don’t miss the Up in Smoke, a twist on the traditional Paloma featuring Mezcal instead of Tequila and a “smoke cube”.

The Game Night special features a novel concept: each person draws a scrabble tile out of a glass, and you get special pricing on drinks that start with the letter of the tile you draw. With such an overwhelming menu, we found this to be a fun way to order an interesting drink that may be out of our normal comfort zone. With my draw of “P” I ended up outside of my normal tequila comfort zone and enjoyed the delicious Porch Song featuring Leopold’s navy strength gin, grapefruit, mint, honey and an unexpected IPA float. To qualify for the Game Night special, your group needs to be playing a game, so snag one as you walk in the door (we picked Apples to Apples). 

The Dogwood is a bar first and foremost, and while they do have some delicious snacks and small plate options, this is best as a stop before or after dinner.

The Dogwood is 21+ at all times. Seating is first come first served, so hurry over to 309 3rd St, Crested Butte, CO 81224!

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The next time you’re in town, check out these favorite Crested Butte watering holes.

Montanya Distillers

When you think of rum, you might automatically picture the tropical shores of the Caribbean. As it turns out, Crested Butte actually has one of the best rum distilleries in the country. Montanya Distillers makes a mean high-mountain rum, and the distillery is open for tours, tastings, and small bites. 

Learn about the difference altitude makes to rum fermentation and distillation, how Montanya Distillers has developed a culture of sustainability, and, of course, sip on some amazing rum.

The Last Steep Bar & Grill

A local favorite and Crested Butte staple, The Last Steep Bar & Grill is a go-to spot for tasty food, strong drinks, and patio-based people watching.The Last Steep Bar & Grill is right in the heart of Crested Butte, so it’s an excellent spot to post up and watch as the Crested Butte Art Festival, Fat Tire Bike Week, and various parades roll through town.

This joint is also family-friendly, so you can take the kids to feast after a day out on the slopes.

Kochevar’s Saloon

One of the oldest bars in town, Kochevar’s Saloon was established in 1886 by Jacob Kochevar. Enter the bar and travel immediately back in time to the wild, wild west with images of Crested Butte from the 19th century, antique furniture, and a wood-paneled aesthetic.Kochevar’s is also a gaming hall, so try your hand at billiards, darts, and various card games.Happy hour goes from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, so stop by for après or make a dinner reservation at Kochevar’s.

Want a nice cold beer to wash down the day of steeps at Crested Butte? Be sure to stop by these town favorites on your ski vacation!

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Crested Butte is spilt into two sections, the town and the village. This list will focus on the town of Crested Butte and the wonderful Main St that runs right through it.

The Secret Stash Pizzeria

This long time local favorite has to be one of the most popular spots in town. Dishing out the best pizza around, this place cannot be missed. After a long day, head on into Secret Stash with the whole family or stop by late night for some local beer and slices.

Montanya Rum Distillery

There is no better way to relax after a long day than with a craft cocktail, however, this one is special. Montanya’s is serving up locally made rum that has won countless awards. Distilled, aged and bottled right here in Crested Butte, swing on in a for free flight of tasters and wash that down with a knock your socks off cocktail. You must also try some of their delicious food to pair with your drinks.

Irwin Brewing Company

Ski towns and craft beer go hand in hand and Irwin Brewing Co. is your top destination in Crested Butte to get your beer fix. Since opening their doors in 2017, Irwin Brewing Co. has been brewing and pouring various types of beers on Main St. to locals and visitors alike. Stop on in for a few drinks, then get yourself a growler fill and head back out to camp to finish the night off with a few more.

Django’s

You’re on vacation, treat yourself and Django’s is the spot for that. This American style restaurant has been serving up small sharable plates for over a decade. At Django’s, you don’t just have dinner, you share an experience with friends and family. The eclectic menu has something for everyone and the food is not to be missed.

Teocalli Tamale

For over 20 years, Teocalli Tamale has been making the best Mexican food in Crested Butte. Simple, easy and delicious is the name of the game here and with domestic beers for 2 bucks, you cannot go wrong. This is the perfect stop after being out all day to get a filling lunch or grab a few burritos and head back to camp to eat around the fire.

Crested Butte is one of the top Colorado destinations for good reasons. The outdoors is what draws you here but the charming town, wonderful locals and of course the delicious food and drinks is what keeps you around. Grab your friends and family and head on out to Main St. for an eventful night out.

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Painkiller

If you’ve ever visited the Virgin Islands, you know that a painkiller is so much more than an anti-inflammatory. In fact, it’s an incredible rum-based cocktail that Montanya Distillers has perfected.It has a hard-to-achieve balance of “not too sweet” and “not too spicy.” That’s because its ingredients are rum, orange juice, cream of coconut, and nutmeg. If you want a taste of an island vacation in the mountains, order a Painkiller or two.

Maharaja

One of Montanya Distiller’s signature martinis, the Maharaja is rum-forward without being overbearing. The Maharaja is a complex cocktail with a spicy flavor, thanks to cinnamon sticks, cardamom, black peppercorns, and ginger. Mint rounds out this smokey and fragrant drink.Even if you initially think a rum martini might be too strong, don’t worry. The Maharaja is delicious even if rum isn’t your go-to spirit.

Fiery Passion

It’s all in the name when it comes to the Fiery Passion. Habanero Pineapple rum takes center stage in this spicy concoction, as passion fruit puree and agave syrup add a sweetness to the cocktail.Garnished with a spicy sugar rim and a fresh pineapple slice, Fiery Passion is one of the best drinks you’ll have.

Kokomo

For those who want a sweeter drink at a rum bar, opt for the Kokomo. This mix of lemon, lime, cream of coconut, ginger, and mint provides a balance of flavors that tends toward sweet. It’s a great starter drink, too, for those who might not be keen on rum.

You can’t go wrong at Montanya Distillers the next time you’re in Crested Butte.

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Sugar Sugar

Sugar Sugar is a boutique dessert shop with a fun 50’s style atmosphere. They are fabulous, fun, and family-friendly! Stop by for ice creams, shakes, or another wonderful treat (mini-donuts, anyone!?). 

Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts 

Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts is an adorable ice cream shop that serves homemade ice cream, wild milkshakes, liege waffles, skillet baked cookies, baked goods, and more! It is so yummy! 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is an incredibly popular chain shop has wonderful chocolate and confections. Of course, in the summer, their excellent ice cream is the main draw! Everything is so, so yummy. You’ll love it! 

Spenny’s Ice Cream Stand 

Spenny’s Ice Cream Stand is a little bit outside of Crested Butte, but it is great to visit! They serve amazing Third Bowl Ice Cream, which focuses on producing high-quality, locally-sourced ice cream. After you eat, be sure to check out the little town of Gunnison! 

What’s your favorite ice cream shop in Crested Butte? Tell us in the comments! 

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