Eolus is named after Mount Eolus, one of the San Juan Mountains’ famous fourteeners. It’s the place to go when you want a special evening out in Durango. The locally owned New American restaurant is in the historic 900 block of Main Avenue, with a dining room that feels elegant and still suits the mountains, and an easy, welcoming style of service.

The kitchen works from farm to table, drawing on southwest Colorado’s farms, ranches, vineyards and breweries. The dinner menu covers well-crafted steaks, prime rib and, unusually for a mountain town, some beautifully done seafood. At the bar you’ll find handmade cocktails, a thoughtful fine wine list and a good selection of cordials to finish the night.

Eolus also has one of the only rooftop patios in downtown Durango. On a warm evening it’s hard to beat a drink up there as the light fades over the surrounding hills.

The restaurant opens for dinner from 5pm on weekday evenings. Happy hour runs from 5 to 6pm with its own menu, which makes it a favourite with locals. For dinner, especially on the rooftop in summer, we recommend booking ahead through their website.