It may have never popped up on your radar. It’s most likely not on your list for a destination vacation. And it’s probably not where you expected to find some awesome grub. But, As far as food goes, Canon City is home to some of the best food finds in southern Colorado. From quaint coffee shops, cafes, and burgers, to Indian, Mexican, and Italian. So, take a trip with me as we explore some of the best bites around.
Take Out/Fast Food
First up on our foodie adventure is El Reynaldo’s. At first glance you may be thinking, “but It’s inside a gas station.”
Yep, you’d be correct, however, who doesn’t love the “hole in the wall restaurants”? We always get excited when we find that place that the locals make a staple in their week. However, in order to appreciate the experience, know that it’s still technically fast food and not a five-star Mexican cuisine. While all El Reynaldo’s food is worth tasting, it’s their breakfast burrito that’s the star of the show. Not only do they come in huge proportions, but they are also beyond delicious. El Reynaldo’s is open from 7am – 9pm and is located here .
Another Canon City favorite is Big Burger World. If you’re looking for the classic American burger, search no further. Big Burger World is home to some of the best burgers, fries, and shakes around. This is, yet again, another “hole in the wall” dive. You can order to go at the walk-up window, or you can stay and eat at the picnic tables. They also offer turkey burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads if you’re not in a burger mood. You can visit their website here and find their location here. They are open 11am – 7pm, Tuesday through Saturday but are closed Sunday and Monday.
Sit Down
If you’re wondering if there are any decent sit-down restaurants here in Canon, no fear, I got you. Nirvana Has quite a few five-star reviews. And to be completely honest, it’s hard to find anything less than an excellent review. Nirvana is home to some amazing Indian cuisine. Right on main street, it’s a quaint, inviting, ethnic environment. Their full menu can be found here and they cater to vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free diets. Their chicken curry is one of my favorites and it’s just one of their amazing choices. You can also order online from their website for all your COVID needs. They are closed Mondays but are open 11am-9pm, Tuesday through Sunday. You can find their address here.
If you’re going to be in Canon City, you can’t leave until you’ve tasted Pizza Madness. This isn’t just another one of your run of the mill pizza parlor. Not only is it great food, but the funky, upbeat atmosphere is fun for the whole family. As far as pricing goes, you’re looking at a range of six to fifteen dollars, so rather affordable for a family night out. Not only is the price right, but they also cater to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free guests. Fridays and Saturdays, they are open from 11am-9:30pm, but the rest of the week they are only open until 9:00pm. You can find their website here, and their location here.
Coffee Shops and cafes
What “Best Bite’s” review would be complete without that perfect cup of joe in a cozy café. Well, you’re in luck, There happens to be three in and around Canon City.
The Bean Pedaler is a cozy coffee shop right on main street in the heart of Canon City. Not only is it a coffee shop, but also a bike shop. It’s a one stop place for all your drinking and biking needs. The Bean Pedaler offers high quality coffee with relatively decent prices. They also serve some yummy, homemade bake goods, lunch, and breakfast foods. The atmosphere is calming and quiet, and the back patio is a dream in the summer and spring months. Their hours are 6:30am-5:30pm Monday through Thursday, 6:30am-6:00pm on Friday, and 7:30am-5:00pm on Sundays. You can find their location here.
The Pour House is another stellar stop for your caffeine fix. The atmosphere and quality bring the locals back time and time again for study sessions, coffee dates, and a quick bite for lunch. The owner roasts his own coffee right in the shop and you will be welcomed by its smell the moment you open the doors. In the warm months, the glass sliding windows open for outdoor seating and fresh air. They serve breakfast and lunch and cater to vegetarian needs. Their open hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00am-5:00pm and are closed Sundays and Mondays. You can visit their website here and find their location here.
Last, but certainly not least, is a personal favorite, Coyotes Coffee Den. Right off highway 115, this tasty café resides in Penrose Colorado, a few miles outside of Canon City. The rustic charm sets it apart from many modern coffee shops, and its killer menu will delight your taste buds. A local favorite is their green chile breakfast burrito. Not only are the portions a great size, but the prices are also reasonable too. They have a screened in outdoor seating area that is heated in the winter. Much of their seating is outside, making it the perfect stop on a summer day. They also have a drive through and pick up area and cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free guests. You can find their website here and their location here.
There are so many other amazing bites in town that it would take a much longer post to fit them all in. But for now, here are the runner ups:
Canon City Brews and Bikes: Great bar with an outdoors, summer atmosphere. Live music and appetizer food. Website here and location here.
Boat Barn Bagel Co: Great homemade bagels, right on main street, friendly service. Website here and location here.
Old Mission: Decent prizes, great Mexican food, something the whole family can enjoy. Website here and location here.
So what are you waiting for, go book yourself a trip for rafting, bring the camper, bring the whole family and get ready for an adventure full of fun, food and family!
“EL REYNALDO’S, Canon City – Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number.” Tripadvisor, www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33340-d12524405-Reviews-El_Reynaldo_s-Canon_City_Colorado.html.
“BIG BURGER WORLD, Canon City – Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number.” Tripadvisor, www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33340-d1547937-Reviews-Big_Burger_World-Canon_City_Colorado.html.
“NIRVANA CULINARY PARADISE, Canon City – Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number.” Tripadvisor, www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33340-d19595761-Reviews-Nirvana_Culinary_Paradise-Canon_City_Colorado.html.
“PIZZA MADNESS, Canon City – Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number.” Tripadvisor, www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33340-d623395-Reviews-Pizza_Madness-Canon_City_Colorado.html.
“THE BEAN PEDALER, Canon City – Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number.” Tripadvisor, www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33340-d6966387-Reviews-The_Bean_Pedaler-Canon_City_Colorado.html.
“THE POUR HOUSE COFFEE SHOP, Florence – Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number.” Tripadvisor, www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33422-d4708882-Reviews-The_Pour_House_Coffee_Shop-Florence_Colorado.html.
“COYOTE’S COFFEE DEN, Penrose – Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number.” Tripadvisor, www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33595-d380603-Reviews-Coyote_s_Coffee_Den-Penrose_Colorado.html.