Colorado isn’t just home to world-class off-roading and scenic backcountry—it’s also packed with a booming food scene, award-winning breweries, and some of the most passionate truck communities in the West. Whether you’re cruising through Denver in your lifted Silverado, rolling into Fort Collins in your F-150, or conquering the San Juans in your Tacoma, there’s always a place to fuel up, show off your build, and connect with fellow lifted truck enthusiasts. This guide breaks down some of the best food spots, breweries, and truck meetups across Colorado that every truck owner needs to experience.
1. Denver Metro Area: Craft Beer Capital Meets Lifted Culture Start in the heart of Colorado where lifted trucks are as common as trailheads. For food, hit up The Buckhorn Exchange, Denver’s oldest restaurant, known for its wild game dishes and authentic Western vibe. Nearby, Illegal Pete’s serves up burritos with a cult following. For beer, stop at Wynkoop Brewing Company, co-founded by former Governor John Hickenlooper, or try Great Divide Brewing Co. with its rugged, blue-collar branding that pairs perfectly with off-road energy. Denver also plays host to monthly trucks-and-tacos meetups in the RiNo district, where custom rigs, local eats, and Colorado brews come together in one massive social gathering.
2. Fort Collins: College Town Meets 4x4 Culture Fort Collins blends youthful energy with mountain grit. Grab lunch at The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant or Lucile’s Creole Cafe for a unique southern twist. Beer? You can’t miss New Belgium Brewing—known nationally and loved locally—or Odell Brewing, which features a massive outdoor patio perfect for truck group hangs. On weekends, lifted truck owners gather at City Park or Horsetooth Reservoir, where meetups often turn into cookouts, trail rides, and impromptu photo shoots with the Rockies as your backdrop.
3. Colorado Springs: Gearheads and Grub Known for its military presence and off-road culture, Colorado Springs is a lifted truck haven. Fuel up at The Skirted Heifer, famous for its grass-fed burgers, or Bird Dog BBQ if you’re craving smoky, tender brisket. Thirsty? Swing by Cerberus Brewing or Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. for beers brewed with adventure in mind. The local Cars and Coffee Colorado Springs gathering often includes custom trucks and runs monthly with rotating venues. There’s also an active Facebook group for 4x4 owners who coordinate off-road meetups near Pikes Peak and Rampart Range.
4. Western Slope & Grand Junction: High Desert, High Flavor If you're rolling through the Western Slope, stop in Grand Junction for legit roadside eats at Bin 707 Foodbar or the massive burgers at Main Street Bagels. Try local brews at Kannah Creek Brewing Company, and don’t miss the off-road gatherings at 21 Road Trailhead, where trucks with serious suspension travel come to shine. These events aren’t always advertised—local forums and Jeep groups often have the scoop, but lifted trucks of all kinds are welcome.
5. Boulder & Surrounding Foothills: Elevated Eats with a View While Boulder is often seen as more “Subaru” than “Super Duty,” lifted trucks still roll deep in the foothills. Grab organic bites at The Sink or more elevated fare at Blackbelly, owned by a Top Chef winner. For breweries, Avery Brewing Co. offers some of the strongest and boldest beers in the state. Truck owners frequently meet up in Nederland or Flagstaff Road overlooks to enjoy mountain views and chill evenings with friends and rigs.
6. Telluride, Durango & the San Juans: Adventure + Après Down south, the off-roading is serious—and so is the food. After a run on Black Bear Pass or Engineer Pass, stop in Durango for Steamworks Brewing Co. or 11th Street Station, a food truck court that serves as an unofficial hangout for off-roaders. In Telluride, check out Brown Dog Pizza or Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery—both walking distance from great truck photo ops. These towns host seasonal trail rides and show-and-shines that bring in lifted rigs from all over the state.
Eat. Drink. Connect. Drive. Repeat. Colorado isn’t just a place to drive—it’s a place to live the lifestyle. From roadside BBQ to upscale dining, from backcountry beer tastings to organized meetups, there’s always a way to turn your truck passion into a full-day experience. Lifted Trucks celebrates the people, places, and rigs that make Colorado unforgettable. Ready to hit the road? Check out our nationwide inventory of fully customized lifted trucks built for both backcountry and boulevard.
