Winter Flavors in Lyons

A cozy day trip for foodies

By Rainbow Shultz

Tucked between Boulder and Rocky Mountain National Park, Lyons is a creative, close-knit community where Colorado’s small-town charm meets serious culinary ambition. Known for its summer creekside lounging and ample music festivals, this scenic spot also shines in winter. Snow highlights the red-rock cliffs, Main Street glows with café lights, and every doorway seems to lead to something delicious.

With only about 2,000 residents and 17 food and drink spots, Lyons punches far above its weight when it comes to dining. From iconic favorites like Oskar Blues and Spirit Hound Distillers to newcomers serving Nepalese comfort food, curated wines, and artisan teas, Lyons proves that even the smallest towns can serve up a seriously satisfying winter getaway.

Indian Bites is owned and operated by a local Lyons family transplanted from their native Nepal. The Main Street establishment feels like a visit to a family home. The owners believe not only in sharing amazing food, but in a higher purpose. Their belief that “service is contentment,” and thus their dedication both to their customers and to the larger community through community service, is palpable at Indian Bites. There is a magic to the love in this restaurant, and there is a real magic in the incredibly flavorful Nepalese dishes. All of the herbs are ground in-house, and the masala spice blends are flown in. Try the aromatic, nutty korma or the bright, luscious butter chicken. The chicken tandoori is aromatic and perfectly grilled. The naan is chewy, the drinks are cold, and the casual room is colorful and inviting. 

Lyons Locale is located on High Street and 5th Avenue. The spot boasts a patio adjacent to Moxie Bread Co., which is known as “Lyons’ Front Porch.” Lyons Locale is owned by Lisa Wicker-Kaufmann and her husband, Ryan Wicker. Lisa, longtime chief of staff for Governor Polis, decided to open this community meeting spot when the Spanish restaurant Farra moved out. The space is simultaneously cozy and elegant. The newly wallpapered walls and built-in bookshelves give this romantically lit community hub a timeless feel. The menu is small but thoughtful, featuring shareable plates like charcuterie or popcorn, as well as delicious small plates crafted with attention to detail, such as sandwiches, salads, and quiche. The wine bar’s drink focus is primarily on great wine, but it also offers a short list of perfected cocktails made by Locale’s manager, Amanda Engelhorn. Try the Rolling Donut, a delightful, well-balanced gin cocktail made with lavender, fig, lemon, and orange. 

Just north of the triangle, Honorable Harvest Tea Shop and Apothecary sits perched on the right as you roll into the Main Street district. Just like taking a walk in the woods, the light-filled space is sure to leave its visitors feeling calmer and more positive than when they entered. Honorable Harvest is full of bulk herbs, local art, books, crafts, and natural beauty. Visitors to the shop can find their own educational connections beyond the book collection, including workshops, classes, and herb walks. According to proprietor Amelia Hight, Honorable Harvest’s mission is to provide a nurturing space where people connect with nature, themselves, and community. It feels like just that. The tea shop serves deliciously formulated teas sold by the cup or pot. Hight saved just enough space among the natural goods for seated tables for visitors to sit and chat with friends, or just to relax and take it all in. 

For more information, visit indianbitesco.com, lyonslocale.com, and honorable-harvest.com.