José Crested Butte — Restaurant in Four Corners States

José has the absolute best patio in all of Crested Butte. During all seasons, you can count on slope-side stellar views of the majestic Butte. The almost daily alpenglow is not one to miss!

The outdoor bar is your quick-stop for an aprés-biking bevvie (summer) or aprés-ski (winter) hot beverage to warm your bones. The inside bar is newly renovated with around 20 seats and hosts an array of liquors ranging from high-end tequilas to your classic spirits and local beers. The cocktail menu is well-rounded with a focus on tequila, but the main appeal is their fresh citrus juices which are prepared daily. When in doubt, the top-shelf marg with a turbo salt rim and the guava mule are my go-to’s!

As for food, I do have some dietary restrictions which José can account for. As so, I usually go for the Tacos de Veggie (not on the menu, but a server can help you) with vegetarian black beans and white rice (ask for no cheese on the beans if you’re vegan). There’s also a veggie burger that you can sub on the Peak Burger if you’re feeling that, and the Power Bowl is high in protein and will keep you full for hours on end. Don’t skip on the guac either - it’s creamy and delicious!

The service is fantastic at José! I can tell that all of the workers are passionate about what they do, and if they don’t have an answer to a question they will go above-and-beyond to ensure the satisfaction of ALL guests. If you’re coming to the restaurant for the first time, the host may be on the patio or helping to seat other parties, so there’s no need to wait around in the front of the restaurant. The workers of José will ensure that you are seated at a preferential table in a timely manner. This could change during the winter season, so be prepared for a full-house.

José has live music on the patio a couple times a week, so don’t miss the opportunity to check out some local musical artists! If you’re a local, José has some good drink deals :)

Lastly, once the restaurant closes @ 9pm, don’t forget to check out the new lobby bar (open until 11pm most days) called “billy barr” - inspired by local legend and climate scientist, Billy Barr. The cocktails are named after scientific elements and will leave you perplexed by the carefully crafted phenomenal concoctions. Cheers to José for changing the game...

An Epicurean Adventure at Jose and Crested Butte: A Top 1% Mexican Food Reviewer's Odyssey.

As a distinguished member of the elite top 1% Mexican food reviewers on Google Maps, my culinary journeys are nothing short of legendary. Upon setting foot in the fabled land of Jose and Crested Butte, my expectations were skyscraper-high. Now, let's get something straight - I wouldn't dare utter a syllable of negativity about this establishment. However, my culinary quirks do include a passionate dislike for rice that hasn't had a steamy affair with black beans, and alas, this was one of those tragic love stories that never began.

The chips at Jose and Crested Butte were a revelation - they were so heavily corned, I felt as though I was embarking on a maize maze adventure with every bite. Diving into the queso was akin to exploring a hidden treasure trove, with chunks of onions and jalapeños as the jewels. It was a spicy, creamy delight that made my taste buds sing mariachi songs.

Then came the chili con carne enchiladas, a dish so visually stunning, it could've easily been crowned Miss Universe of Mexican cuisine. Each enchilada strutted its stuff on the plate, flaunting its saucy, meaty excellence with undeniable confidence.

However, my quest for the holy grail led me to the pork carnitas - a dish that promised much but delivered an experience I can only describe as 'mid'. It was the culinary equivalent of expecting a piñata bursting with exotic candies, only to find it filled with generic store-brand sweets.

In conclusion, my adventure at Jose and Crested Butte was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with highs that soared into the stratosphere and mids that kept me grounded. It's a place of culinary contradictions that somehow blends into a memorable dining experience. Would I return? Absolutely - for the thrill of the maize maze chips and the queso treasure hunt alone. 4.5 stars for making my taste buds dance, even if the pork carnitas missed...

I truly think that Micah Guadio’s rave review is a serious joke. There’s no way we both dined at the same Jose’s & this was our 3rd year dining here multiple times. We ate there on a Sunday afternoon, slightly busy, with decent service but as others have shared, no napkins or cutlery. Queso & chips were decent on Sunday. Avoid their cocktails… a $16 not-good margarita in a plastic cup loaded with ice. $16 wine with decent pour the way to go or stick with beer. Went back on Wednesday afternoon & single bartender did not give a crap about serving anyone besides the 6 people at bar. With no table service, I stood waiting patiently, not saying a word for 10 minutes to order at bar along with 2 other guys (had 2 daughters at table within sight of it) & actually surprised she finally acknowledged me. Besides 6 at bar, the place was absolutely dead indoors at 3 on a Wed. This is what gets me… no consistency in food or cocktails. “Same” margarita much different flavor & color Wed than Sun except for same plastic cup with ice. “Same” queso much different in flavor, color, texture on Wed than Sun. Found noodles in our queso & bartender said they were sliced onions (no limp onions in Sunday batch). Every year we expect something different/better at Jose’s but it’s the same mediocre service & food. They have a great outdoor space so just be prepared to wait at bar to order any drinks, stick with beer or wine, & just avoid the food. It feels like you’re required to dislike people/service in order to work here. Really miss...