Food & Drink · September 12, 2026

The Elk Avenue Coffee Crawl: Where Locals Fuel Up

In a town where the day's plans are usually made over a morning cup, coffee is serious business. Elk Avenue and its side streets pack more character into a few blocks than most ski towns manage in their entire village.

Start early if you're chasing first chair — the local roasteries open before dawn and the line moves fast. If you've got time to linger, grab a window seat and watch the town wake up: ranchers, guides, remote workers, and the occasional dog waiting patiently outside.

Don't skip the breakfast burritos. Every local has a strong opinion on who makes the best one in town, and the only way to form your own is field research. We recommend a deliberate, multi-week tasting program.

Browse our Coffee & Breakfast Fuel collection in the directory for the full list of morning spots, including the ones in CB South and Gunnison worth the drive.