Flagstaff House

"Owned by the same family for the majority of its 70 years in business, this special-occasion institution is located a short but scenic drive up Flagstaff Mountain, where it boasts spectacular views of the Rockies — and contemporary American cuisine to rival the landscape from executive chef (and former Chopped champion) Chris Royster. It’s a splurge to be sure: Tasting menus laden with the luxurious likes of lobster, game, foie gras, truffles, and caviar start at $138 and head north from there. But they’re nothing if not memorable — especially when paired with wines from the legendary 16,000-bottle cellar." - Ruth Tobias

"This venerable special-occasion destination is living up to its reputation on New Year’s Eve with a six-course tasting ($225 per person) that goes above and beyond with dishes like diver scallop crudo with black truffle, celery root, and tarragon; Hudson Valley duck with wild rice, preserved pear, and lavender; and steak Oscar with king crab, spinach, and bearnaise sauce. Wine pairings from its legendary cellar go for an extra $165." - Ruth Tobias

"Owned by the same family for the majority of its nearly 70 years in business, this special-occasion institution is located a short but scenic drive up Flagstaff Mountain, where it boasts spectacular views of the Rockies — and contemporary American cuisine to rival the landscape from chef Chris Royster. Though seasonal creations such as foie gras over black-pepper crepe cake or white asparagus panna cotta with green almonds, wood sorrel, and cured egg yolks are available a la carte, splurging on the former Chopped champion’s multicourse tastings is very much the point of a meal here — especially when paired with wines from the legendary 16,000-bottle cellar." - Rebecca Treon, Josie Sexton, Ruth Tobias, Nisa Sedaghat

"Located in a historic building on Flagstaff Mountain with sweeping views of Boulder, this longtime contemporary American destination changes its tasting menu frequently but never skimps on the luxuries, serving foie gras, lobster, and game like venison and pheasant. Accordingly, the enormous wine cellar is full of bottles to remember from vintages stretching back decades (yes, that includes Krug, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, and Château d’Yquem)." - Ruth Tobias, Eater Staff

"A special occasion kind of place, this Boulder staple does have a lodge-like bar and mountain-view terrace for those wanting just a glass of wine and a snack. Charcuterie, tartare, and paella run from $12-$16. Beers start at $6, cocktails at $10, and wines by the glass at $12." - Eater Staff, Josie Sexton