Scenic mountain views, world-class slopes, delicious beer—Colorado and the German-speaking world can seem quite similar, especially in the winter months. As temperatures drop and snow piles up, find comfort in these high-alpine inspired eateries.


From the Streets: Wurstküche $

If you’ve ever been to Deutschland, you probably remember street cart fare just as fondly (if not more fondly) than the meals you ate in restaurants. Thankfully, this Five Points joint is grilling more than 15 different sausages, both of the traditional and nontraditional variety. If you’re craving a classic, try the brat with spicy brown senf and tangy sauerkraut. Or sample one of Wurstküche’s gourmet twists on the German favorite, such as the savory sun-dried tomato, chicken, and turkey sausage. Either way, be sure to get your double-dipped frites with a side of curry ketchup—and then reminisce away to late nights in beautiful Berlin. 2036 Broadway, 303-502-9226

The Newcomer: Rhein Haus $$$

After opening recently in LoDo, this Seattle-based restaurant and bocce hotspot has been serving a large menu of German and Austrian fare to hungry Denverites. For dinner, we recommend the rustic brathendl, a Red Bird Farms half-chicken with herb glaze, or the crispy pork schnitzel with lemon-caper parsley. Or bring your friends to happy hour for homemade pretzel bites and currywurst. And don’t forget the brew: Rhein Haus pours countless German beers, plus local Prost Altbier and seasonal cocktails such as the Orchard Fence, a festive blend of bourbon, apricot brandy, and apple cider. 1415 Market St., 303-800-2652

Swiss Miss: The Truffle Table $$$

Though it might be well known for yodeling and the Sound of Music, Switzerland is more than just a ski hub and the von Trapp escape spot. The little Alpine country is also home to the culinary gem, raclette, a name meaning both a variety of cow’s milk cheese and the dish created when that cheese is melted over bread, veggies, and meats. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel all the way to Zürich to get your fix. This LoHi restaurant dedicates itself to the Swiss specialty on Wednesday nights—couples can enjoy as many heaping plates of it as they’d like, plus a dessert, for only $40. 2556 15th St., 303-455-9463

Biergarten Bros: Prost Fine Beers and Sausages $

With blue-and-white checkered flags, Bayern München swag, and tiny antler wall decor, it’s obvious this Highland spot is channeling the world-famous breweries of Bavaria. Prost has several Hofbräuhaus beers on tap, salty brezeln, and a variety of wurst options, so you can come here all winter for the indoor version of a summer Biergarten afternoon. Try the signature brat or the Käsekrainer, a pork sausage stuffed with cheese that is especially popular in Vienna. And be sure to save some room for beer—a half-liter of malty Hofbräu dunkel is the perfect winter warmer. 3464 W. 32nd Ave., 303-455-9012

Worth the Drive: Bohemian Biergarten $$

Less than a five minute walk from the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, this bierhall draws its inspiration from the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria. If you’re feeling hungry, order the crispy jägerschnitzel, a breaded, fried cutlet of chicken or pork covered in addictive mushroom sauce. Or simply go out for drinks the German way: at long wooden tables with extra large steins of Paulaner Hefe-Weizen and delicious salty pretzels. 2017 13th St., Boulder, 720-328-8328

—Images courtesy of Karah Kemmerly