{openx:2}About twice a year, I am lucky enough to get to either Montrose or Gunnison, Colorado, and every time I go, I make it a point to stop at Garlic Mike’s — the best Italian restaurant I’ve ever been to outside of Chicago, New York or New Jersey.

Gunnison is the home of the original Garlic Mike’s and is located on the Gunnison River. Red-checked tablecloths and warm woods make for a homey ambiance that welcomes you. Or you can sit outside on the patio and listen to the river chuckle and gurgle over the rocks as you sip a fine wine and munch on fantastic fresh bread with herbed butter. Fair warning … the bread is so good you won’t be hungry for dinner if you eat too much. And the food is fantastic, so you’ll want to save room.

I keep promising myself that I’ll order something different each time I go to Garlic Mike’s, but the Lasagne da Verdura is best veggie lasagne I’ve ever eaten. Laced with red and white sauces, it is an exquisite combination of fresh veggies and herbs and melt-in-your-mouth cheese and pasta. However, I’ve eaten many meals there with friends and family who swear that the dishes they order are equally as good.  The house specialties are Straw and Hay and Eggplant Parmigiana. I actually have had the Straw and Hay (when they ran out of Lasagne da Verdura). It is a fettuccine alfredo with bacon, mushroom and peas — rich, creamy, salty and sweet … fantastic! And a friend swears the Eggplant Parmigiana is the best he’s ever had.

From steak, chicken, veal and seafood to pizza and pasta, the menu is sure to have a dish to please every palate. The wine list is equally as impressive with plenty of pairings for almost any dish, and some rather unusual labels that you wouldn’t think you’d fine in mountain country. The waiters know their wines so don’t be afraid to ask for their opinions.

The Garlic Mike’s in Gunnison was so popular, the owner expanded an opened another restaurant in downtown Montrose, Colorado (about two hours from Gunnison). Chef/Owner Michael Busse, grew up in New Jersey in a busy home. He helped his mother put dinner on the table every night and was strongly influenced by her Italian heritage. To this day, he still derives great satisfaction from preparing great food and watching people love it.

Garlic Mike’s has won first place ribbons in the Gunnison People’s Choice Awards (for seven years running) including Best Date Place, Best Chef, Best Restaurant, Best Waiter and Best Wedding Reception. If the locals love it, then you know it’s gotta be great! It was also voted the “Best Place to Drive To” by the Denver Post.

During the summer tourist season, both places are packed so you’d better call ahead for a reservation. Prices are medium range, with an entree around $20, but it is so worth it! Enjoy!

Garlic Mike’s Gunnison
2674 Hwy 135, Gunnison, Colorado
Phone: 970-641-2493

Garlic Mike’s Montrose
103 Rose Lane, Montrose, Colorado
Phone: 970-249-4381