Trailhead Taphouse & Kitchen
A vibrant taphouse in Golden, CO, serving a unique blend of Cajun and Southern-inspired dishes alongside a vast selection of local craft beers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Trailhead Taphouse & Kitchen
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant taphouse in Golden, CO, serving a unique blend of Cajun and Southern-inspired dishes alongside a vast selection of local craft beers.
"This place was amazing, very different menu with burgers cooked perfectly and hot, delicious truffle fries!"
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times to skip the long lines and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
Sample the Beers
If you're unsure about beer choices, don't hesitate to ask staff for samples before committing.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bar & Grill, Cajun
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cajun Flavors with a Twist
Experience a unique fusion of Southern Cajun classics and Midwest tastes, featuring jambalaya, gumbo, and gator bites.
Extensive Craft Beer Selection
Savor a diverse range of Colorado craft beers on tap, including seasonal favorites like pumpkin beer.
Cozy Atmosphere & Patio Dining
Enjoy a laid-back ambiance with friendly staff, clean bathrooms, and a lovely patio perfect for relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times to skip the long lines and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
Sample the Beers
If you're unsure about beer choices, don't hesitate to ask staff for samples before committing.
Patio Seating Advantage
Opt for patio seating for a delightful meal away from the hustle and bustle of the main street.
Try Unique Items
Be adventurous and try unique menu items like crocodile nuggets or Mediterranean flatbread for a surprising treat.
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times to skip the long lines and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
Sample the Beers
If you're unsure about beer choices, don't hesitate to ask staff for samples before committing.
Patio Seating Advantage
Opt for patio seating for a delightful meal away from the hustle and bustle of the main street.
Try Unique Items
Be adventurous and try unique menu items like crocodile nuggets or Mediterranean flatbread for a surprising treat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Trailhead Taphouse & Kitchen is a beloved spot in Golden, praised for its unique Cajun-inspired dishes and extensive craft beer selection. Diners consistently rave about the flavorful food, friendly service, and laid-back atmosphere. While many find the food exceptional, some reviews mention occasional longer wait times for food during busy periods, and a few found certain dishes to be greasier than expected.
"Oh my gosh, there is a line out the door for a good reason. This place was amazing very different menu. The burger I had was the bacon one and oh my gosh so good the bun was so fresh the meat was cooked perfectly. The truffle fries were also hot and delicious and I had for the first time ever catfish nuggets. I could’ve eaten trays of these, the chipotle sauce was a little bit hot for me but also very good. I tried their pumpkin beer. I would suggest you do too. The waitress was so nice and giving me a couple of samples to make sure that I was gonna like the one I picked. I wish it wasn’t so cold out when I was there because they had a lot of nice features at this place. The bathrooms are also very clean. I would be going back for sure."
Serena Becker
"We have come with friends to this place twice now, and it’s our favorite spot in Golden for a lunch or early dinner! Each time we’ve been so amazed by the food and the staff has always been so kind. Sitting out on the little patio out front, if you can get a spot, is lovely and just enough off the main street to feel cozy. The blackened catfish sandwich is my favorite, but the étouffée and goat cheese burger were also very good, though the étouffée could be spicier. And so many beers to choose from - a great classic Colorado spot with a creole food twist!"
Roxane Debaty
"This was our perfect 1st stop! They added this shrimp & grits to the summer menu and it was spectacular, amazing flavors. We also got the mountain goat burger w/ sweet potato fries, All incredibly delicious. Highly recommend!"
Michele Magner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Diners highly recommend the bacon burger, catfish nuggets, truffle fries, jambalaya, gumbo, and blackened catfish sandwich.
Yes, they offer a lovely patio seating area, which is also dog-friendly.
Absolutely! They boast a diverse beer selection with many Colorado craft brews on tap, including seasonal options.
Yes, they offer gluten-free and vegan options, including a vegan pizza and an impossible burger.
It's recommended to visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines, as the restaurant is quite popular.
Some dishes, like the gumbo, can be on the spicier side, but the chipotle sauce on the catfish nuggets was noted as a bit hot by one diner.
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A Day in Golden, CO for Hiking, Museums, and More!
Trailhead Taphouse and Kitchen: For lunch, we popped into a little spot near the parking lot where we left our car for most of the day. We were expecting a typical selection of American classics, along with good beer options (standard in CO). What we got were good beer options AND really darn good Cajun food.
Explore the Dining Scene in Golden, Colorado
Fully satisfied, I headed back to the hotel and made note of the many recommendations I'd gotten for my next adventure in Golden: momo dumplings at Sherpa House, Mexican food and mountain views at El Dorado, po'boys at Trailhead Taphouse and wine slushies at Barrels & Bottles, to name a few.
A Week Night in Golden Just Might Be Your Summer Highlight!
Some examples include Mondays at Morris & Mae, Tuesdays at Buffalo Rose and Mountain Toad or Wednesdays at Over Yonder Brewing, Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza and Trailhead Taphouse & Kitchen. This is a great way to meet Golden locals and enjoy an evening of food, fun, and laughter.
Where to Eat in Golden
Trailhead Taphouse & Kitchen is a great place to go before a blues concert at Red Rocks or the Buffalo Rose. They dish out jambalaya and gumbo – the perfect accompaniment to blues, blended with a huge variety of Colorado craft beers on tap.
Discover the Top 20 Restaurants 2025 in Downtown Golden, Colorado: Superganix’s Favorites
Description: Known for its laid-back atmosphere and unique Cajun-inspired menu, including jambalaya and craft beers. Address:811 12th St, Golden, CO 80401
A Complete Guide to Golden, Colorado's Craft Beer Scene
Offering a large selection of rotating local craft taps and specializing in Cajun food (and pizza), you’re sure to find something for your whole group!
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