The Highest Restaurant in North America is in Colorado: 6 Things to Know

Colorado is known for setting all sorts of records; now, we have the highest restaurant in North America. Before you think about putting it on your bucket list, check the list.

This Colorado restaurant takes highfalutin to a whole new level. It had been closed because of the pandemic and for some renovations, but they returned in winter 2023 to bring you "top shelf" cuisine in Colorado. Brace yourself.

It does sound like a place you'd love to check out: Sitting at 12,456 feet, this Italian restaurant, IL Rifugio, is, indeed, the highest place you can eat in all of North America.

It's located at Arapahoe Basin in Dillon, which likes to brag about having the longest ski season every year. Now, another thing to boast about.

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Sure, now you know the restaurant sits at 12,456 feet and has a name; but I think you may want to know and weigh six other things before putting IL Rifugio on your calendar. A few may pull you in; a few may turn you back for home.

THE RESTAURANT'S TRANSLATION

IL Rifugio translates to "the shelter." You would definitely need shelter if you were caught at 12,456 feet without the proper attire.

IT'S NOT A 'BREEZE' TO GET TO

You have to be able to ski or snowboard to enjoy IL Rifugio at Sliver Plume.

According to Travel + Leisure, you take two chairlifts, where at the top, you ski (or board) down a bit to the restaurant.

However, A-Basin will tell you, that you do have to ski yourself down the mountain to the base after your visit. "You gotta want it," as they say.

RELATED: THE COLORADO RESTAURANT INSPIRED BY STEVE MARTIN

THE VIEWS ARE WORTH THE TRIP

Being at the highest elevation for a meal in all of North America, Il Rifugio will reward your efforts in getting there with a spectacular view to go along with your meal.

THEY'RE FANCY

You'd probably feel let down if you went through all the effort in getting to the restaurant to find it had regular ski resort food. Checking their menu, you'll find a lot of fancy Italian foods and wines. Don't leave your credit card down at the base.

IT USES SOLAR POWER

It's not easy getting electricity up to 12,456 feet, and it's a great area for sunshine, so why not go solar? But, if electricity is hard to find ... what about ... ?

THEY DON'T HAVE RUNNING WATER

According to Travel + Leisure, Snowcat trucks come up twice a week with water for cooking. The dishes are sent via the lift to the base for cleaning. It's all a part of their sustainability. Be sure to let Aunt Jan know that they have compost toilets; she may change her mind about the "adventure."