Locals’ favorite Mountain Lyon Cafe moves locations (don’t worry, they didn’t go far)

Chef-owner Rob Lyon affectionately refers to the Mountain Lyon Cafe as a “greasy spoon” where the locals have been lining up for breakfast and lunch for 25 years.

With homestyle cooking and portions that’ll fuel even the most aggressive backcountry adventures, Lyon is proud of his local following and of the more than 100 items on his breakfast and lunch menus. He wants guests to walk away happy, with full bellies for a good value.

“We’re known for having really fast service,” Lyon says. “The concept is like a New York-style diner. It’s a make-you-feel-at-home type place.”

This season, Lyon has moved the restaurant a couple blocks down the road to a new location that’s about 30 percent larger than the old place. He said there’s a nice waiting area now, too, so people don’t have to crowd into the restaurant creating obstacle courses while they wait for a table.

“Sometimes it’s just crazy, you can’t move around, there are people standing in the aisles,” Lyon says of the former location. “The new place has a similar vibe, a bigger kitchen and more seating — it’s like the (old) Mountain Lyon on steroids.”

After 25 years of such loyal community support, Lyon feels like the new, larger location is also a way to thank everyone — especially his staff.

“I’ve had some of the same employees for like 15-20 years,” he says.

What’s on the menu

If you’re eating at the Mountain Lyon Cafe, chances are you’re trying some spicy pork green chili, preferably smothered on top of a killer breakfast burrito, one of the house specialties. The classic comes with eggs, ham, sausage and chorizo and all the fixins, and there’s a veggie option, too.

A mighty list of omelettes include the go-tos such as a cheese omelette or the Denver omelette, but don’t miss some of the Mountain Lyon Cafe specialties like the shrimp, spinach and Swiss, the Buffalo Mountain omelette or the meat-lover’s Pig omelette. Or, try building your own however you like it.

“We have all kinds of pancakes and French toast,” Lyon says. “Everybody comes in for their hangovers, too — we’re kind of known for that,” Lyon quips (the cafe doesn’t serve alcohol).

There are many vegetarian-friendly options on the menu, including the veggie breakfast burrito, veggie huevos rancheros and a spicy black bean chili.

If you’d rather keep your stomach real estate less crowded for your ski day, Mountain Lyon Cafe offers a terrific lunch menu that serves as the perfect ending to a day outside. The burger menu offers quality and variety — toppings include bacon, avocado, green chilies, bison, mushrooms and other veggies — and for a base price of $11, it beats eating at any of the resorts.  

“We give people good value for what they’re getting,” Lyon says. “And we’re probably the least expensive in town.”

Grilled and hot sandwiches are perfect during winter, such as the hot turkey, French dip, hot BBQ beef, Philly steak, turkey avocado melt, reuben and more.

Deli sandwich classics like a BLT, adult grilled cheese and turkey club mean there’s something for everyone on the menu.

“If you’re in search of that ideal blend of a locals’ mountain diner, efficient and friendly service from a loyal staff (always a good sign), and comfort food that soothes the soul (and stomach), well you found the spot,” says one Yelp reviewer.

Catering and events

Can’t get enough of the cafe’s killer breakfast and lunch selections? Lyon keeps things creative with his summertime food truck and yearround catering business. Lyon said he can create customized menus for weddings, corporate events, parties — you name it.

From prime rib to carved roast beef to full turkey dinners, he’ll cook it as long as he can get the product. His food truck menu features barbecue such as pulled pork, smoked brisket and all the classic side dishes. He also specializes in Italian menus including pasta dishes like lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs.

“I’m pretty good at cooking whatever people want,” he says.

Mountain Lyon Cafe

122 10th St.

970.262.6229

mtnlyoncafe.com