The Greenbriar Inn

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Boulder County Landmark with Deep Roots

The building that houses The Greenbriar Inn was originally constructed in 1873, making it the oldest restaurant property in the area. The Inn opened as a restaurant in 1967, and for more than five decades it has drawn diners, wedding parties, and serious wine lovers from across Colorado and beyond. Today it is owned and operated by its former chef — a detail that says something about the depth of commitment behind the place.

Set along North Foothills Highway just outside Boulder, the property sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains on 20 acres that include two ponds, a waterfall, woodlands, and working vegetable, fruit, and flower gardens. On summer evenings, it is not unusual to spot a chef outside harvesting herbs or produce for the night's service.

Seasonal American Cuisine, Made from Scratch

What began as a Continental-style restaurant with German and Austrian influences has evolved into a focused celebration of classic American cuisine. The kitchen's philosophy is straightforward: fresh, simple food made from scratch using natural, pure ingredients, with modern touches applied to classic signature dishes.

The team cures its own bacon and gravlax, smokes its own meats, and hand-makes sausages. Spirits are infused in-house for cocktails not found elsewhere. Pastry Chef Lauren Leitner produces all desserts, cakes, and brunch pastries on site — from a Strawberry Rhubarb Galette served warm with vanilla-basil ice cream to a Passion Fruit Entremet layered with coconut cake and black sesame mousse. Executive Chef Matthew Ochs leads the kitchen.

The farm component is substantial: over 7,000 square feet of pesticide-free gardens supply edible flowers, snap peas, eggplant, five varieties of lettuce, and much more. Surplus is pickled, dried, or made into jams and compotes for use through winter. The Inn has been voted Best Farm to Table Restaurant in Boulder County for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024) by readers of the Daily Camera.

A Wine Cellar Worth the Drive

The wine program is what earned The Greenbriar Inn its place in the national conversation. Wine Spectator has recognized the Inn with its Best of Award of Excellence for 25 consecutive years — a distinction reserved for lists that "display excellent breadth across multiple wine growing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation." The cellar holds more than 750 carefully chosen selections, with tableside sommelier service and periodic wine dinners throughout the year.

The Setting

The grounds themselves are part of the experience. Greenbriar Falls produces 360 gallons of rushing water per minute through a pond ecosystem that supports brown and rainbow trout, bigmouth bass, crayfish, frogs, and turtles. Deer, elk, hawks, and great blue herons are regular visitors. Seven distinct event spaces make the property one of Colorado's most sought-after wedding venues, with The Knot Best of Weddings recognition spanning more than a decade.