If you think the Mount Olivet neighborhood in Fairmount, CO is all about its tranquil streets and mountain views, think again—this is a corner of Fairmount where foodies in the know gravitate for authentic tastes, cozy atmospheres, and flavors you’ll want to make part of your weekly routine. From aromatic family-owned bakeries to adventurous food trucks and classic American diners, Mount Olivet is quietly housing one of the metro’s most diverse and delightful food scenes. Here’s a local friend’s take on where to eat, sip, and satisfy every craving in Mount Olivet.
The Heart of Mount Olivet: Tasty Streets & Eateries
Start your culinary exploration along West 50th Avenue and Mount Olivet Boulevard—this is the unofficial “main drag” where many restaurants, cafés, and bakeries coalesce. You’ll find more delicious options tucked into side streets like Kendrick Drive and Allison Street, so don’t be afraid to wander a block or two off the beaten path.
Standout Restaurants: Local Legends & Newcomers to Love
- Basil & Barrel (W. 50th Ave & Chase St.)
- *Cuisine*: Italian-American
- *Price Range*: $$
- *Why Go?* Few places do handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza quite like Basil & Barrel. Try their seasonal ravioli or the “Mount Olivet Special”—a pizza loaded with Colorado sausage, roasted garlic, and local mushrooms. The ambiance is both rustic and lively.
- Pho & Co (Mount Olivet Blvd near Kendrick Dr.)
- *Cuisine*: Vietnamese & Pan-Asian
- *Price Range*: $
- *Why Go?* This family-run spot is beloved for deeply flavorful pho, fragrant banh mi, and bright, herb-laden noodle bowls. The spring rolls and iced Vietnamese coffee are musts, and the cheerful staff make everyone feel like a regular.
- The Fairmount Grill (Alison St. corner)
- *Cuisine*: Classic American Diner
- *Price Range*: $-$$
- *Why Go?* Go for all-day breakfasts, club sandwiches, and hand-cut fries. Locals rave about the chicken-fried steak and homemade pies. The retro booths are perfect for lazy Sunday mornings.
Cozy Cafés & Beautiful Bakeries
- Sagebrush Café (W. 50th Ave & Sheridan Blvd.)
- *Ambiance*: Sunlit corner spot with local art and lots of plants.
- *Favorites*: Super smooth lattes, house-made pastries, and avocado toast on sourdough. The rotating pastry menu (don’t miss wild huckleberry muffins!) is reason enough to stop by all week.
- Petit Four Bakery (hidden in a strip center off Holland St.)
- *Specialties*: French pastries, colorful macarons, focaccia, and crusty baguettes.
- *Local tip*: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends for a chance at still-warm almond croissants and chocolate eclairs.
Food Trucks & Flavorful Finds
Mount Olivet has a playful relationship with pop-ups and food trucks, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings near the small plaza at W. 50th Ave & Kendall St. Look for local favorites such as:
- El Rey del Taco
- *What to try*: Tacos al pastor, carne asada burritos, and homemade aguas frescas.
- *Vibe*: The smoky scents and sizzling sounds create an irresistible magnetic pull every weekend.
- The Rolling Spoon
- *Cuisine*: Comfort food fusion—think green chile mac & cheese, fried chicken sliders, and vegan jackfruit tacos.
- *Secret*: Their weekend brunch menu (breakfast burritos and cinnamon roll waffles!) is a local obsession.
Hidden Gems You’ll Brag About
- Olivetti’s Market & Deli (Kendrick Dr. near 48th Ave.)
- Tiny but mighty, this Italian deli turns out stacked sandwiches, deli salads, and house-roasted turkey with a smile. Try their “Mount Olivet Muffuletta”—layers of cured meats and olive salad on homemade bread.
- Sisu Scandinavian Treats
- Only open Thursday-Sunday, this homey bakery specializes in cardamom buns, lingonberry tarts, and dense rye loaves—each as pretty as it is delicious. Find them tucked behind the community garden entrance on Allison St.
Local Traditions & Upcoming Favorites
Mount Olivet’s food scene has its own rhythm and rituals. Every September the “Taste of Mount Olivet” food walk brings out limited-edition dishes from every neighborhood eatery. In winter, Sagebrush Café’s holiday cookie exchange is the talk of the town and a great way to sample international sweets.
Locals have their favorites, but new arrivals are always welcomed. Try the latest buzzworthy spot—Toasty’s Craft Sandwiches—a recent addition blending global flavors with Colorado ingredients (think bison pastrami with kimchi slaw). It’s already gathering a loyal lunchtime crowd near Sheridan and W. 49th Ave.
Why You’ll Love Eating Local in Mount Olivet
What sets Mount Olivet apart? It’s the balance between welcoming, family-run spaces and innovative newcomers, all dedicated to quality and community. Many spots source from Fairmount-area farmers and suppliers, so you’ll see changing menus to reflect the season’s best. There’s never a need to leave the neighborhood for an adventurous meal or a comforting treat—Mount Olivet has it all, right around the corner.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect almond croissant, crave a steaming bowl of pho, or just want crispy fries and cold beer with friends, Mount Olivet is where Fairmount’s food lovers truly feel at home. Next time someone asks about hidden gems near Fairmount, you’ll have plenty of answers—and maybe a few new favorites to add to your personal list.