Sow's Ear

4.6 (483)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

48475 HWY 550 North, Durango, CO 81301

About this restaurant

Romantic
Good for special occasions
Great for scenic views

The Sow’s Ear, established in 1986, is located in the Silverpick Lodge along US HWY 550, 24 miles north of Durango and one mile south of Purgatory Resort.

We feature “Refined Rustic” cuisine. That’s short hand for local, seasonal and prepared in house. What Grandma made but with a wider variety of ingredients, prepared for the 21st century pallet and lifestyle.

We are known for the Best Steaks on the Mountain, elk, quail, wild boar, miso salmon, fresh salad (we grow our own sprouts in house) and homemade dessert We bake bread fresh daily and even can our own fruit for dessert. We also offer vegetarian and gluten free items from our vegan Garde Manger.

Nestled between the Hermosa Cliffs, Engineer Mountain and the Twilight Peaks, the Sow’s Ear is well appointed and intimate, yet with four massive windows there’s not a bad seat in the house. Come join us at the Sow’s Ear Restaurant for dinner and libations and a most pleasant dining experience in the heart of the Rockies.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Steakhouse, Vegetarian / Vegan, Comfort Food
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm
Website
http://sowseardurango.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
How can we help!
Private party facilities
The Sow's Ear is a popular spot for wedding receptions, company parties, family reunions, rehearsal dinners, birthdays and anniversaries. You may rent out the entire restaurant for parties of up to 124 guests or host a private party in our Club Room for up to 14 people. We're happy to craft a menu to suit or if you prefer select option from our banquet menu.

Location
48475 HWY 550 North, Durango, CO 81301
Neighborhood
Durango
Cross street
Located inside the Silver Pick Lodge
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wine

French Onion
- Mais Oui$9.00
- Entrée$12.00
Summer Soup$8.00
smoked tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese, fine herbs
House Salad$9.00
kale, endive, arugula, seeds and sprouts, balsamic vinaigrette
- Half$7.00
Caesar$12.00
et tu brute?
- Half$8.00
Summer Salad$10.00
romaine, tomato, cucumber, avocado, pineapple, onion, jalapeno, avocado lime dressing
Artichoke Hearts$14.00
olive, tomato and basil oil caponata
Buffalo Bone Marrow$12.00
cherry chutney, pickled red onion, sprouts baguette
Vegetable Tempura$12.00
tensuyu dipping sauce
Crab Cakes$16.00
arugula, chipotle aioli
Tuna Poke$14.00
avocado crème, togarashi wontons, asian jalapeno dressing
Quinoa Cakes$12.00
southwest, vegetable and fine herb trio, peanut sauce
Elk Carpaccio$18.00
fried capers, arugula, sherry truffle vinaigrette
Truffle Fries$10.00
salt, parsley, parmesan cheese, truffle oil
Miso Salmon$26.00
thai curry coconut sauce, crispy noodles, forbidden rice
Blackened Quail$36.00
apple chutney, herb risotto, seasonal veggies
Halibut$34.00
mango chili salsa, jalapeno lime risotto, confit tomatoes
Elk Tenderloin$38.00
4 oz cut, garlic butter, shiitake mushrooms, mashers
Lamb Chops$34.00
minted pea puree, vegetable salsa, confit tomatoes
Truffle Tenderloin Tips$38.00
shiitake mushrooms, brie truffle cream, housemade tagliatelle
Steak au Poivre$44.00
8 oz tenderloin, black pepper brandy cream, mashers, fresh veggies
Tenderloin of Beef$42.00
8 oz cut, mashers, fresh veggies
Petite Filet$32.00
5 oz cut, mashers, fresh veggies
Hodgebaba$46.00
14 oz prime ribeye, mashers, fresh veggies
Happy Meal$18.00
8 oz ground tenderloin, kaiser roll, bacon, green chili, cheese, fries
Children's Burger, Chicken Fingers, Mac & Cheese$12.00
Children's Tenderloin$22.00
Apple Strudel$12.00
vanilla ice cream
Key Lime Parfait$12.00
lime and fresh whipped cream
Baklava$12.00
walnut, almond, pistachio, coffee syrup, cacao nibs
Blueberry Bread Pudding$12.00
vermont maple syrup, whipped cream
Chocolate Chip Cookies$12.00
with vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk
Pot de Crème au Chocolate$12.00
chocolate custard with fresh whipped cream and sliced almonds
Blueberry Cheese Cake$12.00
walnut, almond crust
Chocolate Cupcake$8.00
chocolate frosting, shaved chocolate, cacao reduction

Vegan

House Salad$9.00
kale, endive, arugula, seeds and sprouts, balsamic vinaigrette
- Half$7.00
Summer Salad$10.00
romaine, tomato, cucumber, avocado, pineapple, onion, jalapeno, avocado lime dressing
Quinoa Cakes$12.00
southwest, vegetable and fine herb trio, peanut sauce
Truffle Fries$10.00
salt, parsley, truffle oil
Artichoke Hearts$14.00
olive, tomato and basil oil caponata
Vegetable Tempura$12.00
tensuyu dipping sauce
Baklava$12.00
walnut, almond, pistachio, coffee syrup

Gluten Free

House Salad$9.00
kale, endive, arugula, seeds and sprouts, balsamic vinaigrette
- Half$7.00
Gluten Free Caesar$12.00
et tu brute?
- Half$8.00
Summer Salad$10.00
romaine, tomato, cucumber, avocado, pineapple, onion, jalapeno, avocado lime dressing
Quinoa Cakes$12.00
southwest, vegetable and fine herb trio, peanut sauce
Artichoke Hearts$14.00
olive, tomato and basil oil caponata
Vegetable Tempura$12.00
tensuyu dipping sauce
Truffle Fries$10.00
salt, parsley, parmesan cheese, truffle oil
Elk Carpaccio$18.00
fried capers, arugula, truffle oil
Gluten Free Miso Salmon$26.00
thai curry coconut sauce, forbidden rice
Halibut$34.00
mango chili salsa, jalapeno lime risotto, confit tomatoes
Lamb Chops$34.00
minted pea puree, vegetable salsa, confit tomatoes
Elk Tenderloin$38.00
4 oz cut, garlic butter, shiitake mushrooms, mashers
Steak au Poivre$44.00
8 oz tenderloin, black pepper brandy cream, mashers, fresh veggies
Tenderloin of Beef$42.00
8 oz cut, mashers, fresh veggies
Petite Filet$32.00
5 oz cut, mashers, fresh veggies
Children's Tenderloin$22.00
Hodgebaba$46.00
14 oz prime ribeye, mashers, fresh veggies

Fine Wines

Cabernet Franc 2014 Olga Raffault, "Les Picasses", Chinon, Loire Valley$56.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Mount Eden Vineyards, "Estate Grown", Santa Cruz$160.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Silver Oak, Napa Valley$148.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Don Melchor, Punta Alta$134.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Groth, Reserve, Oakville, Napa Valley$126.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Caymus, Napa Valley$112.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Jordan, Alexander Valley$97.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Stags Leap, "Artemis", Napa Valley$91.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Chateau Deyrem Valentine, Margaux$80.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Mount Veeder, Napa Valley$68.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Justin, Paso Robles$49.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Rodney Strong, Sonoma County$34.00
- Glass$12.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Haras de Pirque, "Hussonet", Maipo Valley$28.00
Carmenere 2018 Marques de Casa Concha, Peumo$38.00
Chardonnay 2019 Rombauer, Carneros$59.00
Chardonnay 2017 Romain Collet, "Les Pargues", Chablis$42.00
Chardonnay 2019 Joseph Drouhin, Saint-Veran$36.00
Chardonnay 2017 Davis Bynam, Russian River Valley$34.00
- Glass$12.00
Croatina 2009 Bruno Verdi "Cavariola", Reserve, Oltrepo Pavese$68.00
Frapatto 2018 Arianna Occhipinti, Sicily$48.00
Gamay 2018 Louis Jadot, Beaujolais Villages$29.00
Gewurtatraminer 2012 Domaine Bechtold, Engelberg Grand Cru, Alsace$57.00
Grenache 2017 Vignobles Mayard "Le Hurlevent", Chateauneuf de Pape$78.00
Nebbiolo 2017 Chairlo, "Il Principe", Langhe$34.00
Nebbiolo 2016 Bruna Grimaldi "Camilla", Barolo$59.00
Malbec 2014 Gauchezco Oro, Mendoza$56.00
Malbec 2019 Salentein Reserve, Mendoza$32.00
- Glass$12.00
Merlot 2015 Matanzas Creek, Sonoma County$34.00
Merlot 2018 Chateau Rouget, Pomerol$112.00
Petite Sirah 2017 Once and Future, Napa Valley$96.00
Pinot Grigio 2016 Livio Fellugia, Collio, Friuli$36.00
Pinot Grigio 2018 Guenoc, California$26.00
- Glass$8.00
Pinot Noir 2017 Jerome Chezeaux, Vosne- Romanee$105.00
Pinot Noir 2017 La Crema "Fog Veil", Russian River Valley$82.00
Pinot Noir 2018 Michel Sarrazin "Champ Lalot", Givry 1er Cru$76.00
Pinot Noir 2014 Holloran Vineyard "Le Pavillon", Dundee Hills$60.00
Pinot Noir 2019 Thevenet Pere & Fils, Bourgogne$48.00
Pinot Noir 2017 Van Duzer, Willamette Valley$37.00
- Glass$16.00
Pinot Noir 2018 Carmel Road, Monteray County$28.00
Riesling 2012 Koehler-Ruprect, Kallstadter Saumagen, Kabinett Troken, Pfalz$36.00
Riesling 2018 Dr Loosen, "Blue Slate", Kabinett, Mosel$35.00
Roussanne 2017 Cuilleron, "Digue", Saint-Joseph, Rhone Valley$57.00
Sangiovase 2011 Casanuova Delle Cerbaie, Brunello Di Montalcino$88.00
Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Pascal Jolivet, Sancerre, Loire Valley$43.00
Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Oyster Bay, Marlborough$29.00
- Glass$8.00
Shiraz 2019 Torbreck, "Woodcutter's", Barossa Valley$36.00
Syrah 2017 Yves Cuilleron, "Le Village", Cornas$79.00
Syrah 2017 Domaine Belle, "Cuvee Louis Belle", Crozes-Hermitage$60.00
Grechetto 2019 Santi Christina Bianco, Umbria$28.00
Sparkling NV Lunetta, Prosecco (Single)$12.00
Sparkling Gruet, Blanc de Noir, New Mexico$42.00
Sparkling NV Taittinger, "Prestige Rose", Champagne$95.00
Tempranillo 2016 Marques Marietta Reserve, Rioja$36.00
Zinfandel 2017 Sbragia Family Vinyards, Gino's Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley$39.00

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Sow's Ear.

4.6

(483)

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
3.4Value

Noise • Moderate

483 Reviews

JM
JillM Gold
Denver19 reviews
4.0
Dined on September 5, 2021
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
The food, ambiance and location were wonderful. The only negative was our waitress going completely MIA after delivering our salads and then she didn’t return to take our entree order for another 45 minutes.
Is this helpful?
P
Preston
Corpus Christi18 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 3, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really a great place.
Is this helpful?
M
2Much
Austin30 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 3, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Awesome food and service as always. Menu has great selections.
Is this helpful?
JP
JosephP
Denver1 review
5.0
Dined on August 27, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Have been to Sow’s Ear numerous times and am never disappointed. Staff are friendly and food is superb. Atmosphere is also very warm and inviting. Beautiful views of the mountains through the oversized windows of the alpine style building. Also a very nice selection of wines.
Is this helpful?
DD
DebbieD
Phoenix8 reviews
5.0
Dined on August 16, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic views and ambiance. Food and service were great. We had the elk tenderloin and the quail entrees. Both perfectly cooked and such great flavors. The service was great. One of our favorite places in the Durango area.
Is this helpful?
TH
TomH Gold
Cincinnati9 reviews
3.0
Dined on July 26, 2021
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Would have rated higher except for very slow service, especially at end of meal. We ate here 3 nights earlier and had good service. Good at the lower level; bad at the upper level.
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L
Lenny Gold
Phoenix39 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 26, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such a great find in a very small town outside of Durango. Wonderful food and great service. A little on the pricey side but it’s well worth every penny. Very extensive selection on the menu as well.
Is this helpful?
KO
KarenO
Phoenix1 review
4.0
Dined on July 23, 2021
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Wonderful! We really enjoyed our waiter. We had the petite filet and the elk. Very good but overpriced for the portions.
Is this helpful?
P
Phantom
Houston29 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 18, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best of the Best as always!!!!!!!! Never disappoints you! Service food and ambiance always the best
Is this helpful?
M
2Much
Austin30 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 16, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I've eaten at some of the top restaurants across the country and I believe that Sow's Ear is at the top of the list. The menu is diverse and the chef does an outstanding job of creating the dishes. In addition, the service is great and everyone wants to make sure your dinner experience is the best. Can't say enough wonderful things about Sow's Ear.
Is this helpful?

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Steakhouse, Vegetarian / Vegan, Comfort Food
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm
Website
http://sowseardurango.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
How can we help!
Private party facilities
The Sow's Ear is a popular spot for wedding receptions, company parties, family reunions, rehearsal dinners, birthdays and anniversaries. You may rent out the entire restaurant for parties of up to 124 guests or host a private party in our Club Room for up to 14 people. We're happy to craft a menu to suit or if you prefer select option from our banquet menu.

Location
48475 HWY 550 North, Durango, CO 81301
Neighborhood
Durango
Cross street
Located inside the Silver Pick Lodge
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wine

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Sow's Ear

About this restaurant

Not available on OpenTable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Main

French Onion

Summer Soup$8.00

House Salad$9.00

Caesar$12.00

Summer Salad$10.00

Artichoke Hearts$14.00

Buffalo Bone Marrow$12.00

Vegetable Tempura$12.00

Crab Cakes$16.00

Tuna Poke$14.00

Quinoa Cakes$12.00

Elk Carpaccio$18.00

Truffle Fries$10.00

Miso Salmon$26.00

Blackened Quail$36.00

Halibut$34.00

Elk Tenderloin$38.00

Lamb Chops$34.00

Truffle Tenderloin Tips$38.00

Steak au Poivre$44.00

Tenderloin of Beef$42.00

Petite Filet$32.00

Hodgebaba$46.00

Happy Meal$18.00

Children's Burger, Chicken Fingers, Mac & Cheese$12.00

Children's Tenderloin$22.00

Apple Strudel$12.00

Key Lime Parfait$12.00

Baklava$12.00

Blueberry Bread Pudding$12.00

Chocolate Chip Cookies$12.00

Pot de Crème au Chocolate$12.00

Blueberry Cheese Cake$12.00

Chocolate Cupcake$8.00

Vegan

House Salad$9.00

Summer Salad$10.00

Quinoa Cakes$12.00

Truffle Fries$10.00

Artichoke Hearts$14.00

Vegetable Tempura$12.00

Baklava$12.00

Gluten Free

House Salad$9.00

Gluten Free Caesar$12.00

Summer Salad$10.00

Quinoa Cakes$12.00

Artichoke Hearts$14.00

Vegetable Tempura$12.00

Truffle Fries$10.00

Elk Carpaccio$18.00

Gluten Free Miso Salmon$26.00

Halibut$34.00

Lamb Chops$34.00

Elk Tenderloin$38.00

Steak au Poivre$44.00

Tenderloin of Beef$42.00

Petite Filet$32.00

Children's Tenderloin$22.00

Hodgebaba$46.00

Fine Wines

Cabernet Franc 2014 Olga Raffault, "Les Picasses", Chinon, Loire Valley$56.00

Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Mount Eden Vineyards, "Estate Grown", Santa Cruz$160.00

Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Silver Oak, Napa Valley$148.00

Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Don Melchor, Punta Alta$134.00

Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Groth, Reserve, Oakville, Napa Valley$126.00

Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Caymus, Napa Valley$112.00

Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Jordan, Alexander Valley$97.00

Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Stags Leap, "Artemis", Napa Valley$91.00

Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Chateau Deyrem Valentine, Margaux$80.00

Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Mount Veeder, Napa Valley$68.00

Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Justin, Paso Robles$49.00

Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Rodney Strong, Sonoma County$34.00

Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Haras de Pirque, "Hussonet", Maipo Valley$28.00