We looked for a lunch spot via Yelp on our way home from Telluride. Yelp did it again. Loungin' Lizard will be our go to every time we pass through Cortez in the future. We walked in and were immediately greeted by one of the bartenders and told to sit wherever we liked. We found a nice booth off to the side of the bar area. Our server Patrick stopped by the booth and pointed us to the food menu in the chalkboard. We also had another server but I didn't catch her name. They were both very friendly and attentive. I ordered the special for the day. A green chili Rueben & fries. Wow, this sandwich was so delicious! What a creative combination of flavors. Even the slaw in the Rueben included the green chilis. The fries were hot and crispy. My husband ordered the spicy BBQ pulled pork tacos. He said the tacos were amazing and the flavors were off the charts. They were topped with a slaw and pickles. The side of "tortilla chips" had a dusting of a very flavorful spice. Not sure what it was but very tasty. Looking over the menu, this restaurant has some very creative dishes. We can't wait to stop by again! My husband ordered read more

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Well due to food allergies I have to be careful with what I eat. So I asked for the pizza without BBQ since it was spicy. It was supposed to have roasted tomatoes as well. They were missing. Before all of this I was served the wrong pizza. It was caught after a few bites by our attentive server. They made sure our drinks were filled. read more

Had a great dinner of pulled pork and hatched chili nachos very tasty. The waiter also suggested using some of their special sauce they make with Sriracha, I highly recommend it. We also then split a hatch chili and pulled pork pizza. The pizza skin was thin. Everything was very tasty. The waiters are great. The music is very fun. Rock 'n' roll might be louder than some like, but we didn't mind an overall. The ambience the service and the food were great. Would definitely go back.. read more

To start I'd say disregard the 3 star below. Makes no sense to me. Now for the great stuff WHAT an amazing place! Comfort food with hatch green chilis sound good? Not good, GREAT to the fourth power. Patrick provided superb service, great vibe and music in this cool old place and wait until I get to the food. My wife's white chic chili was a 10 and you cannot put a high enough number on the meatloaf and mash with the hatch chilis and mushroom sauce. Stupendous comfort food! Try a Mexican lager or the hatch chili margarita to pair up with them. Go Getchasum yall. It will make your month! Chill and enjoy! read more

Loungin' Lizard - Meatloaf and Hatch Chili Mashed! Whew sooo good. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Cortez, Colorado

Parents didn't want Mexican food so we went here. NOTE: the left side of the restaurant is dark and gloomy because of no windows and the lights fixtures were very dim. Also , don't sit in the first booth as it's crammed very close together. It was a little uncomfortable but the 'rents wanted to sit there. They don't have menus so one is relegated to scanning the QR code or reading it off the wall over the bar. Our parents hate scanning codes and their eyesight is very poor so we took photos of the wall menu and shared it with them. The servers were knowledgeable about the menu but the bartender/server guy wasn't knowledgeable about other types of food preparation. He knew what the food at THAT place was like only. Okay. My French onion soup was very good. My husband got the Cuban sandwich and it was really wonderful except his French fries were horrible, flaccid and greasy. Dad got the meatloaf which was smothered in stuff with a side of squash. He liked it. Mom and I got the country fried chicken with green chili mashed potatoes and sausage gravy. Squash was the side dish for us as well and it was cooked in spices which were pretty tasty but got cold quick. My chicken was moist and very good and the potatoes were yummy with the green chiles inside. The gravy was onion and sausage and pretty tasty. Overall I'd say it was pretty good but some things were fabulous while other things weren't good at all. Kinda hit & miss. read more

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Doublewide Quick Stop midnight T-top Jack in her Cherry Coke town So, Momma and Daddy put their roots right down.. We popped in the "Loungin Lizard" late afternoon. The Lizard greeted us GreenChilis with smiles and warm welcomes. We settled into a nice cozy booth.. We shared "Fried Cheese" & "Blackened Shrimp". Both Appys were on point. Washed down w. a "Chardonay" "Nicely Crisp" by the Lass; Postremo, Washed down w. an "Espresso Martini" by the Lad. Imagine if you will, that the Drink Gods owe you, this would be it..:) Loungin Lizard was fun for us, like totally... Growin' up in little pink houses Makin' out on livin' room couches.. Blowin' that smoke on a Saturday night.. A little messed up, but we're all alright.."American Oldsters"..:) Best, Avram Chesney Jr. read more

Loungin' Lizard - Revisiting Bob Marley at Local Bar.:) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Cortez, Colorado

When in Cortez, don't miss The Loungin' Lizard! We had the slow-smoked pork nachos, wings, and lettuce wraps, and everything was fantastic--fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The service was just as good: friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The atmosphere is cozy and laid-back, with a fun, quirky vibe that fits the name perfectly. The bar is great, and the wine selection is surprisingly solid for a bar, which was a nice touch to go along with the meal. Whether you're just passing through or a local, this is one of those spots that makes you want to come back. We'll definitely be returning! read more

Food was good but they were very busy. We didn't see a waiter or waitress for about 10-15 min after seated. Food was good service was good once we were recognized read more

Amazing food & service! The green chili mashed potatoes were fantastic! Meat loaf was to die for.

Good food, great service! The chipotle soup is spicy but so good. I feel like the salad could've had a little more dressing but overall would go back. read more

I had the sashimi salad with the ginger dressing and it was spectacular! One of the best sushi dishes I've ever had. My wife ordered rock shrimp salad, but she had them grill the shrimp instead of tempura which they happily did. It was wonderful. The ginger dressing on Sashimi salad made it especially delicious. read more

We stopped in after reading some reviews and left with everyone being happy. That's quite a challenge with three kids, but they all liked the pizza, the adult grilled cheese and chili, the fries, and the bread pudding we all split at the end. I got the spicy Cuban sandwich, which was more of a spicy pork sandwich, but it was good. I'd try their killed pork, burger, or buffalo chicken sandwich next time. I also tried their red ale and brown ale and enjoy them both. There's free street parking outside. The groups at the bar were really getting into the Broncos' game, which kept my kids entertained as well. Service was great and we had zero issues. read more

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This was a fantastic meal! I had the best chicken fried steak with mash potatoes and gravy I have ever experienced. It was mouth watering and perfectly breaded and seasoned. All topped off with deliciously seasoned mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables. Wonderful flavoring!! The dessert was fantastic and home made with incredible salted caramel ice cream to go with my blueberry-lemon cheesecake. The whole meal was amazing. So fun to discover such a delightful dining experience in an out of the way location. The service was friendly and attentive. Go dine there! You won't be disappointed. read more

Great food, lots of variety. Loved the Pulled Pork, spicy salad, brown beer and the house made cobbler. Lots of craft beers. Cobblers are a special dessert, topped with ice cream -seasonal. Bar area, with stools, several large booths, and tables. Friendly servers (with a sense of humor- on a holiday weekend- they are delightful!) Fantastic music. Beautiful high-ceilings, retro space.... You'll love it here. read more

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We drive through Cortez every year and the Loungin' Lizard is a must stop. The food is amazing. Every dish we have tried is great. The service is great. This year Ty was our server and he stayed on top of any and all needs. We will go back again. read more

6/6/25 so here we are. Hot Friday night date night. Beautiful evening in Cortez. We picked the Lizard for the ambience. Out on the patio to have a wonderful dinner. Don't guess, just get in here. Amazing food, great service, better people. We love this place!!! read more

Loungin' Lizard - Pork Belly Tacos - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Cortez, Colorado

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We stopped in for a cold brew while visiting Cortez. Great corner location, easy street parking, outdoor patio, nice inside dining area. The staff was fabulous, our group of picky craft beer drinkers all enjoyed the Mexican Logger, Modus Hopperandi IPA, and a Michelada made from the Mexican Logger. The brews were perfectly chilled, and each were very well done. The meat forward menu is a favorite of our local friends, though this plant eater may have had to get creative, LOL. A perfect mid-day shopping respite. read more

What more can you ask for. Great service, great drinks, great food. This is a not so hidden gem that is a must try. The environment is laid back and all of the staff here are friendly and welcoming. Our party of 4 had a little bit of everything starting with the fried cheese with delicious hand made marinara. Their fried chicken is phenomenal so any dish with fried chicken is a win. The meatloaf was delicious and they have some of the best fries ever. All of the drinks were top notch as well. We finished it off with bread pudding and a salted caramel torte and boy what a finish! We are sad that we were only passing through otherwise I would absolutely return. read more

Cool place to hang out and some dinner I had done a google search on where to take the kiddos and we came across this. We ordered the slow roasted pulled pork nachos and the roasted Brussels sprouts they were awesome. Food took a little long to get but service was good. read more

Loungin' Lizard - Brussels Sprouts - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Cortez, Colorado

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Service was very good. Friendly attentive wait staff. Wife's southwest chicken & rice Marsala was very good. My pork tenderloins in a red mushroom sauce was inedible. The sauce was very tasty but the pork could not be cut - burnt badly. read more

Love the name and the food lives up to the name. Great selection on the board and was told they have weekly specials. Started off with local brew for cyndi and me. And appetizer of Brussel sprouts. Don't pass those up. I decided on the sw Cuban. Cyndi had the spicy pulled pork and candyce had the country fried steak. One of the waitresses asked if we wanted a try a special beer. Brought a taste for us. Service was great all around. Definitely a good and unique spot. read more

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We had a group of 9 eating dinner. Four ordered the country fried pork loin and all 4 were over cooked, tough and needed a steak knife to cut. The vegetables were very spicy and so were the mashed potatoes. Two ordered meatloaf which was also overcooked and had very little gravy. Two had the elk pot pie and they both enjoyed that, although the mashed potatoes on top were spicy. If you love spicy food this is the place for you. We asked numerous times if things were spicy and their answer was maybe a little. On a positive note the service was very good and the atmosphere was nice. read more

A so so dining experience. Low key dining area televisions playing sports. An interesting menu but not all items executed well (although some were). Decent kids menu. Service was slow and inattentive. Not a terrible choice but I would not go out of my way to go back. read more

Oh my gosh! Absolutely loved this place! I wanted to try everything on the menu! Service was excellent. I tried the buffalo chicken sandwich. It was HUGE! It was like Andre the Giant chicken! The buffalo flavor was very unique with a sweetness to it that made it great! Excellent atmosphere, too! read more

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My husband and I did the San Juan scenic skyway starting in Durango and ending back in Durango after a super long day I looked for a restaurant to go to when I stumbled on the lounging lizard. This was our best meal that we had while we were vacationing. I got the Southwest chicken marsala and my husband had the meatloaf both were outstanding! Everyone was so friendly. The service was great and the food was outstanding. I've gone to a lot of restaurants and this by far has been one of the best restaurants we've been too lately. They have such a great menu too. read more

Patrick was great. We enjoyed the SW Cuban (made with pulled pork instead of ham), the delicious spinach salad, and the country fried chicken. read more

I was stuck with a disabled vehicle in Cortez and this place was so great for lunch that I can back for dinner. The service is top notch and refreshing. These people know hospitality as well as good food and drinks. I had the Southwestern Cuban which was nothing like a traditional Cuban but insanely delicious. I wanted to be healthier and had the spinach salad for dinner which was also absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is nice and inviting. I would definitely head back next time I am in town. read more

Loungin' Lizard - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Cortez, Colorado

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We both had a Blackened Chicken sandwich with fries and a Mtn. Dew. Good food! Great service by Patrick! No room for dessert unfortunately...next time. read more

Great food, friendly attentive service in Oldtown Cortez, Colorado. Ambiance is comfortable and well appointed. Menu is diverse enough to satisfy most folks desires. I went for the Bison Burger, but will go back for some of the more interesting choices their menu offers. read more

My husband and I stopped in for lunch and it was one of the most delicious meals we had on our road trip out west! My husband enjoyed the burger with lots of green chiles with fries and I the buffalo chicken sandwich with home made bleu cheese dressing with fries. OMG - the fries, some of the BEST I've ever had. My sandwich was also delicious and my husband enjoyed his as well. The service was prompt and very friendly! If you're in the area, I highly recommend you check out Loungin' Lizard! read more

A great experience from beginning to end! Greeting from the friendly staff, knowledgeable of all menu items and helped us decide what to order!! Everything was delicious!! read more

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We ate here while we were staying to visit Mesa Verde. This place was SO GOOD! I had the best salted carmel espresso martini. My husband got a yummy IPA. We both got the country fried steak and it was probably the best we've ever had. The whole menu looked delicious, we wished we had more time to spend in Cortez because we could have came back again! If we're ever back in town we will make this a for sure stop! read more

Just making our way into Colorado and stopped here for lunch with the whole family. Kind staff, delicious food (spinach salad with chicken so yummy), nice ambiance, outdoor seating and location were excellent! If we lived here, this would be our to-go spot for sure! Thank you! This place is a gem! read more

Our first choice for dinner was closed due to it being a holiday. Fortunately our second choice was right down the block and open. It was early so we were able to snag a booth. I ordered a beer and then studied the large menu that was posted across the room on a giant blackboard. I ordered the meatloaf but it was out - wonder if it was ever in... Option 2 was the chicken parm. I was a bit hesitant since this was not an Italian joint but it was surprisingly very good. The red sauce had a bit of a kick which I really liked. It was served with a side of spaghetti and some sautéed Brussel sprouts with a balsamic vinegar glaze. I am not a sprouts guy but these were very good. I was also surprised that they didn't call out this dish came with sprouts since many people are not big fans. But then again it worked for me. My wife got the bison burger which she thought was Ok - it was a bit overcooked definitely not done medium rare. She said the bun was excellent and the fries decent. Service was good. read more

Loungin' Lizard - Bison burger (asked for medium rare... it's well done) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Cortez, Colorado

Stoped here on our way thru Colorado--. SO GLAD WE DID!! Excellent food and service--. ' fresh food - not fast food ' Everything is made in house 'everything has a recipe'. White Chicken Chili was the best I've had. Do not hesitate -- stop by .... read more

We came in for a mid after lunch they heard us just when we walked in and we got the pic of the booth. They also had tables and the bar. You don't get a menu because the menu is written on the wall for everyone to see. Since we were hungry for pizza we got the green chili with pulled pork pizza and the tomato Florentine with smoked mushrooms pizza. They were both delicious, thin crusted and filling. Then you also showed offerings for gluten-free and vegan items. The server was very polite and attentive. Entrees were on the pricey side, but the quality and flavor of the food was excellent. At check out, you have option for a cash and no cash payment. read more

Fantastic food! Highly recommended. Unexpected delight to find such great food in Cortez.

Delicious dinner! We had the spicy salad with shrimp and the pork belly tacos. Service was outstanding!!

Okay so the restaurant is cute. The waitresses were very attentive and friendly. I got the prickly pear margarita. I would definitely recommend getting a higher quality tequila, I asked for the house brand and it tasted like cheap margaritas. That was my bad. I got the orange Julius martini which was delicious. The presentation was lackluster but they were good. The food was average bar fair nothing to write home about however after hiking the Mesa Verde we were both famished and got the Truffle fries and blackened chicken rigatoni. Everything was good but not amazing. We would come back, if we are ever in town again. At the end of the day, it's nice to have filling food and some nice cocktails. read more

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Pretty good food and service, good ambiance and good TVs. Went here because my coworker recommended it, may go back next time I'm in town for work. read more