A Feast for All Senses in Crested Butte

Photos courtesy of Lauren Storer Photography 

Crested Butte may feel like a quaint mountain town, but its culinary scene is anything but boring. In only a year, TwoTwelve  has created a reputation for modern, five-star dining in a town celebrated for its rugged charm and hospitality. With a menu highlighting seasonal and regional cuisine, a commitment to local ingredients and a welcoming sense of community, TwoTwelve has emerged as a dining destination that’s worth the drive. 

The story of TwoTwelve begins with its founders’ passion for travel and fine dining. Partner Jeff Hermanson, responsible for destinations like Larimer Square, Union Station and Populus in Denver, moved to Crested Butte full-time and brought his vision for a new restaurant with him. Partner Kyleena Falzone, owner of local favorites Secret Stash Pizza and Bonez, spent years collecting ideas and treasures from around the world, then shipping them home with the dream of one day opening a restaurant that would reflect her global experiences. 

Their vision came to life with TwoTwelve, a space where every detail–from the custom chairs to the Parisian silverware and North Fork plates–has been thoughtfully curated. Acoustic paneling, custom lighting and elements of wood and steel create a cozy yet sophisticated setting where guests can relax and connect. The result is an atmosphere that feels cosmopolitan yet inviting: a place where guests dress up to the nines, celebrate milestones and enjoy an ambience that’s more reminiscent of a chic urban eatery than a traditional mountain spot.

The burning heart of TwoTwelve

At the heart of TwoTwelve’s culinary philosophy is live-fire cooking, a technique that adds depth and smokiness to every dish. But it’s more than just a cooking method; it’s paramount to the restaurant’s identity. 

“It’s the focal point,” says TwoTwelve partner and chef de cuisine Anthony Nelson. “It’s the intersection of 100 percent primal and the best of technology.” 

Nelson, whose background includes classic French, Southern and Japanese cuisines, has crafted a menu that is both refined and approachable, letting high-quality seasonal ingredients shine. The char from the fire is embraced as an essential flavor component, whether it’s on broccolini tossed with sweet chile sauce or wild-foraged ramps transformed into a vibrant pesto. Dishes are designed to be shared family-style, encouraging guests to pass plates, engage in conversation, and experience the meal as a communal feast.

Nelson’s creative process is driven by what’s in season, resulting in dishes that combine familiar flavors in unexpected preparations, like a riff on potato salad or the aforementioned pesto. He’s also deeply connected to ingredients. Growing up on a farm, he developed a deep appreciation for the work and expertise it takes to create beautiful produce and raise livestock.  

TwoTwelve’s kitchen is also shaped by the diverse backgrounds of its staff. With a team that is predominantly Colombian, the restaurant features dishes that pay homage to their heritage, such as arepas made with pulled short rib buffalo, using a recipe from sous chef Julio Urrego’s mother, Carmen. Nelson, who is also Colombian, wanted to add something to the menu that highlighted that culture.; It’s been an incredibly popular dish. 

“We like to keep it interesting,” Nelson says. “I don’t really want a signature dish. I don’t want to be preparing the same thing over and over again. That’s the beauty of seasonal and regional—it allows us to be interesting”

For those visiting for the first time, the recommendation is simple: Come ready to share, to explore and to savor. With a menu that’s always evolving and a team that’s passionate about both food and hospitality, TwoTwelve offers a dining experience second only to the gorgeous mountain views.

TwoTwelve

212 Elk Ave.
Crested Butte

970-251-5195

twotwelvecb.com

Katie Coakley is a freelance writer living in the Eagle River Valley. She has written for a variety of publications and thinks Crested Butte is the most beautiful place in Colorado when the wildflowers are blooming.