Tacos Al Molcajete

Where: 926 Main St
Hours: 7am-11pm (closed Tuesday)

There are plenty of good places to get your taco fix in Longmont, but our current favorite is Tacos Al Molcajete, located on Main Street just above 9th Ave. This unassuming spot has seen several Mexican restaurants come and go in the past decade or so, but we are hoping Al Molcajete is in it for the long haul -- we're not sure if we could live without their absolutely delicious Tacos al Pastor. Something about the sweet-n-savory flavors here adds up to absolute perfection. Those have been highlights each time we've visited, but truth be told, we haven't had a bad dish yet, whether it's crispy flautas or whipped-cream-topped churros. The fresh salsa bar is a treat too -- though be forewarned: those neon orange varieties are positively nuclear. With an extremely friendly staff, low prices and food that's always on point, Tacos Al Molcajete is a very welcome addition to Longmont's culinary scene.

Delicious Places in Longmont Where Kids Eat Free (or on the Cheap)

At Longmont 100, we love going out to eat, and usually we have our kid along for the ride. One way to make that easier on our wallets is to visit local restaurants offering free or half off kids' meals. Here is a round-up of our favorite Longmont spots offering specials for kiddos. 

Left: Wahoo's, Top right: Modern Market, Bottom right: Chuburger

Modern Market

700 Ken Pratt Blvd, #100
Sunday and Monday: Kids eat free from 5pm to close (one per adult entree purchased)

This has been our favorite go-to spot lately. Our kid always opts for the kids' pizza (with or without pepperoni), and we especially enjoy their sandwiches and salads. Seriously, they have the best salads in town.

Samples World Bistro

370 Main Street
Sunday: Kids eat free (one per adult entree purchased)

Samples World Bistro offers great kids' meals in a pretty sophisticated setting (don't miss their rooftop deck). Our kid goes for the mac 'n cheese, of course.

Chuburger

1225 Ken Pratt Blvd.
Tuesday: Kids 10 and under eat half price after 4pm

If we ask our daughter where she wants to go out to eat, she will say Chuburger 9 times out of 10. They have really fabulous grassfed beef hamburgers and addictive fries.

Longs Peak Pub

600 Longs Peak Ave.
Thursday: Kids eat free before 6pm

Longs Peak Pub is the place to go with a noisy kid, because they will never be heard over the nightly hubbub. (i.e., Not the place for a quiet conversation, no matter the age.) Remember to go early (before 6pm) to get the deal.

Wahoo's

1087 South Hover Road Unit B
Thursday: Kids eat free after 4pm (two per adult entree purchased)

Wahoo's is pretty inexpensive, and you can get two kids' meals per paying adult, so it is definitely a steal of a deal. Our daughter was pleased to get fries with her quesadilla and then be able to watch a little surfing on the television.

36 Hours in Longmont, Colorado

Planning a visit to Longmont and wondering what to do or where to eat? For this itinerary, we've put together our suggestions for a perfect day-and-a-half of exploring, eating, and imbibing. These are our personal favorite places for giving out-of-town guests a feel for our city.

Friday

5 p.m. ROSALEE'S PIZZERIA, 461 Main Street

Get to this downtown pizza joint early because it fills up fast on weekend nights (or any other night for that matter). Once that massive, East Coast-style pie is brought to your table, you'll know why. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are big, and the crust is just about perfect. Rosalee's has the best pizza in Longmont ... by a long shot. Order the buttery, garlic-y Sausage Knots if you've got a good-sized group with a good-sized appetite.

8:00 p.m. LONGS PEAK PUB, 600 Longs Peak Avenue

Cap off the night with a trip down the street to the Longs Peak Pub, where good vibes and excellent craft brews can be found in abundance. Part of the Boulder-based Mountain Sun empire, the beer list includes their own creations (the Colorado Kind Ale is a favorite), alongside some expertly chosen selections from the best Centennial State breweries. Longs Peak Pub's ambiance is always lively, often with a bluegrass picking session taking place and groups of locals gathered at the community tables. During the warmer months, head to the patio for a game of cornhole and enjoy the night air.

Saturday

9:00 a.m. CHEESE IMPORTERS, 103 Main Street

For a very good morning, stock up on tasty, flaky pastries and a steaming cup of fresh-brewed coffee at the famed Cheese Importers' French-inspired cafe. And definitely take a trip into their expansive, walk-in cooler with 350 cheeses from all over the world available, not to mention olives, cured meats and more (lots of samples, too). If you're a cheese lover (and who doesn't love a little fromage?), you may well think you've died and gone to heaven.

Cheese Importers

9:30 a.m. GOLDEN PONDS, 2651 Third Avenue

Coffee in hand, take a stroll around the lovely Golden Ponds, where a sweeping panorama of Longs Peak and the surrounding Rocky Mountain Front Range greets you. It's just steps away from one of Longmont's main drags, but once you're there, it feels like another world, with Canadian geese gliding across the water, lots of happy dogs, and quiet trails that loop around the ponds. Don't miss the waterfall on the south side of the park.

Golden Ponds

11 a.m. DOWNTOWN SHOPPING
There are more than enough big-box, big-name retail options in Longmont, but we suggest a stroll down Main Street for a more satisfying shopping spree.

• OLD TOWN OUTFITTERS (501 Main St.) offers an array of apparel, gear and accessories for any outdoor adventures you might be planning. 
• BARBED WIRE BOOKS (504 Main St.) is a great spot for bookworms, with shelves upon shelves of vintage volumes, along with a section devoted to new books as well. 
• ADORN (665 4th Ave.), right off of Main St., is a good place to browse a while if you're looking for a gift or two, with a whimsical cards and stationary, unique home décor and handmade jewelry. Its sister store next door, ADORNABLES (661 4th Ave.), focuses on out-of-the-ordinary toys and books for babies and small kids. 

1 p.m. LUNCH
Grab a bite to eat! Main Street has plenty of lunch options. For fantastic tacos (and supremely spicy salsa, if you like it hot), try TACOS AL MOLCAJETE (926 Main St.). The menu at THE ROOST (526 Main St.) is filled with delicious small plates  -- candied bacon sliders, anyone? Their rooftop patio can't be beat, either. SUN ROSE CAFE (379 Main St.) is a local favorite, with friendly service, great sandwiches and wraps, and extremely refreshing lavender lemonade. A few blocks from Main Street, you will find phenomenal ribs and pulled pork (and a lot more) at GEORGIA BOYS BBQ (237 Collyer St.).

Tacos al Molcajete

Georgia Boys BBQ

3 p.m. EXPLORE BEERMONT
At this point, there are probably too many Longmont craft breweries to visit in just one afternoon. But you should at least visit two or three -- just remember to pace yourself. Oskar Blues' taphouse, THE TASTY WEASEL (1800 Pike Rd.), is always a great time, with rare beers galore, free peanuts, live music ... and skee ball! LEFT HAND (1265 Boston Ave.), the other major brew player in town, has a creekside tasting room where you can relax outside with a Nitro Milk Stout or a Sawtooth Ale. Upstart Longmont breweries have been popping up all over, and 300 SUNS (335 1st Ave.), WIBBY (209 Emery St.), GROSSEN BART (1025 Delaware Ave.) and SHOES & BREWS (63 S. Pratt Pkwy.) are all worthy contenders. They're also all within easy walking distance of one another ... Cheers!

Wibby Brewing

7 p.m. SUGARBEET, 101 Pratt Street
Probably Longmont's finest fine dining experience, Sugarbeet (named for what was once Longmont's primary cash crop) is tucked away in the industrial section of town. But what it lacks in exterior aesthetics, it makes up for in farm-to-table goodness. Dinner here never disappoints, whether you're digging into housemade gnocchi, crispy heritage pork belly roulade or grilled filet mignon. The menu is always evolving, so no Sugarbeet experience is ever quite the same.

8:30 p.m. BIN 46 WINE BAR + RESTAURANT, 600 Longs Peak Avenue
End your day lingering over a glass of wine or craft cocktail and dessert at Bin 46, a stylish, mellow spot near Roosevelt Park. The wine list is extensive and the staff is happy to share personal favorites.

Sunday

8 a.m. JAVA STOP, 301 Main Street
Kick off your last day at Java Stop, located downtown in the historic Imperial Hotel building. The couches are comfy, the coffee is excellent, the art is local, the pastries are fresh, and the vibe is extremely low key and friendly. The prices are extremely reasonable too -- almost too reasonable. (Cash only.)

  Java Stop

9 a.m. Stroll around the HISTORIC WEST SIDE and THOMPSON PARK, 4th Ave and Pratt St
Coffee in hand, take some time to explore the tree-lined streets of Longmont's Historic West Side, home to some of the city's most impressive architecture. Thompson Park is a great open space to soak in a relaxing Sunday morning.

11 a.m. COMIDA CANTINA, 721 Confidence Drive
Brunch? Oh yes. A few years back, one of the Front Range's best food trucks has made the leap back into the brick-and-mortar world, with dazzling results. Comida, located in Longmont's Prospect neighborhood, puts an inspired spin on classic Mexican street food. You could pretty much choose from their menu at random -- everything we've tried has been amazing.

36 Hours in Longmont, Colorado

Planning a visit to Longmont and wondering what to do or where to eat? For this itinerary, we've put together our suggestions for a perfect day-and-a-half of exploring, eating, and imbibing. These are our personal favorite places for giving out-of-town guests a feel for our city.

Friday

5 p.m. ROSALEE'S PIZZERIA, 461 Main Street

Get to this downtown pizza joint early because it fills up fast on weekend nights (or any other night for that matter). Once that massive, East Coast-style pie is brought to your table, you'll know why. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are big, and the crust is just about perfect. Rosalee's has the best pizza in Longmont ... by a long shot. Order the buttery, garlic-y Sausage Knots if you've got a good-sized group with a good-sized appetite.

8:00 p.m. LONGS PEAK PUB, 600 Longs Peak Avenue

Cap off the night with a trip down the street to the Longs Peak Pub, where good vibes and excellent craft brews can be found in abundance. Part of the Boulder-based Mountain Sun empire, the beer list includes their own creations (the Colorado Kind Ale is a favorite), alongside some expertly chosen selections from the best Centennial State breweries. Longs Peak Pub's ambiance is always lively, often with a bluegrass picking session taking place and groups of locals gathered at the community tables. During the warmer months, head to the patio for a game of cornhole and enjoy the night air.

Saturday

9:00 a.m. CHEESE IMPORTERS, 103 Main Street

For a very good morning, stock up on tasty, flaky pastries and a steaming cup of fresh-brewed coffee at the famed Cheese Importers' French-inspired cafe. And definitely take a trip into their expansive, walk-in cooler with 350 cheeses from all over the world available, not to mention olives, cured meats and more (lots of samples, too). If you're a cheese lover (and who doesn't love a little fromage?), you may well think you've died and gone to heaven.

Cheese Importers

9:30 a.m. GOLDEN PONDS, 2651 Third Avenue

Coffee in hand, take a stroll around the lovely Golden Ponds, where a sweeping panorama of Longs Peak and the surrounding Rocky Mountain Front Range greets you. It's just steps away from one of Longmont's main drags, but once you're there, it feels like another world, with Canadian geese gliding across the water, lots of happy dogs, and quiet trails that loop around the ponds. Don't miss the waterfall on the south side of the park.

Golden Ponds

11 a.m. DOWNTOWN SHOPPING
There are more than enough big-box, big-name retail options in Longmont, but we suggest a stroll down Main Street for a more satisfying shopping spree.

• OLD TOWN OUTFITTERS (501 Main St.) offers an array of apparel, gear and accessories for any outdoor adventures you might be planning. 
• BARBED WIRE BOOKS (504 Main St.) is a great spot for bookworms, with shelves upon shelves of vintage volumes, along with a section devoted to new books as well. 
• The just-opened YORE (381 Main St.) features an expertly curated selection of quality goods that are practical, responsibly manufactured -- and extremely cool. 
• ADORN (668 4th Ave.), right off of Main St., is a good place to browse a while if you're looking for a gift or two, with a whimsical cards and stationary, unique home décor and handmade jewelry. Its sister store across the street, ADORNABLES (661 4th Ave.), focuses on out-of-the-ordinary toys and books for kids. 

Yore

1 p.m. LUNCH
Grab a bite to eat! Main Street has plenty of lunch options. For fantastic tacos (and supremely spicy salsa, if you like it hot), try TACOS AL MOLCAJETE (926 Main St.). The menu at THE ROOST (526 Main St.) is filled with delicious small plates  -- candied bacon sliders, anyone? Their rooftop patio can't be beat, either. SUN ROSE CAFE (379 Main St.) is a local favorite, with friendly service, great sandwiches and wraps, and extremely refreshing lavender lemonade. A few blocks from Main Street, you will find phenomenal ribs and pulled pork (and a lot more) at GEORGIA BOYS BBQ (237 Collyer St.).

Tacos al Molcajete

Georgia Boys BBQ

3 p.m. EXPLORE BEERMONT
At this point, there are probably too many Longmont craft breweries to visit in just one afternoon. But you should at least visit two or three -- just remember to pace yourself. Oskar Blues' taphouse, THE TASTY WEASEL (1800 Pike Rd.), is always a great time, with rare beers galore, free peanuts, live music ... and skee ball! LEFT HAND (1265 Boston Ave.), the other major brew player in town, has a creekside tasting room where you can relax outside with a Nitro Milk Stout or a Sawtooth Ale. Upstart Longmont breweries have been popping up all over, and 300 SUNS (335 1st Ave.), WIBBY (209 Emery St.), GROSSEN BART (1025 Delaware Ave.) and SHOES & BREWS (63 S. Pratt Pkwy.) are all worthy contenders. They're also all within easy walking distance of one another ... Cheers!

Wibby Brewing

7 p.m. SUGARBEET, 101 Pratt Street
Probably Longmont's finest fine dining experience, Sugarbeet (named for what was once Longmont's primary cash crop) is tucked away in the industrial section of town. But what it lacks in exterior aesthetics, it makes up for in farm-to-table goodness. Dinner here never disappoints, whether you're digging into housemade gnocchi, crispy heritage pork belly roulade or grilled filet mignon. The menu is always evolving, so no Sugarbeet experience is ever quite the same.

8:30 p.m. BIN 46 WINE BAR + RESTAURANT, 600 Longs Peak Avenue
End your day lingering over a glass of wine or craft cocktail and dessert at Bin 46, a stylish, mellow spot near Roosevelt Park. The wine list is extensive and the staff is happy to share personal favorites.

Sunday

8 a.m. JAVA STOP, 301 Main Street
Kick off your last day at Java Stop, located downtown in the historic Imperial Hotel building. The couches are comfy, the coffee is excellent, the art is local, the pastries are fresh, and the vibe is extremely low key and friendly. The prices are extremely reasonable too -- almost too reasonable. (Cash only.)

  Java Stop

9 a.m. Stroll around the HISTORIC WEST SIDE and THOMPSON PARK, 4th Ave and Pratt St
Coffee in hand, take some time to explore the tree-lined streets of Longmont's Historic West Side, home to some of the city's most impressive architecture. Thompson Park is a great open space to soak in a relaxing Sunday morning.

11 a.m. COMIDA CANTINA, 721 Confidence Drive
Brunch? Oh yes. A few years back, one of the Front Range's best food trucks has made the leap back into the brick-and-mortar world, with dazzling results. Comida, located in Longmont's Prospect neighborhood, puts an inspired spin on classic Mexican street food. You could pretty much choose from their menu at random -- everything we've tried has been amazing.

CyclHOPS Bike Cantina

Where: 600 S. Airport Rd 

Web: http://eat.oskarblues.com/cyclhops/

Hours: 11am-midnight, seven days a week

The geniuses at Oskar Blues Brewing continue their takeover of Longmont with this inspired blend of a taco joint and bike shop. And I for one, welcome our new craft beer overlords. After all, they haven't let us down yet, from CHUBurger to the Tasty Weasel, from Homemade Liquids and Solids to the Bonewagon. CyclHOPS, located in the western part of town, doesn't break OB's streak. The tacos are extremely fresh and flavorful (the carnitas option with pickled onions was the clear winner the first time around), there's a wide array of tequilas to choose from and the Dia de los Muertos-inspired decor is fun and unique. And perhaps it goes without saying, but there are great beers on tap, too (both from Oskar Blues' arsenal and elsewhere).

The interior is spacious and family friendly with plenty of natural light pouring in. And it'll be even more appealing in the warmer months, thanks to its very inviting patio. Then you've got the bike part of the equation -- CyclHOPS is the official retail location for Oskar Blues' line of very cool, very customized REEB mountain bikes and offers a full-service bike shop to boot. Tacos, tequila, craft beer, and bikes? It's about as Colorado as it gets. 

Cheese Importers

Where: 103 Main St, Longmont, CO 80501
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Web: www.cheeseimporters.com

We've been lavishing praise on Longmont's mighty Cheese Importers for years. "Magical," "unbelievable," "totally awesome" are words we've used when describing the place to out-of-towners. And that was all before this fromage emporium moved to its new, (totally awesome) location on Main Street. Previously, Cheese Importers had been tucked away in the warehouse/industrial section of town, a hidden gem if ever there was one. 

Now, it's no longer hidden, having taken over the city's former power station, right on the outskirts of downtown. It was perfect before, and now it's even more perfect: there's an expansive, walk-in cooler with 350 cheeses from all over the world available, not to mention olives, cured meats and more (lots of samples, too); there's a shop with cookbooks, gourmet candy, kids' toys, home furnishings, and art; and there's the Parisian-style cafe, Bistrot des Artistes, offering delectable sandwiches, pastries, coffee, desserts and (soon) wine, all in a sunny, very classy setting. As the French would say, "C'est si bon!" 

Comida

Where: 721 Confidence Drive

Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11am – 9pm; Friday and Saturday 11am – 10pm

Web: www.eatcomida.com

As you've probably noticed, gourmet food trucks are all the rage these days. With low overhead costs and easy mobility, more and more chefs are taking to to the streets. But one of the Front Range's best food trucks has made the leap back into the brick-and-mortar world -- with dazzling results. Comida, located in Longmont's Prospect neighborhood, opened last year and quickly became one of our favorite local spots to eat.

Putting an inspired spin on classic Mexican street food, pretty much every last thing we've tried has delivered incredible deliciousness, from tacos to gorditas and tostadas to quesadillas. The offerings can be out of the ordinary too -- there are some really out of this world, truly adventurous flavor combos here. Por ejemplo, the Sirloin Situation taco is made up of slow cooked sirloin in Negra Modelo over smoked gouda sweet potato mash with roasted onions and house crema. Even if you're not sure what that would end up tasting like, trust us, it's amazing. Comida's setting is perfect too: lively, friendly and very pink. Throw in a great bar, with local beers on tap and a magnificent margarita, and you've got one of Longmont's best restaurants.

Sun Rose Café

Where: 379 Main Street

Hours: Monday: 7am - 5pm, Tuesday - Friday: 7am-9pm, Saturday: 7am - 5pm, closed Sunday

Web: www.sunrosecafe.com

Even though it’s located right in the heart of downtown on Main St., Sun Rose still has the feel of a hidden gem, a well-kept secret amongst Longmont-ians in the know. A breakfast/lunch/dinner spot that doubles as a gourmet food market, we end up here at least a few times a week, whether enjoying a killer breakfast panini, cooling off with their signature Lavender Lemonade, or picking up farm fresh (and free range!) eggs from Berthoud’s Long Shadow Farm. We’re also absolutely hooked on Sun Rose’s pesto – it’s pretty much ruined us for all other pestos. 

The setting is fantastic, with exposed brick, high ceilings and art from local artists adorning the walls. Oh and did we mention that they serve a nice selection of microbrews and mix a helluva cocktail? It’s a nice, family friendly place for a drink that’s not a sports bar setting – a rarity in Longmont. Can you tell we like this place? Now if we could only convince them to stay open on Sundays… 

Prospect Eats / Sound Bites

When: every Monday from May 11th thru September 7th, 5:30pm

Where: 100 Year Party Court

Web: https://www.facebook.com/events/1632630200299448/

(Prospect Eats changed its name to "Prospect Trucks and Tunes" last year and has again changed its name to "Sound Bites")

The gourmet food truck trend is nothing new, but it's finally hit Longmont with a resounding bang, thanks to Prospect Eats. Prospect, if you're not familiar, is a "new urbanist" community located on the south end of town, which is slowly-but-surely becoming a must-visit dining destination. Last year's inaugural Prospect Eats was pretty mellow, with a handful of trucks serving pizza, Mexican food and burgers. In 2012, however, things have blasted off, with close to two-dozen mobile eateries offering everything from Venezuelan sandwiches to smokin' BBQ. 

At the last few events we've attended, the lawn has been packed with picnickers, so word is getting around. We suggest getting there early, since those lines were starting to get extremely long as the evening wore on. But even if you're stuck waiting, it's not a bad place to wait, with adorable kids running around, a live band jamming and the trees gently swaying in the summer breeze. Here's to a new summer tradition in Prospect!

Left Hand Brewing Company

Where: 1265 Boston Avenue

Hours: Monday-Thursday: 3-8pm, Friday-Saturday: 12-8pm, Sunday: 1-8pm

Web: www.lefthandbrewing.com

For beer snobs around the country, Longmont is simply a name on a label, thanks to the presence of two major craft breweries in town -- Oskar Blues and Left Hand. Left Hand, having set up shop along the banks of the St. Vrain River in 1994, is the original Longmont beer-maker, known for its Sawtooth Ale and Milk Stout. In case you haven't heard, craft beer is booming these days; in Colorado alone, brewers added a hefty $486 million to the economy in 2011, and Left Hand is now distributed in 29 states, a number that will have undoubtedly increased by the time you read this. But the place to get their excellent beer at its absolute freshest is the Longmont headquarters. 

In a seemingly eternal state of expansion, the Left Hand Tasting Room is now actually several good-sized rooms, not to mention two outdoor patios, all furnished with rugged red Colorado sandstone tables and bars. Order a pint or two of your favorite brew, or try all 12 of the Left Hand concoctions on tap in sample sized portions. A word to the wise -- Left Hand doesn't serve much food, just pretzels (which are free), beef jerky and chips (which are not). You might want to eat beforehand, since some of the beers you'll be trying have exceptionally high alcohol content. Afterwards, walk it off along the St. Vrain Greenway, just on the other side of Left Hand's parking lot.

Tip: Homebrewers take note! Left Hand's tours (1 and 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays) go behind the scenes at the brewery -- but don't expect them to reveal their top-secret Nitro Milk Stout formula. Well, they could tell you, but then they'd have to kill you.

Vance Brand Airport / Flight Deck Grill

Where: 229 Airport Road

More info: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/airport/index.htm

Most weekends, the air in Longmont is filled with the distant (or sometimes not so distant) buzz of private airplanes emanating from the Vance Brand Municipal Airport. While piloting is not a hobby we see ourselves taking up anytime in this lifetime, we strongly suggest heading out to the airport on the weekend. The views are spectacular, naturally, with the twin peaks of Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker looming in the distance, almost completely unobstructed.

The airport is also home to one of our favorite Longmont hidden gems, the Flight Deck Grill (find their Facebook page here). Open Wednesday through Sunday in the spring and summer, this homespun operation offers excellent (and cheap) breakfast and lunch items, including pancakes, breakfast sandwiches and hot dogs. They've got a very nice patio right next to the runway, where you can watch planes taking off and landing -- and get an occasionally dizzying glimpse of scores of skydivers plummeting towards the earth. Bike out in the morning (they open bright and early at 7:30am) and enjoy a cup of coffee and some delicious crumb cake while gazing into the wild blue yonder.