Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza

Established in 1973 in Idaho Springs, Beau Jo’s serves up uniquely Colorado style pizza. With over forty-five years under their belt, it’s an iconic taste that’s been mastered over the years.

If you’re traveling to/from Denver on Interstate 70 in the Rocky Mountains, Beau Jo’s is a must-stop restaurant for the bucket-list. The flagship store is located in an expansive 2-story historic building in downtown Idaho Springs. If you want the ambiance this is the place for it.

Although you can score their mountain pies at any of their other locations: Arvada, Evergreen, Fort Collins, Longmont and Steamboat Springs. Their mission today remains the same as it did in the early 1970s:

Make hearty, delicious pies with freshest ingredients available, all while connecting with the community and giving back.

Colorado Style Pizza in Idaho Springs

Beau Jo's Pork Green Chili Cheeseburger Pizza Idaho Springs — Beau Jo’s Pork Green Chili Cheeseburger Pizza. Photo: Wally Gobetz

These real mountain pies are known to feed an entire group. In fact, you order it by the pound, 1 to 5 pound to be exact. All the ingredients are as fresh and local as possible. They use whole milk mozzarella for their cheese.

The dough is made daily, every two to three hours, and contains the same local honey you can slather on your crust. So instead of sugar, you get a dough made from all natural honey. What’s also unique is the crust is braided and thick. It’s known as the “containment system”, allowing a load of sauce, cheese and toppings to be cradled in.

The sauces range from traditional tomato, to BBQ, basil-pesto and roasted garlic olive oil. Choose between the thicker Mountain Pie crust or thinner Prairie Pie crust, both available in honey white or honey wheat. They also feature a great gluten free crust and cauliflower crust, as well as a delicious vegan cheese for those with dietary restrictions.

In addition to pizza, the menu has calzones, appetizers, sandwiches, and salads. People rave about the buffalo wings and baked stuffed mushrooms. On of their wildest dishes is the Chuckwagon, a mix of Canadian bacon, pepperoni, prime rib, and Monterey Jack. All their family restaurants have big salad bars too, with over 20 fresh choices.

Beer-wise you can find choices as Colorado as the pizza. Free WiFi can be found in all locations, and the Beau Jo’s in Evergreen and Idaho Springs even have car charging station for electric automobiles.