At a Glance
- Best Mexican in Ouray: Buen Tiempo
- Must-Order: Margaritas, enchiladas, chile relleno
- Patio Available: Yes — fills up fast in summer
- Price Range: $$
- Reservations: Not typically taken; arrive early in peak season
- Walk from Lumberyard: Under 5 min
Buen Tiempo: Ouray's Mexican Institution
Buen Tiempo is the kind of Mexican restaurant that every mountain town hopes for and few actually achieve: consistently good, reliably open through the season, and operating at a price point that doesn't require mental justification after every visit. It has been feeding Ouray visitors and residents for decades, and the institutional knowledge that comes with that longevity shows in everything from the salsa recipe to the way the staff handles a packed house on a Saturday evening in July.
The menu covers the New Mexico and Colorado Mexican food canon: enchiladas, tamales, chiles rellenos, combination plates, and a taco selection that works for everyone from committed chili heads to children who want a straightforward chicken taco. The refried beans and rice are house-made rather than from a can, and the difference is noticeable. The sopapillas at the end of the meal — light, fried, served with honey — are a dessert that Ouray regulars anticipate from the moment they arrive in town.
The Margarita Question at 7,760 Feet
Buen Tiempo's margaritas are a genuine draw — made with real lime juice, good tequila, and a balance between tart and sweet that's harder to achieve than it looks. Ordering one on the patio on a warm summer evening, with the canyon walls above and the sound of the Uncompahgre below, is one of those Ouray experiences that ends up in the memory as a highlight of the trip. The ritual of the chips-and-salsa arrival alongside the first round of drinks is a social reset that works equally well for couples and groups.
The altitude consideration is real. At 7,760 feet, alcohol absorbs faster and the effect is stronger than at sea level. Buen Tiempo's margaritas are generously sized and well-made — which means two might feel like three, particularly if you've spent the day at elevation on a trail. This isn't a reason to skip the margarita experience, but it is a reason to appreciate that The Lumberyard Condos is a short walk away rather than a drive. The walk back through Ouray's historic district on a warm summer night is a pleasant conclusion to a Buen Tiempo dinner.
Patio Dining and Peak Season Strategy
Buen Tiempo's covered patio is prime summer real estate in Ouray. The tables fill quickly on summer evenings, and Buen Tiempo doesn't take reservations for most seatings — meaning the strategy for a guaranteed outdoor table is to arrive early. By 5:30pm the patio is filling in; by 7pm on a weekend in July, you're likely waiting. For groups, calling ahead to check on current policies and whether walk-in parties of your size can be accommodated is worth the call.
The indoor dining room is fully functional and air-conditioned, which actually becomes appealing when afternoon thunderstorms push through (as they frequently do in Ouray's mountain climate in July and August). The restaurant has enough capacity that even a full house tends to keep the wait manageable, and the bar area provides standing room and a place to order drinks while you wait for a table. The relaxed pace of Ouray hospitality means nobody makes you feel rushed once you're seated.
Cooking Mexican Food at The Lumberyard
Guests who want Mexican food on a night when Buen Tiempo is packed or closed will find the full kitchen at The Lumberyard fully equipped for home cooking. The Ouray Market and Provisions carry the ingredients for a solid taco or enchilada night — tortillas, beans, cheese, fresh produce, good salsa — and the kitchen has everything needed to put together a satisfying meal. This is particularly useful for larger groups where coordinating a restaurant visit has become logistically complicated.
The Lumberyard Condos sits at 55 4th Avenue, steps from everything on Main Street including Buen Tiempo. Five units, up to 10 guests, dog-friendly, with a 9.9/10 on VRBO and 4.94 stars on Airbnb. Book directly at ouraycondos.com to get the best available rate and speak directly with the hosts about current restaurant conditions and operating seasons.