"Jeff Smokevitch's world-champion Detroit-style square pie makes Brown Dog the easy, sociable table in downtown Telluride after a day on the mountain."
About Brown Dog Pizza
Brown Dog Pizza is the casual downtown pizzeria at 110 E Colorado Avenue, on Telluride's main street. Open since 2004, it is run by chef-owner Jeff Smokevitch, known as Smoke, and it is the most reliable crowd-pleaser in our Telluride guide, the place locals and skiers fill after a day on the mountain.
The reputation rests on its pizza, specifically Detroit-style squares with a thick, crisp-edged base. Smokevitch is no ordinary pizzaiolo: in 2014 he won first place at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy, the first American to take the Pizza Triathlon. For what separates a kitchen worth the bill, see our guide to the signs of a great restaurant.
The Kitchen
The signature is the Detroit-style square: a thick, airy crust baked crisp and lacy at the edges where the cheese caramelises against the pan, topped generously and cut into squares. Round pies, wings, salads and a long beer list round it out, and the kitchen's competition pedigree shows in the dough. Most diners eat well for an everyday price, which keeps a big table or a family affordable.
The Room
The setting is a lively, unpretentious mountain-town pizzeria: wood tables, sports on the screens, a busy bar and a roar after the lifts close. It runs loud and friendly, built for groups and families rather than a quiet tete-a-tete, with quick, casual service. Expect a wait at peak ski-season hours, when the room fills fast.
Best for a casual group night or an easy family dinner
Grab a big table for a post-ski team dinner or a relaxed birthday over squares and beer; the easy mood also makes it a low-pressure first date.
Not for
A quiet, refined dinner for a special occasion: this is a loud, busy pizzeria built for groups and families, not a hushed, white-tablecloth evening.
Frequently Asked
What is Brown Dog Pizza known for?
Award-winning Detroit-style square pizza: a thick, airy crust baked crisp at the edges where the cheese caramelises against the pan. It is the go-to casual pizzeria on Telluride's main street.
Who owns Brown Dog Pizza?
Chef-owner Jeff Smokevitch, known as Smoke. In 2014 he won first place at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy, becoming the first American to take the Pizza Triathlon title.
Where is Brown Dog Pizza?
Brown Dog Pizza is at 110 E Colorado Avenue, on the main street in downtown Telluride, Colorado. It has been open since 2004.
How much does Brown Dog Pizza cost?
Most diners eat well at everyday prices, which makes it an affordable choice for a group or a family. Pizzas, wings, salads and a long beer list make up the menu.
Is Brown Dog Pizza good for groups?
Very. The lively room, generous square pies and casual pricing make it one of Telluride's easiest tables for a post-ski team dinner, a birthday or a family meal.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Brown Dog Pizza
Walk-ins welcome; expect a wait at peak ski-season hours, and call ahead for big groups.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address110 E Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
NeighbourhoodColorado Avenue, downtown Telluride
CuisinePizza · Detroit-style
Price$$ · everyday pricing
RecognitionChef-owner Jeff Smokevitch, 2014 World Pizza Champion (Parma); open since 2004
SignatureDetroit-style square pizza
