If there is one restaurant in Durango that has the feel and ambience of the old world coupled together with some of the finest food and drinks, it has got to be the Palace Restaurant. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, its warm Victorian atmosphere, the exceptional sevice from the expierienced staff that begins the moment you enter throught the doors, to the mouth watering foods that come from the chefs in the kitchen, it is truly one of Durango's iconic dining locations.

We always begin our palette pleasing expierience with a Crostini Bread and Baked Brie starter to curb our already rumbling tummies. With three children under 8, the Crostini Bread always goes over extremely well. It is a fresh french loaf filled with garlic butter and a hint of bleu cheese, with that warm bread aroma and soft melted garlic butter the kids dive right in. The Baked Brie always indulges my european wife and reminds her of the cafes in her home country and definaltely adds a more distinct flavor to the already tasty toasted breads.

For the main meal, my oldest daughter is always ready for the Penne Pasta with fresh garlic, basil and roma tomatoes sautéed in olive oil tossed with penne pasta and fresh mozzarella cheese. She absolutely loves this meal and asks for it everytime by name. I usually opt for the Pepper Steak (I am man, must eat steak) which is a 12 oz New York Strip rubbed with black pepper, pan seared and served with brandy green peppercorn cream sauce, served with the roasted garlic mashed potatoes, Palace Rolls, and of course a dinner salad. You also cannot go wrong with the nightly specials that are always in demand at the Palace which my wife usually opts for due to a tasty seafood dish usually always being on the list of specials.

Monday night is always the best $5 burgers in town, and on Friday (tonight!) they serve their delicious Fish n' Chips. Along with a tasty beverage from their in-house Quiet Lady Tavern, how can you go wrong! You can't, which is why I will be enjoying the fish n' chips along with that aformentioned tasy beverage tonight, and the $5 burgers and another tasty beverage with my buddies from the base on Monday!

All this for a great price, great atmosphere, and right in the heart of downtown Durango. Check it out!