The Friar's Fork & Sanctuary

Imagine a place where century-old history meets fine dining. The Friar's Fork & Sanctuary is a unique project housed within the walls of the restored 1926 St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Located in the city of Alamosa, this restaurant has become a true gem of Colorado in the USA.

The establishment harmoniously combines two spaces: the main restaurant, The Friar's Fork, serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, and a cozy cocktail lounge, The Sanctuary. The project has gained national recognition, becoming a nominee for the prestigious James Beard award, confirming its exceptional status in the culinary world.

Following a massive restoration completed in 2022, the owners managed to preserve the authentic architecture and spirit of the historic building. Today, it is not just a place for dinner, but a cultural space where every decorative element—from the stained glass to the original wooden floors—tells its own story, creating an atmosphere of peace and aesthetic delight.

For those planning a visit, contact information for the establishment is provided below. It is highly recommended to book a table in advance, as this spot is incredibly popular with foodies.

The primary reason to visit The Friar's Fork is the gastronomic journey. Be sure to try their modern take on classic Italian cuisine: from the tender lamb risotto to the signature osso buco braised in white wine. The restaurant prides itself on using hyper-local ingredients, supporting farmers from the San Luis Valley.

Moving into The Sanctuary area, you will find yourself in the atmosphere of an elegant lounge. Here, you can sample cocktails featuring spirits from the local 1874 Distilling Ltd. or order an exclusive Mexican lager. Coffee lovers will enjoy the signature lattes and espressos, which perfectly complement a relaxed evening set to the sounds of jazz.

Exploring the interior is a pleasure in itself. Notice how the old church pulpit has been transformed into a hostess stand, and the original Sunday school chalkboards have become part of the private dining room decor. The walls, with a special texture reminiscent of European salt caves, and the soft light from the vintage stained glass create a unique sense of comfort and sanctuary.

The establishment is located at 607 Fourth Street, right in the heart of the city. Alamosa itself is situated in the picturesque San Luis Valley. If you are traveling from major metropolitan areas, prepare for a breathtaking journey: the drive from Denver takes about 3.5 hours, and from Colorado Springs about 2 hours, with the route passing through scenic mountain passes.

For navigation, it is most convenient to use GPS coordinates or simply enter the address into your app. Navigating the city center is easy, and the historic red-brick church building itself is hard to miss. Public transport in the area is limited, so most guests prefer to arrive by car or use a local taxi service.

Parking spaces are available near the restaurant on Fourth Street. Please note that online table reservations close 4 hours before the restaurant opens, so it is best to plan your visit in advance, especially on weekends.

The history of this location began nearly a century ago—the majestic red-brick Mission-style building was constructed in 1926 for St. Thomas Episcopal Church. For decades, it served as a spiritual center, but over time it became vacant and began to fall into disrepair under the harsh winds of the San Luis Valley.

The building found a second lease on life in November 2021 when it was purchased by Cynthia Vigil and Neilson Vialpando. Cynthia, who has extensive experience in the restaurant industry, saw the potential for something great within the abandoned walls. The restoration was done almost entirely by hand over nine months, with the owners carefully restoring every element to preserve the spirit of the historic site.

The efforts paid off in full. Just eight months after opening in 2022, The Friar's Fork & Sanctuary achieved the impossible—receiving a nomination for the prestigious James Beard Award in the "Best New Restaurant" category. For an establishment located in a small and remote town, such recognition was a true triumph in the world of fine dining.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and cuisine, we recommend setting aside about 2–3 hours for your visit. This is enough time for a leisurely dinner in the main dining room followed by a cocktail in the lounge area accompanied by the sounds of jazz.

If you are stopping by The Sanctuary just for a signature latte or a quick aperitif, 1–1.5 hours might be sufficient. However, the unique interior and tranquil setting often encourage guests to stay longer than originally planned.

When planning your visit, it's important to keep the establishment's schedule in mind. The Friar's Fork restaurant and The Sanctuary lounge welcome guests for dinner from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and weekends). Please note that Wednesday is a day off.

If you prefer daytime visits, breakfast and lunch are served from Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We recommend checking the official website before your trip to confirm current opening hours, as they may change depending on the season.

A stroll through the city center after an exquisite dinner is the perfect way to end the evening. Several interesting locations are within walking distance of the restaurant, where you can get to know the local culture and history.

The surrounding area offers a mix of cozy pubs, craft breweries, and historical monuments that reflect the spirit of old Colorado. Below is a list of places worth visiting nearby: