19th Street Diner

Serving Glenwood Springs breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks for 30 years, the 19th Street Diner operates as a family-owned staple on Grand Avenue. Rick and Tonya Wernsmann purchased the establishment from founders Swannie and KG Schwanebeck in January 2007, maintaining the classic diner fare that has made it a local favorite since 1986. The menu highlights house-smoked meats, including pulled pork, St. Louis Style pork ribs, and Canadian bacon used in Eggs Benedict. Signature items include the world-famous meatloaf, chicken fried steak, juicy half-pound burgers, and deep-fried French toast. Daily specials rotate through Mexican favorites, pot roast, meatloaf, and superb sandwiches, while lunch options feature smoked brisket sandwiches and Alaskan benedicts with smoked salmon. The kitchen also prepares homemade chili, soups, gravies, and dressings. Weekend mornings feature breakfast specials, and the bar serves martinis and Bloody Marys until 8 p.m. The eclectic staff includes Kessie Schwanebeck, daughter of the original owners, and Olivia Wernsmann, who continue the tradition of making milkshakes from the ice cream freezer. Management team members Pat, George, and Nate oversee operations, while Yello has worked on the prep table for more than a decade.