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Breckenridge is the everyman’s ski town. Literally, there’s something in this eclectic and busy burg for all types of ski vacationers, as well as an unpretentious vibe that makes people from all over feel welcome.
Related: You Think You Know Breckenridge? Check Out Its High-Alpine Bucket List
And come from all over they do, which is well represented in the types of eateries found here—all types of cuisines, all price points, counter service to candlelit tables. This list below represents a quick guide to our favorite spots to refuel in the town of Breckenridge as well as on the mountain. Hone in on the type of experience you’re seeking, and make a beeline (and a reservation, if noted). After all, you gotta eat to ski, right?
The Best Restaurants in Breckenridge
Casual Dining
Kick back and watch the game, play pool, and order up some shared snacks at these laid-back spots.
This now-iconic joint on Breck’s Main Street is a cross between a sports bar and an après hangout, outfitted with TVs and a full arcade, 30 beers on tap and an even bigger selection of bottles, plus a comprehensive menu with everything from wings (order the Famous Eric’s Baked Wings) and nachos to pizzas and salads. They don’t take reservations, but you can put your name down on the waiting list when you arrive.
Breckenridge Distillery
Breck Distillery has two locations, but the one with the restaurant is the one out on Airport Road, as opposed to the tasting room location on Main Street. James Beard Award-winning chef David Burke serves his local and seasonal menu, with dishes such as crispy pork rinds and chicken with dumplings. The cocktail menu is out of this world. Feeling adventurous? Order the Oaked & Smoked. Reservations are recommended.
Rita’s
Home to the best margs in town—they’re $1 off during the daily 4-6p happy hour—and simple yet delicious build-your-own tacos, Rita’s is a Breck staple for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. The house-made guac and extensive tequila menu sweetens the deal. No reservations; dine in or order online for easy pickup.
Family
Families with kids in tow or groups looking for diverse options should consider one of these spots with wide-ranging and fun menus.
Empire Burger
The menu is broken down into three sections: Burgers, Not a Burger, and Salads, with enough variety in each one to please your chicken tender lover, hot-dog aficionado, and cheeseburger fiend, plus shakes and all the types of the sauces you could dream up (curry ketchup, parmesan peppercorn, and wasabi mayo, to name a few). Empire Burger also serves cocktails made with Breckenridge Distillery spirits. No reservations, but you can get on the waiting list.
Canteen Tap House and Tavern
Serving modern comfort food in an historic Main Street building, Canteen is a comfy and welcoming spot for families, couples, and groups of friends to kick back and refuel. The menu features a little bit of everything: burgers, tacos, wraps, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads. Order a cocktail in a signature Canteen cup; we like the Spicy Donkey, especially if you’re partial to ginger beer. No reservations, but you can get on the waiting list.
Flip Side
This fun spot wows the younger set with its incredible and creative shake flavors, from blueberry pie to a peanut butter-pretzel concoction that needs to be tasted to be believed. The menu boasts over 15 types of burgers made with 7 ounces of Colorado-raised, grass-fed beef. It doesn’t get much better than the signature Flip Side burger, with Applewood bacon, Balsamic vinegar-charred onions, and house-made barbecue sauce. They do not take reservations.
Also Read: Breckenridge, No. 17 in the West in SKI’s Reader Resort Survey
Fine Dining
Date nights or celebrations call for a next-level experience. These fancier spots fit the (likely pricy) bill.
Hearthstone
For a special occasion dinner or just a fancy night out, Hearthstone’s cuisine, ambience, and service check all the boxes. Chef Michael Halpin’s menu, curated from mostly regional and local ingredients, is known for its simple yet artful presentation. Highlights include the Colorado rack of lamb and bison short ribs. Reservations recommended.
Blue River Bistro
Blue River Bistro is known for its seasonal, progressive menu that highlights the fresh local ingredients and creative preparation. You could make a small-plate meal out of the amazing appetizers, including the slow-cooked filet mignon meatballs and cashew and honey brie. They also serve a worthwhile brunch on the weekends. Reservations recommended.
This newer Main Street restaurant focuses on creative small plates for après and heartier dinner options in a cute 1889 Victorian house. The Snacks menu features goodies such as Spanish octopus and braised rabbit Stroganoff, and the cheese and charcuterie plate, with a selection of cheeses and house-made sausages, just might be the ultimate après munch. No reservations.
Breakfast and Brunch
The first rule of skiing: Never skip breakfast. These are our favorite spots to fuel up for Breck’s five peaks.
Blue Moose
Breakfast at the Moose is a Breck institution. Stop by for the frosted hot cinnamon rolls and try one of the Moose Benedicts, all local favorites. This is also the spot to tack on a morning cocktail, like a Mimoosa or a Moscow Moose, should you feel so inclined. No reservations
Cabin Juice
The new restaurant at the Gravity Haus, Cabin Juice serves more than just breakfast, but we dig its healthy start-your-day-off-right options like the smoothies, overnight oats, and avocado toast. Not a health nut? The brioche French toast, with whipped butter and Vermont maple syrup, should fit the bill. Reservations accepted.
BreckFast
With a name we all wish we’d thought of ourselves, BreckFast is the destination to fuel up quickly and cheaply on biscuit sandwiches, breakfast burritos, waffles, pancakes, bagels … you name the breakfast food and they serve it. All day, to boot. Counter service, no reservations.
On-Mountain
There are over a dozen places to eat slopeside at Breckenridge, from sit-down dining to grab and go. These are our top picks. Note that reservations and proof of vaccination are required.
Pioneer Crossing
One of the newest on-mountain lunch spots, located at the top of Peak 7, Pioneer Crossing is a fancier version of the ski cafeteria, with a wall of windows for great mountain views and a separate bar to grab a cocktail to enjoy them with. Menu items include most of the things we expect to see, including the Epic burger and a chicken sandwich, but the taco bar, featuring tacos al pastor in lamb, pork, and chicken varieties, elevates this place from your typical ski lunch spot.
The Maggie
The Maggie is one of the places that’s always there for you, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, après, or live music. Kick off your day there with breakfast or end it in the bar and jam along to the band. Expect comfort food, bar snacks, and locals connecting after a long day on the slopes.
Vista Haus
Vista Haus is the top of Peak 8, right in the middle of the five peaks and someplace you’re likely to find yourself pretty often, making Vista Haus a convenient stop. This is Breck’s traditional ski cafeteria, where the fries are appropriately greasy and the pizza slices are oozing with cheese. Fast, easy, unhealthy. Just as it should be.