A mountain playground in any season: Breckenridge, Colorado is the hottest spot for outdoor adventures and ski vacations.
Whether you’re a sport bum or a nature enthusiast, Breck (as locals call it) is the perfect playground for your activity-filled getaway.
But fear not, foodies: this ski town offers much more than burgers and pizza joints! Delight your tastebuds with a surprising selection of Breckenridge restaurants for all tastes and budgets.
We’ve selected a dozen of the hottest and overall best restaurants in Breckenridge, so you can find your new favorite go-to spots for après-ski and dinner after a day on the slopes.
Breckenridge Distillery
The growing trend of craft spirits has found a superb expression in this “World’s Highest Distillery”, which accompanies its full bar and award-winning cocktails with a unique Breckenridge restaurant experience.
Chef David Burke brings modern American cuisine to this relaxed mountain setting, using locally-sourced ingredients to bring big flavors to your table. With a menu full of tapas-style dishes designed for sharing, expect a laid-back casual experience with gourmet flair. Of course, Liquid Chef Billie Keithley will also treat you to the perfect hand-crafted cocktail to accompany your meal, featuring — what else? — the Distillery’s own signature spirits.
You can visit the official site here.
Gold Pan Saloon
This fascinating jewel of Far West charm boasts more than 150 years of history, as well as the longest-standing liquor license west of the Mississippi. Established in 1879, the Gold Pan Saloon will immerse you in a time when the local bar served as a multi-purpose community center, where locals and travelers alike could get the latest news, trade goods, get a haircut, and yes, eat and drink of course!
Today, this bar and restaurant in Breckenridge serves breakfast and lunch all day, and offers live music and a vibrant atmosphere in the evening. Its legacy is being carried on with a family-owned and operated endeavor, which is sure to welcome you with warm service and classic comfort food.
Go to official site.
Modis
Modern, eclectic contemporary bistro in a Victorian downtown setting: Modis is sure to surprise and satisfy!
Inspired by classic American fare and infused with a unique Asian flair, the menu features some surprising yet enticing pairings; diner favorites include ramen and sticky ribs, as well as their seafood dishes. The venue is also ideal for larger parties, although make sure to make a reservation as it can get pretty busy.
With two daily Happy Hours and amazing cocktails, this downtown Breckenridge restaurant could become your new favorite haunt for après-ski, dinner and night out!
View the restaurant’s site.
Relish
If you’re searching for fine dining, look no further: Relish is easily one of the best restaurants in Breckenridge. The menu relies heavily on local products and traditional dishes, impeccably served in elegant haute cuisine style.
Chef and owner Matt Fackler adapts the dish selection seasonally and sometimes daily, reflecting his continual search for the freshest ingredients, to bring an authentic Colorado experience to your table.
Book a table in advance, perhaps to celebrate your special occasion with a romantic night out, and savor the fresh take on locally sourced products such as trout, lamb and venison.
You can visit the official site here.
Empire Burger
After a long day on the slopes, a delicious burger often hits the spot for a quick and satisfying bite to eat. Empire Burger offers just that, simple and delicious classic American fare in a great location and quick service.
Each menu item is infinitely customizable to suit your needs; classic sides such as fries and onion rings are always freshly made, and the beef for the burgers is locally sourced and ground daily.
This Breckenridge restaurant also offers an impressive selection of beers, bottled and on tap, and the friendly, down-to-earth approach is what makes it a consistent favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Go to official site.
Bangkok Happy Bowl Thai Bistro and Sushi Bar
The focus on “authentic, fresh and flavorful cuisine” of Bangkok Happy Bowl truly shines in every dish, from the classic Thai to more Asian-fusion inspired items.
Despite the high volumes of both dine-in and take-away customers, the service is consistently fast and friendly, and the food selection is extensive even for special dietary needs.
This Breckenridge restaurant also has locations in Aspen and Hawaii, and prides itself on its laid-back atmosphere paired with attention to detail and commitment to fresh ingredients. The lunch special is one of the best in town, definitely a must-try!
View the restaurant’s site.
Breckenridge Brewery
Fans of craft beer will love the amazing selection of fresh, local brews, enjoyed together with great food while learning about the beer-making process. Breckenridge Brewery was established in 1990, and has expanded to multiple locations state-wide.
This family-friendly restaurant in Breckenridge is open all day, and offers an eclectic mix of classic pub fare (such as fish and chips) and Asian-inspired dishes (like the popular cashew-encrusted trout). Servers are happy to recommend the best beer pairing for each dish, so be sure to ask for their expert advice!
You can visit the official site here.
Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Excellent Mexican food and a fun atmosphere are the top reasons that keep locals and visitors dining here again and again. This Breckenridge restaurant is the place to go for cheap, tasty tacos and a stiff tequila cocktail — the perfect après-ski stop to kick off a fun evening!
This establishment prides itself on its authentic dishes, always made-from scratch from the freshest ingredients. Don’t miss the Mango Duck Quesadillas, famous fish tacos, and of course great margaritas!
Go to official site.
Belle V
At this new entry in the Breckenridge restaurant scene, you can expect classic, hearty French food served tapas-style, in multiple small courses designed for sharing.
Founded by a husband-and-wife team, Belle V’s philosophy is centered around respect for each ingredient, as well as feeding the social side of dining by encouraging sharing among your dinnermates. After all, like most pleasures in life, the joy of food is best savored in good company!
Of course, classic French cuisine always comes paired with great wine, and this restaurant has a great selection — ask your server for recommendations, and enjoy the ride.
View the restaurant’s site.
Piante Pizzeria
Expect to have your expectations turned completely upside down: you will never look at vegan pizza the same way again! Hardcore vegans and skeptical carnivores alike are pleasantly surprised by the delicious pizza that Chef Jason Goldstein has been serving up for just over a year here in Breck.
House-made cashew cheese and fresh veggies truly shine in every dish; reviewers also rave about the jalapeno poppers and homemade desserts.
A cozy atmosphere and vintage farm-inspired decor make for a wonderfully relaxed experience, celebrating ethically-sourced food and drink.
You can visit the official site here.
The Hearthstone
Uncomplicated, local, fresh food is the passion that drives chef Michael Halpin to bring great tasting dishes to your table. The Hearthstone is one of the longtime local favorite Breckenridge restaurants that maintains superior quality and service year after year.
The constantly changing seasonal menu features locally-raised beef and game, sustainable seafood, and fresh local Colorado produce, paired with an extensive wine selection and served in a romantic Victorian setting. Overall, a solid choice for a great dinner experience — be sure to leave some space for dessert!
Go to official site.
Ember
One of Breck’s most hip spots for dinner and drinks, Ember has earned its reputation with a creative menu, impeccably executed, as well as excellent cocktails.
Owner and chef Scott Boshaw updates the menu according to seasonal availability, ensuring the freshest ingredients and adding his personal twist to “internationally inspired” dishes.
In-house infused spirits make for a unique cocktail selection, and reviewers report server recommendations being spot-on: don’t miss the Sexy Woman, featuring jalapeno-infused vodka!
The atmosphere is very chic yet warm and welcoming, highlighting the unique architecture and decor of the building which was originally constructed as a church.
View the restaurant’s site.
With such a great selection of eateries to enjoy after a fun day on the slopes, there’s no reason to sacrifice comfort and convenience when it comes to accommodation. Make sure to book your hotel in Breckenridge early to nab the best rates: plenty of choice for a restful night’s sleep and great location!
With new venues constantly refreshing the culinary scene in this historical mountain town, the best restaurants in Breckenridge are sure to satisfy your tastebuds.
