Jonathan Lawson

Nearly everyday the question is asked: Where to eat while in Breckenridge? It begs the question, What do you like to eat? Do you have children or would you like more of a fine dining experience?

With the hundred or so restaurants in Breckenridge, it can be a hit or miss.

This will be an ongoing blog. I may change it as I come across other dining experiences.

On-Mountain:
Spencer's at the Beaver Run Resort. Spencer's is at the base of the Beaver Run Superchair. Rarely a line, a nice lunch menu. But the real bonus of Spencer's is the salad and entree' bar. $8 for All you can eat salad and soup. And it is very fresh. You can add the entree for $4.
Carpeted and with little noise, Spencer's is a relaxing place to eat. The on mountain cafeteria style dining is ok, but there can be lots of lines. It is somewhat frustrating to wait for your food to get cold as you pay high on mountain prices. Make Spencer's your place to eat while you are at Breckenridge.

Dining in town (not in order of preference)

1. The Cellar - Small plates and Flights of wine. Near the Hearthstone one street up from main. Casual and fun atmosphere. When you sit near the fire, it gets pretty warm. Definately one of my favorites.

2. Rasta Pasta – Think spaghetti with a Jamaican twist! Interesting and unusual pastas make this a top choice of locals and visitors. Try the “Tortellini Jamaican ‘Mon” with island spices, bananas, pineapples, and grapes. Amazing!

3. Hearthstone – Located in a 100-year-old Victorian home, this restaurant has received numerous awards from Wine Spectator Magazine. The steaks and seafood are wonderful, too.

4. Salt Creek – In the mood for some real Texas BBQ? You’ll find it here, where they slow cook their meat over post oak wood for that great barbecue flavor. The platters are quite affordable. Upstairs offer dancing and a large bar with lots of seating around the dance floor.

6. Blue River Bistro – This elegant restaurant serves award-winning pasta dishes as well as hearty steaks and wonderful seafood. Don’t miss the drink menu featuring 75 different martinis.

7. Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant – Classic Mexican menu with a few twists. Fun apres ski. If you have group, send someone get dibs on the U-shaped couch. Voted a favorite by Snow Country Magazine, Mi Casa also has a great kid’s menu.

8. Downstairs at Eric's - Try the Garbage Pizza. BUSY after skiing, get there early or be prepared for a wait. Football on Sundays. If the Steeler's are playing, Eric will be there. Eric's has the best bar food in the county. This is also the place for teams kids and adults to go after a game. Fun, sportsy atmosphere.

9. Kenosha Steak House - Angus Steak, and award winning BBQ. Formerly the Breckenridge BBQ, but it is better now.

10. KEYSTONE RANCH - (not in Breckenridge) - 3 years in a row was rated the best restaurant in Colorado! by Zagat's. It is an awesome experience, with incredible food and wine selection. AAA 4 star rating. Misses the 5 star because there is no Valet. Bar before dinner, 5 or 6 course dinner, and then retire to the "Living Room" for dessert. AWESOME. the 1860 ranch house is one of the most comfortable places in all of Colorado. Call 970.496.4FUN for reservations!

11. Cafe Alpine - Great dinners. Good prices. Wonderful atmosphere. Excellent Tapas bar.

12. Empire Burger - Absolutely the best burgers in Breck. Perhaps anywhere. Very casual and multi-flat panel TVs at bar.

EATING IN:
Gourmet Cabby - If you would rather dine in, Gourmet Cabby gives you options of most of the restaurants in Breckenridge.

Hearthstone Catering - If you prefer a fully catered affair give Hearthstone Catering a try.

Feel free to leave comments in the Comment section. Also, if you need recommendations or reservations for larger groups give me a call. I can pop in and talk with the manager/owners to help you put your event together.

dine well,
Jon