Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Whereas the restaurants in the celeb resorts of Aspen and Vail mimic the sophistication and style of New York and Los Angeles, Summit County eateries specialize in pub food and Mexican cuisine for calorie-hungry hikers, skiers, and boaters, with the exception of a few more urbane spots in Breckenridge. You won't find much sushi here, but you will find fish tacos, shepherd's pies, and burgers with every imaginable topping. Hearty, reasonably priced comfort food is served at a number of cozy brewpubs along with handcrafted local suds like Dam Straight Lager, Avalanche Ale, and Backcountry Brewery.
At this popular brewery, one of the largest brewpubs in the Rockies, you can belly up to the horseshoe-shaped bar and sample ales and lagers while you munch on burgers, sandwiches, or pub grub. The menu is steps above average bar food with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Loud and fun best describes this place, which is popular among locals and visitors of all ages. Kids hang out in the arcade while their folks watch sports on the big-screen TVs. Pizza, sandwiches, wings, and burgers with surprising toppings are classic crowd-pleasers. The full bar offers 30 beers on tap.
This 1930s homestead was once part of a working cattle ranch, and cowboy memorabilia is strewn throughout, nicely blending with stylish throw rugs, antler chandeliers, and a trophy mount. The gorgeous and massive stone fireplace is a cozy backdrop for dessert, or sipping an aperitif or after-dinner coffee. The seasonal five-course menu emphasizes local ingredients, including farm-raised game and fresh fish.
This rustic bar and grill has local microbrews on tap and big portions of home-style dishes like piled-high burgers, sandwiches, and giant, stuffed burritos perfect for skiers, hikers, or cyclists recovering from a day on the mountain. The central location, pleasant outdoor patio, and live music keep the place hopping both après-ski and après--night ski.
The colorful decor of this American Southwest joint is something you'll remember. High-backed chairs ring the tables, stone buttresses arch toward vaulted ceilings, and mobiles of round- and star-shaped metal lights dangle above. The menu, where burgers, fajitas, and Korean fried chicken all find a home, is packed with surprises, like Fat Tire Ale–battered fish tacos or a green-chile cheeseburger made with local beef.
The tacos, house salsa and guac, frozen margaritas, and tequila are everything you hope for when you spot the Day of the Dead skull on the sign of this lively dining room in central Breck. Locals rave about happy hour, and visitors dig the funky toppings and unique taco fillings like fried chicken, duck confit, and sweet potato.
In this ski lodge dating from the 1880s, the four-course, prix-fixe dinner is a favorite for its Colorado-spun American cuisine. Main courses have included whiskey sage–glazed Muscovy duck, peppered bacon-wrapped buffalo tenderloin, and thyme-seared wild Alaskan halibut. The delicious homemade bread and soup make for a memorable beginning. Adjourn to the cozy lounge for the decadent desserts and specialty coffees by the fire. Swing by for après-ski in winter and cocktails on the patio in summer.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
