Breckenridge, Colorado, is a mountain town just two hours from Denver with an unexpected amount of eateries in the downtown area. New restaurants open on a regular basis in refurbished historic buildings, so even if you’ve been to Breckenridge before, there’s always something new to try.
From upscale menus and unique tastes to fresh pizza, the Breckenridge culinary scene is informal yet adventurous. There’s no need to dress up since jeans are typical, but bring your spirit of adventure as you explore the several eateries in Breckenridge’s core.
Visiting other places in Colorado? Check out our other tasty guide:
- 13 Most Iconic Denver Restaurants
- 7 Best Grand Lake Colorado Restaurants
- 12 Best Things To Do In Breckenridge, CO
- 10 Best Restaurants In Colorado Springs
Contents
7 Breckenridge Restaurants You Must Try
Cabin Fever
Breckenridge, Colorado +19704232299605 S. Park Ave.
Cabin Juice is located in the Gravity Haus hotel and has a ski lodge ambiance. The booths are gray and black plaid, and the tables are natural wood grain. The restaurant itself is huge, with large windows providing spectacular views of the mountains.
Don’t overlook the appetizers; your table will love the zucchini fritters. Thinly sliced zucchini is battered and fried, then topped with Parmesan cheese and drizzled with honey. Even if you don’t like zucchini, you’ll appreciate this meal since the batter is cornbread-like with a sweet twist from the honey drizzle.
Get the Cast Iron Shishito Peppers if you want to add some heat. Shichimi Togarashi, a Japanese combination of chiles, sesame seeds, and orange peels, is tossed with expertly grilled peppers. The peppers are a delightful surprise that will prepare your taste for the main dish when served with a side of garlic aioli.
Entrees at Cabin Juice include diver scallops and curry verlasso salmon, among other seafood selections. Choose the Avalanche Snow Pea Risotto for a substantial meal. The platter is citrusy and satisfying, thanks to the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and lemon zest. If you prefer a meat meal, the Rack of Elk, a ten-ounce portion, is a good choice. Elk has its own distinct taste, although it is a lean cut of meat with a little gamey flavor.
The cuisine at Cabin Juice is wonderful, the staff is kind, and the restaurant itself is pleasant yet has a mountain village feel.
The Cheddar Store
+19707713115505 South Main St.
While there is inside seating at The Cheese Shop, its sandwiches are excellent for a picnic, so if the weather is nice, grab a bench or bring a blanket to one of the many nearby parks to have a picnic lunch. Alpine Park is my favorite site since it is full of native Colorado flowers and has a great view of the mountains.
All of the sandwiches are served on a full ficelle, which is comparable to a baguette but smaller in size. I ordered the Caprese, which had fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a house-made pesto sauce. The sandwich was full, with just the right amount of fixings, and ideal for a picnic lunch.
Other noteworthy sandwiches on the menu were the French, which was loaded with ham, brie, fig jam, and mixed greens. The French sandwich is a fantastic combination of sweet and savory ingredients that will be pleasant all year long, whether during ski season or in the warm summer weather.
The Cheese Shop, with its fresh ingredients and taste combinations, is an ideal picnic spot to take in the beauty of Breckenridge.
Rootstalk
Breckenridge, Colorado +19704539124207 N. Main Street
Rootstalk is a newcomer to the Breckenridge dining scene, but it is worth noting. Chef Matt Vawter operates restaurants in Colorado, but he returned to his hometown of Breckenridge. The restaurant is housed in a refurbished Victorian mansion. The food is upmarket, yet the atmosphere is warm, and the staff is casual and kind.
The menu is what distinguishes Rootstalk, and I’m still raving about the foods I had. Please bring your appetite since you don’t want to miss out on the appetizer offerings. The taste profiles are incredible, and I recommend starting with the Goat Cheese Agnolotti. Agnolotti pasta stuffed with goat cheese and softly tossed in brown butter, poppy seeds, nectarine, and pistachios. The taste is mild, and the goat cheese does not dominate. The spaghetti is clearly handmade.
Try the rigatoni, a homemade pasta prepared with pig and veal bolognese and Grana Padano cheese. Since the sauce is light, the tastes are robust but not overpowering.
I picked pan-fried Romanesco as my main course. Romanesco, akin to broccoli or cauliflower, is a cool-weather vegetable native to Rome, Italy. Rootstalk pan-fries the vegetable and serves it with tahini sauce and toasted farro for an excellent taste. The romanesco was such a wonderful meal that I can’t wait to have it again.
The dessert at Rootstalk is last but not least. The seasonal fresh peach cheesecake was the ideal sweet ending to the dinner. Don’t miss the smores chocolate torte with graham cracker ice cream and the rich chocolate torte made to be shared.
Rootstalk’s cuisine is innovative, and the taste profiles are out of this world. Bring a group of pals so you may share and taste different menu items.
Pizza on a Tin Plate
S. Ridge Street +19709223392110 S. Ridge Street
Who doesn’t appreciate a delicious piece of pizza? Tin Plate takes the conventional pizza and improves it with fresh spices, house-made dough, and mozzarella. Tin Plate Pizza is located in a miner’s hut that once housed Toms Baby, Colorado’s biggest gold nugget. The home has been elegantly refurbished and upgraded, and it is now ready for some pizza eating.
For those seeking for the classics, the menu includes the traditional pepperoni and cheese pizza, and each pizza features a sourdough crust with the proper chew and topping to crust ratio. Try the peaches and prosciutto pizza for a more sophisticated pizza. The peaches were in season, the pancetta was excellent, and the addition of blue cheese and honey made for a delicious pizza.
I couldn’t help but get the Elote pizza as well. The Elote pizza is topped with corn, roasted poblano peppers, goat cheese, lime pickled onions, and a hint of tajin. The tastes aren’t what you’d anticipate on a pizza, but they work because they’re exactly the perfect mix of sweet and spicy.
Tin Plate Pizza is next door to Dynomite Cookies, a cookie business operated by the same individual as Tin Plate Pizza. Since the batter contains sourdough, the cookies are warm and chewy. If you need something sweet after the pizza, don’t pass on the chocolate chip and Snickerdoodle.
Tin Plate Pizza uses unusual ingredients that may surprise you, and it is well worth a visit if you are in Breckenridge, Colorado.
The Cafeteria
N. Main St. +19704530063208 N. Main St.
The Canteen, across the street from Rootstalk, is well-known for its burgers and mac & cheese. The menu is heavy on comfort food, and the restaurant maintains Breckenridge’s relaxed yet colorful feel.
I opted to try the mac and cheese since the waitress suggested it, and I was not disappointed! The noodles are in the form of a conchiglie, which serves as a bowl for the four distinct types of cheese used in the meal. Cheddar, jack, gruyere, and fontina cheeses combine to make a delectable mac and cheese. Each portion is topped with Cheez-it crumbles, which not only contributes to the comfort food component of the meal but also gives the platter a great crunch.
Protein, such as chicken or chorizo, may be added for a modest fee. There is also the option of adding tomato and green chilis to spice up the meal. I didn’t order anything extra, but the dinner was flavorful and filling on a wet final day in Breckenridge.
The Imperial Burger
+19704532329500 South Main St.
Empire Burger is situated on Main Street and features patio seating where customers may enjoy the beautiful flowers in the hanging baskets and flowerbeds that line the sidewalks. So, I ordered tacos in a burger joint, but I was not let down. Three tacos with Alaskan pollack are served on tortillas in a single order. The fish is blackened rather than fried, and the taco contains cabbage, cilantro, lime, and a white sauce similar to sour cream that enhances the taste of the taco. You’ll also receive a side of salsa with a little heat but nothing too hot. The tacos were delicious and something I would have again.
If you’re craving a burger, choose the Imperial cheeseburger with pepper jack. The bun has a handmade flavor and a ciabatta texture. The burger isn’t spectacular, but it does come with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mustard.
Empire Burger serves typical American cuisine at a fantastic location in Breckenridge. The menu isn’t as sophisticated as that of other places, but you’ll receive a wonderful dinner that fills the spot.
Caf Semplice
N. Main St. +19704236407209 N. Main St.
Whether you’re going on a hike or simply meandering through Breckenridge, stop by Semplice Caf for your first meal of the day. There will be something for everyone since the café provides a large variety of vegan, vegetal, and animal selections. There is some outside sitting, however ordering is done at a walk-up counter. Breakfast choices abound, from breakfast burritos to paninis to the ever-popular bagel.
Try the Skiers Right breakfast sandwich, which includes an egg, sweet potato hash, bacon, and cheddar cheese. The sweet potato gives a sweet flavor to balance out the other breakfast dishes. Check out the toast alternatives as well, such as the Spicy Baby, which features peanut butter, bacon, and maple sriracha. Are you looking for a lighter meal? Smoothies prepared with almond milk and a variety of fruits are available at Semplice caf.
With so many alternatives, you may become a regular client as you begin your day in Breckenridge.
Conclusion
Even the most sophisticated diners will love the dining scene in Breckenridge, Colorado. I’m blown away by the number of local eateries and the range of cuisines available in such a small region. You’ll never go hungry again, and you could discover a meal with tastes you never thought would go together. I hope you can explore Breckenridge’s culinary scene and appreciate all it has to offer the next time you visit.