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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.
Located mid-mountain, Black Mountain Lodge serves up hearty skier fuel like the staff-favorite barbecue brisket burrito and homemade bison stew. Even non-skiers and summer visitors can enjoy the scenic views on the expansive patio with a passenger lift ticket on the Black Mountain Express.
Locals flock here for the hearty breakfasts of eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, and much more, so you can expect a wait unless you get there early. Neither the food nor the decor is fancy, and the service—while friendly—can be slow, but a meal here will hit the spot. If a hair of the dog is in order, try a morning shot inspired by your favorite breakfast cereals.
There's usually a wait at this popular breakfast and lunch spot, where meals are cheap, portions are large, and the coffee is perfect. Snag a seat on the patio on weekends when the restaurant can get packed and loud. For those with a sweet tooth, opt for "eggy bread": French toast made with cinnamon fruit bread.
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.
A blend of books, coffee, martinis, and some of the best breakfast and lunch sandwiches you can get your hands on make this cozy shop a local favorite. Collages covering ceiling tiles and worn couches give this spot its character, and the après-ski rehashing over hot buttered rum and wine samplings brings in the community.
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.
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