Dining (Area Code 970)

Breckenridge has emerged from the dining doldrums. With the increase in upscale homes and overseas vacationers, we expect the trend to continue.

The Cellar (200 S. Ridge St., 453-4777; $$-$$$$) has the same unique dining concept as Samplings in Frisco (see the Summit County chapter), where small plates of gourmet foods are shared with your companion diners. Don't be fooled by the Victorian building on the corner of Washington and Ridge. Inside, the place is completely modern, a style that fits the tidbit tasting palates of today's foodies.

Relish (137 So. Main, 453-0989; $$$) is the town's newest eatery with one of the best mountain views above the Riverwalk Center (in the space that used to be Pierre's). Chef/owner Matt Fackler has been cooking in Breck for 10 years and has developed an eclectic menu with regional influences that locals are raving about.

Top of the World Restaurant (453-9300; $$$) in the Lodge & Spa is somewhat pricey, but consider the panoramic view as part of the meal. Grilled buffalo rib eye and Rocky Mountain trout are native dishes they do well. They also have a lounge menu and serve breakfast.

The Hearthstone (S. Ridge St., 453-1148; $$–$$$; below left) is a stunning blue-and-white century-old house that sits prominently on the hill at the corner of Ridge and Washington. The Old World ambiance, balanced selection of meat, chicken and seafood and the killer desserts make this a very popular spot with locals and visitors.

Cafe Alpine (103 E. Adams St., 453-8218; $$–$$$) is the locals' favorite for fine dining, with an eclectic a la carte menu and creative blending of flavors. This Victorian-home-turned-restaurant also serves excellent tapas at their Tapas Bar while you watch the chefs prepare your tasty treats. Great wine list.

The Swiss Haven (325 S. Main St., 453-6969; $$–$$$) has melt-in-your-mouth cheese fondues, raclette and four types of rösti (a potato dish). Plan to spend the evening and linger over a cappuccino-and-kirsch (or two). As in Europe, they won't bring the bill until you ask for it, which can be pricey if you order soup, salad and the homemade apple tart.

Carnivores should check out Spencer's (620 Village Run, 453-8755; $$–$$$) at Beaver Run for all-you-can-eat prime rib; Kenosha Steak House (301 S. Main, 453-7313; $–$$$); or the Steak & Rib (N. Main St., 453-0063; $$–$$$), where New Zealand rack of lamb and West Indian baby back ribs are served in a rustic atmosphere that's a tad Caribbean. Try a tasty Breckenridge Mudslide in the downstairs bar. For things that swim (and some that don't), try South Ridge Seafood Grill (215 So. Ridge, 547-0063; $$–$$$).

Blue River Bistro (N. Main St., 453-6974; $–$$$) has it all, and is likely the best place for vegetarians, though a nice London broil an meat lasagna are also on the extensive menu. Salads as entrees are huge, and the many pastas like Linguine Portofino are divine. It's one of few restaurants that stay open until 2 a.m. with a late-night appetizer and dessert menu. The bar features 75 original martini concoctions.

Salt Creek Steakhouse (110 E. Lincoln Ave., 453-4949; $$) has an Old West atmosphere and specializes in Texas-style barbecue-beef, chicken, sausage, turkey or ribs slow-cooked over post oak wood—as well as prime rib, steaks and seafood.

Quandary Grille (Main Street Station, 547-5969; $-$$$) is known for its American grill items such as Ruby Red trout and barbecue ribs. Don't miss a fun experience with great down-home Bayou food at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company (231 Main St., 547-9000; $-$$.) If you like shrimp in all sizes, shapes and flavors served in a themed atmosphere, it's the perfect evening for you and your family. Visit their gift shop for clothing, cookbooks, chocolate and plenty of T-shirts.

For a Mexican meal, head to Mi Casa (Park Ave., 453-2071; $–$$), Fiesta Jalisco (224 S. Main, 547-3836; $–$$) or Jalapeños (110 S. Park Ave., 547-9297; $–$$). Other ethnic dining options are Red Orchid (206 N. Main, 453-1881; $–$$) for Chinese; Mountain Flying Fish Sushi Bar and Asian Kitchen (500 S. Main, 453-1502; $–$$$) and Wasabi (311 S. Main, 453-8311; $–$$) for Japanese. Also Denzaemon Cafe (216 So Main, 453-9809; $) serves noodle and rice bowl dishes with 540-year-old recipes from Japan. Go to Giampietro's (Lincoln Ave. and Main, 453-3838; $–$$) for award-winning pizza and Italian food—short on space but long on authentic flavor. Also try Taddeo's (505 S. Main St., 547-5959; $–$$$) for Italian family-style meals.

Beer lovers should try the Breckenridge Brewery (S. Main St., 453-1550; $) for typical brewhouse food, house-made beer on tap and lots of noise or Burke & Riley's Pub (upstairs at 500 S. Main, 547-2782; $-$$) for Irish specialties. Rasta Pasta (S. Main St., 453-7467; $) specializes in whimsical Jamaican-flavored pasta. Angel's Hollow (S. Ridge St., 453-8585; $) is great for a big-as-your-head burrito and burgers. Euro Deli (Lincoln Ave., 453-4473; $) has fab fresh sandwiches. The building that houses Fatty's Pizzeria (Ridge St., 453-9802; $) reveals its historic hotel background. The casual eatery remains a town favorite since 1975.

If you don't mind eating in a parking lot, Windy City Pizza (453-5570; $), next to City Market, has great deep-dish pizzas, a specialty. They also deliver. One the other side of the grocery store is Mi Zuppa (547-9791; $), a soup bar for sensational take-home soup and fresh bread. If you're in the mood for out-of-the-ordinary pizza pie, try Extreme Pizza (200 N. Main, 547-0399; $). They also deliver. Downstairs at Eric's (111 S. Main, 453-1401; $–$$), which has a sports bar with a massive beer list and video arcade, serves hot dogs and pizza until midnight.

A toss-up for the breakfast winner is among The Prospector on S. Main Street, where the huevos rancheros will test your facial sweat glands; Blue Moose on S. Main ($), with a huge selection of egg favorites. A pancake's width behind is Columbine Cafe on S. Main ($) known for its generous omelets, eggs Benedict and specialty coffees. At Daylight Donuts (N. Main St.; $), locals love the pancakes, two eggs, and bacon for $3. For lighter fare and gourmet coffee, try Clint's on S. Main ($); Cool River Cafe, a few steps off Main in the 300 block ($); and The Crown Cafe & Tavern upstairs at 215 S. Main ($).

For years Breckenridge has lacked a good bakery, and now it has not just a good one, but a boulangerie and patisserie, La Francaise (411 S. Main, 547-7173; $). Fabulous French pastries, crepes, quiches and breads are baked daily. They also serve sandwiches on a half baguette and salads, and will cater French specialties like a Boeuf Bourguignon dinner with 48-hour notice.

Don't feel like going out and don't want to cook? Gourmet Cabby (453-7788) delivers from a large group of town restaurants.

There's also an excellent selection of restaurants ranging from gourmet to fast food in surrounding Summit County.

Dining Legend: $$$$–Entrees $30+; $$$–$20–$30; $$–$10–$20; $–less than $10