Rumor has it that The Veranda (783-2625; $$; left), in a beautifully restored home with a country French theme, has the best dinner in Kellogg. About a 10-minute walk from the gondola base, it’s owned by the Texan who also owns The Mansion on the Hill (see Lodging) and serves fine Pacific Northwest fare with microbrews and fine wines.

Terrible Edith’s ($–$$), named after a lady of the night from the mining-boom era, is at the gondola base and features Italian food and microbrews. They also serve a mean and reasonable breakfast. Locals say the best breakfast in town can be had at Sam’s ($), across the highway from the gondola. Order hash browns and eggs or omelets and tell them the local secret: “Brian sent us.”

The Mountain House Grill at the Mountain Haus base area at the top of the gondola has great cafeteria-style chili, soup, pizza, burgers and quick snacks.On your way up, you might want to stop in at Mountain Tapas Cafe in the gondola village for espresso. Stop in on your way down. They also serve tapas, fine wines and microbrews on tap.CJ's Cafe in Kellogg, three minutes from the resort, serves breakfast and lunch. Bring your lift ticket for a free espresso.

The Enaville Resort (682-3453; $–$$), off I-90 Exit 43A, is always a real treat for visitors new to the Kellogg area. Known locally as the Snake Pit, it’s more of a destination dinery than a resort. Over its 125-year history, the Snake Pit accommodated a lot of people for a lot of purposes, but sleeping through the night was never one of them. Sorry, no overnighters these days. While you’re wondering who those people dressed in camouflage are, enjoy an appetizer of Rocky Mountain oysters before moving on to buffalo burgers and barbecue.

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