2023 Best of Breckenridge Award Winners
This year, the Best of Breckenridge team kicked off the inaugural Best of Breck Awards! We’d like to offer a special “thank you” to everyone who participated in voting. We polled Summit County locals to get their honest opinion on the best in town! Categories include: Best Restaurants, Best Retail, and Best Activities. So, use this as your guide on places to visit and things to do next time you’re visiting us!
It’s no surprise that a well-established ski town such as Breckenridge is home to many amazing restaurants. From casual sports bars to the finest dining, this town boasts some of the best cuisine in Colorado. Sometimes, the best part of a trip to the mountains is the post hike or après ski meal. There’s nothing more satisfying than sinking your teeth into a delicious meal after a day full of adventuring. These are our 2023 Best of Breck Award-Winning Restaurants.
Best Happy Hour
Visit Blue River Bistro for a casual yet upscale dining experience. Take advantage of 2 for 1 deals during their exceptional happy hour! This spot offers a lively and inclusive environment for date nights, special occasions, or just a nice mid-week meal. Our personal favorite dish is the crispy tiger shrimp. Yum!
Best Late Night
There is no shortage of late-night fun in Breckenridge, and The Gold Pan Saloon takes the cake boasting the longest continuous liquor license west of the Mississippi. Established in Breck over 150 years ago, this business has been declared a historic Breckenridge landmark! After dinner service, this historic hotspot transforms into a neon-lit wonderland, rocking late-night DJ sets that turn the night into a dance extravaganza.
Best Breakfast
If you’re on the hunt for Breckenridge’s ultimate breakfast spot, look no further than Cool River Coffee House. Tucked in the heart of town, this laid-back spot offers must-try Bloody Marys and hearty breakfast burritos – the perfect fuel for a day on the slopes.
Best Dessert/Treat
Higgles is a small business on Main Street with big flavors that pack a serious punch. It’s no wonder this is a crowd favorite with daily rotating flavors made right in-house. With quirky concoctions and timeless flavor fusions, Higgles has turned into a local legend, leaving patrons hooked and coming back for more.
Best Bar AND Best Apres Ski
Rocky Mountain Underground initially started as a ski shop offering custom skis to friends and family for the price of 30 beers. From there, they decided to open their expertise to the public and share the good vibes. Drop your skis for a wax or grab a beer at the bar. In the summertime, you’ll be able to enjoy live local bands on the patio. RMU has a lot of new exciting renovations coming, so be sure to check their website before making plans!
Best Brunch
Tucked away in Main Street Station you’ll find BoLD Restaurant and Bar, renowned for their exclusive build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar, making this the ultimate brunch spot. Offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner daily, BoLD presents a menu featuring elevated American classics and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. House-made pickles and a selection of over 100 local hot sauces are only a few of the treats making this local spot a hit!
Best Date Night Restaurant
Built in 1883, Hearthstone Restaurant offers a nostalgic mountain experience paired with classic fine dining. With its warm ambiance, stunning vistas, and a menu that masterfully blends modern American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, Hearthstone creates memorable moments over candlelit dinners. Savor in hand-cut steaks, wild game, and fresh seafood. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an intimate evening, Hearthstone’s blend of historical elegance and culinary excellence makes it an unforgettable destination.
Best Fine Dining
When it comes to fine dining in Breckenridge, Rootstalk is the undisputed champ. Located on Main Street, this spot is a foodie’s paradise. With top-notch service and an atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between upscale and chill, Rootstalk is hands down the go-to for an unforgettable dining experience in Breck.
Best Coffee Shop
Nestled among the heart of Main Street, The Crown is a haven of warmth and charm, owned and operated by a local couple who embody the true spirit of hospitality. With an emphasis on quality drinks, delectable cuisine, and a commitment to community, The Crown stands as a testament to the fusion of good drink, good food, and good people. Adorning the walls are captivating works of art by talented local creators, contributing to the shop’s rustic yet chic mountain aesthetic. A visit to this charming coffee haven is a resounding 10/10 recommendation for those seeking an unforgettable Breckenridge experience.
Best New Restaurant
The Carlin has breathed new life into Breckenridge’s seafood scene. The raw bar makes for great appetizers or small plates and the inventive take on ocean entrees include: Grouper, Seared Verlasso Salmon, and creative chef’s offerings for catch of the day. If you’re looking to try it all, the Seafood Platter is the way to go. Pairing the cuisine with the attentive service, it is no wonder the Carlin is our Best New Restaurant this year.
Breckenridge is known for exhilarating ski terrain and hiking trails, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit. Looking for a quiet night on the town? Try seeing a movie at the Eclipse theater! Wanting to escape the weather? How about an art class at the Breck Create Arts District! There’s no wonder why these activities have won the 2023 Best of Breck title as the best in Breckenridge!
Best Family Activity
Ice Skating at the Grand Colorado on Peak 8
The GC8 Ice Rink is a portal to your childhood winter memories. Located right at the base of Peak 8, this is the perfect winter family après activity. With fireplaces flanking the ice rink for s’mores roasting and easy access to head inside when things get cold, you have the benefit of quick or long sessions on the ice.
Best Free Activity
Explore Breckenridge, Colorado with the best free activity in town—hiking. The Rocky Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to a variety of scenic trails, offering an affordable way to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Whether you’re after panoramic views, alpine lakes, or lush forests, Breckenridge’s diverse hiking options make it the perfect cost-free adventure destination.
Best Children’s Activity
Discover a world of family fun just below Main Street at Downstairs at Eric’s! Enjoy a huge variety of arcade games, from the classics like Pac-Man and Big Buck Hunter to table games, racing games, and more! Downstairs at Eric’s also boasts a large restaurant with an expansive menu offering pizzas, wings, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Downstairs at Eric’s is also a great spot come game day, thanks to an impressive selection of beers and 25 HDTV flat screens TVs.
Best Date Night Activity
Movie at the Eclipse
We like to call the Eclipse one of Breck’s hidden gems. With one screen and a full bar, this quaint spot makes for the perfect date night setting! Take advantage of popcorn, candy, and a selection of beer and wine while enjoying a seasonal film or the newest box office release.
Best Summer Activity
It’s no secret that Colorado is one of the top (if not the number one) spots in America for awesome mountain biking trails. Breckenridge is no exception! With rental shops all over town, and trails for every skill level, this summer activity keeps people coming back for more. Our personal favorite spots are the B&B trails and Barney Ford.
Best Winter Activity
Skiing in Breckenridge offers an exhilarating adventure amidst breathtaking mountain vistas and pristine snow-covered slopes. Take a ride up to the highest ski lift in North America to get some of the best views of town and neighboring mountains! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the diverse terrain, world-class amenities, and vibrant alpine atmosphere make skiing the Best Winter Activity in Breckenridge.
Best Indoor Activity
Step out of your comfort zone and into the ever evolving and engaging studios of Breck Create where you’ll discover your inner artist. From performing arts, historic museums, and toddler art, to adult ceramics, glass blowing and so much more, Breck Create offers a variety of opportunities and mediums for expression and exploration bringing out the creative thinker in all of us.
In case you needed another reason to fall in love with Breckenridge, we have to highlight our shopping! Strolling along Main Street, you’ll have access to a plethora of exciting stores to pop into. Explore the art galleries, the souvenir shops, and all the magical clothing boutiques. After a day of shopping in Breckenridge, you’ll feel like a celebrity! See our 2023 Best Apparel Winners below!
Best Boutique
Marigolds Farmhouse Funk & Junk
Stepping into Marigolds is always a fun adventure-filled shopping experience. This family-run shop features everything from cookbooks and clothes to handmade jewelry and antiques. “Junk” may be in the name but you’ll find nothing but high-quality goods in this eclectic boutique.
Best Apparel Shop
Mountain Goat Clothing Company is a one-of-a-kind boutique on Main Street known for its premium outdoor and casual apparel. Catering to both locals and tourists, the shop offers a curated selection of clothing and accessories that blend style with functionality. Here, you’ll find brands like Cotopaxi, Toad & Co, Topo Designs, Kavu, and much more (including local brands!). Renowned for its friendly customer service and unique, locally inspired merchandise, Mountain Goat is the go-to destination for those looking to embrace the outdoor spirit of Breckenridge in style.
Best Ski Rental Shop
Carvers is a small family owned and run business on Main Street in Breckenridge and has served the community since 1995! They’re easy to spot in the summer since their storefront is covered in rental bikes. They also offer repairs, clothes, and other gear.
Best Ski & Snowboard Shop
There’s a reason Slope Style Ski + Bike holds onto it’s perfect 5-star Google rating. Rely on personalized service, expert advice, and the largest ski demo fleet in winter at this ski shop. Their dedicated team of ski experts ensures your gear is always in top shape. Check out Slope Style Ski + Bike for a true local experience that goes beyond expectations.
Best Art Gallery
Step into this art studio and enter the great outdoors when you visit Gary Soles Gallery. These breathtaking photos of wildlife and nature will have you immersed in the crevasses of the back country very few manage to explore. The size, detail, and vibrant scenes of his life’s work spark wanderlust in all who visit. Meander through the moody lighting of this gallery where you’ll fall in love with the wilderness exposed.
Best Gift Shop
If you are looking for the most unique socks, hats, gloves and accessories swing into the charming Victorian building that Joy of Sox calls home. You’ll find an eclectic collection of goods that would make a great gift for any occasion or souvenir.
