Relish chef/owner
Matthew Fackler made the old Pierre’s a home for his American cuisine. (Post / Glenn Asakawa) |
THE NEW KID
Relish
137 S. MAIN ST.,
BRECKENRIDGE, 970-453-0989
DINNER DAILY
AMERICAN, $$$
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Chef/owner
Matthew Fackler has a huge hit in this cozy and warm second-floor space, with understated decor and smart
service. In warmer months, the deck overlooks a superb people-watching courtyard. Gruet by the bottle
for $29.
WHAT TO GET:
The ruby red trout with goat cheese and caper-studded
lemon beurre blanc sauce and the $10 truffle-caviar
potato chip.
ASPEN AREA
THE CROWD PLEASER
Boogie’s Diner
534 E. Cooper Ave., Aspen, 970-925-6610
Lunch, dinner daily
AMERICAN, $-$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: In a town where inexpensive food is scarce, a $10 burger is a godsend. True to diner style, the fare is comfort- oriented and plentiful.
WHAT TO GET: Hot turkey sandwich.
THE DOG’S LIFE
Krabloonik
4250 Divide Road, Snowmass Village, 970-923-3953
Lunch, dinner Monday-Friday, dinner Saturday-Sunday (winter starting after Thanksgiving); dinner Friday-Saturday (June-September)
AMERICAN, $$$-$$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: What could be cooler than relaxing around a firepit noshing on warm brie with lingonberries after a dogsled ride?
WHAT TO GET: Caribou noisettes.
THE DAZZLER
Matsuhisa Aspen
303 E. Main St., Aspen, 970-544-6628
Dinner daily
JAPANESE, $$$-$$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s good to have the famous Nobu Matsuhisa’s beautiful sushi, his heady “saketinis” and his hip decor, right in little ol’ Colorado.
WHAT TO GET: Cold dishes.
THE PLACE TO BE
Montagna
675 E. Durant Ave., Aspen, 970-920-4600
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
EURO-AMERICAN, $$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: (A) Food is celebrated here like few places in Colorado, and (B), it’s fun to rubberneck for noteworthies. Meanwhile the noteworthies are seated in a secluded room ignoring the gawkers.
WHAT TO GET: Farm-egg tagliatelle.
THE VISIONARY
Sage in the
Snowmass Club
0239 Snowmass Club Circle, Snowmass Village, 800-543-0839
Lunch, dinner daily
AMERICAN, $$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: A brilliant collection of dishes that relies heavily on fresh fruits and herbs. Mountain views and a spacious patio.
WHAT TO GET: Vanilla-braised osso bucco.
THE WONDER TWINS
Six89 Kitchen and
Wine Bar and Phat Thai
Six89 Kitchen and Wine Bar, 689 Main St., Carbondale, 970-963-6890
Phat Thai, 343 Main St., Carbondale, 970-963-7001
Six89 dinner daily; Phat Thai dinner Monday-Saturday
; .
AMERICAN and THAI, $$-$$$
WHY WE LOVE THEM: Chef/owner Mark Fischer is passionate about his food. Local produce, organics when possible, sensible flavor match-ups – it all just makes sense.
WHAT TO GET: Butternut squash raviolinis at Six89, chili jam salmon stir fry at Phat Thai.
THE FILL’ER UP
The Stewpot
62 Snowmass Village Mall, Snowmass Village, 970-923-2263
Lunch, dinner daily
AMERICAN, $-$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Homemade breads, nourishing stews and robust salads served in the two-story dining areas that look out over the mall (good people-watching).
WHAT TO GET: Chicken stew
DA BOMB
Taqueria El Nopal
22826 Two Rivers Road, 970-927-1280, Basalt
2902 S. Glen Ave., 970-945-7311, Glenwood Springs
Lunch and dinner daily; closed Monday
SALVADORAN, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: A no-nonsense eatery with friendly service, great affordability, mismatched chairs, outstanding chile rellenos and piquant fish tacos.
WHAT TO GET: Shrimp and octopus soup.
THE INDULGENCE
The Village Smithy
26 S. Third St., Carbondale, 970-963-9990
Breakfast, brunch, lunch daily
AMERICAN, BREAKFAST, $-$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: A local fave. Servers know half the diners by name. Homemade pies on display tempt folks waiting for tables.
WHAT TO GET: McHuevos.
THE WAKEUP CALL
Wienerstube
633 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen, 970-925-3357
Breakfast, lunch daily
GERMAN, BREAKFAST, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: The best eggs Benedict ever – they do several variations, all well, with a side of asparagus. Plus a full line of Bavarian sausages.
WHAT TO GET: Start with the classic eggs Benny.
BLACK HAWK|CENTRAL CITY
THE GAMBLE
Dostal Alley
1 Dostal Alley, Central City, 303-582-1610
Lunch, dinner daily
ITALIAN, $$
WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s hard to say which is better, the brews or the food – mostly pizzas and Italian sandwiches. Afterward, throw a coin in a nearby slot.
WHAT TO GET: Meatball sandwich.
THE SURE THING
White Buffalo Grille
240 Main St., Black Hawk, 303-582-1771
Dinner daily
SOUTHWESTERN, $$$-$$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: You have to have somewhere to spend your winnings. Steaks and seafood gussied up with all manner of glazes and rubs, plus a great view.
WHAT TO GET: Steak.
BRECKENRIDGE
THE CROWD PLEASER
Breck Burger Bar
The Village, Breckenridge, 970-453-5181
Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily
BURGERS/AMERICAN, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: Low-key and casual, here is where folks go to get their burger cravings satisfied.
WHAT TO GET: Burger with hot dog and bacon.
THE LOCALS’ HANGOUT
Clint’s
131 S. Main St., Breckenridge, 970-453-2990
Breakfast, lunch, coffeehouse through dinner
BAKERY/DELI, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: In a world overtaken by Starbucks,Clint’s keeps plugging on, offering superior coffee drinks and a plucky ‘tude.
WHAT TO GET: Wraps.
THE SURPRISE
Rasta Pasta
411 S. Main St., Breckenridge, 970-453-7467
200 Walnut St. Suite A, Fort Collins, 970-224-4323
Lunch, dinner daily
JAMAICAN, $$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Jamaican pasta? It works, as demonstrated at this funky spot. Second location in Fort Collins.
WHAT TO GET: Jerk chicken over penne.
FRISCO|DILLON|SILVERTHORNE
THE LOCALS’ FAVE
Butterhorn
408 Main St., Frisco, 970-668-3997
Lunch, dinner daily
BAKERY/BREAKFAST, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: Everything is homemade, including the rotating list of 20 soups (hope for the white bean and ham). Plus baked goods like fruit turnovers.
WHAT TO GET: Cinnamon roll.
THE CROWD PLEASER
Carlos Miguel’s
740 N. Summit Blvd., Frisco, 970-668-4900
110 E. Cheyenne Mountain. Blvd., Colorado Springs, 719-57-0500
730 E. U.S. 24, Woodland Park, 719-687-7150
Lunch, dinner daily
MEXICAN, $-$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Tableside guacamole and multiple margarita styles plus a menu that goes beyond the usual cheese-chile-combos.
WHAT TO GET: Empanadas camaron stuffed with shrimp.
THE CHILL
Dillon Dam Brewery
100 Little Dam St., Dillon, 970-262-7777
Lunch, dinner daily
BREWPUB, $$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Between the darn fine brews (try the Dam Straight Lager) and a kid’s menu kids actually like, the DDB rocks.
WHAT TO GET: BBQ pork
sandwich.
THE DIY
The Historic Mint
347 Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne, 970-468-5247
Dinner daily
STEAKHOUSE, $$-$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: There’s nothing like huddling around a lava rock grill fired to 1,100 degrees to cook yourself a steak or lobster tail. That this can be done in an 1862 building just warms our 98.6-degree hearts.
WHAT TO GET: Filet mignon.
THE RUSTIC RETREAT
The Log Cabin Café
121 Main St., Frisco, 970-668-3947
Breakfast, lunch daily
AMERICAN, BREAKFAST, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: The biscuits and gravy will put hair on your chest, and the pork chop breakfast is fit for the person who hasn’t eaten in a week.
WHAT TO GET: Huevos rancheros.
THE TASTE TEST
Samplings
320 Main St., Frisco, 970-668-8466
Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, closed Monday
AMERICAN, SMALL PLATES $-$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Small plates with wine flights, a library with fat, leather chairs , and free Wi-Fi to boot. More than 220 wines by the bottle and 25 by the glass, and a menu that dances around the Mediterranean.
WHAT TO GET: Duck confit
ravioli.
GEORGETOWN
THE HOME FIRE
The Happy Cooker
412 Sixth St., Georgetown, 303-569-3166
Breakfast, lunch daily
AMERICAN, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: The name, for starters. Inside, the charm continues. Appealing breakfasts, sandwiches on house-made bread.
WHAT TO GET: Belgian waffle.
GRAND COUNTY
THE RESTORER
Base Camp Bakery & Café
78437 U.S. 40, Winter Park, 970-726-5530
Breakfast, lunch daily; closed Tuesday
BAKERY/DELI, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: Base Camp does baked goods galore, including bagels and desserts, along with over- stuffed sandwiches.
WHAT TO GET: Ranchero steak with a cinnamon roll side.
THE LOCAL FAVE
Deno’s Mountain Bistro
78911 U.S. 40, Winter Park, 970-726-5332
Lunch, dinner daily
MEDITERRANEAN $$-$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Deno’s is the go-to place for locals and visitors to kick back with a beer, catch live music and have a good meal.
WHAT TO GET: Baked goat cheese fondue.
THE GRAND GETAWAY
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
3530 County Road 83, Tabernash, 970-726-5633
Dinner Monday-Friday; lunch, dinner Saturday-Sunday
AMERICAN, $$-$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Rustic, elegant food in a rustic, elegant ranch house. Eat and leave, or stay a few days.
WHAT TO GET: A cabin and a week off from work.
THE RESPITE
The Historic Rapids Lodge & Restaurant
209 Rapids Lane, Grand Lake, 970-627-3707
Dinner daily (summer), dinner Wednesday-Sunday (winter)
AMERICAN, $$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: All of the meals come with chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce and homemade soup or salad and just-baked bread.
WHAT TO GET: Tournedo with gorgonzola sauce.
THE FILLER-UPPER
Longbranch Restaurant
185 E. Agate Ave., Granby, 970-887-2209
Dinner Monday-Saturday
GERMAN $-$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: In a town not exactly overrun with restaurants, the Longbranch is intriguing for its strict adherence to authentic German food-schnitzel,spaetzle and strudel.
WHAT TO GET: Sauerbraten.
RUGRATS’ REVENGE
Sagebrush BBQ & Grill
110 Grand Ave., Grand Lake, 970-627-1404
Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily
BARBECUE, $$
WHY WE LOVE IT: So you’ve told the kids not to throw food on the floor. But at the Sagebrush, they encourage tossing peanut shells. That – along with tender ribs and vegetarian green chile – makes this a winner.
WHAT TO GET: Kobe burger.
THE SNACK SHACK
The Shed
78672 U.S. 40, Winter Park, 970-726-9912
Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, closed Monday
MEDITERRANEAN, $$-$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Tapas is the ultimate snack item, and the Shed makes ’em especially appealing-hot crab and artichoke dip with pitas, fried baby artichokes with aioli and duck confit over butternut polenta.
WHAT TO GET: Mussels.
THE A.M. REPAST
The Terrace Inn
813 Grand Ave., Grand Lake, 888-627-3001
Breakfast, dinner Friday-Sunday, dinner Wednesday-Saturday
AMERICAN, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: There’s something genteel about the Terrace Inn in the morning, the quiet murmur of locals mixing with the out-of-townersin the narrow, faintly lighted dining room. They tuck into textbook Denver omelettes and cups of Joe.
WHAT TO GET: Tenderloin Benedict.
IDAHO SPRINGS
THE I-70 BREAK
The Buffalo Restaurant
& Bar
1617 Miner St., Idaho Springs, 303-567-2729
Lunch, dinner daily
AMERICAN, $-$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: The early-1860s building, the meaty burgers, the non-stop TV in case we need to pull off I-70 to check the Broncos score.
WHAT TO GET: Buffalo wings and a buffalo burger.
THE SPECIALIST
AJ’s
2745 Colorado Blvd., Idaho Springs, 303-567-0970
Lunch, dinner Tuesday-Sunday, closed Monday
MEXICAN, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s all about the green here, mouth-searingly hot and excellent poured over anything or eaten right out of the bowl. With or without pork.
WHAT TO GET: Green chile.
KEYSTONE
THE BLOWOUT
Alpenglow Stube
21996 U.S. 6, Keystone, 970-496-4386
Lunch, dinner Wednesday-Saturday, dinner Sunday (winter); dinner Wednesday-Sunday (summer)
GERMAN, $$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: The warm, glowing dining room is a Bavarian fairy tale, gondola ride to get there only adds to the experience. The menu is creative, the service spot-on.
WHAT TO GET: Six-course
prix fixe.
THE FAMILY JOINT
Paisano’s
140 Ida Belle Drive, Keystone, 970-468-0808
Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily (winter); lunch, dinner Monday-Friday, breakfast, lunch, dinner Saturday-Sunday (summer)
ITALIAN, $-$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Good Italian food fast, including build-your-own-pasta- pick a noodle, pick a sauce.Boffo breakfasts too.
WHAT TO GET: Manicotti.
LEADVILLE
THE SWITCH HITTER
High Mountain Pies
115 W. Fourth St., Leadville, 719-486-5555
Dinner Monday-Thursday; lunch, dinner Friday-Saturday
PIZZA, AMERICAN $-$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: This tiny place does a nice pie. But they also make killer ribs in a sweet-spicy sauce.
WHAT TO GET: Ribs.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
THE ECLECTIC
Antares
57K Eighth St., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-9939
Daily dinner
AMERICAN, $$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Chef Paul Lebron mixes Asian ingredients into traditional dishes to delicious, and often spicy, effect. The best table is in front of the fireplace.
WHAT TO GET: Duck with
ginger plum sauce.
THE WATER’S EDGE
Creekside Café & Grill
131 11th St., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-4925
Breakfast and lunch, daily
AMERICAN, $-$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Morning meals designed to get skiers through the day, including a dozen omelet and Benedict permutations.
WHAT TO GET: Waffelaughagus-a waffle loaded with cheddar, and sausage.
THE HAPPY MEAL
Johnny B. Good’s Diner
738 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, 970-870-8400
Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily
AMERICAN, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: With a killer kid’s menu and decor that says Elvis hasn’t left the building, Johnny B. Good’s makes a family meal
happen fast.
WHAT TO GET: Open-faced rib-eye.
THE HIDDEN GEM
Off the Beaten Path
Bookstore
56 Seventh St., Steamboat Springs, 800-898-6830
Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily
COFFEEHOUSE, WINE BAR, DELI $-$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: At the back of this well-stocked bookstore sits a charming coffee shop that makes a mean carrot cake. At 4 p.m., it becomes a sophisticated wine bar.
WHAT TO GET: Sweet potato bisque.
VAIL VALLEY
THE COWBOY’S CHOICE
Bart & Yeti’s
551 E. Lionshead Circle, Vail, 970-476-2754
Lunch, dinner daily
AMERICAN, $$-$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s named after two dearly departed dogs who used to watch over the place and you can see the mountains from the patio. It doesn’t get more Colorado than that.
WHAT TO GET: BBQ beef.
THE STEAL
Blu’s Restaurant
193 E. Gore Creek Drive, Vail, 970-476-3113
Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily
AMERICAN, $-$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Families flock to Blu’s for the well-priced food, the low-key feel and the funky fare. Big breakfasts.
WHAT TO GET: Gypsy
schnitzel.
THE BEST-KEPT SECRET
The Café at the Park
Hyatt Beaver Creek
50 W. Thomas Place, Beaver Creek, 970-949-1234
Breakfast, lunch daily
DELI, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: Pop into the Park Hyatt and find the Café, where made-to-order sandwiches, baked goods and other delights await; sit by the pool out back.
WHAT TO GET: Salad bar.
THE WAKEUP CALL
Columbine Bakery
51 Beaver Creek Place, Avon, 970-949-1400
Breakfast, lunch Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday
BAKERY, BREAKFAST, $
WHY WE LOVE IT: You can smell the Columbine half a mile away-homemade cakes and quiches and cinnamon rolls. Plus sit-down breakfasts and lunches.
WHAT TO GET: Pastries.
THE HIPSTER
Foxnut
122 The Plaza, Beaver Creek, 970-845-0700
Lunch, dinner daily
JAPANESE, $$-$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: A Lilly Pulitzer-meets-Harajuku decor and a menu that makes it hard to stop eating. The $20 “pipeline” roll filled with lobster is worth it.
WHAT TO GET: “Poketini” of avocado, seaweed and tuna.
THE VIEW
Game Creek Restaurant
Top of Vail Mountain, Vail, 970-479-4275
Dinner Tuesday-Saturday through April 14
AMERICAN, $$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: First a gondola ride. Then the Sno-Cat. Once you’re there, the fire is so delightful, and, since there’s no place to go, you might as well start sipping from the stellar wine list and perusing the menu.
WHAT TO GET: Roasted veal with pumpkin seed pesto.
THE SYNERGIST
Juniper Restaurant
970 Main St., Edwards, 970-926-7001
Dinner daily
AMERICAN, $$-$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: The Juniper fuses all of its components into a seamless experience, from the happening bar scene to the groovy summer patio to the offbeat menu.
WHAT TO GET: Pomegranate-
crusted salmon.
THE BELLE
La Tour
122 E. Meadow Drive, Vail, 970-476-4403
Dinner daily
FRENCH, AMERICAN, $$$
WHY WE LOVE IT:
What’s not to love about
a place that insists diners dress properly for an evening meal, and plays classical music just loud enough for conversation?
WHAT TO GET: Sautéed veal sweetbreads.
THE BARGAIN
Narayan’s
47 E. Beaver Creek Blvd., Avon, 970-748-1404
Lunch, dinner Monday-Saturday, dinner Sunday
NEPALESE, $-$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: A Nepalese restaurant is welcome anywhere, but in a place known for high prices, it’s nirvana. Narayan’s lunch buffet almost offsets that lift ticket.
WHAT TO GET: Grilled lamb.
THE SPLURGE
Splendido
The Château at Beaver Creek
Resort, 17 Château Lane, Beaver Creek, 970-845-8808
Dinner daily
AMERICAN, $$$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Get a window table in the elegant dining room to view the mountains and sample as much of chef David Walford’s stunning food as
possible.
WHAT TO GET: Wood oven-roasted lobster.
THE WORKOUT
Tennessee Pass
Cookhouse
Meet at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center at Ski Cooper (about 35 miles south of Vail)
Lunch, dinner Saturday-Sunday; dinner Monday-Friday (through April, then closed until mid-June or July)
AMERICAN, $$$
WHY WE LOVE IT: Ski, snowshoe, hike or bike a mile in to the Cookhouse, for delicious four-course, prix fixe meals year-round in a yurt.
WHAT TO GET: Grilled elk
tenderloin.
