burger and fries
burger and fries

Budget Eats in Breckenridge

Budget Eats in Breckenridge

On a liftie’s budget? Love to travel but don’t want to spend more than you need to? Here are our favorite budget eats for a wallet-friendly meal out with friends and easy but still incredibly tasty breakfast, lunch or happy hour.

 

Breakfast

breakfast in Breckenridge

Grab a skier’s breakfast and hit the slopes.

Kick the day off with wholesome dishes or a sweet delight at these popular a.m. stop-ins.

The $5 quick grab menu at Cuppa Joe is a hit offering a variety of breakfast burritos stuffed with bacon, sausage, eggs or green chili. Try the Summit CBD coffee for a soothing treat.

Casual favorite Clint’s Bakery draws guests in with oven-fresh baked goodies and bagels. The latte and mocha list is impressive and the croissant breakfast sandwiches are flaky and divine.

Bring cash and find your spot in the line winding down the block at Daylight Donuts. The apple fritters, bear claws and sausage rolls are popular picks.

An easy walk to the chairlift on Peak 9, Coffee Depot is ideal for snag-n-ski breakfast burritos or toasted bagels with veggie cream cheese. Feel free to grab one of the few tables and read the paper over a chai tea latte or caramel apple cider.

Locally owned BreckFast prides itself on being swift and affordable. Visit the small counter-service cafe on Main Street for handheld American breakfasts served all day. Try The Local, a simple and delicious biscuit-egg-cheese-choice-of-meat sandwich.

 

Lunch

Crepes a la Carte Breckenridge winter

Stroll down Historic Main Street to snag a quick, handheld bite.

Mid-day meet up spots are plentiful and light on the wallet in Breckenridge.

Buzzing food stand Crepes a la Cart draws daily crowds with it’s sweet and savory delicately folded delights. The Nutella crepe is a treat, while the Parisian satisfies with melted brie, smoked ham and Dijon.

Quick and affordable dogs and sausages, loads of regulars and flowing drink specials complete the scene at HD Tavern. Don’t miss deeply discounted cheesesteak and burger nights during football season and be sure to try the loaded Chicago Dog.

Next to City Market, Soupz On keeps lunch fresh with a rotating menu of inventive homemade soups, sandwiches and salads. Sample as many as you’d like and be sure to try the raved-about cheeseburger soup or elk stroganoff when available.

The thrifty daily specials, juicy burgers and saucy wings at Ollie’s Pub & Grub are reason alone to visit the beloved sports bar.

Grab a table at chic sushi spot Blue Fish and ask about the roll or bowl lunch special. The daily happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. features excellent deals on apps and drinks, too.

Hit the Gyros Delish food truck at the base of Peak 9 for authentic gyros, falafel, kebabs and Greek salads. Tip: Treat yourself to a piece of owner Michael Halouvas’ famous baklava.

 

Happy Hour & Dinner

Happy hour on the patio in summer can’t be beat!

Because sometimes—alright, a lot of times—happy hour is dinner.

Daily happy hour specials draw the hungry après ski and hike set to super casual Northside Pizza. Mix and match two-for-one appetizers like the fried mozzarella and the pickle chips and score deals on slices and Colorado brews.

Step down into Rita’s basement eatery for specialty hand-squeezed margaritas and buy-two-get-one daily taco deals. Don’t miss the fish tacos Baja style.

Chicago-style pizza comes bubbling hot and big mountain sized at Windy City. Daily happy hour means $5 wine, $2 PBR pints, $2.50 slices and $5 appetizers.

Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub is a chilled out watering hole with games and TVs airing all the sports. Share the Colorado craft beer cheese pretzel, hummus plate, smoked barbecue ribs and more for $10 and under.

Walk up to no-frills food stand Reddz Above the Blue and order a signature gyro, meatball sub or coney dog to enjoy by the river.

The cantina happy hour at Mi Casa is legendary with $3 tacos, $5 wings and discounted margaritas and Mexican beer. The lively hangout is also great for Sunday football brunch and Thursday night football trivia.

Ask for the après-ski menu at Quandary Tequila Bistro near the base of Peak 9 and nab deals on appetizers (order the homemade pioneer eggrolls with chipotle ranch), draft beer, house wines and cocktails.

Two very different venues connected by one door, The Gold Pan Saloon and Carboy Winery partner up for daily happy hour bites spanning sliders and pork green chili fries to seasonal burrata and lamb chops. Ask about Carboy’s small sweets and indulge in two-bite-sized truffles and pots de crème for just $3.

 

Looking for more dining options and budget eats? Check out these casual, family-friendly restaurants, as well as Breckenridge’s best Farm to Table Dining.

By Lisa Blake
The Breckenridge Tourism Office works to enhance and promote the unique character and experience of Breckenridge as a world-renowned destination resort and to represent, serve and perpetuate the common interest and character of its membership and community. Lisa Blake is a regular contributor. The Breckenridge-based freelance writer, editor and mom enjoys researching and sharing stories on health, wellness, dining and the outdoors. Find her work in Breckenridge Magazine, The Purist, 5280.com, and at lisablakecreative.com.
downtown Breckenridge at dusk
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