Main Street in Breckenridge is chock full of great family-friendly restaurants. Here are a few that I thoroughly enjoyed with my family on a recent visit to this stellar ski town.
Downstairs at Eric's Kids go bananas for the arcade overflowing with more than 30 video games and vintage pinball machines at this below-street-level eatery. My kids were happily occupied (albeit, with my quarters) while we waited to be seated on a busy Friday night.
Downstairs at Eric's is typically packed at the dinner hour - especially when there's any semblance of sporting event going on (forget about trying to find a place to sit during college-football Saturdays). Fourteen flat-screen, high-definition TVs line the exposed-brick walls in the dining area and the bar. There's also some great Breckenridge memorabilia - it seems this is the place old signs go to die when a local business goes belly-up (or re-brands).
The pizza and burger offerings here are extensive; also impressive: the number of ways a chicken sandwich can be topped. Other types of sandwiches, salads, soups and wings --with heat levels labeled like ski runs, from mild green circles to spicy double-black diamonds -- round out the menu that's served from 11:00 a.m. through the late evening. A children's menu includes mac n' cheese, grilled cheese, pizza or chicken fingers with a drink for $5. For thirsty parents: 120 different varieties of beer.
Kenosha Steakhouse This restaurant claims it has the "best deck in Breck." Indeed, the spacious back patio is great for kids who get a little squirmy while waiting for their meals. Locals flock here for pick-up games of horseshoe - or more serious tournaments -- in the two adjacent pits. In fact, this is a popular watering hole among local residents, with two full bars and 20 beers on tap.
Choose from an array of steaks (filet mignon wrapped in bacon anyone?) or build your own burger. I recommend the house-smoked BBQ; I devoured my platter of tender pulled pork served with generous sides of cole slaw, corn bread and baked beans. Children can order smaller versions of house favorites: burger, ribs, BBQ pork sandwich or BBQ beef sandwiches. I like that the kids' menu items are served with baby carrots, applesauce or corn on the cob.
Restaurants on my radar for future trips to Breck:
Mi Casa This spacious Mexican spot is on the river (near the dredge landmark) on the south side of town. It's known for its afternoon happy hour (99-cent tacos!), but kids should find plenty to eat among the quesadilla and burrito offerings.
Giampietro Pizza & Pasta Tables are limited at this corner restaurant, and reservations aren't taken, but locals swear by the yummy pizza - thin New York crust or deep dish Sicilian. I'm eyeing all of the "parmigana" sandwiches: eggplant, chicken, meatball and sausage.
Empire Burger I'm told the thick, creamy milkshakes are delish at this burger joint, where the choice black angus is hormone and antibiotic free. The hand-cut fries and fish tacos also earn accolades, and the patio seating is popular in the summer months.
--Kara Williams