If you’re traveling to Summit County and still eating at Downstairs at Eric’s, it’s time to put down the chicken tenders and wander about. Don’t get us wrong, Eric’s is great and all, but there’s more to Summit’s dining scene than bar food.

Aurum Food & Wine

Since opening in 2018, Aurum has rightfully claimed the title of Breckenridge’s best happy hour. But don’t go looking for the usual suspects. Instead, plan on Korean fried chicken, Parker House rolls with honey butter, a French onion burger … and so much more. That lineup is only a precursor to the main menu, which includes dishes such as roasted duck and Aurum’s version of surf and turf. If ordering a cocktail, don’t miss the Aurum Manhattan.

Birdcraft

There’s no pomp and circumstance at Birdcraft, a food stall inside Frisco’s Outer Range Brewing Co. But the Asian-style eats are worthy of lining up for. In addition to Sriracha honey wings, pork fried rice and poke bowls, there’s Birdcraft’s signature “Thai-ish” fried chicken. Pick your bird (whole, half or tucked into a sandwich) and a number of sauces. Place your order, then go to the bar and choose a beer from Outer Range’s menu.

Bluebird Market

The best thing about a food hall: There’s no compromising and everyone gets to eat what they want. In this case, that means pizza from Melody’s Trattoria, empanadas from Lazo, crepes from Crepes a la Cart, tacos from Chimayo, burgers from Chef Daddy’s Grill, fried chicken from Lucky Bird, and sandwiches and salads from Independent Deli. Top that off with a central bar, ice cream from Summit Scoops and a mini arcade upstairs.

Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant

The menu is always a mishmash of global flavors, and that’s part of the fun. On any given night, there might be dishes that lean Southern, Korean or African. A longtime staple is the flame-grilled baguette served with horseradish butter. The menu’s depth is matched by that of the cocktails. Local beverage wiz Billie Keithley spins the distillery’s spirits — from whiskey and rum to aquavit and vermouth — into drinks that champion flavor and balance.

La Perla

This is a mercado, carnicería and taquería all in one. And it has long been a contender for Silverthorne’s most beloved restaurant. There are no frills; just go for the terrific carnitas, tamales and weekend menudo. Once you finish the meal, don’t forget to browse the market for the county’s best selection of bottled salsas and dried chiles.

La FrançaiseFor those days when nothing but a piece of quiche or a decadent croque madame will do, head straight to La Française in a tucked-away spot in Breckenridge. Opened in 2004, this French bakery’s cases are stocked with all manners of croissants, beignets, fruit tarts, cookies and breads. All are available for ordering in (order a cappuccino too!) or taking to go. Don’t overlook the sweet and savory crepes, quiche de jour, omelets and sandwiches.

Panadería Summit

When Vanessa Courtierrez moved from El Salvador to Summit County, she brought along her mom’s pupusa recipe. Now the pupusas — in varieties such as cheese and birria — take center stage at Panadería Summit in Dillon, but don’t overlook the terrific tacos and nacatamales (tamales steamed in banana leaves instead of corn husks). The menu is a collection of dishes and baked goods from El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Mexico.

Piante Pizzeria

Listen up, vegans: this Breckenridge pizza shop is for you! The wood-fired kitchen turns out plant-based dishes with an emphasis on organic and non-GMO ingredients. If you’re with a crowd, begin with the sampler platter of garlic knots, roasted jalapeño poppers, pesto garlic bread, olives and mushrooms. Then choose your pizza. A local staple is the pesto with kale walnut pesto, “mozzarella,” artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and red onion.

Radicato

Before you can enjoy Radicato, you have to find it. Look for the sign off Main Street in Breck and make your way up the stairs to chef-owner Matt Vawter’s Italian-inspired treasure. Here you’ll find a variety of freshly made pastas, along with house-made focaccia, creamy burrata, decadent carpaccio, lusty frito misto and entrées that speak to the season. Some locals have been known to order a glass of wine and make a meal out of the contori (sides) menu.

Rootstalk

When Matt Vawter opened Rootstalk in 2020, he brought extensive experience from cooking at two high-end restaurants in Denver. Vawter grew up in Keystone and attended culinary school in the county. After 12 years in Denver, he was eager to return home. And, boy, has he made an impression in Breck. The high-end seasonal American restaurant has garnered favor among locals and out-of-towners for its impeccable dishes and top-notch hospitality.

Vine Street Social

Every town needs a good wine bar, and Vine Street Social is just that for Frisco. In its short time since opening in 2023, this spot has become a gathering

place for happy hour, date night and spontaneous catch-ups with friends. And that’s what Debbi Anderson had in mind when she dreamed up Vine Street. The wine bar also sports a lovely menu of small plates, soups and salads, as well as a small selection of spirits.

Wildflower BBQ

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of chowing down on barbecue at Arapahoe Basin’s Black Mountain Lodge, then you know what’s in store. Alison Beazley headed up that program, and now she and her husband have opened a brick-and-mortar in Frisco. The two spent years cooking in fine dining restaurants, and it’s evident in Wildflower’s plate of salt and pepper smoked brisket, braised collard greens, fried green tomatoes, and bacon and buttermilk cornbread.

AerieYou’ll need a lift ticket or foot pass to get here, but the views at Copper Mountain are so worth it. Step off American Eagle chairlift and walk to the building’s second level. Choose between sitting in the lounge-like bar area or the restaurant Feast & Forage. Either way, you’re treated to stunning, 270-degree views. The lunch menu is the same between the spaces, and we highly recommend the charred veggie pimento dip with focaccia.