5 must-visit summer patios in Breck

Breckenridge is filled with fantastic restaurants, bistros, breweries and bars — some with outdoor seating where you can soak up the warm sun, breathe in the fresh Colorado air, and enjoy fantastic views of this picturesque town and its surrounding mountains.  These decks, patios, and porches are a few of my favorites that I highly recommend.

5. Blue River Bistro

Eating brunch on Sunday sitting at a cool bistro while watching the shoppers, locals and tourists stroll around on Main Street is a quintessential Breckenridge experience.  In addition to the great ambiance at the Blue River Bistro, the menu is fantastic.  I have yet to order a dish I was not completely enamored with and I defy you to do otherwise.

4. Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

The back deck at Mi Casa is an awesome place for the whole family to soak in some sun.  It’s got great views of the mountains, the Dredge and the pond it sits on. It also hosts a little lawn area on the ground level where kids tend to run around and work up an appetite.

3. The Motherloaded Tavern

If you want to dine with some unadventurous tourists, I recommend checking out Bubba Gump Shrimp.  However, if you want to kick it with some fun locals, try hitting the porch at The Motherloaded Tavern.

Why do the locals love it?  For starters, the menu of comfort food is irresistible with items like Fried Sweet Corn Nuggets, Sweet Pepper Bacon, Fried Chicken -N- Waffles, and Grilled PB&J capped off with a Fried Twinkie or Red Velvet Cookie Ice Cream Sliders (!) for dessert.

On top of that, The Motherloaded has a full calendar of events including an ongoing Sunday Porch Party featuring cornhole (beanbag toss) and live music.

2. La Petit Paris

One of the best meals I’ve ever eaten in my life was at La Petit Paris and it’s currently ranked  as the#1 restaurant in Breckenridge by Trip Advisor.

There are some nice tables on the patio in front of the restaurant, but for a unique dining experience, request one of the tables on the back deck.  There are only three or four tables on this small back deck, so it feels like a quaint, semi-private French dining experience with nice views of some aspens and the mountains.

1. Ski Hill Grill 

If you’re going to seek out a nice deck or patio to enjoy the views, why not go to the one that’s actually on the mountain?  A great casual spot for families, it offers up burgers, hot dogs, BBQ and more cafeteria style that can all be enjoyed on the Plaza Patio with unbeatable views of the mountain.  Park for free in the Gondola lots in town and take a free ride up to One Ski Hill Place. After lunch the Ski Hill Grill serves as a great launching spot for the Breckenridge Fun Park.

— Dave Hall