Top five decks in Breck

Situated as we are at nearly 10,000 feet with the summer season short and sweet, Breckenridge locals cherish the opportunity to sip a cold one on a sunny deck while soaking up the scenery more than just about anyone. This is evidenced by the dozens of bars and restaurants around town with outdoor deck and patio seating. They all bring something to the scene, but when it comes down to the best of them, here’s where to go.

Kenosha Steakhouse
It’s no lie when this Main Street hub boasts “Best Deck in Breck” on its street sign. With an open view of Breckenridge Ski Area and the sprawling expanse of the Ten Mile Range, all delightfully situated in the warm afternoon sun, there’s no question that Kenosha’s deck is indeed No. 1. It doesn’t hurt that happy hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m. every single day, offering $2 PBRs, $1 off wine, wells and draft beers (30 on tap, including several Colorado craft brews) and a variety of appetizers (pulled pork sliders, white cheddar dip with soft pretzels, anyone?) for $5 or less. Work it off with a game of horseshoes.

Sevens
With Peak 7 this summer’s hub for bike hauls (the Colorado Superchair on Peak 8 is under construction), Sevens restaurant is where it’s at for afternoon refreshments AND lawn games. Situated at the base of Peak 7’s green slopes, Sevens patio comes with the closest possible view of the still snowy summit gleaming high above. You’ll feel like you’re at a friend’s BBQ because dogs are welcome on the patio, there’s free access to corn hole and shuffleboard and a sand volleyball court is coming soon. Oh yes, and happy hour is twice daily (3 to 5 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m.) featuring $1 off draft beer, $6 wells, $5 glasses of wine and a $4 cocktail special, plus delectable $10 apps like sliders, mussels and pancetta-wrapped fried Brussel sprouts.

Relish
The best pick for you foodies, Relish’s deck might be small, but the view is worth it. Grab a table on the skinny balcony looking down on the bustling happenings of Breck’s downtown – kids splashing in the Blue River and music from the Riverwalk Center swooping in with the breeze. And look up to the ski area and Ten Mile Range. The 4 to 6 p.m. daily happy hour deal ($10 for four-star app such as homemade soup or seared Ahi – something colorful and fresh – and craft beer or glass of wine) is in the bar only, but the deck – heat lamps and all – is open for lunch and dinner. The house made Sangria goes well with every dish.

The Motherloaded Tavern
Live music on the patio, people! There might be a camper trailer impeding your view of the mountain, but the local crowd gathers here and the corn hole makes for a backyard feel. Comfort food favorites like fried chicken, steak loaf and “Not-Chos” (homemade potato chips with cheese sauce, bacon and sour cream) and 32 oz cocktails will fuel (or offset) your long hike or ride. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. daily and gets you $2 off mixed drinks and wine or $1 off beer and shots.

Twist
Off the beaten path on Ridge St. with a view of Main Street’s rooftops and the ski area in the distance, Twist’s patio is probably the smallest deck of the bunch but for happy hour, the place beats everything in town. Also catering to the crowd with a distinguishing palate, the 4 to 6 p.m. daily deal includes $2 pulled pork tacos and a variety of large $5 “small plates,” including a fresh salad stacked with fruit and nuts, sweet potato tater tots and piping hot mini skillets of Mac-N-Cheese. You can also get a PBR can for $1.50 or a selection of cocktails and wine glasses for $5.

-Shauna Farnell