Hop around Breck’s bar scene
Just below Breckenridge’s epic year-round (alpine slide, mini-golf, biking and hiking in the summer; skiing and snowboarding in the winter) five-peak resort lies a thriving historic Colorado mining town. Great news for thirsty adventurers – our charismatic downtown is lined with bars and restaurants to answer any craving.
Start on the north end and make your way south with this Breckenridge bar-hopping lineup.
Word to the wise: Don’t try this in a single night. Or even a single weekend. Pick a few spots and enjoy.
The scene: Belly-up and rest your feet on an old Breckenridge chair lift haul cable at this historic remodeled Main Street tap house. Suck lungfuls of house-smoked barbecue waft, take in the cabin vibe and peruse their comfort menu.
Order this: The Canteen Ahhh Rita is one of the best margaritas in town. It comes ice-cold in a metal canteen. Their patio is superb for catching Rocky Mountain sunsets.
The scene: A must-hit, the Pan put down gritty roots serving miners in 1879 and holds legacy as owning one of the oldest liquor licenses west of the Mississippi. Today, it’s a popular swill spot with DJs rocking the small dance floor most weekends.
Order this: Pay homage to the saloon’s early rush days, when 18 pubs lined the dirt streets of Breckenridge and prospectors stored their gold in a back room safe. Order a whiskey. Straight up.
The scene: License plates and kitchy signs line walls, hungry visitors indulging in mac n cheese and roast-at-your-table s’mores fill booths, and live music entertains on Friday and Saturday nights.
Order this: Head to the back for the borderline hipster Julius Ceasar lounge and whet your whistle with a house-infused dill pickle vodka or honey habanero bourbon concoction.
The scene: Higher end with a chic interior and amazing Colorado contemporary cuisine (think chipotle shrimp rangoons with poblano bacon jam), Modis keeps things classy.
Order this: Check out the snazzy modern art on the walls while sipping a jalapeno lemon drop.
The scene: Another Breck icon, this two-million-pound floating restaurant is a replica of one of Summit’s largest mining dredge boats. Families dine on pasta and steak downstairs while 20- and 30-somethings enjoy $1 High Lifes, play foosball and shoot pool upstairs.
Order this: You’re on a boat. In the middle of town. Order a draft beer and step out onto the deck overlooking the water and the resort.
The scene: Breck’s rowdy but friendly Irish watering hole has a laid-back local vibe with perky bar staff, worthy pub fare (try the dark stout beer-battered onion rings) and a nice deck with a fire pit and mountain views.
Order this: Ask for a boiler maker: Jameson Irish Whiskey and Guinness.
Cecilia’s Martini Bar and Nightclub
The scene: Three bars in one, this is the club-lounge hybrid the party people crave. You’ll find the largest dance floor in Breck, nightly DJs and a dance pole. Yep, a pole. This is the last-call free-for-all.
Order this: Try a key lime pie martini or a green apple cosmo. Heck, try ‘em both. It’s two-for-one martinis daily until 9 p.m.
P.S. This is only a sampling of Breckenridge’s nightlife scene. There are so many more to explore (Blue River Bistro for fine martinis and jazz, Broken Compass for fresh locally brewed creations like the Chili Pepper Pale, and Rita’s for hand-squeezed margs and tacos).
Cheers!
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