The Best Mac & Cheese: A Local’s Guide
When you think of comfort food, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For me, it’s Mac & Cheese. Baked noodles with a rich and creamy sauce, cheese, cheese, and more cheese! How could you not fall in love? I asked some locals around town what their favorite spot in Breck was to satisfy that ooey gooey craving. Check it out.
The Canteen Tap House and Tavern
The Mac & Cheese at The Canteen was mentioned by locals most frequently. After going there to do some “research” of our own, we can see why! Big shells topped with four different kinds of cheese and baked to cheesy perfection: mild cheddar, jack, extra sharp cheddar, and gruyere. The best part? They crumble Cheez-Its on top! You can also add a bunch of different toppings on there for a few bucks extra if you’re feeling adventurous. I took the bartender’s advice and got BBQ pulled pork on top. I was not disappointed.
Briar Rose Chop House & Saloon
The Briar came in a close second as the local’s favorite. The Chop House has an upscale ambiance and a buzzy and social happy hour scene. Getting the Mac n’ Cheese during happy hour is definitely a good way to go if you are looking to save some cash since dinner can add up. According to locals and Mac & Cheese enthusiasts, Lauren Garver and Jessica Schumacher, “The Briar Rose Chop House has our favorite by far! It has layers of flavor (maybe because there’s 5-7 different types of cheese in it) and it’s that superb balance of a thick creamy cheese sauce with a perfectly toasted crust on top!” *Drooool*
Ollie’s Pub & Grub
Build Your Own Mac N’ Cheese. Breck local, Michael Doyal (also known as Patch) says, “You can customize it just like you customize a pizza and it’s delicious!” Start with their house pasta in a 3-cheese sauce, then choose any two toppings for no additional charge! Taking cheesy matters into your own hands.
Motherloaded Tavern
First of all, they have Mac & Cheese Egg Rolls. Yeah. Let that sink in for a second. Second of all, their Homemade Mac & Cheese is creamy and velvety with elbow pasta, Ritz Crackers on top and shaved parmesan. The sauce is a little thinner on this dish as it is not baked and is oh, so good.
Mac & Cheese Egg Rolls from Motherloaded Tavern
Red’s/Above the Blue
Red’s is that cute little place at the south end of town with a walk-up window and outdoor seating. They serve lunch and dinner until 2 am so you can satisfy that late-night craving. The Mac and Cheese there is so good and totally customizable. They have everything from Sriracha to meatballs to pile on top. It’s thick and savory made with a sharper cheese which makes it rich and delicious. Something you will definitely want to go back for.
Robbie’s Tavern
Robbie’s has a prime location, right at the base of Peak 8. Talk about good people watching. Walk in after shredding some powder and order the Mac N Cheese, complete with Cavatappi noodles, house made cheese sauce and topped with a cheesy goldfish crunch! You can also add pulled pork, chicken or bacon. Yum!
Twist
They have a Green Chile Mac-n-Cheese that you can get at happy hour or as a side dish. The cheese they use is rich and creamy, and “so dang good!” according to Breck local, Rob Wilson.
Breckenridge Brewery
The Breck Brewery offers Mac & Cheese with a “grown-up” twist: Mac & Four Cheese, complete with spinach, broccoli, pancetta, bowtie pasta, and breadcrumbs. SO GOOD.
Dillon Dam Brewery (Dillon)
If you find yourself over in Dillon, still with a hankering for mac & cheese, stop by the Dillon Dam Brewery for some Mountain Man Mac & Cheese. Cavatappi spiral pasta with a creamy cheese sauce, flavored with a touch of Dam Straight Lager, chopped bacon and green chilies. Local Dave Reinwand says about the mac, “Get Blackened Chicken or Buffalo Sausage on it and then you can wash it down with a Dam Beer!”
Greco’s Pastaria (Frisco)
Frisco local, Sierra Altman says that “Greco’s in Frisco has the BEST mac and cheese, [called Gavin’s Mac n Cheese] they use their homemade cheese sauce but there is also goat cheese in it which I love, it makes it so creamy! You have the option to add a few things to the mac and cheese, and I usually go with bacon, which I highly recommend. They also have fried Mac n Cheese Bites which are equally amazing!” You had me at mac and cheese.
Well, there you have it.
There’s obviously more places in Summit County that have Mac & Cheese, but these were the restaurants that were mentioned by everyone I interviewed. So next time you’re up here, take a stroll down Main St, check out one (or all) of these spots, satisfy that cheesy craving, and then… well let’s be honest; you’ll probably want to nap. Food coma commence.
Best Pizza in Breck: The Inside Slice
Pizza. Yum… It just might be the best thing in the world. Baked cheesy goodness, robust sauce, and toasty crust with steamy soft bread on the inside. What more could you really ask for?
Whether you like it thick or thin, cheesy or saucy, plain jane or loaded up, Breckenridge has it all. I’m here to give you “the inside slice” about the best pizza in Breck. I asked some locals about their favorite spot to grab a heavenly slice of ‘za and this is what they had to say…
Giampietro Pasta & Pizzeria
By the Slice: Yes – all day
Thick or Thin: They offer a thin and crispy New York-Style Pizza as well as a Sicilian Deep Dish.
The Cheese on Top: Almost everyone we asked said that Giam’s was hands down the best pizza in town. They make everything in-house from their balsamic vinaigrette to the pizza sauce and the quality of their ingredients really shine through. They also recently expanded the dining room area to include more tables, a bar, and a private dining room. More pizza for everyone!
The Inside Slice: “Pizza by the slice is perfect for a quick lunch. It’s always delicious, never too greasy, and the crust is perfectly crisp!”
Fatty’s Pizzeria
By the Slice: Yes – during lunch from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thick or Thin: You get the best of both worlds here. Fatty’s offers traditional and thin crust pizza. You can even choose if you would like white or wholesome whole wheat dough. Score!
The Cheese on Top: They have big slices and a slice of cheese is only $3, which is perfect for lunch. When you add toppings, they don’t mess around. They load it up all the way to the crust.
The Inside Slice: “There’s a reason it’s been around for so long; they’re fast, friendly, affordable, and consistent.”
Northside Pizza
By the Slice: Yes – all day
Thick or Thin: Northside offers thin, traditional hand tossed, deep dish, and “Out of Bounds” crusts.
The Cheese on Top: These guys are seriously creative. Even though they still offer all the traditional pizza topping options, you can get a little crazy with their signature pizzas. They are chalk full of bold flavors that are a match made in heaven. If you’re looking for a fresh and delicious twist on pizza, you need to check out Northside.
The Inside Slice: “The ‘Out of Bounds’ crust option is where they load up on the toppings. They don’t hold back, they stack ‘em on all the way to the crust and then cut it up into squares. This option is perfect for families with children or big parties!”
Downstairs at Eric’s
By the Slice: Yes – after 9 p.m.
Thick or Thin: They offer a traditional hand tossed crust, but you still have a few options. You can choose between white, garlic white, wheat, garlic wheat, or gluten free. Mmm… garlic.
The Cheese on Top: Eric’s is the perfect spot to hit with the family and kids after thrashing powder all day long. It’s an arcade style restaurant and bar with 29 flat screen HDTV’s, 25 arcade games, 30 beers on tap, and 50 beers by the bottle. The kids are sure to love all the games and you can kick back, unwind, and watch the game with a beer (or two).
The Inside Slice: “The Garbage Pizza is definitely a local’s favorite. It’s the traditional “let’s-throw-everything-on-here” pizza and it is delicious. If you want to try something a little different, but equally enticing, check out the Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza.”
Luigi’s Sports Bar & Pizzeria
By the Slice: Yes – all day (buy 2 slices get 1 free for happy hour 3-6 p.m.)
Thick or Thin: They offer a handcrafted New York-style, crispy square, and a gluten free crust.
The Cheese on Top: Fairly new to Breckenridge, Luigi’s takes a creative and unique approach to their pies with specialty pizzas that will blow your mind. They have a breakfast pizza complete with a mozzarella base, topped with eggs over medium, cheddar & choice of breakfast sausage, bacon, or Taylor Ham. Drool. It’s also worth mentioning they make all of their ingredients in-house, including the mozzarella and sausage!
The Inside Slice: “Brace yourselves. They have Mac & Cheese Pizza.” *Drops mic*
Michael’s Italian Restaurant
By the Slice: No
Thick or Thin: Traditional hand tossed crust.
The Cheese on Top: You will feel like Michael himself is cooking an authentic Italian meal for you and your family. They have great service, delicious food, and fair prices.
The Inside Slice: “They have very good classic Italian food in the heart of downtown Breckenridge. It’s a great place for families to eat after a long day of hitting the slopes.”
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There you have it! These are the best places to go in Breckenridge to get pizza according to the locals we asked. Next time you’re up here, check out one (or all) of these pizza joints and treat yo’self to a glorious slice (or a whole pie). Remember, any pizza is a personal pizza if you try hard enough and believe in yourself.
Are you hungry yet? 🍕
BRECKfast Joints
Ahh, breakfast, the most important meal of the day (and also the most delicious). “Why would anybody ever eat anything besides breakfast food? People are idiots, Leslie.” (From Parks & Rec, I suggest you check it out.) There are so many options; sweet or savory, sit down or to go, and coffee or booze. I laid it all out for you to make your decision an easy one. These are the seven best breakfast joints in Breckenridge according to the locals I asked:
Columbine Café | 109 S Main St, Breckenridge CO
Columbine Cafe – Eggs Benedict
Photo Courtesy of: Family Vacation Critic
Price: $$
Server or Cashier: Sit down with server
Hours: 7:30am – 3pm | Breakfast served all day | Lunch served from 11am – 3pm
Pick-Me-Up: Coffee-Yes, Booze-Yes
Claim to Fame: The Applewood Smoked Bacon- they smoke it themselves! Best Eggs Benedict in town, corn beef hash made from scratch, and pancakes and waffles are to die for.
Salt Creek Steakhouse | 110 Lincoln Ave, Breckenridge CO
Price: $$
Server or Cashier: Sit down with server
Hours: Breakfast served from 8am – 12pm, Sundays until 1pm | Open for lunch and dinner as well
Pick-Me-Up: Coffee-Yes, Booze-Yes
Claim to Fame: Salt Creek is a hidden gem here in Breckenridge! Try the Irish Eggs Benedict! In the summer you can sit on the upstairs deck, it’s one of the best views in town.
Clint’s Bakery & Deli | 131 S Main St, Breckenridge CO
Price: $
Server or Cashier: Cashier, take it to go or stay for a while
Hours: Breakfast: 7am – 3pm | Coffee & Dessert: Until 8pm
Pick-Me-Up: Coffee-Yes, Booze-No
Claim to Fame: Their breakfast bagel sandwiches are the best! Try the “Rainbow Lake” or the “Wheeler.” They also have an assortment of pastries, cookies, and ice cream!
Park & Main | La Cima Mall, 500 S Main St, Breckenridge CO
Price: $
Server or Cashier: Sit down with server
Hours: Breakfast served from 7:30 – 11am, Saturday & Sunday until Noon | Open for lunch and dinner as well
Pick-Me-Up: Coffee-Yes, Booze-Yes
Claim to Fame: The place has a modern feel and everything tastes super fresh! Try the “Pecan Wood Smoked Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich.”
Cuppa Joe | 118 S Ridge St, Breckenridge CO
Price: $
Server or Cashier: Cashier, take it to go or stay for a while
Hours: 6am – 3pm
Pick-Me-Up: Coffee-Yes, Booze-No
Claim to Fame: They have great coffee and the best breakfast burrito in town!
La Francaise French Bakery | 411 S Main St, Breckenridge CO
Price: $
Server or Cashier: Cashier, take it to go or stay for a while
Hours: 8am – 8pm
Pick-Me-Up: Coffee-Yes, Booze-No
Claim to Fame: It is a MUST to get an Almond or Chocolate Croissant! Delicious crepes and the chocolate eclairs just melt in your mouth!
Euro Deli | 100 Main St, Breckenridge CO
Price: $
Server or Cashier: Cashier, take it to go or stay for a while
Hours: 8am – 5 pm
Pick-Me-Up: Coffee-Yes, Booze-Yes (mimosas and wine)
Claim to Fame: The owner, Aldona is a sweetheart and all the employees are super friendly. Try one of the breakfast crepes!
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