by Kathleen Spring

Created on: March 24, 2010

Breckenridge is located in the middle of Colorado's northern ski resort area. While beautiful in winter and summer, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere than many of its neighboring ritzy resort towns. That means more cheaper and homey eateries, which include great pizza, barbecue pork, pasta, burgers and micro-brews. At most of these restaurants listed below, meals go for around $10. This means that there is likely to be almost as many locals chowing down as there are tourists. These are the most highly recommended restaurants according to various surveys done in town.

==Downstairs at Eric's, (970) 453-1401, 111 S Main St ==Pizza, and other Breaded, Fried Foods==

If you ask any local in town where to go for some quality pizza and a beer, they will almost always recommend Downstairs at Eric's. Yes, you do go down some long wide stairs into this dark, big, sometimes noisy bar/restaurant. It's often busy but the service is attentive, and it has a fun atmosphere, including an arcade room. Their baked wings are why many keep coming back. It may take a while to figure out which pizza you want, from white, shrimp, veggie, garlic, pepperoni and more. They have 120 beer choices.

==Breckenridge Brewery (970) 453-1550, 600 S Main St ==Bar food; BBQ Pork==

They mainly have traditional pub foods. A big burger menu, and lots of appetisers are offered. Try their slow-roasted barbecue pork. For locals, there is the Workman's Special for only $6 at lunch. You might be taking some home because of the large portions. They are said to be the town's only brew pub, offering handcrafted small batch beers.

==Gampietro Pasta Pizzeria, (970) 453-3838, 100 North Main St. Apt 212 ==Italian, Pizza, Pasta==

Knowing this place has been around since 1963 tells you something. This is a good old-fashioned pizzeria. The reasonable prices make the place busy, with lineups at feeding times. They also offer “by the slice” and carry out.

==Amazing Grace, (970) 453-1445, 213 Lincoln Ave (2 blocks off Main St.) ==Breakfast/Brunch, Vegetarian and Bakery==

Prefer to have something fresh and healthy? Try this bright spot. A popular item is their Ahi Tuna Salad which is full of flavor, and a good size portion. While this natural foods eatery is mostly vegetarian, they do serve some chicken and turkey sandwiches. In addition to their fresh veggies, they offer pastries, including their popular scones.

==Blue River Bistro, (970) 453-6974, 305 N Main St ==American and Italian meals==

The only one listed here that is mostly in the $20 price range, for the night that you want to treat yourself, instead of just grabbing some grub. The staff is highly praised, and begin by bringing out hot bread with oil and balsamic vinegar to dip it in. Some say the patio is the place to be seen. It's not unusual to hear Italian-descent guests raving about the food, especially the brochette. Ask about their specials. In March 2010, they have a $9 Lunch Special if you sit at the bar. It'll get you one of their sandwiches, burgers or salads and a beer or soda. Even the chef has been known to stick his head out and see how things are going.

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