Best Family Restaurants in Breckenridge Colorado
Breckenridge has amazing family-friendly restaurants that welcome kids with open arms! This mountain town offers more than 70 restaurants that cater to families, from casual pizza spots to cozy Mexican cantinas. Whether you're looking for quick breakfast before hitting the slopes or a relaxing dinner after a day of adventure, you'll find the perfect spot for your crew.
This guide covers the best family restaurants in Breckenridge, what makes them special for kids, and insider tips to make your dining experience smooth and fun. We'll explore breakfast spots, burger joints, pizza places, and unique dining experiences that both parents and kids will love.
Why Breckenridge Is Perfect for Family Dining
Breckenridge understands families. The town is home to more than 70 family-welcoming restaurants that host even the pickiest of eaters with a smile… and sometimes even an ice cream cone. This mountain town has built its reputation on being welcoming to visitors of all ages.
Experience over price is what matters most to families, with 64% of full-service customers saying their dining experience is more important than the price of the meal. Breckenridge restaurants get this. They focus on creating warm, welcoming spaces where families can relax and enjoy good food together.
The restaurant scene here is also incredibly diverse. Colorado ranks 5th nationally in the number of restaurants per capita, and Breckenridge shows this variety. From quick grab-and-go spots to sit-down restaurants with mountain views, there's something for every family's needs and budget.
Top Breakfast Spots for Families
Columbine Cafe
Location: 109 S. Main St.
This reliable go-to cooks up a hefty menu that will satisfy your entire brood. Belgian waffles, egg scrambles, toad in a hole and some of the best biscuits and gravy in town—it's all here. Columbine Cafe is famous among locals and visitors alike. The portions are generous, perfect for sharing with hungry kids.
The cafe gets busy, especially on weekends. Columbine is one of the most popular restaurants for breakfast and therefore often has a wait-list. Be prepared to put your name on the list and do a lap around the block. Pro tip: arrive early or be ready to explore Main Street while you wait.
Blue Moose Restaurant
Location: 540 S. Main St.
This busting cash-only breakfast joint on the south-side of town is known hometown breakfast and loves families. The eggs are farm fresh, the benedicts perfected and the pancakes fluffy. The Blue Moose has that cozy, local feel that makes families feel at home.
One thing to remember: it's cash only, so come prepared. Spring for the real deal pure Vermont maple syrup - it's worth the extra cost and kids love the authentic taste.
Daylight Donuts
Location: 305 N. Main St.
Perfect for families who need a quick breakfast before activities. Affordable with a no-frills dining room, guests point and pick from a wall of donuts, bear claws, donut holes and sausage rolls. Kids love choosing their own donuts, and parents appreciate the speed and convenience.
For heartier appetites, order the egg burrito topped with housemade green chile or the Daylight Special for eggs, bacon or sausage and a sizable buttermilk flapjack. Bring cash or use their onsite ATM.
Best Burger Joints for Families
Empire Burger
Location: 500 S. Main St.
Empire Burger is a family tradition in Breckenridge. Empire Burger is widely known to have one of the biggest varieties of dipping sauces in Breckenridge. Empire is a family tradition because once you eat here, you'll crave it regularly.
What makes Empire special for families:
- Kids love the bacon cheeseburgers and loaded dogs
- Adults cherry-pick from a refreshing beer list and margarita menu while dipping fried mushrooms and Parmesan zucchini chips
- Everyone has their favorite sauce—discover yours from a made-daily list of 20. The curry ketchup and sweet mango chutney are flavorful bests
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with outdoor seating that offers great mountain views. It's the kind of place where kids can be kids while parents relax.
The Canteen Taphouse
Location: 208 N. Main St.
The roomy and always welcoming Canteen serves up American comfort food with fun twists—like the gooey four-cheese mac topped with Cheez-Its. The Canteen knows how to appeal to both kids and adults.
Steer the kids toward the lil' shredders menu while you indulge in the honeydew burger with fire-roasted chiles, cream cheese, honey and yellow mustard. The kids' menu is thoughtfully designed with items that appeal to young palates.
FlipSide Breckenridge
Location: 320 S. Main St.
This multi-level chef-driven burger and shake concept adds gourmet spins to premium grass-fed beef. FlipSide elevates the burger experience without losing its family-friendly appeal.
The restaurant features topping hits include crispy shitakes, goat cheese and Gouda and wildly tasty charred balsamic vinegar red onions. For kids, reward clean-plate-clubbers with a treat from the shake menu—the blueberry pie with locally sourced vanilla bean ice cream is a sure crowd-pleaser.
Pizza and Casual Dining Options
Downstairs at Eric's
Location: 111 S. Main St.
This is the ultimate family entertainment spot. The monarch of Breckenridge family dining, Downstairs at Eric's draws groups large and small with an arcade, photo booth, ginormous menu and eclectic tap brews.
What makes Eric's perfect for families:
- Full arcade with games for all ages
- Photo booth for family memories
- The supreme Garbage Pizza is a fan favorite, along with Eric's famous baked wings
- You might even spot Eric himself, the Mayor of Breckenridge
The combination of food and entertainment makes this a go-to spot for families with kids who need to burn off energy.
Giampietro Pizzeria
Location: 100 N. Main St.
Visitors return year after year for Giam's authentic Italian eats. Build your own monster calzones or go with a traditional saucy pie and fresh salads. The portions are generous, perfect for sharing with the family.
The line for a table can get crazy, so come early or order from the family-style to-go menu. This is great advice for families - takeout lets you enjoy the food without waiting with hungry kids.
Luigi's Restaurant
Location: 411 S. Main St.
Swing into Luigi's pizzeria for a cozy, laid-back, family friendly spot right along the Blue River. Sit outside on their patio in the summer, or catch all the big games indoors. The location by the river adds to the charm.
Try their specialty pizza pies, firecracker wings, pizza rolls, and yes, even deep-fried Oreos. The deep-fried Oreos are a hit with kids and adventurous adults alike.
Mexican Restaurants That Welcome Families
Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Location: 600 S. Park Ave.
Mi Casa is a standout choice for families visiting Breckenridge. Mi Casa welcomes kids with crayons, homemade chips and salsa and all of their favorite tacos and quesadillas. Quick service, stiff margs and stellar mountain views off the back patio keep the grown-ups smiling.
What makes Mi Casa special:
- Crayons and kids' activities
- Free chips and salsa to keep kids happy
- Kids' menu designed for young taste buds
- Mountain views from the patio
- Happy hour specials for parents
Mi Casa has been known as a top-rated restaurant in Breckenridge since 1981, and their experience with families shows. The restaurant's hacienda-style décor and authentic Mexican atmosphere create a memorable dining experience.
For large families, Mi Casa is especially accommodating. Whether you're in a ski club, a large spring break group or organizing a corporate event, it's going to be pretty tough to find a restaurant in town that can support a group of 20-200 people better than Mi Casa.
Rita's Cantina
Location: 301 S. Main St.
With delicious tacos, fabulous margaritas and a tequila selection even your father would appreciate, Rita's is the place to come when you want finish off a hard day of play! The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for families.
Horseshoe Lounge
Location: 113 S. Main St.
Texmex gets a refresh as BreckMex at Horseshoe Lounge! Indulge in mouthwatering enchiladas bursting with local Colorado flavors. The local ingredients add a Colorado twist to traditional Mexican dishes.
Unique Dining Experiences for Families
Asobi Japanese Restaurant
Location: 110 S. Park Ave.
For special occasions, book a hibachi grill-side table at Asobi and share in the shrimp-tossing, flame-flying fanfare. The hibachi experience is incredibly entertaining for kids.
Happy hour bites are delicious and affordable and Chinese noodle and Thai curry classics are covered. Kids will love the exciting experience. The interactive cooking show keeps children engaged throughout the meal.
BoLD
Location: 505 S. Main St.
Spanakopita, impressive cheese and meat boards and an incredible lamb BLT are complemented by a corner stocked with toddler toys and books. BoLD goes above and beyond for families with young children.
BoLD is also a fantastic brunch spot for large families and moms who like mimosas. The combination of great food and kid-friendly amenities makes it perfect for family celebrations.
Quick Grab-and-Go Options
Crepes A La Cart
Location: Mobile cart
Line pending, Crepes A La Cart's sweet and savory ultra-thin pastry handhelds are perfect for families on the go. The crepes come in easy-to-carry paper cones, making them ideal for walking around town.
Soupz On
Location: Near City Market
Homemade breads, sandwiches and piping bowls (try their legendary cheeseburger soup or elk stroganoff) offer hearty, warming meals perfect for cold mountain days.
BreckFast
Location: Various locations
Fast biscuit sandwiches, breakfast waffle tacos and other munchies provide quick, satisfying options for families who need to eat and run.
Tips for Dining with Kids in Breckenridge
Timing Your Visit
- Breakfast: Arrive early to avoid long waits at popular spots like Columbine Cafe
- Lunch: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM can be busy; consider eating slightly earlier or later
- Dinner: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM is prime family dining time
Managing Wait Times
Many popular restaurants have wait times, especially during peak season. Here's how to handle them:
- Put your name on the list and explore Main Street
- Bring small toys or games to keep kids occupied
- Consider takeout for highly popular spots
- Ask about call-ahead seating options
Altitude Considerations
Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet elevation. This can affect both appetite and digestion:
- Kids may eat smaller portions than usual
- Drink plenty of water
- Consider sharing dishes rather than ordering individual meals
Seasonal Considerations
- Winter: Many restaurants have cozy indoor seating perfect for warming up
- Summer: Outdoor patios offer great mountain views and fresh air
- Peak Season: Make reservations when possible
Budget-Friendly Family Dining
The average spend for dine-in orders in the U.S. is $54, but Breckenridge offers many affordable options for families:
Money-Saving Tips:
- Look for kids' menus with smaller portions and prices
- Share appetizers and desserts
- Take advantage of happy hour specials
- Consider lunch portions for dinner
- Bring cash to cash-only establishments to avoid ATM fees
Free Amenities:
- Complimentary chips and salsa at Mexican restaurants
- Free kids' activities like crayons and coloring books
- Outdoor seating with mountain views
- Free WiFi at many locations
Planning Your Family Dining Experience
For Ski Families
- Breakfast: Fuel up at Daylight Donuts or Columbine Cafe before hitting the slopes
- Lunch: Grab quick bites at on-mountain restaurants or return to town
- Après-ski: Mi Casa's happy hour is perfect for unwinding
- Dinner: Celebrate the day at Empire Burger or Downstairs at Eric's
For Summer Families
- Morning: Start with breakfast at Blue Moose before hiking
- Lunch: Enjoy patio dining at Luigi's by the river
- Afternoon: Grab crepes for a walking snack
- Dinner: Dine on outdoor patios with mountain views
For Large Groups
- Consider: Mi Casa for groups of 20-200 people
- Book ahead: Large party reservations are essential
- Ask about: Group menus and special pricing
- Explore: Private events and catering options
What Makes Breckenridge Family Dining Special
Local Hospitality
69% of Colorado restaurants are independently owned and operated, and this shows in the personal touch you'll find at Breckenridge restaurants. Family-owned businesses understand the importance of making every guest feel welcome.
Diverse Options
From authentic Mexican cuisine to classic American comfort food, Breckenridge offers incredible variety. This diversity means every family member can find something they enjoy.
Mountain Community Feel
We look forward to welcoming you into our beautiful hacienda in the heart of Ski Country! This welcoming attitude is typical of Breckenridge's restaurant scene. The mountain community understands that dining out is about more than just food - it's about creating memories.
Accommodating Atmosphere
9 in 10 adults say they enjoy going to restaurants. Restaurants allow them to enjoy a favorite meal that has flavor and taste sensations they can't easily replicate at home. Breckenridge restaurants focus on creating experiences that families treasure.
Dietary Accommodations for Families
Gluten-Free Options
Many Breckenridge restaurants offer gluten-free choices:
- Pizza places with gluten-free crusts
- Mexican restaurants with corn tortillas
- Burger joints with gluten-free buns
- Always check with your server about cross-contamination procedures
Vegetarian and Vegan Choices
- Breakfast spots offer veggie scrambles and fruit options
- Pizza places have vegetarian toppings
- Mexican restaurants offer bean and cheese options
- Ask about plant-based milk alternatives
Allergy Considerations
- Inform servers about serious allergies
- Check Mi Casa's allergen information for detailed dietary information
- Many restaurants can modify dishes to accommodate allergies
- Consider carrying emergency medications if needed
The Future of Family Dining in Breckenridge
Restaurant operators are cautiously optimistic about business conditions, and this positive outlook benefits families. The restaurant industry is expected to reach $1.5 trillion in sales and add more than 200,000 net new jobs in 2025.
What this means for family dining:
- More restaurant options and variety
- Improved service as staff levels increase
- Continued focus on experience over price
- Enhanced family-friendly amenities
The emphasis on experience also extends beyond customer service to the unique atmosphere and hospitality that makes dining memorable. Breckenridge restaurants are committed to creating experiences that families will remember long after their vacation ends.
Final Thoughts
Breckenridge truly shines when it comes to family-friendly dining. With more than 70 restaurants welcoming families, from quick breakfast spots to entertaining dinner venues, this mountain town has mastered the art of making everyone feel at home.
Whether you're fueling up for a day on the slopes at Columbine Cafe, enjoying the interactive experience at Downstairs at Eric's, or savoring authentic Mexican cuisine at Mi Casa , Breckenridge offers dining experiences that create lasting family memories.
The combination of delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and stunning mountain views makes every meal special. Plan your visit to include some of these amazing family-friendly restaurants - your taste buds and your family will thank you!
Ready to experience the best dining in Breckenridge ? Start planning your family's culinary adventure in this incredible mountain town today.