High-Country Holiday Dining

The foodie's guide to festive eats at elevation

There’s nothing that defines the holidays for adults as much as food, and thankfully, Colorado’s culinary scene has come a long way since its steak-and-potato reputation of old. Chefs are clambering to the Mile High City to open restaurants, but they are also heading into the Rocky Mountains, and some of the best meals in Colorado come with a side of altitude.

Aspen, Colorado, may be best known for skiing and celebrity sightings, but for those who live there and visit frequently, it’s a foodie town. During the holidays the restaurants in Aspen truly shine.

Element 47, photo by Shawn O'Connor

Executive Chef Matt Zubrod at The Little Nell’s Element 47 has crafted a four-course prix fixe menu for December 24 and 25, 2017. The main entree includes such fine choices as Hawaiian Opa and The Little Nell Farms Wagyu.

The Aspen Chamber online highlights a smorgasbord of delicious eats to enjoy if you visit Aspen during the holidays. Visit their Holiday Dining 2017 page to learn more.

Hearthstone Restaurant, photo courtesy of Breckenridge Tourism Office

When it’s all dressed up with lights and ribbons, Breckenridge looks like something straight out of a delightful Christmas tale, which makes it one of my favorite holiday towns.

The Breckenridge Tourism Office recommends a handful of restaurants for holiday diners, including the Hearthstone Restaurant, which features views of town, a roaring fireplace and festive Christmas decor. If you enjoy lobster or lamb for Christmas, Hearthstone has you covered.

Briar Rose Chophouse, photo courtesy of Breckenridge Tourism Office

Breckenridge’s Briar Rose Chophouse has a tradition of being open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. This restaurant has a long history and is, in fact, featured on the Behind Swinging Doors Saloon Tour offered by the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance. It’s an entertaining tour that’s offered year round.

The Briar Rose Chophouse menu is a meat-lover's dream come true; it boasts an exceptional selection of steak served in an upscale setting that hasn't quite lost the ambiance of the Wild West.

Photo by Larry Pierce/Steamboat Ski Resort

For the ultimate on-mountain holiday dining experience, head to Steamboat Springs. You don’t have to ski to access Hazie’s Restaurant, but you do need to make reservations for this Steamboat Resort restaurant.

Hazie's is open for service Thursday through Saturday evenings (including Christmas) from December 15, 2017 through March 31, 2018, and it offers more than just a dining experience. Board the gondola at the base of the resort, sit back and let Hazie’s staff do the work for the rest of the evening.

Hazie’s dinner is a three-course meal of seafood, steaks and game meat accompanied by an amazing view of Yampa Valley. Round up the entire family to enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience in Steamboat Springs.

Hazie’s Restaurant also serves lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. starting December 9 through April 1, 2018.