When it comes to Winter Park restaurants, there is no shortage of delicious options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast spot or a hearty dinner after a day of skiing, Winter Park has something for everyone.
Here are some of the best Winter Park dining options that you won’t want to miss.
Breakfast in Winter Park, Colorado
A solid breakfast is important before an active day in Winter Park. My two favorite breakfast spots are Wake N’ Bacon and Sharky’s, while Rocky Mountain Roastery and Rollin Bakery are great stops for coffee and pastries.
Wake N’ Bacon
Wake N’ Bacon offers friendly service and fantastic food with some unique offerings. They’ve got pancake bacon dippers, a breakfast pot pie, chicken and waffles, bennies, breakfast skillets, pancakes and more.
I loved the fried chicken biscuit with pickles and a drizzle of honey. The Triple Bacon starter was also amazing – regular, candied, and jalapeno bacon (which was SUPER hot!). Their biscuits with sausage gravy are also fantastic.
Grab an order of their legendary donut holes on your way out – they are outstanding!
Sharky’s
Sharky’s in nearby Fraser, CO, is a local’s favorite with a cool, diner vibe. They have all your breakfast needs covered including a large variety of benedicts and hearty, southwestern breakfasts.
My husband and I sat at the counter and enjoyed an excellent corned beef hash and eggs. We also shared some of their fluffy pancakes.
Sharky’s also serves cocktails and has a great lunch menu featuring several specialty burgers.
Rocky Mountain Roastery
Rocky Mountain Roastery was my coffee shop of choice during my stay in Fraser. I visited almost daily to get my fix of their sweet, creamy coffee and delicious pastries.
I alternated between the “Avalanche” coffee with chocolate, caramel, and mint (trust me – it works!) and the “Dante” with chocolate and orange. They have AMAZING cinnamon rolls and scones, as well as savory, made-to-order sandwiches.
Plus, the cozy atmosphere is perfect for warming up on a chilly winter morning.
Rollin Bakery
Another breakfast spot worth a visit is Rollin Bakery. They are known for their “chimneys” – rolled pastries that can be stuffed with all sorts of yumminess.
You can get a plain chimney, or get it rolled in cinnamon sugar, graham cracker, coconut, or pecans. Add a shmear of nutella, flavored cream cheese, or nut butter, or get it stuffed with egg, cheese, ham, bacon or veggies.
International Flavors: Buddha Garden, Fuego Azteca, Durbar, and Lime
If you’re looking for international flavors, there are several awesome options.
Buddha Garden
Buddha Garden is my family’s new favorite restaurant inn Winter Park! We love asian fusion cuisine and this place did not disappoint.
It’s nice inside – with a really cool mural on the wall – and service is fast and friendly.
Their garlic pepper chicken is excellent, the potstickers are perfectly crispy and the crab rangoons are some of the best I’ve ever had.
I love that you can “build your own” meal – just choose a base of rice or noodles, then choose your protein, add or remove any ingredients, and select your level of spice.
Lime
Mexican is one of my favorite cuisines and Lime is a great spot in the Winter Park Resort village. With a bustling, lively atmosphere, Lime is perfect for apres-ski tacos, burritos, and margaritas.
We squeezed in at the bar and enjoyed these delicious southwest egg rolls and jalapeno margaritas.
Fuego Azteca
Speaking of Mexican, Fuego Azteca in nearby Fraser is a must-eat! They have an extensive menu and lots of combo specials. Service is fast and friendly and the restaurant is so cozy inside!
I had a combo platter with a crispy chili relleno and chicken enchilada. It came with beans and rice and I added on the “deluxe” option because you NEED sour cream and guac. Everything was delicious and I can’t wait to go back!
Durbar
If you’re in the mood for Indian food, Durbar is a must-visit. This restaurant serves up authentic Indian cuisine, with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
We got our food for take-out, but when I went to pick it up I wished we had dined in. The restaurant is beautiful inside!
The chicken chili appetizer and chicken chowmein were our favorites. Just be sure to get extra of the garlic naan – we were fighting over it.
Winter Park Dining: Idlewild and Tabernash Tavern
A farm-to-table experience, Idlewild offers small-batch, premium, new-age spirits and a seasonal small-plate menu that features locally-sourced ingredients. They use Colorado-grown grains exclusively in all their spirits.
The warm, intimate ambience at Idlewild is exceptional. Grab a seat at the bar or in a cozy corner by the fire.
Start with a tasting or a spirit flight – the coffee liqueur and the hibiscus gin were our favorites! Then sample a few small plates. We loved the bruschetta, the gnocchi with vodka sauce, the mushroom and onion tartlet, and the golden rum cake for dessert.
About 10 miles north of Winter Park is Tabernash Tavern, an upscale, casual dinner experience where we celebrated my birthday! They serve an eclectic mix of international favorites – including organic, cage-free, free-range, and all-natural ingredient dishes.
From steak to seafood to salads, the food is outstanding. The wine list is impressive, as is the cocktail menu. This raspberry limoncello prosecco was perfection.
We enjoyed a fantastic charcuterie board for an appetizer, tender, perfectly cooked Wagyu steaks for dinner, and a delectable carrot cake for dessert. The rustic atmosphere is 100% mountain town dining vibes.
Casual Eateries in Winter Park
While there are several good Winter Park restaurants, some of the small, specialty spots are where the Winter Park food scene really shines.
Fraser Valley Hot Dog
Fraser Valley Hot Dog is a MUST when you are visiting Winter Park. It’s a tiny spot with a couple tables inside and several picnic tables outside. Service is pretty speedy, but you’ll almost always find a line, so be prepared to be patient.
Hot dogs are obviously the specialty here, and you can get them any which way you want – with chili, pickles, bacon, jalapeno, kraut, relish, raw or carmelized onions, cheddar or blue cheese, and more. They also serve unique bratwursts (elk, bison, boar, pheasant, and polish), delicious burgers, and fries.
Chili Hut at Winter Park Resort
If you’re looking for a warm, filling, on-mountain lunch, don’t miss the Chili Hut at the top of the Wild Spur lift. The white chicken chili was incredible and the views can’t be beat!
Related: Tips and Secrets to Ski Winter Park, CO
Smokehouse BBQ
If you’re in the mood for barbecue, Smokehouse BBQ is the place to go. This restaurant serves up all the classic dishes, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. The portions are generous, so come hungry!
When looking for the best places to eat in Winter Park, you’ll find all kinds of cuisine. Skip the pizza and the breweries and check out my favorite restaurants on your next visit to this beautiful Colorado town.
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