When looking for the best places to eat and drink in Winter Park, Colorado we knew the small town might not have much. We were very surprised by the options there and had some great food and drinks during our ski trip this past winter.

Ditch on 40

We stumbled into the Ditch on 40 without knowing what it was. Their restaurant is above a ski shop and sometimes has a line. It is worth the wait. This southwest bar has a mix of American and Mexican food, and also serves as a bar. I got their Maria’s Chile Relleno Plate and a house made margarita. Both were delicious, the chile rellenos oozed cheese and I got a side of red sauce that made it extra amazing. I was tempted to go back here before we left! My husband got a burger that was perfectly cooked and delicious as well. Lots of local brews are on tap here!

Idlewild Spirits Brewpub

This may have been my favorite spot in Winter Park. This brewpub distills their own spirits; rum, bourbon, gin and vodka. We went in with plans of sampling some liquors and stayed for cocktails and dinner.

They have great prices on their samples, you can pick out any spirit to sample at a small price of $1-3. We choose a flight of 6 different rums, bourbons and gins.

We then took advantage of their happy hour to order a few small plates and a cocktail. Their happy hour had great prices, and definitely order a Mule! I got a gin mule and it was one of the best I have ever had. They even make their own ginger beer in house! I keep dreaming of this simple cocktail!

Hernando’s Pizza Pub

On our last day in Winter Park we ordered pizza to go from Hernando’s. We took it back with some local brews and ate while we packed. This place was crowded to dine in so pick up was a good choice. There was a reason why this was so packed, it was delicious. We got the twisted crust which was a prefect balance of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect cheesy goodness after a cold and tiring day of skiing!

Hideaway Park Brewery

Of all the breweries that we visited in Colorado Hideaway Park Brewery was my favorite. Its a small space right along the main road that runs through Winter Park’s town. Order a pint or get a flight! We did both! They had about 10 beers on tap when we visited. Go early! We went as soon as we got off the slopes and was able to get a seat, soon after it filled up with visitors very quickly.

Fraser Valley Hot Dog

We had Fraser Valley Hot Dog on our list to try while we visited, after seeing someone snacking on a hot dog in the Hideaway Park Brewery we confirmed we needed to try it, right then! Fraser Valley is right next to the brewery. It has a small place with not too many seats, just one counter with some stools.

A local filled us in on the fact that you can order and let them know you will be in the brewery until your order is ready. We thought that was a great idea. I ordered two chicago dogs and they gave me a walkie talkie. They buzzed the walkie talkie when our order was ready. So easy.

We wanted to order a second round of dogs and maybe some fries but unfortunately they ran out before we got our order in. Do pay attention to their hours, they close early or whenever they seem to run out of hot dogs.

Caffe Giocondo

Out hotel at Vazquel Creek Inn was in the same building as Caffe Giocondo. They gave us meal voucher everyday to order in their cafe. But each day there were plenty of people coming in to get a meal before hitting the slopes. At first glance their breakfast menu seemed pricey but their portions were huge! Perfect to fill up the belly before a long day of skiing. I highly recommend their pancakes, so fluffy and good, and the bourbon maple syrup makes the dish. We had this dish 3 times while we stayed in the hotel. I also loved their croissant breakfast sandwich. They serve adult beverages and have a lunch menu as well. We never got to enjoy lunch there as we were out exploring during that time.

Volario’s

Volario’s is Vazquel Creek Inn’s evening restaurant. When we checked in we saw that a Colorado whiskey flight was on their Wednesday- Sunday Happy Hour menu. Their happy hour runs on those days from 3-5:00 pm. During this time you can only order food and drinks from their happy hour menu. You have to wait until 5:00 pm until you are able to order off their full dining menu. We got the Colorado whiskey flight and garlic knots. All very good!

SmokeHouse BBQ

We checked out SmokeHouse BBQ due to their high ratings a good smells as we passed it on our walk to pick up groceries. Again an early dinner right after closing of the slopes always seems to pay off. We went after returning our ski gear to the hotel, and by the time we were finished with dinner there was a line out the door.

This was some good BBQ though! I got pulled pork platter and my husband got the brisket. Both were very good. The tables had 5 different types of BBQ sauce. I mixed a few together to make a spicy carolina sweet sauce. They also have happy hour prices and local beers on tap.

Rudi’s Deli

After a few hot dogs as Fraser Valley we were looking for something small before heading in. Rudi’s Deli not only has great prices for a ski resort town but their sandwiches and soups are delicious.

The Peak Bistro and Brewery

The Peak not only serves American grub but also has a in house brewery. Their menu has everything from burgers, tacos, wings and more. We shared the fried pickles and each got a burger. Mine was loaded with goat cheese, who is every going to complain about that? And of course while you are there sample their beers. They have a daily happy hour from 2-6:00 pm.

Waffle Cabin

If on the slopes or even visiting Winter Park’s Resort Waffle Cabin is a must. This is a chain that is often found around many ski resorts. But do yourself a favor and slide off the slopes into a Waffle Cabin for a mid day sugar rush.