Main Street, Frisco, which is situated within a 30-mile radius of four ski resorts, stands as a glowing beacon during the high country’s snow-loaded winter months. The community’s welcoming come-on-in vibe beckons skiers, snowshoers, travelers, and other I-70 passersby to walk its twinkling streets and, when the elusive winter sun dives behind Peak One, shake off the chill at these locally owned havens.

5th Avenue Grill

Follow the afternoon rush of locals towards this hometown favorite (happy hour runs daily from 3 to 5 p.m.) and belly up to the polished wood railing. Or snag a prime people-watching window seat and indulge in some of the best pre-dinner deals around. Treat yourself to martinis made with Breckenridge Distillery vodka or gin, Moscow mules, and glasses of wine, all under $10. Must-order snacks include the lemony chargrilled Brussels sprouts, a duo of signature Baja cod tacos dressed in Cotija crumbles and creamy avocado mousse, and flame-kissed sirloin bites with sautéed onions and mushrooms. 423 E. Main St., Frisco

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Ein Prosit

The pork sausage plate at Ein Prosit. Photo courtesy of Ein Prosit

Wrap yourself in warm German hospitality and make new friends while singing along to local talent at this Bavarian tavern’s shared community tables. Ein Prosit, located in the Emporium, is a buzzy beer hall featuring walk-up counter service and a long meaty menu. Try the traditional Oktober beer brat, veal bratwurst, or the exotic wild boar sausage with apricots and cranberry. Daring tastebuds gravitate toward the hearty and spicy rattlesnake, pheasant, and jalapeño sausage. Wash your carnivorous combo down with a bigger-than-your-head, salt-flecked Bavarian pretzel and a stein of golden Austrian lager or a dark and malty German dunkel. 313 Main St., Frisco

The Uptown on Main

Owners of the Uptown on Main and longtime Frisco locals, Wayne and Cindy Spaulding pride themselves on dishing up something for everyone. They deliver on that promise with a page-turner menu of dishes like red-chile-spiked deviled eggs, poke nachos, house-made crispy falafel flatbread, and generous helpings of pasta. Sit at the bar and catch the game on one of nine screens or snuggle up next to the fireplace with a hot cocktail. Hankering for an après meal to warm you from the inside? Order the Uptown pot pie and melt into hearty hunks of turkey, plump veggies, and a rich gravy wrapped in buttery pie crust. 304 Main St., Frisco

Kemosabe at Silverheels

The enclosed patio at Kemosabe at Silverheels. Photo courtesy of Kemosabe at Silverheels

When a Colorado steakhouse known for its pepper grilled sirloin and Rocky Mountain trout cohabitates with a full-service sushi grill, you get a wild culinary ride. Kemosabe at Silverheels’ log cabin bar brings an old-timey feel with furry taxidermy perched in the rafters, while the Asian fusion side of the restaurant boasts two granite sushi bars set among posh glass and leather. Pop in for happy hour (4 to 5:30 p.m., daily) and refuel on seared tuna and yellowtail scallion rolls, fried fish tacos, and a stacked house burger with all the fixings. 603 Main St., Frisco

Bagalis

A pizza at Bagalis. Photo courtesy of Bagalis

Timeless Italian cuisine mingles with chef-owner Michal Ulehla’s Czech roots in this sultry dining space complete with a fireplace, dark leather, and one of the county’s largest wine cellars. Settle in for Bagalis’ crave-worthy truffle fries tossed with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano and sea salt, artisan pizzas (the gorgonzola and bacon pie with potato, capers, and Champagne vinaigrette is to die for), and service that feels like family. Bonus: Pizzas and appetizers are two-for-one between 4:30 and 6 p.m. every day. 320 E. Main St., Frisco

Frisco Prime

The blue cheese chips at Frisco Prime. Photo courtesy of Frisco Prime

This converted mountain inn helps winter adventurers thaw out with an attractive log cabin aesthetic dripping in antique light fixtures and radiating with a golden glow from the stone fireplace. Take advantage of the 3 to 5 p.m. Prime Time menu and clink two-for-one martinis and $5 glasses of wine over shared plates of blue cheese chips, sweet Thai chile tempura shrimp, and fork-hugging mac and cheese. Plus, the kitchen, which operates without a microwave or deep fryer, only uses organically grown, preservative- and hormone-free ingredients. 20 Madison Ave., Frisco

Tavern West

Tucked away on the far west end of Main Street under the shadow of Mount Royal, Tavern West is where locals dip away from the ski crowds to savor sophisticated farm-fresh flavors. Sit in the stylish bar area between 4 and 6 p.m. for plates of pork cracklings, rotisserie chicken mac and cheese made with aged Gruyère and white cheddar, and a killer Reuben or Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Swap ski stories over $10 old fashioneds, Manhattans, and margaritas. 311 W. Main St., Frisco 

Lisa Blake
Lisa Blake
Lisa Blake is a freelance writer and children's book author living in Breckenridge. When she's not writing about food and mountain adventures, she can be found on the river with her son, pug and husband.