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The Dillon Amphitheater nudges the shores of pristine freshwater Dillon Reservoir, a summer sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding paradise surrounded by white-capped Tenmile Range. Since its $9.7 million revamp in 2018, the quiet community bandshell tucked between Keystone and Silverthorne has become a highly sought summer stomping ground for music lovers, welcoming up to 3,500 guests in its original bowl and newly sloped lawn.
The attractive venue draws national acts and sells out hot-ticket bands on the touring road to Red Rocks, with this summer’s calendar including acts like Jason Isbell, String Cheese Incident, and Greensky Bluegrass. With more visitors, the once sleepy condo community is also growing into its own as a concertgoer’s dining and summertime patio destination.
Grab a beer and a pre-show bite with your concert crew, then keep the night going afterwards at these locally coveted Dillon eateries.
Pre-Show Parties
Vue Rooftop
Cushy seating with countywide views is the draw at this Dillon newcomer inside the Homewood Suites Hotel. Just a few easy blocks from the amphitheater, take the hotel’s parking garage elevator up to the fourth floor and request a fireside seat on the outdoor patio. Order from the shareables menu and nosh on mint ranch lamb riblets ($17) and Thai coconut-crusted shrimp ($17) before you saunter down the hill to the show. 122 Lake Dillon Drive
Bistro North
The fancy, yet approachable Bistro North is best for pre-show martinis and gourmet apps. Treat yourself during its daily 2 to 5 p.m. happy hour and soak up Lake Dillon views with two-for-one cocktails and shared plates. Nibble on honey and cashew brie ($16) and lobster cakes with garlic aïoli ($20) with your expertly shaken pear-ginger-mint Breckenridge Vodka martini ($13). 270 Dillon Ridge Road
Chimayo
Coastal Mexican fish tacos are the magnetic buzz at this small counter-service Dillon shopping plaza eatery. Summit County regulars flock to the locally owned scratch kitchen for the hand-breaded, lightly fried Baja fish tacos ($11 for a hefty order of three). Top them however you like—we recommend the Chimayo chipotle pepper sauce—and dance out the door happily full and ready for the night. 324 Dillon Ridge Road
Red Mountain Grill
If you’re seeking a humming happy hour scene and deals on food and drinks, this tried-and-true staple is your spot. Nab half-off draft beers, house wine, and margaritas, as well as cheap chicken wings, pizza, and tacos on weekdays, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. The casual menu matches the contemporary Southwestern lodge ambiance with a dash of Italian stone oven flair. Don’t miss the homemade roasted green chile queso ($10) and the flame-licked rustic margherita pizza ($17). 703 E. Anemone Trail
Post-Concert Destinations
Dillon Dam Brewery
The largest brewpub in the Colorado Rockies, the Dam is a beer buff’s haven with 20 craft lagers and ales on tap. Ask about seasonal summer brews or sip the flagship Sweet George’s Brown creamy English ale while you work your way through the humongous menu. The original Dam burger ($17) is a solid after-show refuel pick with melted cheddar and smoked bacon. 100 Little Dam St.
Pug Ryan’s
Named after a Colorado outlaw from the late 1800s, Pug Ryan’s is a stone’s toss from the Dillon Amphitheater and famous for its pub classics and award-winning craft beer. Sip on an Outlaw Vanilla Stout ($7) while recounting concert highlights over beer-battered cod, slaw, and house-cut fries ($20). 104 Village Place
Arapahoe Café
Follow locals to the A-Café’s Pub Down Under (the family-owned restaurant’s rowdier underground sister) for an after-party scene a block from the concert venue. Shoot some pool, sip rotating seasonal brews from nearby Angry James, and nosh on gravy-doused tater tot poutine ($14) or house-smoked Carolina pulled pork barbecue nachos ($16). 626 Lake Dillon Drive
Tacos Tequila Bar & Grill
Keep the party going with ice-cold cervezas and piña coladas at this unassuming pearl. Satisfy nighttime cravings with traditional fajita and smothered burrito plates or branch out and order the tampiqueña ($22) grilled steak topped with caramelized onions and roasted jalapeño. Trek downstairs to Elevation Bowl and roll late-night spares and strikes. 135 Main St.
