The Laundry is both charming and rustic-chic with an intimate evening appeal for happy-hour drinkers and those in search of the ultimate night cap. Not only are the cocktails strong, but the small bites are worth ordering. Fun fact: The space was in fact Steamboat Laundry from 1910-1970.

Like any popular breakfast joint, Creekside usually has a wait, but it’s worth it. The space is small, cozy, and generally packed with a happy morning crowd. Early risers should grab a window seat and enjoy any of the 13 eggs Benedict that the menu offers.

The fried chicken at Low is some of the best in Denver and Steamboat, though the cocktails and happy hour prices are just as nice. Here, a warm and rustic interior along with comforting Southern fare is just the right recipe to make any long day seem quite worth it. Note: This restaurant recently moved from its longtime Steamboat home to the site of the former Cloverdale restaurant, which closed last fall.

Just below street-level sits Barley, a craft brew oasis. Thirty taps rotate regularly, and the ambience is that of the local watering hole where board games are played between pint glasses.

It’s not a trip to Steamboat without a quick pit-stop at Salt & Lime. Pitchers of margaritas set the stage for flavor-packed tacos served on rustic boards, such as al pastor with salsa verde and piña fresca, drizzled with a lime crema.

This taco-making snowcat serves lunch Thursdays through Mondays throughout the season at the base of the Sunshine ski lift. While weather permits, find beef barbacoa, elk chorizo, pollo asado, and butternut squash tacos ($5 each) plus a salsa bar and street corn.

The newest restaurant to try in Gondola Square, Timber & Torch replaced Bear River this ski season, serving all-day food and drinks across two indoor-outdoor bars and a heated patio until midnight. There’s smoked trout avocado toast for breakfast, togarashi fries alongside après ski drinks, and fish and chips (pictured) for dinner.

Après-ski is a must in the mountains. At this Steamboat staple, the beer flows endlessly, and the food menu far exceeds expectations (see Argentine steak empanadas with cilantro chimichurri and creme fraîche). The mountain views also are unbeatable.