There is no better way to start an adventure than fueling up with a genuinely good breakfast. Our little slice of mountain paradise has a vibrant restaurant culture, which means you never have to settle for a sad continental spread while you are here.
Getting breakfast or brunch in Steamboat is a particular treat because there are so many good options. Here are eleven of our favorites, with current hours, addresses, and phone numbers, so you can pick fast and get on with your day or get up the mountain for first chair.
Local's Tip: Steamboat runs on seasonal hours and several of these extend once the resort opens on November 21. Call ahead if you are building a plan around one.
1. Winona's Restaurant and Bakery
617 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 879-2483
Hours: Daily, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Literal heaven. Winona's is Steamboat's favorite for classic breakfast fare. Try one of their world-famous cinnamon rolls (they are fork-and-knife huge) or one of the Benedict options, but be prepared to wait. This small locally owned business regularly has a line out the door.
Small but mighty, with every dish fresh and creatively made, a rotating bakery and pastry display by the register, and a full espresso bar. Seating inside is limited, but there is a large outdoor area in front that is perfect on sunny days, plus a few pet friendly tables on the side.
Order this: specialty omelettes, huevos rancheros, or a breakfast burrito. For lunch, the hoagies, Philly cheesesteaks, and the award-winning apple pie and carrot cake.
2. Freshies Restaurant
145 Trafalger Dr, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 879-8099
Hours: Monday to Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Website: freshies.restaurant
Serving fresh and easy fare, Freshies is a local go-to for breakfast and lunch. Affordable, family friendly, and conveniently located between town and the mountain, with a sunny patio, a firepit for cooler days, plenty of parking, and a full bar.
Note: Freshies has relocated from its old South Lincoln Avenue address. Update your GPS.
Order this: the acai bowls, or a half sandwich and salad combo if you want lunch instead.
3. Creekside Café & Grill
131 11th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 879-4925
Hours: Daily, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Website: rexsfamily.com/creekside
Downtown in the historic Soda Creek building. The patio beside the creek is serene in summer and the inside is warm and cozy in winter. Locally famous for Eggs Benedict and a serious Bloody Mary list, with vegetarian and vegan options and locally sourced ingredients throughout.
Small, bright, and full of green plants, which makes it a lovely breakfast date. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends, when the line genuinely goes out the door.
Order this: branch out. The Bacon Fried Rice and the Breakfast Burrito are the two most popular items, and the pancakes have a devoted following.
4. The Paramount
1865 Ski Time Square Drive, Torian Plum Plaza, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 879-1170
Hours: Daily, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Website: theparamountcolorado.com
With slope access and genuinely excellent food, this is the pick when you are dining mountainside. The Paramount serves eclectic breakfast, lunch, and apres at the base of the mountain in Torian Plum Plaza, with everything made from scratch. The bar does espresso, beer, wine, and specialty drinks built on house-infused liquors and fresh juices.
Order this: the breakfast burrito or breakfast sandwich. Both will hold you until mid-afternoon.
5. Johnny B Good's Diner
738 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 870-8400
Hours: Daily, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Website: johnnybgoodsdiner.com
A blast from the past, serving classic diner food downtown. Retro decor down to the banquette booths, old-timey milkshakes, and retro lighting. A community staple for over 30 years, and Colorado officially gave Johnny B Good's its own day, which tells you something.
Order this: the French toast, where the bread has a crispy exterior so it never goes soggy. Over 21? Try a boozy old-fashioned milkshake. Save room for the pie and ice cream.
Bonus: open until 8:00 p.m., so it works for dinner with kids too.
6. Yampa Valley Kitchen
207 9th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 875-3989
Hours: Daily, 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Website: yampavalleykitchen.com
Tall bright white walls, tropical plants, skylights, fresh flowers, and art throughout. YVK, as locals call it, is a place you could easily spend two hours over breakfast with a friend or working remotely. A staple for elevated healthy dining, sourcing produce and meats from Colorado ranches wherever possible, with plenty of gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Order this: the huevos rancheros, which is large enough for two. The bread service is excellent.
7. The Egg
325 Anglers Dr, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 871-4633
Hours: Daily, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
One of the most consistently well-reviewed breakfast rooms in town and a genuine family favorite. They bring a full pot of coffee to the table and hot maple syrup for the pancakes, which are two small details that tell you how this place operates.
Big menu spanning classic American breakfast and Latin-influenced dishes, with several Benedict options and a proper bakery case. Portions run generous.
Order this: the pork green chili chicken dish, any of the Benedicts, or the Sleeping Giant if someone in your group is genuinely hungry. The lattes are better than they need to be.
8. Colorado Bagel
Sandwich Shop: 1815 Central Park Dr, (970) 870-9657, daily 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Market & Deli: 2851 Riverside Plaza #230, (970) 367-9398, Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Website: coloradobagel.com
Do not be fooled by the humble storefront next to City Market. Homemade bagels and cream cheese, friendly service, and the perfect place to grab food for your entire crew on the way to an adventure.
There are now two locations. The original Central Park Drive shop is closest to the mountain, and the newer Riverside Plaza market has a proper retail grocery section alongside the deli, plus longer weekday hours and a more relaxed room to sit in.
Order this: the salmon Philly bagel, or a bacon egg and cheese on an everything bagel. Ordering ahead lets you skip the line, which on a Saturday morning is real.
9. Smell That Bread Bakery
135 11th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 761-2692
Hours: Monday and Thursday to Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Website: smellthatbreadbakery.com
Tucked into the cutest little storefront on 11th Street beside the creek, with a wonderful group of bakers producing rustic bread and classic pastries. Cozy inside, lovely outdoor area, everything made in house, and there is even a dog treat menu.
Order this: the almond croissant, which people compare favorably to ones they have had in France. The kouign amann, the cinnamon bun, and the monkey bread are all excellent too.
Heads up: the closure Tuesday and Wednesday catches visitors out constantly, and the best pastries sell out fast. Go early.
10. The Shack Café
740 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 879-9975
Hours: Monday to Friday 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Serving traditional breakfast to locals and guests for more than 50 years. Pull up a tufted barstool and settle into the rustic mountain diner feel. There is a walk-up coffee counter if you just want a coffee to go or quick takeout.
The real advantage: they open at 6:00 a.m. That is the earliest on this list by a wide margin, which makes The Shack the correct answer on a powder morning when you want a full breakfast and still intend to make first chair.
Order this: corned beef hash, and add a side of biscuits and gravy. The coffee never drops below half full.
11. Powder Day Donuts & More
941 Lincoln Ave #100A, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 761-2023
Hours: Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Website: powderdaydonut.com
"A sweet spot for snow nuts." A donut and coffee shop in the heart of downtown, famous for zany flavor combinations and boundless bacon options, with everything prepared in house.
Big news: new ownership has expanded the menu well beyond donuts. The owners came from the Steamboat Latin Food Truck and now serve Venezuelan food alongside the donuts, including empanadas, homemade churros, and fresh soursop and tamarind juices. Hours have also expanded considerably, so the old "get here before noon or miss out" rule no longer applies.
Order this: the white chocolate snickers or churro donut, then add a chicken empanada. Yes, together. Do not overthink it.
Breakfast Strategy for a Ski Day
- Making first chair? The Shack opens at 6:00 a.m., Powder Day Donuts at 6:00 a.m., and Winona's, Creekside, Freshies, Colorado Bagel, and Smell That Bread all at 7:00 a.m.
- Grab and go. Colorado Bagel, Powder Day, Smell That Bread, and The Paramount are your fastest options. Order ahead where you can.
- Sit down properly. Winona's, Creekside, The Egg, and Johnny B Good's. Expect a wait at the first two on weekends.
- Reserve where you can. Creekside takes reservations and you should use them, especially during Christmas week, Presidents' Day weekend, and WinterWonderGrass.
- Or just eat in. Every property we manage has a full kitchen. Coffee at 6:45, boots on by 8:00, no queue.
Where To Stay
After a day of culinary fun, there is nothing better than coming back to a real home. All our properties are set up with your comfort in mind, from deluxe linens to a proper seating area to views of the Yampa Valley just outside.
- Downtown Steamboat rentals, walkable to most of this list
- Ski-in ski-out lodging, closest to The Paramount and first chair
- Private homes and townhomes for groups
- Pet friendly rentals, handy if you are eyeing Winona's dog friendly patio
Check our current lodging deals, then book your stay with us today.
Contact Steamboat Lodging Company
Phone: 970-457-4785
Email: Contact us here
Office: 1169 Hilltop Parkway, #101A, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
More Steamboat Planning Resources
- Top 15 Restaurants in Steamboat Springs
- Childcare and Babysitting Options in Steamboat
- Steamboat Winter Event Calendar '26/27
- Packing For Your Steamboat Ski Vacation
Hours, addresses, and phone numbers verified as of publication and subject to change. Steamboat restaurants adjust hours seasonally and several extend once the ski resort opens. Please call ahead to confirm.