JJ's Rocky Mountain Tavern (968-2318; $–$$) in East Village's Copper Station day lodge, is named after J.J. Brown, husband of the Titanic's "Unsinkable" Molly Brown, a Colorado legend. It's reminiscent of an 1800s tavern and serves casual American fare; lunch, dinner and bar menus are available. If it's a nice day, sit on the deck at McGillycuddy's (968 1000; $–$$), where you'll chow on authentic Irish food and beverages while overlooking West Lake in the Village at Copper.

Popular for families staying in the Village is Alpinista Mountain Bistro (968-1144; $$) serving three squares a day of hearty bistro meals. Happy hour specials, a kids' menu, microbrews, wine-by-the-glass and a great patio make it perfect for every age and stage.

In the Foxpine Inn, the Double Diamond Bar and Grill (968-2880; $–$$) serves up the best burgers and soup around and does a great job with pasta and its specialty, Colorado beef. A tip: Owner Dave Luthi hosts Friday Night Fish Fries all year long for only $5.95. He may even offer to take you for a personal ride on his snowmobile, so stay strong. The place is usually jumping on Fridays.

In The Village at Copper, Endo's Adrenaline Cafe ($) in the Mountain Plaza building enjoys a strong following for great salads, burgers and fries. Jack's Slopeside Grill ($) at Copper One Lodge, is a market-style eatery serving a wide variety of food, including a deli, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Camp Hale Coffee ($) is there when you need it, serving bean brews and pastries at wake-up call and throughout the day. Try Salsa Mountain Cantina ($) for Mexican and Imperial Palace (968-6688; $–$$) for Taiwanese and Szechwan Chinese. One local who used to live in Asia raves about the authentic deep-fried chicken wings and the great service at this family-owned eatery. At Creekside Pizza (968-2033; $) hand-tossed pizza is the specialty, but you can also get sandwiches and pasta dishes.

Dinner sleigh rides (968-2232; $$$$, reservations required) make a memorable event. A horse-drawn sleigh takes diners through the woods to a heated miner's tent for live entertainment and a gourmet meal. Cost is $73 for adults, $45 for children aged 4-12.

There's also an excellent selection of restaurants ranging from gourmet to fast food in surrounding Summit County.

Dining Legend: $$$$–Entrees $30+; $$$–$20–$30; $$–$10–$20; $–less than $10