With most of the buildings in Silverton Colorado boarded up for the winter, dining and drinking options are very limited.

Silverton Restaurants

The Pickle Barrel (1304 Greene Street) is the best spot for lunch or dinner (only open until 8:30pm). The building is historic like everywhere else in town, and the ambience is very cozy and welcoming. A range of hearty meals are on offer including prime rib, steaks and burgers. The serves are large and if you’ve really worked up an appetite tramping up the mountains at Silverton, just order three courses because the food is so cheap. The drinks also go for a song. The wines by the glass are just OK, but they have other drinks such as beers and Keylime margaritas that are absolutely yummy (and potent)!

The Eureka Station Restaurant (1225 Blair Street) is good for lunch and dinner. The speciality is a Cornish pasty but there are plenty of other options for more traditional American fare.

Brown Bear Café is another option (1129 Greene Street) for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Bars & Nightlife

Après at Silverton Mountain is particularly merry. It’s a shame that après doesn’t come with a view, but it’s very enjoyable nonetheless. Sitting in a completely no frills tent on old car seats is a fantastic equaliser, and all and sundry can’t help but bond. Everyone sits around the pot belly stove coughing with a wetness typical of altitude sickness, and tells stories of the legendary skiing experiences of the day. Beverage options are limited to beer but no one has any expectations for cocktails.

There is a tiny bit of nightlife in Silverton but it’s not too vivacious as only the hard-core (and those incredibly acclimatised to the altitude) can hike and ski at Silverton with a hang-over. And considering the town is at an elevation of 9,318 feet (2,840 metres) sea-level dwellers will feel more than tipsy after a few drinks.

There are a couple of Silverton breweries where you can sample some of the local brews.