On-Mountain Dining at Vail, Colorado

Dining and Nightlife

Whether looking for a quick bite on the mountain, a night on the town or a place to entertain the younger generation, Vail caters to anyone's palate and budget with 73 restaurants and 16 bars.

On-Mountain Dining
There are more than 15 restaurants to choose from on Vail Mountain. With so many options, everyone in the family will have a favorite place to eat.

Two Elk Restaurant^TM
Vail Mountain's flagship restaurant featuring Southwestern menu items including wraps, gourmet pizza, pasta and more.
Location: Top of China Bowl.
Other: Open for lunch only. Expanded outdoor picnic seating also available. 

Wildwood Smokehouse^TM
Rustic indoor/outdoor barbecue specializing in smoked chicken, soups and grilled sandwiches.
Location: Top of Wildwood Express and Game Creek Express.
Other: Spectacular views of the Sawatch Range. 

Golden Peak Grill^TM
A food marketplace famous for its pizza.
Location: Golden Peak base lodge.

Eagle's Nest^TM
Blue Moon Restaurant & Bar^TM
A full-service bar, serving lunch and dinner. 
 
The Marketplace^TM
Serving early morning continental breakfast. 
Vast lunch menu offering soups, stews, grilled sandwiches and extensive salad bar.

Bailey's Place^TM
Serves many hot drinks and specialty coffee drinks.

Mid-Vail^TM
Mid-Vail Food Courts
•Featuring a New York-style deli, fajita bar, grill and pasta bar on the Terrace Level. 
•Includes an American diner and the Gore Range Grill on the Look Ma level, with spectacular views of the Gore Range. 
•Great Lunch for less option with pasta, salad and drink for less than $8.

Chaos Canyon Kids' Café^TM
•For kids of all ages, featuring a menu with kids in mind.
•Designed with smaller tables and chairs

For more information on Vail's on-mountain restaurants, call The Activities Desk, (970)476-9090

Dining Off the Mountain

Game Creek®
•Vail's finest on-mountain restaurant.
•Guests are treated to a multi-course menu of Colorado regional cuisine.
Chef: David Wiehler.
Location: Overlooking Game Creek Bowl at the top of Vail Mountain. Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola to the top for a snowcat ride to the restaurant.
Open: Private club at lunch and open to the public for dinner.
Reservations: (970)479-4275

The Wildflower®
•Only Mobile four-star rated restaurant in Vail.
•Voted No. 1 restaurant in Vail by the 2001 Zagat Survey. 
•Boasts one of the best wine lists in Vail.
Chef: Thomas W. Gay.
Location: Lodge at Vail in Vail Village.
Reservations: (970)476-5011

Cucina Rustica®•Offers sumptuous breakfasts and skiers' lunch buffets. 
•Slope-side access for quick dining breaks. 
•Transforms into an authentic Tuscun grill for dinner.
Chef: Thomas Gay.
Location: Lodge at Vail in Vail Village.
Reservations: (970)476-5011

Sweet Basil
•Established in 1977 and is renowned as one of Vail's finest restaurants. 
•The wine list continually receives the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine.
•Features imaginative American entrees with Mediterranean and Asian influences.
Chef: Bruce Yim.
Location: 193 Gore Creek Drive in the heart of Vail Village.
Reservations: (970)476-0125

Larkspur^TM
•Features American cuisine with rustic French influence.
•Located at the base of Golden Peak, skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of great lunch options.
•Listed as a "Don't Miss while in Vail" in USA Today.
Chef: Thomas Salamunovich.
Location: Golden Peak Lodge, 458 Vail Valley Dr.
Reservations: (970)479-8050 or www.larkspurvail.com

Chap's Grill and Chophouse
•Colorado's only AAA Four-Diamond chophouse in Vail.
•Offering Colorado lamb and game entrees.
Chef: Matt Zubrod.
Location: Vail Cascade Resort & Spa.
Reservations: (800)420-2424

Campo de Fiori
•One of Vail's top Italian restaurants featuring a diverse menu.
•Hand-painted walls and ceilings create true Tuscun feeling.
Location: Crossroads between Vail Village and LionsHead
Reservations: (970)476-8994

Other Dining Suggestions

Alternatives

• Billy's Island Grill, (970) 476-8811
• Swiss Chalet, (970)476-5656
• Terra Bistro, (970)476-6836
• Montauk Seafood Grill, (970)476-2601

For the Family

• Pazzo's Pizza serves breakfast lunch and dinner and has a festive atmosphere. (970) 476-9026
• The Red Lion offers something for every member of the family with a children's menu, great beer selection and live entertainment. (970)476-7676
• Bully Ranch is a local's favorite serving true Colorado Western and barbecue, featuring everything from hand cut prime beef to veggie wraps. (970)476-5656

Less Than $20

• Bart & Yeti's in LionsHead offers a variety of burger and sandwich options from $5 to $10. (970)476-2754
• Vendetta's in Vail Village features pizza by the slice for less than $5 in the bar. (970)476-5070
• Flying Burrito in LionsHead serves tasty burritos for less than $6. They're a meal in themselves. (970)479-6356

Before You Hit the Slopes

• The Daily Grind serves up great coffee and specialty drinks. Vail Village. (970)476-5856
• DJ's satisfies any breakfast craving, featuring everything from omelets to French toast. LionsHead. (970)476-2336
• Covered Bridge Coffee is a great place to kick back  for a fresh brewed cup of coffee  before heading to the Vista Bahn. Vail Village. (970)479-2883

After the Lifts Close

Vail, Colorado comes to life after the mountain closes. Check out the aprés-ski scene in Vail Village featuring live music, good food and a great atmosphere. Grab a beer, hit the deck and watch everyone come down the hill at the end of the day. Or, do a little barhopping to all the late night hot spots.

• Garfinkel's in LionsHead sports a large outside deck overlooking the base area. Features live acoustic music.  (970)476-3789
• The Bridge, located by the covered bridge on Bridge Street, is one of Vail's newest clubs. It comes to life late night, featuring DJs and live music. (970)476-3433.
• The Tap Room at the top of Bridge Street is the place to try one of several types of martinis. (970)479-0500
• Sanctuary in Vail Village above the Tap Room, boosts Vail best sound system and dance floor. (970)479-0500
• The Club in Vail Village continues to roll after aprés ski with one of Vail's most popular live, interactive, acoustic music shows. (970)479-0556
• The Red Lion in Vail Village has earned the reputation as "the place to be after you ski." Get there early on a nice day to claim a prize spot on the front deck. Live music nightly where recording artist Edwin McCain has been known to take the stage. (970)476-7676
• Los Amigos in Vail Village offers one of the best views of the base area - guests sit on the outside deck and watch skiers and snowboarders make their final runs down Pepi's Face. (970)476-5847