VailSki.net
Restaurant Reviews
1-800-395-VAIL
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The local dining scene improves steadily every year. While most of the top spots used to be in Vail village, you can now find excellent options through-out the Valley. Most operate year-round, but some close seasonally or one day during the week, so call ahead to check serving times.
Reservations are a must, especially during holiday or high-season visits. Booking a month in advance is not a bad idea, since some restaurants have limited seating times.
Top Choices
Sweet Basil $$$ Vail Village 476-0125 Contemporary California dishes with imaginative Asian influences. Open lunch/dinner.
Pepi's $$$ Vail Village Gasthof Gramshammer's 476-5626 Authentic Bavarian fare and atmosphere featuring choice wild game. A perennial dinner favorite and popular lunch spot. Après-ski entertainment.
Larkspur $$$ Vail Village Golden Peak Lodge (by chair 6) 476-8050 New York Brasserie with French overtones. Chef and owner from Wolfgang Puck's talent pool Also bar menu and gourmet market take-out. Lunch and dinner.
Blu's $$ Vail Village 476-3113 Casual eclectic American cuisine. Lunch and dinner.
The Saloon $ Minturn 827-5954 Mexican menu but best choice is the Duck Breast. High energy. Casual. Perfect for families or your large group of friends. No advance reservations, so show up early.
Grouse Mountain grill $$$ Beaver Creek Village Pines Lodge 949-0600 Award-winning experience. Upscale American grill and wine list. Nightly entertainment.
Billy's Island Grill $$ Lionshead Landmark Building 476-8811 A long-term local has reworked the old chart House space and formula offering much improved steaks, fish and salad bar selections.
Blue Moose $$ Lionshead 476-6666 Facing the ice rink in the new Arrabelle Hotel, the Blue Moose is a perfect spot for Apres snacks or informal dinner. Pizza is king, but the menu features many other delicious options. Livley atmosphere. Kids friendly. Reasonably priced.
Vin 48 $$$ Avon 'Boat Building' 748-9463 Extensive wine-bar supported by a creative 'made from scratch' American menu for the adventurous epicurean.
Avondale $$$ Avon 'Westin' 790-6000 The brightest star to shine in the Vail Valley dining arena. Located in the new Westin Resort, this attractively modern hotel bar-lounge and restaurant is the place to dine well. The menu focuses on the freshness and nightly basic specials. Everything is delicious & carefully prepared. The service is uncommonly knowledgeable and professional.
E/Town $$ Edwards-Riverwalk 926-4090 The most popular down valley neighborhood sports bar with an upscale dinner menu.
Satos $$ Edwards 926-7684 Ranks near the top on 'Locals Favorite' list. Comfortably small and atmospheric dining room bordered by fast-paced sushi bar. Plenty of other Asian inspired menu items to make everyone in your party happy.
If you disagree with the recommendations or want to communicate any particularly positive or negative restaurant experiences while in the Vail Valley, please forward them to jan@traveloe.com.