Vail Food & Drink: Top 5 Spots You Gotta Try

So, you are headed to Vail, huh? Get ready! Like, it’s not just about the slopes. This mountain town actually holds a ton of great food and drinks. This ain’t just your typical ski resort grub either. We are talking spots that’ll make your taste buds sing. That’s right! Forget basic. Think incredible mountain views alongside delicious dishes, that too with crafted cocktails that could become an evening on their own. We took it upon ourselves to taste-test (someone had to do it!) and put together a guide of the top spots you just can’t skip when visiting. You might be thinking about planning a whole trip to get the best dining experience Vail has to offer.

1. Alpenrose Restaurant: A Taste of Bavaria in the Rockies

If you want a slice of Europe without crossing the pond, then, in a way, Alpenrose is where it’s at. Alpenrose isn’t just a restaurant; in fact, it is really a trip to Bavaria placed right in the center of Vail Village. That includes warm, inviting interiors, folks dressed in traditional attire, plus the smell of hearty German food practically grabs you as soon as you walk in the door. You almost want to settle at one of those outdoor tables if the sun’s out because, trust me, you could feel like you are in the Alps with how the mountain air feels on your skin. Is it the most popular German restaurant or the best spot for an amazing German Cuisine? Arriving famished is always something, just a bit before 6 pm, is also good so you can easily see yourself scarfing down that sausage platter, pretzel and cheese soup. Wash it all down with their draft German beer and then just lean back, because the live music creates some sort of good time, really.

2. The 10th: On-Mountain Dining with a View

Have you ever had lunch with such a view that stops you right in your tracks? I guess you have. I might have too! That, you know, is what you can expect at The 10th. I guess if you are asking, it’s sitting pretty at the top of Gondola One, so I guess you do need to ski in (or take the gondola) just to get there, yet you soon learn that it’s worth it. First, the building. With huge windows. It feels luxurious and so, very much warm on a chilly day. I feel like everyone tries the truffle fries (it’s almost a must), and so it is paired with a steaming bowl of French onion soup. Do not feel like you should miss out, very good too are the hearty entrees! Things like the Colorado rack of lamb are also in some way going to hit the spot, basically fueling you up to keep out on those slopes. Are you looking for the best spot to spend a romantic moment at the summit or just some good, old quality food from a romantic place to dine? Anyway the place makes memories so make the visit.

3. Bully Ranch Restaurant: Southwestern Flavors Meet Vail

Alright, so ready to trade in the traditional ski food for something different? This might be the place! Bully Ranch does things just a little different, and it mixes in some southwestern flavors in the mix. The setting gets a bit cozy, is that it gives this like old-school saloon vibe. Which is super cool, isn’t it? Now the menu! Enchiladas? Yes! Fajitas? You got them! So too it is if you’re feeling adventurous, and the chili rellenos is a sure thing too. Like your meal with a Margarita to top things off (it is, arguably, part of the southwestern experience, just saying’). Live music some nights in a way, just add to the atmosphere there. Bully Ranch really manages to feel just, as it would be, right in the middle of Santa Fe, not stuck somewhere between chairlifts and ski shops in Vail, you know. This is basically one reason unique restaurants like Bully Ranch, sets them aside in a foodie landscape.

4. El Segundo: Tacos and Tequila by the Gore Creek

El Segundo isn’t just about tacos, yet it’s got one hell of a backdrop, if that’s your sort of thing, right on Gore Creek. So if it’s a thing, imagine! Is there a good view there. Think vibrant decor with some delicious aromas coming from the kitchen – these are like promises of seriously flavorful food. The margaritas here are worth raving about. You can almost feel some creative twists like spicy mango, a very blood orange. When it gets right down to the tacos, I’d always suggest going for their fish tacos (you will very much be grateful). So too it’s you can actually get all that in a chill, lively environment; because that is something I like at least! Does El Segundo capture that relaxed spirit. Is that an exceptional view or a tasty drink you want while also enjoying the vibe, this place has you basically thinking, “Okay! That works for me”. With some friends or colleagues it’s definitely more worthy especially for the beautiful lunch vibe, is that not just the most beautiful thing you would think of for having the time of your life.

5. Root & Flower: Wine, Bites, and Good Times

For all of you oenophiles and wine lovers, just so you know there’s that thing called a wine bar. Not just that! Is it a really amazing one: Root & Flower. Basically, imagine shelves stocked up with lots of wines and dim lighting. A relaxing hideaway far, just so you get to relax after a day’s worth of adventures. As a matter of fact, they have something on their menu. Basically that thing is just something you just nibble away when having a glass. Meat and cheese? Of course! Tiny burgers? Why not, right? But their best option: tasting flights! And you taste all their varieties to, you know, widen the perspective! The staff? Well, in some respects they know about wine (or so it seems to me)! It is the perfect experience; so they help you pick just a little thing for your palate, that you very will enjoy; and it’s all super informative and insightful to enjoy a great service or the amazing wines a restaurant such as Root & Flower, has is the very core to that very spirit. Did you enjoy every wine experience in a fantastic and relaxing ambiance. To fully savor the wine bar spirit you need to dive into places such as the one mentioned earlier in our conversation!