Alfresco at Altitude
Photos by Jack Affleck
Vail Village
Pepi’s
Pepi’s brings true Old World traditions and hospitality to the heart of Vail at its historic “crossroads”: Bridge Street and Gore Creek Drive. Local character is as strong as the sunshine on the spacious deck, where Vail pioneers Pepi Grams-hammer, a former Austrian ski racer, and his effervescent wife, Sheika, keep a vibrant local spirit alive with ample help from their daughters. The Gramshammers draw on their rich Austrian heritage to serve gemischter salatteller, wurst, knödel and strudel that call to mind a crisp summer day in the hills above Innsbruck. 231 E. Gore Creek Drive, 970-476-4671
Sapphire Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Overlooking Gore Creek, the kayak park and the promenade, Sapphire’s expansive deck rates as “beachfront” property in Vail Village. Images of ocean living aren’t difficult to conjure with a menu as enticing as a Sunday at Seattle’s Pike Place Market. One would be remiss to skip at least a few of the fresh oysters on the half shell, paired with a refreshing chardonnay. Same goes for the shrimp and crab claws. Landlubbers can opt for an Angus burger, and little ones can enjoy a brioche grilled cheese, but Sapphire’s is truly about the market selection of seafood. 223 E. Gore Creek Drive #202, 970-476-2828
Up the Creek
Up the Creek allows its well-crafted dishes to speak for themselves. Service is attentive without being obsequious, so everyone feels at home and relaxed as they watch kayakers and anglers make their way along the gold-medal waters of Gore Creek. Nothing on the menu is overly complex; rather, it’s the attention to portions and flavors that makes the tortilla soup, roasted turkey and brie, lobster mac and cheese, and ruby trout among the most popular dishes in town. 223 Gore Creek Drive #10, 970-476-8141
Vendetta’s
Long an iconic local hangout, Vendetta’s comfortable deck offers good food, good service and good value. (A sure sign of this establishment’s lofty status is its decades-long popularity with the Vail Ski Patrol.) The ambience is addictive, the people watching fun and the hearty cuisine fantastic, enhanced by the refreshing Italian herbs that suffuse the extensive menu. 291 Bridge St., 970-476-5070
The Wildflower deck pays homage to its name with the most stunning floral presentations this side of Ford Park’s Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Aspen trees and grassy knolls give the Wildflower a secluded feel in the heart of the village, complementing Wildflower’s colorful, bright atmosphere. Don’t miss the Sunday brunch, at which you can enjoy a plated menu in the fresh air along with the music of Vail’s legendary pianist Mickey Poage. 174 E. Gore Creek Drive, 970-476-5011
Lionshead
Atwater on Gore Creek
The Atwater offers an expansive deck with intimate views of Gore Creek and Vail Mountain as well as the resort’s infinity pool. It also offers a menu of incredible variety, with options to please virtually every mood and appetite. A Mexican flair comes through in the nachos primo—add the lime chicken for a particular treat. The burgers, clubs and salads here are all tasty, but to truly sample the chef’s expertise, try the seared ahi tuna niçoise or chipotle maple glazed salmon. 1300 Westhaven Drive in the Cascade Resort & Spa, 970-479-7014
Mezzaluna
No place in the valley can top Mezzaluna’s location. Perched above the pool at Lion Square Lodge, the spacious deck provides dramatic vistas of Gore Creek and the slopes above, where the snowfields of winter are replaced by wildflower-laced meadows in summer. The atmosphere is festive; the thin-crust, oven-fired pizzas are prized; and the crab cakes and beef carpaccio rival the delectable views.
660 Lionshead Place, 970-477-4410
Tavern on the Square
Located near the base of Lionshead’s Eagle Bahn gondola, Tavern on the Square offers spectacular views and a tavern menu with homestyle favorites such as fish ’n’ chips, meatloaf, and mac and cheese. Order individually or family-style and enjoy an assortment of organic brews and fresh cocktails meant to complement any dish on the menu. The terrace is perfect for relaxing with a stout after a bike ride down Vail Mountain, helmet in hand and backpack slung over the metal-wicker chair.
675 Lionshead Place in The Arrabelle, 866-662-7625
Avon
Avondale
Avondale has been an outdoor affair from the start, instantly capturing a loyal local cadre who return time and again to its spacious deck and signature views of Beaver Creek Village and the slopes above. Among this restaurant’s most popular selections is the mushroom pizza with house-made ricotta and truffle oil. 126 Riverfront Lane in the Westin Resort & Spa, 970-790-5500
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek Chophouse
At first glance, this expansive patio at the base of the Centennial lift seems perfect for an après cocktail. And it is. But before the gang has realized where they are, they’ve fallen in love with one of Beaver Creek Village’s epicurean pillars, for lunch or dinner. Not-to-miss selections include the Tuscan-style grilled chicken sandwich, the ahi tuna burger, the blue crab cakes and the smoked turkey club croissant. 26 Avondale Lane, 970-845-0555
Golden Eagle Inn
Golden Eagle Inn’s cuisine reflects its alpine environment, in particular the elk chili and elk meatloaf, must-tries for those new to the Rockies. Among the many great options at this refined yet family-friendly establishment are salads that have been elevated to a fine art. Flavors aside, the Golden Eagle’s patio may be the best people-watching venue along the resort’s main plaza, and the splendid floral displays themselves merit a visit. 118 Beaver Creek Plaza, 970-949-1940
Hyatt 8100 Mountainside Bar and Grill
It’s a mountain-framed alpine setting, but something about this deck cries out for pairing a glass of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio with one of the many enticing appetizers. The options to go light are plentiful here, leaving lots of energy for that afternoon hike on the nearby trails. Most selections on this diverse and flavorful menu come from nearby food producers; the smoked salmon comes from Lyons, north of Boulder, and the seared beef carpaccio hails from Meyer Range Beef, also based in Colorado. It is this attention to detail that delivers a dining experience truly in concert with mountain living.
136 East Thomas Place in the Park Hyatt, 970-827-6600, Arrowhead
Vista
This restaurant’s idyllic setting includes a gently flowing waterfall and a magnificent view of the clubhouse at Arrowhead’s Country Club of the Rockies. The mussels aren’t mandatory, but why pass over a dish so apropos to many of the best main courses, such as the Alaskan halibut picatta or lobster tagliatelle? To chart a different course, open with a shaved fennel salad paired with braised boneless short ribs. Vista’s deck offers entertainment each Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. during the summer. 676 Sawatch Drive in the Country Club of the Rockies, 970-926-2111
Edwards
It’s not in the Bible, but it seems pretty clear that on the eighth day, God created the Gashouse—and then Edwards sprang up around it. This piece of living history is an oasis of western ranching spirit. Situated on the edge of a pristine slice of Eagle River Preserve open space, the Gashouse deck is a locals’ favorite and one of those places people come from far afield to experience. Rocky Mountain cuisine highlights the reasonably priced, family-friendly menu; think surf-and-turf, crab cakes, fried chicken, tuna melts and burgers, all complemented by such libations as margaritas and cold beer. 34185 Highway 6, 970-926-2896
Tom Boyd is a freelance writer who splits his time between Vail and Denver. He is also the co-founder of realvail.com.
