Perhaps you’ve heard that restaurants run about $75 a head in Vail, Colorado. For the most part, that’s definitely true if you’re eating in Vail Village at one of the many 5⭐ restaurants. However, some of my favorite places are actually the most affordable restaurants in Vail. affordable restaurants in Vail Colorado
A vacation to Vail, Colorado can be extremely expensive – reports say that a family of 4 will spend $10,000 for a 1-week winter vacation. I’ve done the math and yup, that’s about right…if not more! But, that’s really just speculative as it obviously depends what activities you’re doing, where you’re eating, and where you’re staying. affordable restaurants in Vail Colorado
Don’t skimp on partaking in these once-in-a-life-time experiences while in town. Instead, use this ultimate food guide on the tastiest, yet affordable restaurants in Vail, Colorado so you can save more money for all the exciting adventures that await you.
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Table of Contents
Tasty & Affordable Restaurants in Vail
The George
If you look at photos online of The George, your first thought will likely be “that’s just a grimy dive bar” – that’s what I thought! And yes, it definitely has that aura about it, but I promise you, it’s so much more!
Tucked into the basement of Mountain Haus Hotel, The George is known for being an evening gathering spot for young locals and tourists as it stays open til 1am. However, what some people don’t realize is that their food is some of the best in the valley as well!
Let me start by saying, this isn’t your typical “pub food” – I’ve honestly never had a bad meal here. My go-to’s (before being vegan) were the mushroom and duck quesadilla, sesame crusted ahi tuna, The George nachos, The King George hamburger, and of course, the Surf and Turf which is only $36 ($28 on happy hour). They have an amazing happy hour – all starters are $10.75, entrees are $21 and U-Call-Its are $5. They used to have an extended happy hour from 3-10pm but due to COVID, it only runs from 3-5pm now. affordable restaurants in Vail Colorado
Wondering why it’s called The George? No, it’s not named after the owner. When you get there, take a look around the walls – you might notice some familiar “George’s” 🙂 where to eat in Vail Colorado
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Garfinkel’s
Garfinkel’s offers all your staple pub food, like nachos, wings, burgers and baskets of fries. However, some of my faves include the Nashville hot chicken, lettuce wraps, soft pretzels, and seared ahi. They even have a couple of vegan options like a vegan bolognese and the impossible burger. where to eat in Vail Colorado
What really makes Garfs, as they like to call it, stand out though, is their views of the mountain. Situation on the 2nd floor above the Lionshead ticket office, you’ll have direct views of the mountain from every seat. On slightly warmer days, they have patio seating. They even have heated outdoor tents right now.
Garf’s has a full bar menu as well. My personal fave is the mulled wine.
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Vendetta’s
Located right in the heart of Vail Village, serving locals and tourists alike since 1983, Vendetta’s is the spot to share a pizza with friends or family. Upstairs you’ll find a casual environment with lots of young folks stopping in for apres or a quick bite before hitting the bars. Downstairs you’ll find a more formal dining room. Both have the same menu, so it really just depends what kind of vibe you’re going for tonight. There is also outdoor patio seating for warmer weather.
They offer 9 pizzas, or you can make your own. My favorites are Knight Move and The Boneyard. If you love pizza as much as I do, this is the spot for you. Besides pizza though, I recommend the Fried Mozzarella and Osso Buco. There are even a few vegetarian options on the menu. where to eat in Vail Colorado
The Little Diner
Tucked away from all the action in Lionshead, The Little Diner offers breakfast and lunch everyday from 7am – 2pm. This is a great and affordable morning spot to grab a bite before hitting the slopes. There is seating around the bar so you can watch the cooks hard at work, as well as a few other individual tables.
The Little Diner has an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. The pork, egg, and cheese roll is to die for, but what the cafe is really known for is their Dutch Apple Pie. Looking for something extra favorable and greasy? Definitely try the Taxi Driver Special – it’s the perfect hangover food! where to eat in Vail Colorado
La Cantina
This has got to be the best find in all of Vail. This tiny restaurant is actually hidden in the parking garage in Vail Village one floor below the bus station. Unless you happen to walk out of the garage past it, you’ll likely never find it.
La Cantina is a true hole-in-the-wall joint with colorful table setups, all the Mexican food staples, delicious chips and a full-stocked bar. This is a great quick fix after a long ski day before you head back to your hotel.
Westside Cafe
Westside Cafe was started by 3 Vail locals who met while working at another restaurant in town. Today, it’s one of the most popular restaurants in the Valley. Located next to the Highline Doubletree Hotel, a 5-min drive from the Village, they are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
They serve all your favorite American breakfast classics with a few south of the border dishes mixed in. They’re well-known for the unique benes, like the Crabalicious, Chicken and Waffles, and Bison Tenderloin. Some other favorite menu items are the Goat Cheese Dip, Short Rib Ramen Bowl, Lasagna, and Quinoa Salad.
What they’re most well-known for though, is their extreme bloody. If y’all love bloodies, this is a MUST!
Blue Moose Pizza
Another staple of Vail is Blue Moose Pizza. They have 15 custom pizzas on the menu or you can make your own. They’ve also got a full bar and specialize in whiskies and limoncello. They have lunch and apres specials so it’s a great place to hit during or after a shred day. With locations in Vail Village and Beaver Creek, Blue Moose Pizza is a good choice for larger groups.
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Tasty & Affordable Restaurants in Beaver Creek
Dusty Boot Saloon
Located right in the heart of Beaver Creek village, Dusty Boot Saloon is by far one of my favorite restaurants in the whole valley. Not only is the food tasty, but they have amazing happy hour / apres ski specials.
Some of my favorite dishes include the Brussel Sprouts, Warm Pretzel Bites, Short Rib Bowl, Tuna Poke Bowl, and the Boot Burger. They’ve got an extensive beer and cocktail list as well. You can expect this place to be busy after the slopes close.
Blue Moose Pizza
As mentioned above, Blue Moose Pizza has a couple of locations within Vail Valley. I love this place as they have 15 custom pizzas on the menu or you can make your own. They’ve also got a full bar and specialize in whiskies and limoncello. They have lunch and apres specials for you to check out. It’s a great spot for larger groups. where to eat in Vail Colorado
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Tasty & Affordable Restaurants in Avon
Maya
Located inside the Westin hotel in Avon, Maya is the ultimate modern Mexican kitchen and tequileria. There’s a very sleek interior decor, or on warmer days you can sit on the outdoor patio and overlook the snowcapped mountains.
Maya offers happy hour specials from 2-4pm everyday. Drinks are $11, tacos are only $5, and additional shareables range in price. Outside of happy hour, prices are a bit steeper but there’s a very extensive food and drink menu.
Ti Amo
My favorite restaurant in all of Vail Valley is Ti Amo. If you happen to drive by, you’d probably think I were crazy as it’s located in an unassuming strip mall adjacent to cannibis and bicycle shops. This spot is the epitome of hole-in-the-wall Italian home cooking. Every dish I’ve tried here (and I’ve tried a lot of them) is better than anything I’ve tried in Italy. The owners have brought their North Italian family recipes straight from the homeland, with a few American favorites through into the mix.
This spot is a true local favorite – if you ask any local if they’ve been, they’ll likely say ‘yes’ and that they love it.
Here are a few of my favorite dishes: Pasta Gamberetti e Pinoli, Calamari Fritti, Pasta Fritta, Spaghetti Ti Amo, Ravioli con Funghi, and Scaloppine di Pollo. where to eat in Vail Colorado
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Rocky Mountain Taco
There are a couple of Rocky Mountain Taco locations through the valley, but the one I recommend checking out is in Avon. It’s actually a food “bus” that serves food outside of the Vail Brewing Company. This is the perfect spot to meet a friend for a drink and tasty, cheap Mexican food. The venue also hosts trivia nights and live music.
You’ll be able to choose between a taco, burrito, torta, or quesadilla and one of their many fillings.
Bob’s Place
Another local favorite, Bob’s Place is tucked into the corner of the parking lot at the Lodge at Avon Center. It’s definitely not a spot you’d find without knowing it’s there, and honestly it doesn’t look like anything special from the outside. But, the bar food is actually ridiculously tasty and the best part is, you’ve got a perfect view of the game from any seat in the house. So, grab some friends and a pitcher of beer and chill out for a while.
I recommend trying the Basket of Wings, Nachos Grande, and Tamales. They’ve also got a full stocked bar, daily specials, and billiard tables to challenge your friends after a couple of drinks.
They’re open from 11am – 10pm, 7 days a week, with happy hour from 3 – 6pm daily.
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Northside Kitchen
Northside Kitchen is an extremely popular spot for their eclectic menu. There’s definitely an Italian influence, but they also offer American and Mexican options. Some of my favorites are the Elk & Ox Bolognese, Pesto Gnocchi, and Short Rib for dinner, and Lamb Shank Hash at breakfast. best restaurants in Vail Colorado
Northside Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with happy hour at the bar from 3 – 6pm. They also have a bakery and to-go cafe in the front of the restaurant.
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Tasty & Affordable Restaurants in Edwards
Gore Creek Brewery
The interior looks like your typical brewery restaurant, but they have a very unique menu featuring items like Shrimp Gnocchi, Fried Pickles, and an Elk Burger. They also offer salads, pizzas, and sandwiches and brew their own beers on site. I recommend trying the Chocolate-Orange Porter and Wintertime Grapefruit Saison, or you can get a flight and try 5!
RECAP: Affordable Restaurants in Vail, Colorado
- The George
- Garfinkel’s
- Vendetta’s
- The Little Diner
- La Cantina
- Westside Cafe
- Blue Moose Pizza
- Dusty Boot Saloon
- Maya
- Ti Amo
- Rocky Mountain Taco
- Bob’s Place
- Northside Kitchen
- Gore Creek Brewery
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Going there this summer. Thanks for some great dining ideas. Sharon