Day 2: Brunch at Vintage

Vintage is a French brasserie-style restaurant serving Champagne Brunch, located in Vail Village at the Gateway Building. This not-to-miss brunch is served Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday from 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Reservations are highly recommended for this popular spot.

What to Order at this Top Restaurant in Vail:

The five unique Benedict dishes, including Meat & Potatoes, Southwest, Veggie, Maryland Crab, and the standard eggs and ham, are all served on top of their signature “smashbrowns” – an insanely delicious potato and bacon dish (vegetarian option is available). For the morning sweet tooth, the Huckleberry Bacon French Toast is a must-try. Bacon, -mascarpone & dulce de leche stuffed brioche with huckleberry syrup, bourbon whipped cream. There’s no doubt, it’ll have you licking your plate clean.

And, of course, brunch is not complete without cocktails. And, Vintage’s extensive signature cocktails include 6 unique Bloody Marys, 9 fruity Mimosa options, 4 Champagne cocktails, 3 coffee/espresso-based cocktails, and 4 specialty brunch cocktails. Try my personal favorite, the Jessica Rabbit, with organic lemon vodka, organic carrot juice, fresh lemon juice, mint, and ginger beer. If a non-alcoholic beverage is desired, the restaurant has a selection of creative mocktails, as well.

Address: 12 Vail Rd. #100 Vail, Colorado 81657
Phone: (970) 479-0175
Brunch Hours: Friday-Monday 8:30am-2:00pm

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Day 3: Dinner at Matsuhisa

In the heart of Vail Village at Solaris lies one of the best restaurants in town, Matsuhisa, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s second Colorado location. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, your meal comes complete with beautiful, panoramic views of Vail mountain. In the warmer months, an expansive outdoor patio with fire pits offers a wonderful fresh mountain setting. Matsuhisa is open to eat dinner from 5 pm – 10 pm daily, and reservations are required.

What to Order at this Top Restaurant in Vail:

Chef Nobu’s new-style Japanese cuisine is influenced by his classical training in Tokyo and time spent in Peru, Argentina, and around the world. Begin the meal with several Sushi bar starters, followed by Matsuhisa’s Signature Sashimi (the Yellowtail Jalapeno melts in your mouth), and either. Finish with the Black Cod with Sweet Miso, King Crab in Ponzu Sauce, or Whitefish Tiradito specialty dishes. If fish isn’t your thing, the Miyazaki Wagyu Beef with Himalayan Salt Rock, Tataki, Balsamic Teriyaki, or Toban-Yaki served on a hot stone is perfection. Save room for the Bento Box dessert, filled with Chocolate Lava Cake, Green Tea Ice Cream, and Berries.

The 12 different Sake options at the restaurant (warm and cold) contain no sulfites, are gluten-free, and are fermented dry – take your pick or try a few! Then, let the Sommelier help you select a bottle of wine from the restaurant’s extensive selection. Or, try one of the unique cocktails, including the Matsutini with Hangar One Vodka, Nobu Soju, Passionfruit, Yuzu, and Champagne Float.

Address: 141 E Meadows Dr. Vail, Colorado 81657
Phone: (970) 476-6628
Hours: 5:00pm-10:00pm

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Day 4: Dinner at Almresi

Almresi, located at the top of Bridge Street in Vail, is an authentic Bavarian restaurant containing a festive atmosphere that replicates dining in the Alps. With service starting at 4:30 PM, you can select from small, romantic tables or larger family or community-style tables. To secure your seat at this famous place to eat in Vail, reservations are suggested.

What to Order at this Top Restaurant in Vail:

The flavors of a traditional 3-course Bavarian meal come alive from the owners’ German heritage. The first course consists of the “Almresi house salad”, served with fresh raspberry dressing and rustic sourdough. The second, or main course, is where the adventure and fun begins! You actually become the cook as you prepare the meal on one or a combo of “apparatuses”: Raclette, Grill, or Fondue. Select from proteins like beef, chicken, bratwurst, shrimp, and salmon. Side dishes to accompany include veggie mix, potatoes, slices of bread, cheeses, and dipping sauces. This interactive dining experience is meant to be shared among friends and family. Take your time and enjoy the conversation as the cheese melts and proteins cook before your eyes. Nosh on bread and wash things down with a mug of Bavarian beer, cocktails ranging from traditional glühwein to handcrafted sippers, and a diverse wine menu.

Address: 298 Hanson Ranch Rd, Vail, Colorado 81657
Phone: (970) 470-4174
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 5:00pm-10:00pm, Winter Season only

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Day 5: Breakfast at The Little Diner

The Little Diner is a legendary breakfast spot, located in Lionshead’s Concert Hall Plaza on the west end of the mall. As Vail’s only full-service “diner” with breakfast all day, this is a must-visit for breakfast – or any time of the day. Even in the wee hours with the last seating at 1:45 am! Reservations are not available, but you can easily join the waitlist online.

What to Order at this Top Restaurant in Vail:

The extensive menu features everything from Southwest Breakfast burritos, 9 omelet options (plus options to create your own), sweet and savory crepes, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, French toast, and entire breakfast platters. Jim Little’s Famous Eggs Benedict is famous for a reason, complete with two Poached Eggs served over a toasted English Muffin and Canadian Bacon, and topped with Brian’s dad’s legendary hollandaise sauce. It’s served with your choice of hash browns, grits, or a fruit cup. And, the Pannekoeken, often called a Dutch Baby or German Pancake is baked to order (allow 20 minutes) and is an airy dough resembling a soufflé; similar to a sweet Yorkshire pudding. This popover-like confection is simply divine. Plus, did we mention this place to eat makes almost everything from scratch, using the best ingredients in timeless, family recipes? You can definitely taste the difference! The typical, non-alcoholic breakfast beverages of OJ, coffee, and tea are available to complement the amazing food!

Address: 616 W Lionshead Cir, Vail, Colorado 81657
Phone: (970) 476-4279
Hours: 7:00am-2:00pm

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Day 6: Late Lunch, Mixology or Wine Tasting Classes at Root & Flower

Tucked into the corner of Vail Village along Bridge Street, Root & Flower is a modern wine bar that bridges the gap between foot and drink. With an approachable elegance, enjoy a versatile tasting experience with extensive beverages and an ever-changing menu. Reservations are recommended for this intimate restaurant.

What to Order at this Top Restaurant in Vail:

Root & Flower’s menu is best enjoyed by ordering many items to share between family and friends. Start with Lobster Deviled Eggs and Duck Fat Potatoes to get the flavors going. Then, with the help of your waiter, mix and match several Charcuterie and Cheese selections to create the perfect board. Small plates to share typically include House Meatballs (veal, beef, and pork with braised fennel marinara, pistachio tarragon pesto, and Parmigiana Reggiano), Bigeye Tuna Crudo, and Berkshire Pork Cheeks with roasted pumpkin mole, charred pineapple, pickled onion, and sesame seeds. And, because this is a “shared” meal, be sure to order both dessert options: Basque “Burnt” Cheesecake and Dark Chocolate Pot de Crème. The knowledgeable restaurant staff help is always on-hand to help you pair the delicious menu flavors with a wine list featuring over 50 by the glass pours. If you prefer (or in addition), you’ll find an extensive bottle selection as well as craft and specialty cocktails.

Root & Flower offers classes at its sister bar, Two Arrow. Elevate your cocktail-making skills, and learn how to make your favorites from one of their talented bartenders. Jump behind the bar and into the cockpit with your mixologists where you will be stirring and shaking up delicious drinks. Mixology classes can be reserved for $75/person and include 1 glass of Prosecco upon arrival plus 2 cocktails to be made with their bartenders.

Or, if perfecting your wine-tasting skills is more your style, learn how to taste like a professional. In this class, you will smell, look at, and taste four wines (two whites and two reds) from around the world while learning “wine lingo” and distinguishing different flavor profiles. The “Same But Different” class will help you exit your comfort zone and try alternative flavors you may not normally select. Both classes are $50/person.

Address: 288 Bridge St C4, Vail, Colorado 81657
Phone: (970) 470-4189
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 4:00pm-12:00am

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Day 7: Lunch at El Segundo

El Segundo is a high-energy, elevated but casual taqueria, tequila bar, and restaurant in the heart of Vail Village, with an expansive deck overlooking Gore Creek. Reservations are suggested during busier times, especially if you’re looking to secure a prime, outdoor table.

What to Order at this Top Restaurant in Vail:

The creative restaurant menu ranges from Mexican standards to Asian fusion to American cuisine. A great place to start is with The Chorizo Queso Fundido, a mix of asadero and Oaxaca cheese, Mexican chorizo, roasted hatch chilies, and fresh tomatoes served with warm flour tortillas. If that’s a little too “hot” for your style, the Glazed Brussel Sprouts with a honey-chipotle sauce really does make this vegetable delicious. But, it’s their 11 specialty taco options including pork, shrimp, beef, veggie, chicken, and lamb that make this meal is a must! Luckily, you can mix and match your order, so you don’t have to leave anything off the table. Personal favorites are the Crispy Pork Belly: marinated, slow-cooked pork belly crisped up with Oaxaca cheese, red radish onions, cilantro, and roasted tomatillo salsa; the Grilled Mahi Mahi and Avocado: chili-rubbed grilled Mahi, sliced avocado, black beans, cilantro, jalapeno aioli, and Pico de Gallo; and the Pow Pow Shrimp: crispy panic crusted fried shrimp, sweet and hot corn relish, miso-avocado slaw, and cilantro. My mouth waters just thinking of these!

The bar boasts over 100 tequilas, taking shape in El Segundo’s signature cocktails and flights featuring both well-known and more obscure tequila options. You may have a tough time choosing between the 7 different Margaritas including the El Segundo – a secret blend featuring Herradura Silver. These can be served as singles or their 1-litre “Fiesta” party size.

Address: 223 Gore Creek Dr, Vail, Colorado 81657
Phone: (970) 763-5470
Hours: 11:30am-10:00pm

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