Whether you’re seeking something quick and easy before outdoor adventures, hearty portion sizes or a leisurely meal, here’s where to eat in Vail for breakfast.
Ludwig’s Breakfast at Sonnenalp
Vail Village
Where can you eat breakfast in Vail with a view? For mornings that call for basking in the sun under bright bluebird skies, head to Ludwig’s at the Sonnenalp Hotel. Its sunny and spacious glass-enclosed terrace can open up for al fresco dining in warmer months, looking out to evergreen and aspen trees. The expansive breakfast buffet offers a harmonious blend between European and American cuisines.
Choose from blintzes, pancakes and house-made pastries. Or, if you’re an egg lover, Ludwig’s will make them to your liking — everything from scrambled and hard-boiled to folded into a quiche, poached or as an omelet. Looking for a lighter option? There are yogurts, muesli and cereals, plus assortments of fresh fruit.
20 Vail Rd., Vail, CO 81657, 970-479-5461
Breakfast Hours: Monday–Saturday, 7–11 a.m., & Sunday, 7 a.m.–noon
Vintage
Vail Village
Vintage brings a lively, French-inspired flair to Vail’s morning dining scene. The cozy interior and sunny patio create a welcoming setting for lingering over coffee, fresh pastries and thoughtfully crafted breakfast plates.
Try Vintage’s avocado toast (served with savory chopped bacon), the galettes (choose from three versions of puff-pastry-eggy goodness) or an oh-so-buttery croissant. If you’re on the hunt for a classic dish, nom on maple-syrup-doused French toast or the Vintage American Breakfast (think three eggs served with crispy bacon or local sausage).
12 Vail Rd., Vail, CO 81657, 970-479-0175
Brunch Hours: Thursday–Monday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Westside Cafe
West Vail
Fueling up for a full day of activities often takes more than a piece of toast or banana. For a fill-your-table breakfast, head to Westside Cafe. This two-decades-old West Vail institution is famous for not skimping on portions.
Try its big-as-your-head chicken-fried steak or its self-proclaimed “world’s best Benedicts.” If you’re looking to spice things up, the Rio Grande skillet served with chorizo will do it (so will the spicy bloody mary, crafted with habanero-infused vodka). Rather go sweet? Try Westside’s Cap-n-Crunch French toast, made with cinnamon batter and topped with whipped cream.
2211 N. Frontage Rd. W., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-7890
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
The Little Diner
Lionshead Village
Breakfast isn’t just for mornings. Located at the West Lionshead Plaza bus stop, The Little Diner is Vail’s only diner that serves breakfast all day. Whether you’re seeking breakfast before skiing Vail Mountain or looking for somewhere to recharge after a long day or night on the town, this is the perfect place.
Don’t let the “little” in their name fool you: Owners Brian and Peggy Little serve up classic diner fare that’s big on flavor and made from scratch. This breakfast place’s menu isn’t little, either. Choose from comforting favorites like cheesy omelets and breakfast platters. Try the creamed chipped beef on rye — or sample specialties like crepes, blintzes, Dutch babies and cheese grits.
616 W. Lionshead Cir., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-4279
Breakfast Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
Loaded Joe’s
Vail Village
Whether you’re after a simple cup of joe, a traditional Italian-style cappuccino or something a lil’ more fancy, Loaded Joe’s is the ultimate for your coffee fix. Need more than coffee? This is a great spot for a quick breakfast in Vail Village on your way to Gondola One (#1). Order a breakfast sandwich (try the bacon and Swiss), a breakfast burrito (how ‘bout pulled pork?) or a green-goddess smoothie (made with spinach and banana).
242 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-479-2883
Breakfast Hours: 7 a.m.–1 p.m.
Gessner Colorado Mountain Grill
Cascade Village
As one of the Vail hotels with breakfast, Grand Hyatt Vail Resort and Spa’s Gessner Colorado Mountain Grill serves up a cozy and flavorful breakfast experience that blends European influence with Rocky Mountain flavors. Guests can savor steak and eggs, fluffy buttermilk pancakes or opt for a classic American buffet with a choice of an omelet or eggs. Bonus: It’s close to the Cascade Village Lift (#20), so you can head straight to the ski slopes afterward.
1300 Westhaven Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-7104
Breakfast Hours: Daily, 7–11 a.m.
Big Bear Bistro
Vail Village
Big Bear Bistro is a longtime local favorite for approachable, affordable breakfast and quality coffee in a relaxed mountain setting. The breakfast menu (available all day) leans toward staples like breakfast burritos, stacked breakfast sandwiches on a bagel, croissant or biscuit and blended smoothies that make it easy to start your morning without a long wait.
297 Hanson Ranch Rd., Vail, CO 81657, 970-445-1007
Breakfast Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
First Chair
Vail Village
First Chair is a laid-back spot beloved for its creative breakfast burritos served from morning through evening. Dig into bold combinations like the South of the Border, with chorizo, eggs, cheddar cheese, potato hash, green chilies and street-taco sauce, or keep things meat-free with eggs, fajita veggies, black beans and cheddar cheese. If you’re in a rush, you can get in and out quickly, and on to your activities for the day.
278 Hanson Ranch Rd., Vail, CO 81657, 970-763-5222
Breakfast Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.