Whether you’re seeking something quick and easy, hearty portion sizes or craft cocktails with your omelet, here are five Vail restaurants beloved for their brunch and breakfast scene.
1. Vintage
As the saying goes, “Brunch without a drink is just late breakfast.” That couldn’t be more true at Vintage, a Vail restaurant known for its variety of brunch beverages, from spicy bloody marys (Don’t Go Bacon My Heart, anyone?) to Champagne-infused cocktails and all manner of citrusy mimosas.
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 Road, #100 | 970-479-0175
Brunch Hours: Friday–Monday, 8am–2pm
2. Ludwig’s at Sonnenalp
For mornings that call for basking in the sun under bright bluebird skies, head to Ludwig’s at Sonnenalp Hotel where you’ll feel like you’re dining al fresco. Its sunny and spacious glass-encased terrace features an expansive breakfast buffet offering a harmonious blend between European and American cuisines.
Choose from blintzes, crepes, 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 Road | 970-479-5461
Breakfast Hours: Monday–Saturday, 7am–11am, & Sunday, 7am-noon
3. Westside Cafe
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 Road | 970-476-7890
Hours: 7am–3pm
4. The Little Diner
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 heading up the hill or looking for a place to refuel after a long day or night on the town, here’s the perfect spot to fuel up.
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 Circle | 970-476-4279
Breakfast & Brunch Hours: 7am–2pm
5. Loaded Joe’s
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? 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. | 970-479-2883
Breakfast Hours: 7am–2am
Other Delicious Vail Breakfast Options:
More Vail Restaurant Tips:
• Enjoy Vail’s most family-friendly dining spots.
