Vail is known around the world for its legendary skiing and alpine beauty, but its dining scene deserves just as much attention, boasting everything from casual bites to MICHELIN-recommended restaurants. While there are many culinary delights to explore, sometimes you’re simply craving a perfectly cooked steak.
Fortunately, steakhouses in Vail come in all varieties and can be found in Vail Village, Lionshead Village and beyond. From timeless institutions to innovative newcomers, and even places that cater to special diets like vegetarian and gluten-free, there’s a table waiting for you.
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What Are the Best Vail Restaurants for a Classic Steakhouse Experience?
If you’re searching for the best steakhouse in Vail that offers a traditional atmosphere and timeless menu, look no further than these staples that are ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply savoring a hearty meal after a day on the mountain.
Vail Chophouse
Located in Lionshead Village, Vail Chophouse is known for its fantastic patio and lively après-ski scene. It delivers both atmosphere and variety with a selection of steaks that can be prepared Oscar style, paired with a lobster tail or other “chop tops,” as well as juicy double Colorado lamb chops.
Insider Tips: Entertainer Phil Long, the restaurant’s owner, performs live music several times a week — and you’re welcome to sing along. Reservations for the music events are only available by phone.
675 Lionshead Pl., Vail, CO 81657, 970-477-0555
Elway’s
Located in the heart of Vail Village, Elway’s is one of the most recognizable names among Vail steak restaurants. Founded by Denver Broncos legend John Elway, it’s a popular choice for memorable nights out.
Insider Tips: The wine list is particularly impressive, boasting more than 350 selections — ranging from bold Napa reds to refined Old World bottles — that pair beautifully with the classic USDA prime hand-cut steaks, including filet, ribeye and porterhouse. Round out your meal with John’s truffle fries with garlic aioli or a decadent macaroni and cheese with lobster.
174 Gore Creek Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-754-7818
Lancelot Restaurant
Serving hungry skiers and locals since 1969, Lancelot’s cozy, rustic atmosphere feels like stepping into a piece of Vail history. The restaurant is beloved for its juicy prime rib that’s slow roasted overnight and served with a sizable baked potato, au jus and tangy horseradish sauce.
Insider Tips: You can choose from three different size cuts — pick the 12-ounce King Arthur’s Cut for the largest portion if you’re extra hungry. Nightly specials also add extra variety to the menu’s mix.
201 E. Gore Creek Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-5828
Russell’s Steakhouse Vail
Russell’s is another Vail steakhouse with a sense of nostalgia that’s hard to replicate. Opened in 1989, the menu has remained largely unchanged. Diners can expect classic favorites like shrimp cocktail, crisp wedge salad, a variety of steaks and their famous potatoes au gratin, a gooey and cheesy delight.
Insider Tips: Cuts like filet mignon, prime New York strip and ribeye — sourced from ranches in the West — are paired with housemade sauces, including béarnaise, brandy peppercorn and bordelaise. The experience isn’t complete without indulging in delicious desserts like key lime tart or banana pudding panna cotta.
228 Bridge St., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-6700
Which Steakhouses in Vail Are Non-Traditional or Have a Modern Vibe?
While traditional steakhouses remain popular, Vail also embraces contemporary flair. These Vail steakhouses deliver a more modern approach with innovative menus and stylish settings.
Slope Room
Located at Gravity Haus, the sleek Slope Room puts a twist on the traditional Vail steakhouse. With a strong connection to Rocky Mountain farmers and ranchers, the menu emphasizes quality sourcing and regional flavors.
Insider Tips: Don’t miss unique meats like a bone-in bison ribeye and elk strip loin, complemented by creative sides such as gigante beans with ham hock and pickled peppers and wild mushrooms with savoy cabbage and ginger vinaigrette.
352 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-6836
The Remedy at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
The Remedy provides a dining experience that feels energetic and unmistakably luxurious. A hot spot with a lively après-ski scene, its modern mountain cuisine focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Insider Tips: Steak lovers will appreciate chef’s favorites like an impressive 30-ounce wagyu tomahawk with wild mushrooms, herbed potatoes and peppercorn sauce, which is perfect for sharing. Looking for something a little smaller? The 7X Ranch 10-ounce ribeye with asparagus and bordelaise sauce is an excellent option.
1 Vail Rd., Vail, CO 81657, 970-477-8600
Gessner Colorado Mountain Grill
Situated within the Grand Hyatt Vail Resort, Gessner Colorado Mountain Grill offers creekside views while you savor Colorado-inspired cuisine. Dig into a 32-ounce grilled tomahawk steak with mustard whiskey sauce and jalapeño butter or a mouthwatering beef tenderloin steak frites.
Insider Tips: For those with special dietary needs, Gessner is a welcoming choice. Dishes like tortilla soup with green chili will please gluten-free guests, while plant-forward plates like butternut squash enchiladas or wild mushroom garganelli pasta are sure to sate vegetarians.
1300 Westhaven Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-7104
Which Restaurants in Vail Serve Steak Along With Other Cuisines?
Not every great steak comes from a traditional steakhouse. Several restaurants in Vail incorporate exceptional steak offerings into menus that specialize in global cuisines, giving you even more ways to enjoy high-quality beef.
Tavernetta Vail
Created by the award-winning Frasca Hospitality Group, Tavernetta is celebrated for its refined approach to northern Italian cuisine.
Insider Tips: In addition to staples like beef carpaccio and house-made pastas, don’t miss the serious steaks, including a 28-day dry-aged porterhouse or a 14-day dry-aged bone-in ribeye. Explore the lengthy wine list that is only composed of Italian producers — with the exception of champagne.
1 Vail Rd., Vail, CO 81657, 970-477-8600
The Left Bank
One of the most romantic restaurants in Vail Village, The Left Bank brings a taste of Paris to the Rocky Mountains in a fine-dining setting.
Insider Tips: Every dish on the traditional French menu is prepared from scratch. You can’t go wrong with classics like whole Dover sole — served de-boned tableside — or braised duck a l’orange, but the restaurant also excels in steak preparations such as steak au poivre with cognac cream sauce or a 30-day dry-aged côte de bœuf for two.
183 Gore Creek Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-3696
Montauk Seafood Grill
Described as “where the ocean meets the mountains,” Montauk Seafood Grill lives up to its name.
Insider Tips: While fresh, sustainable fish and a robust raw bar have lured in diners for decades, Montauk also serves standout steak dishes. Meat lovers will appreciate simply seasoned and grilled ribeye or filet, or can try specialties like the bleu cheese-crusted filet mignon.
549 E. Lionshead Cir., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-2601