Overview:
The restaurants below were recommended to us from a wide variety of sources during the planning of the Choice Symposium. While we have not tried most of them personally, each comes with at least one trusted endorsement.
As noted on the Schedule, there will be an official Choice Symposium welcome reception on Wednesday evening (August 12) and a closing event at the base of the mountain on Friday evening (August 14), both not to be missed.
Thursday afternoon and evening (August 13) is intentionally left open for attendees to explore Vail and enjoy dinner on their own.
Many of the restaurants below require reservations, so we recommend planning ahead where possible.
Lionshead Village:
Bart & Yeti's — A beloved local dive bar and pub tucked in the Lifthouse Lodge, named after two famous local dogs. Classic pub fare, with plenty of atmosphere.
Montauk Seafood Grill — A Lionshead institution celebrating 30 years, located at the base of the gondola in the Lift House Building. Known for the freshest available seafood and prime meats.
Revel Lounge — The restaurant and lounge inside The Hythe, serving Colorado-inspired cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails in a welcoming mountain-modern setting.
Vail Chophouse — A steakhouse steps from the Eagle Bahn Gondola with spectacular slopeside views, prime cuts, fresh seafood, and a lively patio with live music in the afternoons.
The Little Diner — A legendary breakfast-all-day spot, family-owned and operated for decades. Everything made from scratch — German pancakes, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash. This is one of Nick's family's favorites.
Vail Village:
Alpenrose — A Vail institution since 1974 with a sunny patio in the heart of the village. Serves authentic German-Austrian fare and classic Alpine desserts.
Bully Ranch — A Western-themed classic inside the Sonnenalp Hotel, known for Vail's best burgers, craft cocktails, and a convivial patio.
Sweet Basil — A Vail landmark since 1977 and one of Colorado's most celebrated restaurants, with a Michelin recommendation to its name. Innovative New American cuisine in a lively bistro setting overlooking Gore Creek.
Pepi's — A Vail original since 1964, family-owned and located on the corner of Bridge Street and Gore Creek Drive. Austrian specialties in a setting that feels wonderfully unchanged.
Mountain Standard — A rustic creekside tavern from the team behind Sweet Basil, where most of the menu is cooked over an open wood fire and rotisserie.
El Segundo — A lively tacos and tequila spot overlooking Gore Creek, from the team behind Montauk. Over 100 tequilas at the bar and creative Mexican-inspired fare. Walk-in only; join the online waitlist from their site.
Matsuhisa — Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's Vail outpost, serving acclaimed Japanese cuisine — yellowtail sashimi, black cod miso, and inventive omakase — in an elegant mountain setting. One of the finest dining experiences in the valley.
La Nonna — An Italian ristorante helmed by a Cortina d'Ampezzo native chef, with handmade pasta prepared daily from imported Italian flour. Warm, intimate atmosphere with a carefully curated wine list.
Other Resources:
Discover Vail — Dining & Nightlife — curated local list from the official town site.
The Infatuation — Best Restaurants in Vail — trusted editorial guide with specific picks.