Vacationing in the mountains doesn't have to be all about granola bars, smoothies, and trail mixes. Sometimes you simply want a fine steak dinner to make your trip even more enjoyable. Steak restaurants in Vail include everything from traditional steakhouses to unique, innovative eateries. Enjoy some of the best steak in Vail at these top picks.
Wildwood Smokehouse
For steak and other meats, head over to Wildwood Smokehouse atop Vail Mountain. Serving up fantastic BBQ, it's located at the top of Chairs 3 and 7, with an altitude of 11,000 feet.
Russell's
Russell's, Vail's oldest steakhouse, is beloved by locals and a must-try restaurant for all visitors. Founded in 1989 by Ron Riley and named after his father, Russell, it opened its doors after Ore House moved to the Gorsuch building. Though much has changed since 1989, with Vail having become a bit more lively, the core of the restaurant has stayed consistent, with many of its staff working there for over 15 years.
Menu items include classics like steak Diane, filet mignon and cowboy ribeye. You can add a king crab leg or grilled shrimp to some of the best steak in Vail for some added flair.
Vail Chophouse
At Vail Chophouse, spacious mountainside decks provide stunning views and the perfect setting for lunch and dinner. They serve only the freshest seafood, some of the best steak in Vail, and signature cocktails sure to tantalize your taste buds. Plus, you can enjoy live music in the evenings while taking in the majestic mountain landscape. Steak and chop items on the menu include Creekstone Farms prime New York strip and Double Colorado lamb chops.
Phil Long, the owner of this cozy restaurant, is also a musician. On nights with live performances, he'll entertain you with all the songs you know and love. Guest musicians also appear at the Chophouse, providing live music on most evenings.
Slope Room
Although Slope Room is a sophisticated alpine bistro serving creative dishes with local ingredients, its unique styling truly sets the restaurant apart from others. Brimming with charm and character, the setting pays homage to the dangerous yet sexy allure of the Old West but with a decidedly modern twist on new American and steakhouse cuisine. If you're looking to experience some of the best steak in Vail while also enjoying an atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by, you don't want to miss out on eating at Slope Room.
It's open for brunch, happy hour and dinner, and features menu items like center-cut filet mignon and grass-fed, grass-finished ribeye. Cocktails include the Sna-quiri, a half-sized pineapple daiquiri and Boots with the Fur, containing cognac, bourbon, allspice dram, cinnamon, and lemon.
Lancelot
Another of the best steak restaurants in Vail is Lancelot Restaurant, which offers an extensive selection of delicious steak and seafood. Their prime rib is slow-roasted overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness and served with an Idaho baked potato, natural au jus, and horseradish sauce.
If you're looking for a smaller cut, try the house cut, which includes 8 oz of prime rib. Or go bigger with the Sir Lancelot cut (10oz) or King Arthur's cut (12oz), perfect for big appetites.
Montauk Seafood Grill
For more than 30 years, Montauk Seafood Grill has been a fixture in Vail, Colorado, bringing locals and visitors alike some of the tastiest, freshest steak and seafood dishes around. From classic staples to creative new dishes, Montauk is committed to serving only the highest quality seafood and meats while supporting sustainable fishing practices worldwide.
Steak dishes include the black Angus filet mignon and black Angus NY strip. Or try their wickedly delicious desserts, like the banana bread pudding, with challah bread, bananas, toasted macadamias, and bourbon crème anglaise.
Garfinkel's
Steak restaurants in Vail include the beloved Garfinkel's, or Garfs, as it's affectionately called by locals. Known for its prime location in Lionshead Village overlooking the gondola and Vail Mountain, the cozy atmosphere and stunning ski resort views offer something special every day of the week.
Locally owned and operated since 1992, Garfinkel's is more than just a bar. It provides a welcoming place to relax after long days on the mountain with family, friends, and even some friendly faces from the past. Guests can linger over drinks on the sunny deck or inside, where the walls are adorned with photos of past patrons, events and athletes. Whether for light bites and libations or après ski vibes, Garfinkel's offers something for everyone.
Dinner includes sautéed vegetables and a choice of French fries, mashed potatoes & gravy, coleslaw or baked potato. For a steak option, try the 12oz ribeye.
They also serve Colorado craft beers and cocktails like the Bloody Maria and Mellow Mule.
Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails
Fall Line Kitchen + Cocktails is a restaurant on Bridge Street that offers guests a unique, delightful experience. They have thoughtfully crafted their dishes with contemporary global flavors, giving guests the best of both worlds. The retro 60's ambiance with large format Slim Aarons photographs lends itself perfectly to sipping cocktails, sharing bottles of wine, and enjoying a delicious steak.
For those searching for something special, the Steak Frites will not disappoint. It's an Aspen Ridge tenderloin served with house fries and a pepper sauce for the perfect blend of flavor.
Plan Your Vail Adventure
Vail is a mountain resort destination like no other. With its abundant skiable terrain, groomed slopes, and world-class scenery, it's easy to see why this ski resort has been a sought-after destination for snow-seekers year after year. Vail is perfect for avid skiers and snowboarders and friends and families of all ages. Ski and snowboarding lessons with the Vail Ski & Snowboard School are available in addition to countless events, activities, and festivals sure to keep everyone entertained during their stay. And with blue skies much of the year, the sunsets reflecting off the majestic mountains of Vail provide an idyllic backdrop for your next winter getaway. Plan your winter getaway today.
