Breakfast In Vail: 7+ Best Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants 2025

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE BEST BREAKFAST OR BRUNCH RESTAURANTS IN VAIL?

Vail, Colorado, is a beautiful ski resort town deep in the Rocky Mountains. It’s known for upscale skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and an abundance of other outdoor activities.

But this ski town has a lot to offer when it comes to food, too! 

We are Colorado locals, and after spending some time in Vail, we have a few incredible breakfast/brunch spots to share with you.

From cozy diners to upscale breakfast buffets, there is definitely a restaurant on this list that fits your travel style and budget.  

Here is where to find the best breakfast in Vail!

Breakfast In Vail: 7+ Best Restaurants

There are a bunch of great places to get Breakfast in Vail. 

You’ll find that most of the breakfast spots on this list are located in Vail Village, near Gondola One, but we also included restaurants from both Lionshead Village and West Vail on this list!

1. The Little Diner

The Little Diner is an iconic breakfast spot located in Vail, Colorado. 

Established by husband-and-wife team Brian and Peggy Little, this laid-back, family-run restaurant has served delicious breakfast made from scratch for nearly 20 years. 

The Little Diner is the best place to have breakfast in Lionshead Village.

It’s also just a short walk from the Eagle Bahn Gondola 19, making it a nice spot to grab brunch between ski runs. 

The Little Diner’s breakfast menu offers a wide selection, with something for everyone, and every meal is made with locally-sourced ingredients.

They’re known for classic breakfast dishes like omelets, sweet and savory crepes, breakfast sandwiches, and pancakes. But you can also order HUGE platters, like huevos rancheros and corned beef hash.

Breakfast is available all day at The Little Diner!

2. Vintage

Vintage is a charming French-inspired Bistro next to The Sebastian Hotel in Vail. 

The Bistro is a local favorite due to unique dishes that are hard to find elsewhere, like roasted duck, mussels frites, coconut arancini, and beef bourguignon.

But you can also find excellent breakfast food at Vintage!

Their breakfast menu offers classic European-inspired dishes, and the most popular (by far) is the Eggs Benedict. Other options include cheese boards, traditional American breakfast platters, and some Galettes (eggs in a puff pastry). 

People also love their specialty brunch cocktails, bloody marys, and mimosas. 

While it’s not quite “fine dining” at Vintage, it is undoubtedly one of the fancier restaurants in town and a popular spot for special occasions in Vail.

3. Westside Cafe & Market

Westside Cafe & Market is a must-try breakfast spot in Vail, Colorado. 

Located in the Highline Vail DoubleTree Hotel lobby, just off Highway 70, this all-day dining restaurant is known for homestyle eggs benedict and award-winning Bloody Marys.

It was established in 2002 by three Vail locals and has since become one of the most popular places for breakfast and brunch in town.

Westside Cafe actually claims to have the “World’s Best Bennes!” You will find nine styles of eggs benedict here, including chicken & waffles benedict, bison tenderloin benedict, and crab cake benedict.

Their breakfast menu is also full of classic American breakfast platters, ‘south of the border’ dishes, omelets, and waffles! 

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy breakfast in West Vail, this cafe has large portions and award-winning food, plus the prices are very reasonable. 

4. Big Bear Bistro

Big Bear Bistro in Vail, Colorado, is a popular place for breakfast in the heart of Vail Village. This cozy, locally owned restaurant is just steps from Gondola One at the top of Bridge Street, so it’s perfect for grabbing a quick bite before heading out on the mountain.

Try to find a seat on the outdoor patio, which is right next to a stream and has a view of the mountains.  

The most popular item on the menu is their hefty breakfast burrito (which is probably large enough to serve two people!), but you can also find pancakes, french toast, crepes, or sandwiches if you prefer something lighter.

What makes Big Bear Bistro stand out among other breakfast spots in Vail is its dedication to serving natural, single-muscle meats and having plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options – something hard to come by in this historical ski town!

5. Ludwig’s Breakfast

Ludwig’s Breakfast in Vail Village is an elegant breakfast spot for those seeking a memorable experience. 

Located on the iconic Sonnenalp Hotel’s first floor, Ludwig’s is decorated floor to ceiling with flowers and artwork. Most seating is on a lovely glass-enclosed terrace overlooking Gore Creek, with views of forests and mountains, but you can also sit outside along the river.

They offer a variety of cold and hot European-style breakfast dishes. 

The avocado toast, lox, smoothie bowls, and müsli are among the most popular cold menu items. On the other hand, the hot breakfast menu is much more extensive, with classic eggs benedict, huevos rancheros, omelets, french toast, and more.

You can even order a buffet breakfast, but it’s a little pricey at $50 per person.

Overall, Ludwig’s is undoubtedly one of the best places for an upscale breakfast in Vail!

6. Loaded Joe’s – Vail

Loaded Joe’s is a coffee shop, diner, and pub that has become a local hangout in Vail.

Situated on the other side of Gore Creek from Gondola One, this friendly place has great vibes and one of the best cups of coffee in town. 

The coffee beans used for the espresso drinks are from Seattle’s Rococo Coffee Roasters, and you will find the breakfast menu to be the most affordable in all of Vail.

Some light options include bagels and pastries, but most people go for the more hearty breakfast sandwiches and burritos.

These sandwiches and burritos are just $10, and they don’t skimp on quality, only using fresh socially-conscious ingredients.

Another reason we love Loaded Joe’s is because they are open at 7 AM, so you can grab your morning cup of joe or breakfast before heading onto the mountain. 

7. Cucina

Cucina is a great place to have breakfast in Vail, offering indoor and outdoor seating options and great breakfast food.

The restaurant is inside The Lodge at Vail, a 4-star hotel, and Cucina is known for farm-to-table American breakfast and a cozy outdoor patio with a fire pit. The patio overlooks Vail Village with breathtaking views of the mountains.

You can indulge in healthy options like Keto eggs benedict & avocado toast or select from more savory dishes like sweet potato bowls and huevos rancheros.

While the portions can be small, the presentation is on point, and each bite tastes delicious! Plus, their friendly staff ensures your experience is second to none.

Overall, Cucina offers an inviting atmosphere, fantastic food, and unbeatable mountain views – all within walking distance of Gondola One. 

Bonus: Leonora

Lenora Restaurant is a great breakfast spot at The Sebastian Resort, conveniently located just off Highway 6, so it’s easy to get to from anywhere in Vail.

Each morning, Lenora serves a delicious, light breakfast that will leave you full but not stuffed at Lenora!

They have an amazing selection of breakfast tapas inspired by French Alpine and Spanish Pyrenees cuisine. This menu includes options like Avocado Toast, Salmon Plates, Granola, French Toast, and Pancakes, plus some heavier entrees like Chicken & Waffles, Short Rib Hash, and Biscuits & Gravy.

There are also smoothies, coffee, juice, Bloody Marys, and Mimosas (Bottomless Mimosas are just $20)!

Where To Stay In Vail

Vail is a great mountain town to visit in all seasons, but it’s especially popular in the winter for world-class skiing and beautiful mountain resorts! 

There are four distinct neighborhoods in Vail – Vail Village, Lionhead, East Vail, and West Vail – and it can be hard to determine which neighborhood is right for you.

Here is a brief overview of each area and the best places to stay in Vail. 

Vail Village

Vail Village is the best place to stay on your first trip to Vail.

The charming village is pedestrian-only, with many shops, bars, and restaurants. In fact, most of the best breakfast restaurants in Vail from this list are in this part of town.

It’s also where you will have access to Goldola One, so if you are here for skiing, it’s so easy to get on and off the mountain! There are even a few ski-in/ski-out resorts.

However, Vail Village is the most expensive area to stay in Vail, especially during peak season, so if you are on a tight budget, you might prefer one of the other nearby neighborhoods. 

The Lodge at Vail: This iconic hotel is perfect for those looking for a slope-side experience in Vail Village.

The Lodge at Vail offers easy access to Gondola One, great onsite amenities, and amazing views of the mountains from the private balconies. This is also where you will find Cucina, one of our favorite breakfast spots in Vail.

Lionshead Village

Lionshead Village is a little smaller than Vail Village, and it’s easy to get between the two via a free shuttle or a 10-15 minute walk. 

There are two lifts in Lionshead, the Eagle Bahn Gondola & Born Free Express Lift, so you will still have access to the ski slopes in the winter. 

Although you won’t feel as ‘in the middle of it” as Vail Village, Lionshead has beautiful, pedestrian-only streets and tons of restaurants, shopping, and good nightlife just a few steps from your door. 

The Arrabelle at Vail Square: This luxurious mountain resort is the perfect spot for those looking to be in the heart of Lionshead Village. The Arrabelle offers guests ski-in/ski-out access, multiple onsite restaurants and bars, a spa, an outdoor rooftop lap pool, and beautiful, spacious rooms with breakfast included!

West Vail

West Vail is sometimes known as Cascade Village because of the lift that connects West Vail to the rest of the mountain. It’s a great option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Vail Village, and it’s much cheaper than other areas of town. 

However, despite being more peaceful, you will be farther from Goldola One and many of the best restaurants in Vail (only one breakfast/brunch restaurant in this article is in West Vail).

So, you will probably need a car if you stay in this neighborhood.  

Vail Run Resort: This charming condominium complex offers beautiful apartments for rent, and it’s right across the highway from Cascade Village Lift 20, providing easy access to Vail Mountain. Vail Run Resort features fully furnished units, free transportation to ski lifts, a heated pool, hot tubs, and a sauna.

East Vail

East Vail is where the locals live in Vail, so it feels less touristy and more a part of the community. You can still find some cheap (for Vail) and cozy condos/resorts in this neighborhood. 

The downside to staying in East Vail is the lack of amenities nearby. There are a few restaurants and a small convenience store, but you must go to the other neighborhoods to find shopping and supermarkets.

This part of town is also not connected to Vail Mountain, so you must drive or catch an Uber to the chair lifts. 

Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort: This resort is a beautiful place to stay in Vail, offering apartments with a full kitchen and an all-inclusive health club. Plus, two bus stops on the property will take you directly to Vail Village for free! There are also tennis courts (summer only) and a full spa at the health club!

Best Time To Visit Vail

Vail, Colorado, is a great place to visit any time of the year, but the winter months are the high season in Vail and it really depends on what you want out of your vacation. 

Winter Season: The winter months offer plenty of snow for skiing/snowboarding and lively mountain villages. If you come to Vail in the winter, it’s best to go in February or March when there is still lots of powder, but the holiday crowds have died down.

Summer Season: At the same time, the summer brings warmer temperatures and a variety of outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, tubing, and mountain coasters!

Plus, a range of farmers’ markets pop up during spring and summer, which are fun to visit for local produce and artisanal goods. Vail rarely gets too hot, but wildfires are common from August – October, which decreases visibility. So the best time to visit Vail in the summer in June or July 

How Many Days Should I Stay In Vail?

You should spend a week in Vail to get the full experience. This gives you enough time to spend a few days skiing (or hiking if you visit in the summer) and explore the villages’ shops and restaurants.

However, it is worth visiting Vail even if you can only stay for a day or two. Many people come for a weekend getaway and have a great time!

Just remember that Vail is quite a haul from Denver Airport (over two hours), so stay as long as possible to make it worth the time and effort it takes to get here! 

The Wrap-Up: Breakfast In Vail

Whether you are staying in Vail for two days or two weeks, make sure to check out a couple of Vail’s best breakfast & brunch restaurants. 

If you’re just looking for something quick and affordable, go to Loaded Joe’s or Westside Cafe & Market. 

But for something a little more elegant, Vintage or Ludwig’s Breakfast is perfect. 

No matter what you are in the mood for, there is definitely a breakfast in Vail that will satisfy your cravings! 

While you’re in the area don’t miss these best Vail bars, and if you love skiing, you will love our travel tips and guides for our hometown, Steamboat Springs!