A memorable sandwich depends on more than what goes between two slices of bread, with freshly prepared ingredients, contrasting textures and well-balanced flavors turning a simple lunch into something special. Throughout the Vail Valley, cafés and delicatessens offer everything from classic Reubens and hearty cheesesteaks to artisan creations featuring roasted vegetables, specialty cheeses and house-made spreads. The Best of Vail Valley recognizes establishments that bring quality ingredients, culinary creativity and satisfying sandwiches to the region's dining scene.
Boardroom Deli in Edwards brings East Coast deli traditions together with Mediterranean influences and Colorado mountain flavors under the direction of chef and owner Brad Trumpower. The menu features made-to-order hot and cold sandwiches built around carefully prepared meats, including a lobster roll with tender lobster meat served on a buttery, locally baked bun. Trumpower draws on his Greek heritage and experience in kitchens in Maryland and Colorado to develop the deli's homemade approach to casual food. Guests can also choose breakfast sandwiches, house-made soups and fresh salads, with dine-in and takeout options available.
Pickled. Kitchen + Pantry in Eagle combines a casual kitchen with a specialty food shop, offering artisan sandwiches alongside soups, salads and prepared meals. The kitchen emphasizes gourmet flavors in approachable lunch selections, giving customers an alternative to traditional deli fare. Beyond the sandwich menu, the pantry carries specialty ingredients and food products from around the world, encouraging customers to discover new flavors for their own cooking. Its combination of freshly prepared meals and culinary retail makes Pickled. a convenient stop for lunch and specialty grocery shopping.
Red Canyon Café has served downtown Eagle since 2006, offering made-to-order sandwiches, fresh salads and coffee in a neighborhood café setting. Its extensive sandwich menu includes the Frenchie, combining grilled chicken, melted Brie, avocado and pesto mayonnaise, and the Rocky Mountain Reuben with hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Canyon dressing. Other choices range from the Colorado Philly Cheese Steak with roast beef, Havarti and roasted red peppers to the vegetarian Margherita Melt with mozzarella, pesto, tomato and spinach. Founded by Ryan Murray and now operated by Kent Kingrey, the café continues its focus on fresh food and community hospitality.
The Little Diner in Vail's Lionshead Village serves scratch-made American comfort food from an open kitchen where guests can watch chefs prepare their meals. Owners Brian and Peggy Little emphasize family recipes and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, bringing a hands-on approach to the restaurant's breakfast and lunch offerings. The lunch service provides a casual setting for guests seeking a satisfying midday meal, including sandwiches and other diner-style favorites. With breakfast available throughout the day and lunch service during its operating seasons, The Little Diner offers a convenient stop for visitors exploring Vail.
Westside Cafe in West Vail offers a substantial sandwich menu featuring classic combinations and creative variations on American comfort food. The Yard Bird pairs a cornflake-coated chicken breast with Swiss cheese and lemon-herb aioli, while the Fire Bird adds Buffalo sauce for a spicier version. Guests can also choose a French Dip with thinly sliced roast beef and au jus, a Reuben with house-made corned beef and sauerkraut or a Philly cheesesteak with mushrooms, onions and red peppers. Each sandwich comes with a choice of sides, including french fries, tater tots and coleslaw, making the café a destination for a hearty lunch.
– Created or enhanced with ChatGPT