The 5 Best Scenic Patios Around Vail Valley

Few dining experiences capture the character of the Colorado Rockies quite like enjoying a meal outdoors with alpine peaks, mountain streams or rolling green landscapes in view. Throughout the Vail Valley, restaurant patios offer everything from lakeside barbecue and mountain-facing decks to peaceful golf course terraces and inviting neighborhood gathering spaces. The Best of Vail Valley recognizes establishments where outdoor dining combines memorable scenery, fresh mountain air and opportunities to enjoy the region's natural beauty.

Après Cafe

Après Cafe at the Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort offers a casual neighborhood dining experience surrounded by East Vail's mountain scenery. The restaurant serves pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and other comfort food, complemented by a selection of beer, wine and cocktails. Its outdoor seating provides an opportunity to enjoy the alpine setting while gathering with friends or family after a day of recreation. Guests can also order food and beverages to go, making Après Cafe a convenient dining option for resort visitors and East Vail residents.

Piney River Ranch

Piney River Ranch sits beside Piney Lake at about 9,350 feet, with the dramatic peaks of the Gore Range rising beyond the water. Its seasonal Lodge Restaurant & Bar features barbecue meats smoked on-site, accompanied by freshly prepared salads and side dishes. Outdoor patio tables provide unobstructed views of the lake and surrounding mountains, allowing guests to enjoy a meal amid the high-alpine landscape. The ranch also offers canoeing, paddleboarding and hiking opportunities, making its scenic dining area part of a broader summer mountain experience.

Vista At Arrowhead

Vista At Arrowhead occupies the Country Club of the Rockies clubhouse in Edwards, offering outdoor dining with views of the surrounding golf course and mountain landscape. Its expansive wraparound terrace overlooks the putting green and the ninth and 18th holes, while a nearby waterfall adds another scenic feature to the setting. During warmer months, colorful flowers decorate the patio, creating an inviting atmosphere for lunch, dinner and special celebrations. The restaurant also features contemporary American cuisine and an indoor dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the scenery throughout the year.

Bob's Place

Bob's Place has served Avon since 1992, combining a neighborhood sports bar with a family-friendly restaurant and an outdoor patio featuring mountain views. Its menu includes American comfort food and Mexican-inspired dishes, with breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night selections available. The newer patio gives guests a place to enjoy fresh air and the surrounding scenery while sharing a meal or drinks with friends. Inside, more than 30 high-definition televisions create a sports-focused atmosphere, providing a different experience from the restaurant's outdoor seating.

Garfinkel's

Garfinkel's has been a fixture of Lionshead Village since 1992, attracting locals and visitors to its sunny outdoor deck overlooking Vail Mountain and the gondola. The elevated seating area provides a view of the activity around the mountain's base, making it a gathering place during ski season and the warmer months. Guests can enjoy classic American bar food, including burgers, wings and fish and chips, alongside beer and other beverages. With its mountain-facing deck and relaxed sports bar atmosphere, Garfinkel's combines outdoor dining with a front-row perspective on Vail's recreational scene.

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