We don’t write about our hometown often enough. We’ve chosen to raise our family in the Vail Valley, in the heart of Colorado’s spectacular Rocky Mountains. It come with perks, and drawbacks. One of the many things that Vail is known for is its fantastic chefs and restaurants. While many of these dining options are high end, there are also many kid friendly Vail restaurants. Let us tell you about them!
The Vail Valley is comprised of several areas from Vail Village and Lionshead Village down to Eagle-Vail, Avon, Edwards and then Eagle. As a visitor to Vail you are probably best off dining in the villages of Vail and Lionshead within the Town of Vail. It is a cute cobblestone walking village with lots of great restaurants. Vail is a pedestrian village with a convenient free bus system. So, if you are staying in the Town of Vail the Vail and Lionshead areas will offer your best dining options.
Vail Village Kid Friendly Restaurants
Vail Village is the original base village for Vail Mountain. Lionshead was added shortly thereafter. Vail and Lionshead Villages are about a mile apart along a very walkable heated cobblestone streets connecting the existing mountain base areas. There is a very convenient free bus system that runs every few minutes between the two villages.
Much of the dining in Vail Village is high end but there are also a few casual spots. And, some of those high end restaurants still cater to kids.
Pazzos Pizza
122 E Meadow Dr #9, Vail, CO
Pazzos Pizza serves Italian food — pasta, calzones, subs, salads, and has been since 1990. It has a casual environment with a kids menu, and large pizzas for the family to share. In our family the adults tend to order a pizza and the kids order pasta off of the kids menu. Our daughter’s favorite is Rigatoni and our son loves the cheese ravioli.
Vendetta’s
91 Bridge St, Vail, CO 81657
Vendetta’s is another Italian and pizza restaurant with a casual atmosphere. It also boasts a large patio out back perfect for al fresco dining during the summer. Our family typically orders appetizers, as well as salads and pizza to share.
Alpenrose
100 E Meadow Dr # 25, Vail, CO
Another beautiful patio is at Alpenrose on East Meadow Drive. This is a fantastic place to people watch during the Sunday Farmers Markets during the summer. Sometimes Alpenrose also serves food at a quieter outdoor location off the back of the restaurant. This is a ideal spot for active kids. It is another restaurant with an interesting kids menu that includes Spatzle and Chicken Schnitzel.
Lionshead Kid Friendly Restaurants
Generally Lionshead Village is a little more family friendly than Vail Village. It is a bit quieter. Also, the gondola out of Lionshead takes guests to Epic Discovery. Epic Discovery is the ultimate family playground, located atop Vail Mountain. There are many restaurants in Lionshead. These are our family’s favorites.
Blue Moose Pizza
675 Lionshead Pl #170
Blue Moose Pizza may be our favorite pizza restaurant in Vail. Here our family pretty much always orders pizza. There are some fun varieties of pizza to choose from. It is conveniently located with a lovely patio. In the winter, diners can watch ice skating out the windows. And, during the summer the ice rink turns into Vail Square with many fantastic concerts.
The Little Diner
616 West Lionshead Circle Vail, CO
The Little Diner is arguably the best breakfast in town, though also open for lunch. They recently completed a renovation and expansion and can now serve more guests. That means the wait isn’t quite so outrageous now. Awesome comfort food for a snowy Vail morning! You won’t go wrong, whatever you order. There’s something for everyone. But one person in your party should try the German pancakes for which they are known.
Trails End
660 Lionshead Pl Vail, CO 81657
Trail’s End recently opened inside Lion Square Lodge, bringing a fresh and family-friendly dining option to the heart of Lionshead Village. With a spacious patio overlooking Vail Mountain, it’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the alpine scenery while enjoying a casual meal. The menu features crowd-pleasing favorites like gourmet burgers, tacos, fresh salads, and shareable appetizers, making it easy to satisfy everyone in the family. Whether you’re grabbing lunch after a morning hike, meeting friends for après adventure, or enjoying a laid-back dinner with the kids, Trail’s End offers a welcoming atmosphere, mountain views, and convenient access just steps from the Eagle Bahn Gondola.
West Vail Kid Friendly Restaurants
The restaurant area of West Vail is just across the highway from Vail and a mile or two west. There is Town of Vail bus that can take you to that area but it isn’t quite as convenient as the free in-town bus. So, you are going to be better off visiting this area if you have a car. It is also where the grocery stores are. So, you could conceivably use your hotels grocery shuttle (many have this service) to grocery shop and pit up a to-go order. Pretty much all of the restaurants in West Vail are family-friendly.
Westside Cafe
Westside Cafe is possibly the best breakfast in the entire Vail Valley. Founded by locals from high end restaurants, they serve hearty breakfasts with interesting twists. It is a casual environment with a solid kids menu. Just good food here!
There are so many excellent Vail restaurants to choose from. Does your family have any favorites that we left off the list? Tell us below in the comments!
