Outdoor seating is one of the best parts of summertime dining even when the world isn’t in a global pandemic, but now that we are, outdoor seating is practically a godsend. Tables are more readily available outdoors, plus they offer some peace of mind when it comes to safe restaurant outings.

Be sure to check with restaurants directly for the most up-to-date COVID-19 and social distancing policies. I recommend calling restaurants: some spots are reserving patio seating to first-come-first-serve diners, while others have tightly-booked reservation schedules.

If your favorite isn’t listed or your top choice is full, many restaurants in Vail Village, Avon, Beaver Creek and Edwards offer outdoor seating. The ones listed here are some of the Vail Valley’s classic favorites, opinions shared by locals and visitors alike. Some restaurants have even added patios where they didn’t previously have one. Call ahead to be sure. Takeout, delivery and curbside pickup are still being offered at most places, and you could easily bring dinner home or take it to Ford Park for an evening picnic.

Beaver Creek Chophouse

Location: Beaver Creek, Avon

Vibe: Classic Steakhouse

The patio directly faces the Centennial Express lift, and location can’t get much better than that.

970-845-0555

beavercreekchophouse.com

Blue Plate

Location: Avon

Vibe: Modern European

Make your outdoor dining experience extra special with Blue Plate’s gondola car seating, decked out with sunflowers and a full chef’s tasting menu. There are only two cars, so reserve early.

970-845-2252

blueplateavon.com

Ein Prosit

Location: Avon

Vibe: Modern Bavarian

The small German beer hall has plenty of outdoor tables and a wide selection of imported brews. Order a pint and pair with a soft pretzel.

970-949-7730

einprosit.net

El Segundo

Location: Vail

Vibe: Modern Mexican

One of Vail’s newest restaurants overlooks Gore Creek, and it’s great for apps and drinks or a full meal. Enjoy the creek sounds with my personal favorite: the Kiss from a Rosé white sangria.

970-763-5470

elsegundovail.com

Hovey & Harrison

Location: Edwards

Vibe: Bougie (in a good way) Bakery

Hovey & Harrison is most known for its bread, but it has a full coffee and lunch menu, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Best for a treat-yourself but still healthy lunch.

970-446-6830

hoveyandharrison.com

Garfinkel’s

Location: Vail

Vibe: Classic American

Garf’s, as it’s affectionately known by locals, is a great spot for drinks with friends or a casual dinner with family. The deck is pretty large and overlooks the Born Free gondola in Lionshead.

970-476-3789

garfsvail.com

La Bottega

Location: Vail

Vibe: Upscale Italian

The patio at La Bottega overlooks East Meadow Drive for some of the best people watching in all of the Vail Valley. Grab a plate of pasta and a Pinot Noir while you’re at it.

970-476-0280

labottegavail.com

Loaded Joe’s

Location: Avon

Vibe: Classic bar, but updated

Grabbing a few drniks with friends couldn’t be more convenient at Loaded Joe’s deck. Prices are reasonable and your view is one of the best: the slopes at Beaver Creek.

970-748-1480

loadedjoes.com

Maya

Location: Avon

Vibe: Upscale Mexican

The deck here at the Westin Riverfront hotel is huge, with plenty of space to spread out over margaritas. Maya also has an extensive tequila list, if you’re into that sort of thing.

970-790-5500

richardsandoval.com

Minturn Saloon

Location: Minturn

Vibe: Classic local’s spot

Minturn Saloon, while beloved by locals for its Halloween Party each year, also offers a spacious deck overlooking the Eagle River. Plus, its setting in the quirky small town that’s given the pub its name means its farther away from traffic noise and pedestrian congestion.

Pepi’s Restaurant and Bar

Location: Vail

Vibe: Classic Bavarian

Pepi’s, the word “deck” and those orange umbrellas are one and the same during summertime. Pair with authentic German, Swiss and Austrian cuisine for one of Vail’s oldest, tried-and-true dining experiences.

970-476-4671

pepis.com

The Fitz

Location: Vail

Vibe: Upscale American

Located at the Manor Vail Lodge, slightly out of the thick of Vail Village, The Fitz is a great spot for modern and seasonal American cuisine.

970-476-4959

manorvail.com

The Red Lion

Location: Vail

Vibe: Casual American

Grab a few drinks and if you time your visit right, you’ll get to hear live music from Dave Tucker, one of the Vail Valley’s favorite après musicians. Another Vail classic.

970-476-7676

theredlion.com

Vail Brewing Co. and Rocky Mountain Taco

Location: Eagle-Vail

Vibe: Casual drinks and bites

This location won the Vail Daily’s Best of Patio 2019 reader poll, and with the pandemic, the only seating option is outside. Combine beers and tacos to your heart’s content. Best paired with a warm evening and a gorgeous sunset.

VBC: 970-470-4351

Rocky Mountain Taco: 970-401-4443

vailbrewingco.com

rockymountaintaco.com

Vendetta’s

Location: Vail

Vibe: Casual drinks and bites

Pizza and beer is a match made in heaven, and these are two things that Vendetta’s is known for in the Vail Valley. Grab a few beers or a whole pitcher; a slice or the whole pie. The adventure is up to you.

970-476-5070

vendettasvail.com

Vin48

Location: Avon

Vibe: Modern Italian

The Vin48 patio brings the sultry atmosphere of the restaurant outdoors – another great spot for apps and drinks or a full meal.

970-748-9463

vin48.com

Name of business: Edwards Corner Farmers Market

Physical address: 56 Edwards Village Blvd. Edwards, CO 81632

Phone number: 970-926-6226

Email: office@remonov.com

Website: edwardscornerfarmersmarket.com

What goods or services are you offering at this time?

We are happy to have the Edwards Corner Farmers Market running again this summer. We’ll have 15 vendors every Saturday through Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We will be featuring locally grown fresh produce, meats and eggs along with a local massage therapist, tamale vendor and more.

How have you adjusted to serve your customers during these unprecedented times?

The Edwards Corner Farmers Market will be adhering to both State of Colorado and Eagle County COVID-19 regulations including mandatory face masks and one-way traffic flow.

How can the community support you?

Support our local vendors by attending this year.

What’s the best source to keep up to date with your offerings?

You can keep up to date by visiting us at https://www.edwardscornerfarmersmarket.com/

What’s the response been?

Our local Eagle Valley community is excited for the Edwards Farmers Market to return this year after a long COVID-19 pause which obviously has created a new normal that we will have to live with for a while.

Name of business: Riverwalk Theater

Physical address: 34253 US Hwy 6, Edwards, CO 81632

Phone number: 970-855-2182

Website: riverwalktheater.com

What goods or services are you offering at this time?

The Riverwalk Theater is open for business running classic movies and serving our full concessions menu as well as soft-serve ice cream and beer, wine and cocktails on our exterior patio. We also have private show buyouts where $125 will get you a private show for up to 25 people and you can watch one of the four movies we have booked for that week. Call to reserve this unique offering for you and your family and friends.

We are also operating our recently launched coffee shop that is focused on serving high-quality products from local vendors and made fresh to order. We also recently teamed up with local private chef Eli Gerstein from Mr. G’s Cusine to launch our Smokin J’s pop-up barbecue concert.  Smokin J’s is focused on smoked brisket.  We are also trying to do some live music and have partnered with The Fossil Posse to offer some kids dinosaur workshops on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m.  

How have you adjusted to serve your customers during these unprecedented times?  

We are currently operating the theater at less than 25% capacity to allow for proper social distancing and we continue to make cleaning and sanitizing a top priority. We now offer a service where you can buy out the theater for your group of 25 family members and friends.  

How can the community support you?

Come visit us in a manner that you feel comfortable with. For some that might be coming with their family to a movie and for others that might be grabbing a beer and some BBQ on our exterior patio. How about coming down for a soft-serve ice cream cone or grabbing your morning coffee? We are a business based on community and really find ourselves needing support from that very community now.  

What’s the best source to keep up to date with your offerings?

Stay up to date by visiting our website and Instagram (@riverwalktheater) or Facebook (@riverwalktheateredwards ) accounts.

What’s the response been?

We had a great response initially when we opened our walk-up window for barbecue and ice cream but things have cooled a bit as more restaurants have opened. We are getting some traction on the Edwards Supply Company coffee concept but it is a really tough time to start a business. The theater has been really slow and to a degree that was expected, but I did not expect it to be as slow as it has been.  

What are your plans going forward as the “new normal” evolves?  

We plan to keep evolving and working to be a business that brings value to our community.

Name of business: Bookworm of Edwards

Physical address: 295 Main Street C101 Edwards, CO 81632

Phone number: 970-926-7323

Email: thebookwormofedwards@gmail.com

Website: www.bookwormofedwards.com

What goods or services are you offering at this time? 

The Bookworm is a full-service independent bookstore offering titles for adults and children, including books in Spanish. We carry a wide selection of gifts and stationery. Dine on our patio or carry out from our cafe! We have the following by either going to our website or giving us a call: virtual events and book clubs for adults, Snack Time Story Time every Wednesday at 3:30 with children’s authors and illustrators, gift cards, book subscriptions, soup meal service, curbside pick up and home delivery.   

How have you adjusted to serve your customers during these unprecedented times? 

We have created a gift page for our website as well as groceries and curbside pick up. We are doing virtual events and upping our soup subscription orders. We also have book recommendations on our social media accounts.

How can the community support you?

Gift cards are a great option. We also have book subscription and soup subscription services that make great gifts. Buy our gifts online. Keep buying books from indie bookstores!

What’s the best source to keep up to date with your offerings?

Our website is the best way to get up to date information on what books are in stock. It is also how you should place orders, not through social media platforms. Staff picks are on our website and our social media platforms are great for keeping up with video and written book reviews and recommendations and seeing the newly added gifts that link to our website.

What’s the response been?

We have had an amazing response from our customers. Soup subscriptions are up and people are buying them to give to front line/essential workers. We also raised over $65,000 to keep the store open through our GoFundMe page. We are so grateful for all the love our customers and community have shown us. 

What are your plans going forward as the “new normal” evolves? 

The Bookworm is still a full-service independent bookstore with a wide selection of gifts and stationery. Dine on our patio or carry out from our cafe in Riverwalk in Edwards.

Name of business: Riverwalk Wine & Spirits

Physical address: Riverwalk Complex – 34295 Hwy 6 Unit C: 1-A Edwards, CO 81632

Phone number: 970-926-8111

Email: wine@vail.net

Website: riverwalkwineandspirits.com

What goods or services are you offering at this time? 

For Father’s Day, along with all our great specials (hint, hint, come on in to save), we always think of Scotch and Bourbon for the cultured dad. If you want to treat dad, we have Macallan 12 Year Sherry Cask 750 ml on sale for $85.99. We also have Maker’s Mark Bourbon 750 ml on sale for $25.99.

How have you adjusted to serve your customers during these unprecedented times?

We are open normal hours, using social distancing, employees wear masks and we offer curbside pick-up or delivery if needed. We are delivering every day between 2-4 p.m., call to set this up.

How can the community support you?

Stop on in for your favorite beverage or ask us for a suggestion if you are looking to try something new.

What’s the best source to keep up to date with your offerings?

The best way to stay up to date with Riverwalk Wine & Spirits is to follow us on our Facebook page.  

What has the response been?

We’ve been open this whole time, so we’ve seen many of our regular customers and met some new ones, too.

What are your plans going forward as the “new normal” evolves?

We will continue to serve our customers and we really want to thank everyone for the support!

Name of business: Sundae Artisan Ice Cream

Physical address: 242 E. Meadow Drive, Vail; 56 Edwards Village Blvd., Edwards; and 723 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs

Phone number: Vail is 970-479-1705, Edwards is 970-766-7522 and Glenwood Springs is 970-456-1355

Emails: ashlyn@sundae.biz and molly@sundae.biz

Website: sundaeicecream.com

What goods or services are you offering at this time?

Sundae in Edwards, Vail and Glenwood Springs are currently offering the full ice cream menu including shakes, cones and sundaes. We also have pints, quarts, ice cream sandwiches and cakes.

How have you adjusted to serve your customers during these unprecedented times?

The staff at Sundae has been working diligently to comply with all government and Centers for Disease Control guidelines. To comply with social distancing, all stores have markers on the floor to help maintain the 6-foot distance between non-household guests. All of our patio tables are stationed 8 feet apart. We are also taking orders and payments over the phone for contact-free pickup. 

How can the community support you?

We feel incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and generosity that the community has shown us throughout this challenging time. Because of this, both stores have been able to stay open during the stay at home order, and we were able to open our Glenwood Springs location successfully.

Our favorite way the community can support us is to continue to shop at Sundae and spread the word that we are still open for business. Other ways to support us are to purchase gift cards at any location to use at a later date or share feedback on TripAdvisor, Yelp or Google about an experience they had at Sundae.

What’s the best source to keep up to date with your offerings?

Our social media pages are updated frequently with any changes and special offers. We can be found at Sundae Artisan Ice Cream on Facebook and @sundae.artisan.icecream on Instagram.

What’s the response been?

The community response to our careful decision to remain open throughout the stay-at-home order has been overwhelmingly positive. Our Vail store has been fortunate to stay open due to an amazing handful of generous Vail Valley locals that stopped by almost daily for weeks, keeping smiles on our staff’s faces throughout quiet days. During this time, we have been working as fast as possible to keep up with our cake and pint production, as the demand is far greater than we anticipated.

Throughout the past few months, the Vail Valley community has continued to make Sundae a part of their lives. On this year’s gloomy Easter afternoon, one local couple made it a priority to come by the Vail store and sing “You Are My Sunshine” to the employee working that day. We have had locals make our store a stop during their daily walk with their dog. Families now end their bike rides in front of our shop with ice cream cones in hand. Getting to know more of our community on a personal level during this quiet time has been an amazing silver lining.

What are your plans going forward as the “new normal” evolves?

We are excited for the time we can hand out samples again and not hide our smiles underneath a mask, but the safety of our employees and community is our top priority. Our operations are continuing to evolve with government guidelines. Regardless of what that may look like, Sundae will always be here, scooping toward the same goal: to share joy, one scoop at a time.

Name of business: Main Street Grill    

Physical address: 97 Main St. Unit W101, Edwards, CO 81632

Phone number: 970-926-2729

Email: info@mainstreetgrilledwards.com    

Website:  mainstreetgrilledwards.com    

What goods or services are you offering at this time? 

We are now offering table service and takeout daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ordering online works best for takeout orders.

How have you adjusted to serve your customers during these unprecedented times?

We changed from in-house dining to takeout on March 17, the day we were ordered to close and have sustained our daily operations since then. We also served the Eagle Valley Ambulance District 30 dinners per day for almost seven weeks. We also utilized this opportunity while we were closed to remodel our restaurant in appreciation of our 20 years in business.

How can the community support you?

Please come in or continue to order take out! Buy gift certificates!

What’s the best source to keep up to date with your offerings?

Our offers can be found on our website, Facebook, Instagram, Vail Daily and radio ads.

What’s the response been?

We have had huge support from our locals through this hard time. We love our locals!

What are your plans going forward as the “new normal” evolves?

We are following the guidelines given to us from Eagle County to the Colorado Restaurant Association to the National Restaurant Association. Please be patient while we have to adhere to limited seating capacity and new regulations in order to serve you safely.

Name of business: Zino Ristorante

Physical address: 27 Main St, Edwards, CO 81632

Phone number: 970-926-0777

Email: info@zinoristorante.com

Website: www.zinoristorante.com

What goods or services are you offering at this time? 

We are open for table service as well as take out seven nights a week. The patio is open and we’ve also opened 50% capacity inside. Outdoor seating will be weather-dependent. We ask that people make a reservation so that we can accommodate the diners while following all health guidelines. Guests must wear a mask to enter and exit but can remove once the masks once seated. We’re open from 5 p.m. until about 9 p.m. We will still do take for food, wine and specialty cocktails.

How have you adjusted to serve your customers during these unprecedented times?

We were doing food, wine and cocktails to-go, but now that we are allowed to open, we are happy to welcome people to our deck and indoors at 50% capacity.

How can the community support you?

Make a reservation for what night you want to come in and we are happy to see you again. We are able to take parties of up to eight people from the same household at this time. You can still get take out orders and gift cards through our website.

What’s the best source to keep up to date with your offerings? Our website or Facebook page.

What’s the response been?

Our community is amazing! We have been so grateful for the support of our wonderful guests. 

What are your plans going forward as the “new normal” evolves? 

We will follow the new guidelines and are happy to continue to serve this great community!

Editor’s Note: The Vail Daily has been publishing an updated list of open restaurants each day online and in print. If you don’t see your favorite restaurant listed there, call ahead to see if they are open and what their options are and encourage them to get on our list by emailing details to Kaylee Porter at kporter@vaildaily.com.

Currently, restaurants in the Vail Valley are able to be open and doing takeout, delivery or a combination of both during these trying coronavirus times. Some staffers at the Vail Daily had a chance to dine in while eating food someone else had made for them. Here’s a round-up of what they ordered. (Warning: Reading this article may make you hungry!)

Pam Boyd – Vail Daily reporter and editor of the Eagle Valley Enterprise

Which restaurant?

Grand Avenue Grill in Eagle

What did you order?

Asiago Crusted Chicken Club Sandwich and a Castle Peak Burger

Was it takeout or was it delivered to your home?

Takeout, super convenient from their ice cream window.

Was there a good variety of items on the menu?

These two items are my favorite (club sandwich) and my husband’s favorite (burger) and it is our standing order at Grand Avenue Grill. We were thrilled we could get them.

How did it taste? 

Terrific. Like always. The Grand Avenue Grill has had outstanding quality for nearly two decades.

Any other notes about the experience or any comments from the restaurant you’d like to share?

In the middle of these weird days, it was a great break to treat ourselves to our favorite lunch.

Morgan Allman – Digital content manager for Everything Vail Valley

Which restaurant?

Thai Kitchen in Minturn

What did you order?

I went for the classics and ordered pad Thai and Thai tea from Thai Kitchen in Minturn

Was it takeout was or was it delivered to your home?

Takeout- called in my order, and when I went to pick it up there were sanitizing wipes by the door (which I used to wipe down my hands as well as my card before I handed it over). I was greeted at the door and asked for my name.  I was given my receipt, I gave her my card, she ran it and brought me the to-go bag.  She was also wearing a precautionary mask and gloves.

Was there a variety of items on the menu?

The full menu is available for takeout.

How did it taste?

Delicious. I spent a summer backpacking through Southeast Asia and both the pad Thai and Thai tea tasted exactly as I remember.

Any other notes about the experience or any comments from the restaurant you’d like to share? 

The woman who helped me was very nice and my food was ready by the time I got to the restaurant, in about 10 minutes.

Emily Peterson – Vail Daily account manager

Which Restaurant?

Red Canyon Cafe in Eagle

What did you order?

We got delicious iced coffees and breakfast sandwiches along with amazing cinnamon rolls.

Was it takeout was or was it delivered to your home?

You can call in or go in with your order and you can do takeout or pick up your order curbside.

Was there a variety of items on the menu?

Looks like they have their regular breakfast menu featuring bagels, pastries and burritos. They have a wide variety of hot and cold sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch. Coffee and espresso drinks.

How did it taste?

It was awesome! We think they also have the best lunch sandwiches and the best coffee.

Any other notes about the experience or any comments from the restaurant you’d like to share?

Ryan, the owner, is always there taking care of guests with a big smile and this time was no different. It was also obvious that he was taking all the precautions from having hand sanitizer available to guests, wearing gloves, etc.

Tyler Buscemi – Digital content manager for Everything Vail Valley

Which restaurant?

Asian Fusion in Gypsum

What did you order?

We ordered a few of their lunch specials: General Tso’s chicken and kung pao chicken with egg drop soup and crab rangoon

Was it takeout or was it delivered to your home?

Takeout

Was there a good variety on the menu or were there only a few items available?

The full menu is available

How did it taste? 

This is our favorite Asian restaurant in the Valley. Great service, fast, dependable.

Any other notes about the experience or any comments from the restaurant you’d like to share?

When mentioning a “birthday lunch” for my wife, Brooke she didn’t hesitate to say that she wanted Asian Fusion.

Tricia Swenson, Vail Daily reporter

Which restaurant?

Zino Ristorante in Edwards

What did you order?

I took advantage of Zino’s deal going on that day which was 50% off appetizers. I ordered the melanzane – roasted eggplant parmigiana, mozzarella, marinara and dried basil pesto; cavolini – Brussels sprouts with house-made pancetta and frito misto – crispy calamari, shrimp, catch of the day, shishito peppers and harissa aioli.

Was it takeout was or was it delivered to your home?

I went online and ordered off the menu on their website. I called and gave my credit card information over the phone. The to-go bag and credit card receipt was on a table in the entryway at Zino, so, in its own little room. I waved at Giuseppe through the glass of the door between us. 

Was there a variety of items on the menu?

It looked pretty much like their regular menu with appetizers, soups, salads, pizzas, entrées and even desserts. Don’t forget the deals on bottles of wine, too!

How did it taste?

It was delicious and a nice break from the humble meals we’ve had at home. The frito misto was a treat since I don’t make fried calamari at home. Since I ordered three appetizers I had leftovers for lunch the next day.

Any other notes about the experience or any comments from the restaurant you’d like to share? 

When I called Zino, owner Giuseppe Bosco answered the phone in his enthusiastic Italian accent. It was good to hear his voice and he said he’s so grateful for the community’s outreach and thanks everyone who is supporting them during this trying time.

Editor’s note: This story first appeared as a paid feature in EAT Magazine, highlighting restaurants across the valley.

A lot of restaurants talk about being a family, but Zino lives it. 8Whether you’re three years old, just learning how to eat in restaurants, or all grown up and searching for a true dining experience, the modern Italian hotspot is a friendly haven.

Though the restaurant has two distinct spaces, the full menu is available everywhere, meaning you could have pizzas in the dining room or braised pork shank with polenta at the bar. But something that has been on the menu since day one is where everyone should start: the burrata.

The globe of house-made cheese is traditionally filled with stracciatella. Co-owner and and Executive Chef Nick Haley’s version is packed with ultra-soft ricotta, which gently oozes out when you slice in. Cherry tomatoes poached in olive oil and fennel pesto give flavorful boosts, and grilled ciabatta makes a texturally welcome vessel for it all. It’s perfect for sharing, which can be a key element to the Zino experience.

Haley does that a lot with his food: taking something traditional and giving it a little tweak, a personal touch.

“That’s why I like Italian food,” Haley said. “I can be a purist, bringing out the true flavor of ingredients. But it’s also about having fun and enjoying your space. You can have awesome food, but you need to be able to enjoy the moment.”

Enjoying that moment is made easier by the intuitive attention of general manager and co-owner Giuseppe Bosco, who tends to both guests and staff with an ease born of decades in the restaurant business. He is fully capable of chatting with one table and noticing a diner across the restaurant looking for something. With a nod of his head he sends a server to the guest in need, never breaking the pace of the conversation. It’s true hospitality.

Regulars will recognize the menu’s mainstays, from the funghi pizza with wild mushrooms, arugula, mozzarella and truffle oil to the rigatoni with house-made smoked elk sausage and rapini. And the ortulana salad — “gardener’s salad” — shows up every winter, rife with grilled portobellos, winter squash and artichokes, the roasted tomatoes and beet puree giving a sweet boost.

But of course, Haley likes to bring in new dishes. This season, the gnocchi is made with butternut squash. The vibrant color and sweet, toothsome texture say it’s worth it. Studded with succulent chunks of short rib and swimming in a savory sugo, or broth, it’s soul-satisfying. He likes to rotate his fish, too, simply listing “pesce del giorno,” or fish of the day, on the menu. Recently, Zino served seared grouper with riso nero, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts and a saffron beurre fondue. But it could be anything that catches Haley’s eye.

“Family is what makes Zino Zino,” the chef said. “I love that it feels like an Italian restaurant in Italy.”

Zino

Price

Antipasti: $11-$18

Insalata and pizza: $13-$19

Pasta and secondi piatti: $25-$36

Ambiance

Neighborhood bar and bistro serving contemporary Italian cuisine

Signature dish

Pappardelle with veal meatballs, house ricotta, frico chip and marinara