Turntable Restaurant is big on flavor and Minturn history

Editor’s note: This story is reprinted from EAT Magazine, featuring the best restaurants in the Vail Valley. EAT is available on magazine racks and in hotel lobbies for free.

Building upon the historic railroad roots — literally, as its building is built upon the namesake piece of railroad infrastructure — and its mountain-town vibe, the Turntable Restaurant brings in locals and guests alike for hearty breakfasts and lunches, five days a week. It’s a place to relax with friends and neighbors and enjoy the town of Minturn and its small-town charm.

The town, with a main street of funky shops and brightly painted buildings, is a mere 10 minutes’ drive off the interstate, and provides a welcome respite for visitors and locals looking for a break from the ski resort’s hustle and bustle.

The Turntable has been an iconic fixture in Minturn for decades, and, under the ownership of Westside Cafe ownership trio Mark Dennis, Ryan Thompson and Steve Solomon since 2017, has seen a revival. New flooring, crafted using barn wood out of Leadville, a new bar space, and updated booths and furniture have opened the space, merging it into a more modern, diner-style atmosphere.

Retaining old favorites, including the restaurant’s name, the Boo’s Burrito and the scale model freight train running the dining room ceiling’s perimeter, the owners’ aim is to keep the tradition of the space as a community gathering place.

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Plans are in the works to host workshops and events when the breakfast-and-lunch restaurant isn’t in service.

Similar to its sister restaurant, Westside Cafe in West Vail, the Turntable Restaurant serves up classic American comfort food. The menus feature some crossover items — don’t miss the Cap-N-Crunch French Toast — but the Turntable has a bit more South-of-the-Border flair.

The award-winning spicy pork green chili can be found topping the Boo’s Burrito, breakfast nachos and huevos rancheros, and is a favorite of locals. There are pastries, skillets, omelets and lighter fare options on the breakfast menu as well.

With a full range of lunch items, from burgers and bahn mi to bison meatloaf and Southwestern cobb salads, there is something for everyone.

Favorites include the veggie flatbread, composed of butternut squash with mushrooms, thyme cream sauce, arugula and caramelized onions and the chicken pasta borracho, which is made with penne, grilled chicken, shrimp, bacon, spinach, cherry tomatoes, roasted corn and shallots in tequila cream sauce with cilantro.

Open Thursday through Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Turntable is an all-ages welcome place to sit back, relax and feel at home. The breakfasts especially won’t break the bank, and the portion sizes are generous, with vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options available. Whether you’ve been a loyal customer for years or you’re a first-time guest, a visit to the Turntable Restaurant in Minturn is sure to feel like coming home.