The best restaurants near Keystone vacation rentals
Set amidst the majestic Colorado Rockies, Keystone is a premier destination offering breathtaking alpine scenery, world-class skiing, and a wide range of year-round outdoor adventures. Whether you're seeking thrilling mountain activities or a peaceful retreat, Keystone is the perfect playground for your Colorado experience.
With so much to do in Keystone, your days will undoubtedly be packed with fun and adventure. After a long day, all you need is a cozy spot to recharge and indulge in some delicious treats. As a top-notch Colorado ski resort, Keystone doesn’t disappoint when it comes to fantastic restaurants offering heart-warming dinners.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of the best dinner spots in Keystone, along with some extra tips on must-visit local favorites and unmissable delicacies.
Before we start, a little about us…
At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, including ski-in/ski-out options and downtown lodgings, some of which are pet-friendly. In our destination blog, we've covered extensive information about Keystone and its surroundings. And soon enough, more interesting content awaits you with great tips to make your travel experience even better.
Get ready to savor the flavors of the Rockies!
Bighorn Bistro & Bar
Known for its modern American cuisine and scenic lake views, Bighorn Bistro & Bar is the perfect spot for a casual yet elegant dinner in Keystone.
The Bistro offers a full dinner menu, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients and seasonally inspired dishes. Some must-try options include the Colorado Lamb Ribs, Tenderfoot Saucy Wings, Tenderfoot Double and Bighorn Cheesesteak sandwiches, Filet Mignon, and the Creative Salmon—a Chinook King Salmon cured with miso. For a lighter meal, the House Salad is a crowd favorite.
In addition to being a popular dinner destination, Bighorn is also a fantastic spot for après-ski. What could be better than sitting by the fireplace with a delicious cocktail after an exhilarating day on the slopes?
Snake River Saloon and Steakhouse
Indulging in mouth-watering steaks in a classic Colorado saloon atmosphere? Count us in! Snake River Saloon and Steakhouse, located in the heart of Keystone, has been serving up the best steaks in town since 1975, along with delicious seafood dishes and live entertainment.
Some stellar offerings include Shrimp Cocktail, Baked Brie, P.E.I. Mussels, Prime Rib, NY Strip, and Filet Mignon. But believe us, no matter what you order, your taste buds will thank you later. Along with the superb food, you can enjoy a classic saloon atmosphere, Western-style decor, great cocktails, and live music on the weekends.
Montezuma Roadhouse
Serving irresistible American fare and craft cocktails in a warm and stylish space in River Run Village, Montezuma Roadhouse is another great choice to end your day of adventures in Keystone.
A favorite among families, the restaurant’s menu includes stellar options like Chorizo Mussels, Buffalo Chicken, Roadhouse Burger, Diavolo Pasta, and The Bronx, a mouthwatering NY strip cooked to perfection and served with garlic parmesan fries. Be sure to keep an eye out for the house specialties such as Lemon Chicken, Duck Pot Pie, Spicy Peanut Noodles, and Short Rib Stroganoff — all to-die-for! Pair your food with a signature cocktail like the All American Mule, Spicy Rita, Snowjito, or Blood Orange Margarita, and you’ll have the perfect combo. They also offer a wide variety of draft beers and wines.
During the summer, you can dine on their charming patio, while in the winter months, their warm and cozy interior becomes a homey space for a memorable dinner in the Rockies.
Dos Locos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Mexican food is always welcome, no matter where you are. In Keystone, Dos Locos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is the go-to place to spice things up with a dinner filled with Mexican classics and a vibrant atmosphere.
Their menu features all the classics: tacos, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, and enchiladas. Must-try options include the Guacamole Special, Shrimp Quesadilla, Steak Enchiladas, Loco Burrito, Carnitas Tacos, and Steak Fajitas. If you’re traveling with family or friends and someone isn’t into Mexican food, no problem! The menu also offers options like BBQ sandwiches, chicken wraps, cheeseburgers, and chicken fingers. You’ll also find vegetarian options throughout their wide selection of dishes.
Beyond the great food, atmosphere, and excellent service, your dinner can get even better if you order one of their margaritas or cocktails, like a Mojito, Tequila Old Fashioned, or a refreshing Mexican beer.
Keystone Ranch
Dining at Keystone Ranch is a unique experience. The restaurant, located in a 1930s log home with fireplaces to warm you up, offers exceptional rustic elegance and makes any dinner a special event.
With high-quality cuts, seasonal salads, and seafood dishes, there are options catered to all tastes. Starting with a Charcuterie & Cheese Board is a great way to kick off your meal, or you can opt for the Duo of Ahi Tuna and Beef Tenderloin Tartare. Must-try sharables include the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Baked MouCo Camembert, and Wagyu Bone Marrow Brûlée.
The premium cuts are the biggest stars of the menu—from Beef Tenderloin, NY Strip, and Ribeye to Bison Ribeye, Colorado Lamb Chops, and Porterhouse, you can't go wrong. The Butcher's Burger is also a hit! Finish with the Grand Marnier Soufflé, a house specialty, for an unforgettable dinner in Keystone.
Kickapoo Tavern
For almost 30 years, Kickapoo Tavern has been a popular dining spot in Keystone, known for its casual atmosphere and hearty American fare. Located in River Run Village, it’s a favorite among both locals and visitors, especially after a day on the slopes.
The diverse menu offers delicacies like their popular nachos, Southwest Mac and Cheese, Smoky BBQ Sandwich, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, and Schoolmarm Burger. Another crowd favorite is the Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta—an absolute must-try!
Whether you’re with family or friends, Kickapoo Tavern is also an amazing après-ski destination. The restaurant boasts a delightful ski chalet atmosphere, friendly staff, and a wide variety of draft beers, wines, hot drinks, and signature cocktails like Huckleberry Lemonade, Bee's Knees, and B-fast in the Forest, a delicious Breckenridge bourbon mixed with maple syrup and orange bitters.
Ski Tip Lodge
Looking for something more upscale? Ski Tip Lodge is your best choice. This renowned fine dining destination is set in a historic 1800s stagecoach stop, offering a truly unique culinary experience in the heart of Colorado’s Rockies.
Here, you’ll indulge in a multi-course gourmet dinner paired with a curated wine list, all within the cozy, rustic charm of this mountain lodge. The chef prepares unique creations using seasonal ingredients, so you can expect seasonal soups, charcuterie boards, fresh salads, prime cuts of beef, seafood options, and much more. The magic lies in the element of surprise, as the menu rotates according to the season.
Note: Reservations are required, and be sure to check when they open for the season.
Bonus: More Dining Experiences and Must-try Treats in Keystone
Sleigh Ride Dinner
The Sleigh Ride Dinner in Keystone is a magical winter experience that combines the charm of a horse-drawn sleigh ride with a delicious dining experience. As you embark on your sleigh ride, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning snow-covered landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, creating a picturesque winter wonderland.
The ride takes you to a charming homestead in the beautiful Soda Creek Valley, where you’ll be greeted with a hearty meal often featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Common menu items include prime rib, roasted chicken, and vegetarian options, along with sides and dessert.
After dinner, you can enjoy the stars and moon on your sleigh ride back, making it the perfect way to end your day in Keystone. The rides depart from the Adventure Center in Lakeside Village. Reservations are required, and the experience operates from November through March.
Pizza 101 (Grab & Go)
A slice of pizza from Pizza 101 in the River Run Village area is a must-try treat if you’re in Keystone. This local favorite has already made its way onto the itineraries of many visitors.
Their brick oven hand-tossed pizzas are simply incredible. It can be difficult to choose one flavor, but here are some favorites: Sweet Heat, Miss Piggy, Fatty, and Godzilla. They also offer a Veggie Supreme for vegetarians, along with the option to create your own pizza by adding the toppings of your choice. Other highlights include their calzones and strombolis.
While this is a grab-and-go pizza spot, you can pick your slice and find a cozy corner around River Run Village to savor this delicious treat.
Heads Up!
Since Keystone is a ski resort, most of the establishments are seasonal. Before planning your visit, double-check if the restaurants we've mentioned are open.
How can you make your trip to Keystone, CO even better?
While in town, it's a great idea to stay in style with the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings, some of which are pet-friendly.
Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Keystone.