Where to Eat in Beaver Creek: The Best Spots Only Locals Know (No Cars Allowed!)

In the quaint village of Beaver Creek, nestled into the Vail Valley just about 15 minutes West of Vail and about two hours West of Denver, everyone must add numerous one-of-a-kind, tasty on-mountain cabin eating experiences to their restaurant bucket list. These three mountain-side dining cabins in Beaver Creek aren’t accessible by car, but are 100% worth the “trek” to get there. But don’t worry, you don’t have to hike up. Depending on the time of year, you’ll either be pulled by an open-air sleigh via snowcat, whisked away via bus, shuttled up on a 4x4 tour ride, or even a ride on horseback. 

I’ve visited two of the three dining cabins—Zach’s Cabin and Allie’s Cabin, which are open during ski season (and I’ve heard the third, “Beano’s,” which is open outside of ski season, is just as impressive). The ride up to the dining outposts felt truly exclusive and unique. But it’s not the kind of exclusive restaurant where you have to be on a special list and know someone famous to get in. It’s an attainable reservation for the average person, making for a very special experience. 

Zach’s Cabin

To get to Zach’s Cabin, you’ll go to the patio at the back of the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch and embark on a dreamy sleigh ride while the sun is setting over the mountains, or under the stars while you ride up the mountain. Once inside, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views and a menu filled with choices of fresh Alsatian fare made with regional and seasonal ingredients.

My husband and I shared a generous serving of fondue, complete with vegetables, meat, bread, and an abundance of cheese. I highly recommend upgrading to add meat to the fondue, as it turns into what can almost be a whole meal on its own.

This cozy, woodsy cabin is situated on the side of a hill, offering a view of the village below. It feels like a warm, idyllic spot to spend a winter’s evening. There’s a crackling fireplace in the middle of the dining room, and I felt as if we were dining in someone’s living room, in a cabin up in the Swiss Alps, as opposed to a restaurant.  

Zach’s is open from early December through late March. The views from the cabin’s patio, which is perched on the mountainside high above Bachelor Gulch, boast awe-inspiring sights of the Gore Range. It’s an incredibly scenic experience, no matter what time you’re there. 

Allie’s Cabin

Allie's Cabin is just as delicious. This restaurant is traditionally open from early December to early April and features menu items with a more Italian flair. Similarly, to reach Zach’s Cabin, to dine at Allie’s, you’ll be whisked away from Beaver Creek Village up to the restaurant via a romantic open-air sleigh ride. 

Allie’s also boasts sweeping views of the Beaver Creek Village below. The space is renowned for its upscale atmosphere and feels like a balanced blend of rustic, intimate sophistication. I enjoyed the pasta dishes here, which included a generous selection of gluten-free options, as well as the extensive variety of wine varietals.

Beano’s Cabin

Beano’s Cabin, which dates back to 1986, sits at 9,000 feet, up on the flanks of Larkspur Bowl. Here, guests can arrive in the summertime via a scenic hike, guided horseback ride, shuttle, or sleigh ride in the winter. This cabin is named after Polish immigrant Frank Bienkowski (nicknamed “Beano”), who left city life behind in Chicago to stake out a homestead in the Colorado mountains nearly 100 years ago. He was known for his trips into town where he’d sell his lettuce and hay via his “Norwegian Snowshoes” (those enormous ten-foot wooden skis from back in the day).   

Today, upholding the spirit of fresh agriculture, Beano’s Cabin is known for its sustainable production techniques, unique flavors, fresh herbs and vegetables, and its vast selection of rare wines. Many of these veggies are even grown on-site. Diners will enjoy a chef-prepared, five-course specialty menu crafted from traditional Colorado fare. Beano’s is the only cabin I haven’t been to (yet!), but from what I’ve heard and seen, it’s quite an upscale and enjoyable dining experience. 

It’s bound to be a super scenic, tasty experience. 

Beaver Creek’s three mountainside cabins are a unique and scenic way to dine. I was enthralled by the experience, which exceeded my expectations and made me feel as if I were inside a magical fairy tale. I think it’s a unique enough concept to dine mountainside at a destination you can’t reach by car, but upon arrival and ordering, the delicious food and drink made the night even better. 

No matter which cabin you choose to dine in, the views are spectacular, and it feels like a stunning spot for an intimate dinner date or family-friendly gathering with a gorgeous view.